Purple is a visually tricky colour, so it can present some challenges when it comes to interior design. However, there's a lot to love about this regal colour family. Royal purple hues are perfect for making a bold statement, while pale lavender can make an effective choice for spaces flooded with natural light.
What colour goes with purple? While many people stick to various shades of grey and jewel tones, there are far more complementary colours than you might think. Soft shades and bright whites are easy choices, while metallics and gold accents make for a classic combination.
If you want to think outside the box, try pairing your purple palette with more blue and green accents. Navy blue can enhance pale lavender walls, while a verdant green can work nicely alongside deep purples.
Searching for purple shades for your next interior design project? At Tikkurila, you'll find a full range of paint colours, from more muted lavenders to saturated purples.
The Range of Purple Paint Colours
Deep purple walls aren't for everyone, but you don't have to stick to saturated shades when decorating with this premium colour palette. Technically, the purple colour family includes anything that falls between blue and red.
Dark purple can prove a dramatic addition to any space, but you need to be careful to ensure you're using just the right amount. Deep purples tossed with cool tones are another elegant option, while a more muted shade will look right at home in a bedroom or relaxing living space.
Don't feel like painting every wall with the same shade? Coordinate a soft purple with darker shades for a luxurious tonal effect. If you're looking for a striking colour combination, consider using electric purple accents to offset white walls.
What Goes With Purple?
When picking the perfect pairing for a purple interior, think about what colours are on the opposite side of the colour wheel. In the case of purple, it's green. Make sure you're balancing out vibrancy if you're using this colour combo, such as matching a medium purple with a forest green shade.
Purple also plays well with its colour wheel neighbours. Use shades like pink or lilac to create a more delicate decor scheme. Alternatively, take a more subtle approach with warm neutrals and off-white hues enriched with pink undertones.
For a more regal aesthetic, pair those purple walls with metallics. Copper and gold are the obvious choices here. A splash of golden yellow paint also works nicely.
Off-Whites
One of the best complementary colours you can use alongside purple is off-white. These muted colours are ideal if you're looking to create a blank canvas that can be accented with purple furniture and pops of colour.
Charm S427 + Paper F497
For a winning colour combination, use a pure white shade like Paper F497. This one works well in larger spaces, while a delicate purple-grey like Charm S527 brings added depth.
Try a Colour Out
Lair X502 + Jasmine F503
If you're thinking about a more sophisticated transformation, reach for an intense jewel-toned purple like Lair X502. You can use this liberally, or save it for architectural details. An airy cream like Jasmine F503 will coordinate beautifully, with subtle yellow undertones giving your interiors an instant lift.
Blues
Purple shares a lot of characteristics with blue. As such, the two colour families can be used alongside each other to great effect. A sky blue can help soften the intensity of an aubergine wall colour, while royal blue shades can make an impact alongside softer lilacs.
Andante N501 + Prince G490
If you have your heart set on an intense purple, use something like Adante N501. This rich brown shares all the marks of a regal purple paint colour, with its grey undertones making it surprisingly versatile.
Use those undertones as a suggestion when picking out an accent colour. A light blue like Prince G490 is the obvious choice, with its complementary grey hues pairing effortlessly with a more daring purple paint colour.
Royal M436 + Violet Y344
If you want to make blue your primary colour, think about using Royal M436. This stunning shade has plenty of depth, while subtle hints of green bring added vibrancy.
Use a more pared-back purple that won't compete with your chosen blue. Violet Y344 might look like a classic grey, but there are some lilac undertones here that ensure your room won't be lacking in regal elegance.
Greys
Grey walls are a stylish alternative to whitewashed spaces. However, if you want to use this wall colour effectively, consider pairing it with premium purple hues to bring a different vibe to your interiors.
Bungalow G500 + Eclipse V488
A pale grey like G500 will leave your space feeling bright and airy, with its cool tones working particularly well in large reception rooms or hallways.
When it comes to working some purple into the mix, don't be afraid to go bold. A chic brown like Eclipse V488 makes an instant statement, with its red base making it a welcome addition to a purple-inspired palette.
Tailwind G486 + Charm S427
Thinking about a more toned approach? Muted purples and greys can work beautifully together in a more contemporary space.
A grey beige hue like Tailwind G486 will give your rooms an instant refresh, while silver undertones bring a touch of elegance. When adding purple to the mix, don't overdo it. A more delicate shade like Charm S427 is the way to go.
Neutrals
If you'd rather keep your spaces stripped back and simple, you don't have to resign yourself to bright white walls and ceilings. Instead, there's a world of neutrals to discover. A neutral palette works well in spaces like the dining room, letting you incorporate more dramatic shades sparingly.
Beetroot M425 + Damask F485
If you're thinking about giving your dining room a design makeover, use a rich and earthy neutral like Beetroot M425. This neutral has a real warmth thanks to its purple and red undertones.
Use a tranquil off-white like Damask F485 to balance things out. This neutral has its own lilac undertones, but you can accentuate them further by furnishing your room with purple chairs or purple curtains.
Myth L426 + Merino Y458
Neutrals sometimes get a bad rap for being boring, but these refined colours let more arresting shades shine. Make a statement with a deep purple like Myth L426, then dial things down a little with a creamy white like Merino Y548. With warm undertones of its own, it'll enhance any rich purples you're using to decorate your space.