Painting your bedroom a bold color like purple can completely transform the look and feel of the space. However, before taking the purple paint plunge, there are a few things to consider. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of painting your bedroom purple, as well as provide tips on choosing the right purple paint shade and making it work within your existing decor. A splash of purple can be fun, stylish and even have positive psychological effects, but it also may not be right for every bedroom.
Pros of Painting Your Bedroom Purple
Here are some of the benefits of painting your bedroom a shade of purple:
Sets a Creative, Regal Mood
Purple is associated with creativity, royalty and luxury. Painting your bedroom purple can help set a rich, vibrant mood. It’s an elegant color that can make your bedroom feel like a relaxing sanctuary.
Variety of Purple Tones Available
From lilac to violet, amethyst to mauve, there are countless shades of purple to choose from. You can go for a soft, pale purple for a tranquil vibe or vibrant jewel tones for drama. With so many purple options, you can easily find a shade that suits your style.
Coordinates Well with Other Colors
Purple pairs nicely with many other paint colors. Gray, blue, green and even yellow can complement purple walls. This makes it easier to incorporate purple into your existing bedroom color scheme. Purple also pops against neutral backgrounds.
Encourages Creativity
Studies have found that being surrounded by the color purple can boost creative thinking and imagination. If you want your bedroom to be an inspiring creative space, purple walls may help spark innovation.
Promotes Relaxation
In color psychology, purple is thought to have a calming, soothing effect on the mind and body. Painting your bedroom purple can turn it into a relaxing oasis and even help you sleep better at night. The tranquil qualities of light purple, in particular, may promote rest.
Cons of Painting Your Bedroom Purple
However, there are also a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
Can Be Overpowering
If you choose a deep, saturated purple, it may start to feel overwhelming in a small bedroom. Dark purples can seem moody and even cave-like if not used sparingly. Pale shades of purple tend to work better for entire walls.
Limits Neutral Options
Purple walls clash with some neutral colors like beige and taupe. If you prefer a neutral, earthy palette, purple may conflict with your decor. It can limit options for bedding, furniture and accents.
Difficult to Match
Since purple stands out, it can be tricky matching it with rug, bedding and furniture colors. You may have to redecorate parts of the room to coordinate with new purple walls.
Can Look Dated
Very pale lavender or very dark eggplant purple can seem outdated if not done well. Some shades of purple have strong retro or vintage vibes that you may want to avoid.
Not Ideal for Small Dark Rooms
Deep purple can make a small, dark bedroom feel even smaller and darker. If your room lacks natural light, a lighter shade of purple is best.
Tips for Choosing the Right Shade of Purple
All shades of purple are not created equal when it comes to bedroom paint colors. Here are tips for selecting the perfect purple hue:
Consider the Room Size
In a small bedroom, stick to soft pastel or muted purples like lilac, lavender or mauve. Deeper plums and eggplants can overwhelm a tiny space. Medium to large bedrooms can handle richer, deeper purples.
Factor in Natural Lighting
Rooms with ample natural light can handle darker shades of purple. North-facing rooms with little sunlight require a lighter purple like a pale violet.
Go for Grayish or Muted Purple
Pick grayish purples or muted shades like mulberry instead of clearly blue- or red-based purples, which can be harsh. Grayish hues are more soothing.
Get Paint Chip Samples
Don’t rely on names or colors you see online. Get actual purple paint chip samples from the hardware store. Colors look different on wall samples.
Test Your Top Choices
Paint swatches of your top purple contenders on your wall before deciding. See how they look at different times of day. Paint a large area for the best sense of the color.
Combine Purple with Neutrals
Balance bright purple walls by keeping the trim, ceiling, carpet and furniture neutral. Contrasting purples with creams, grays and whites prevents a neon vibe.
Making Purple Work in Your Bedroom
Properly incorporate purple walls into your existing bedroom decor with these tips:
Repeat Purple Elsewhere
Echo your wall color in textiles like pillows, throws or a rug to pull the whole room together. Just don’t go overboard into purple overload.
Stick to One Shade of Purple
Monochromatic looks work best. Layering several purple tones can clash. Decide on one purple hue and use it thoughtfully.
Add Pops of Contrasting Color
Vivid accent colors like emerald green, bright yellow or cherry red add flair against purple. Just stick to one accent color and use it sparingly.
Incorporate Natural, Textured Materials
Warm up purple walls with wood furniture, jute rugs, linen bedding and rattan accessories. Natural textures keep the room grounded.
Use Metallic Accents
The contrast of glimmering metals like steel gray, mercury glass and brushed gold adds depth and dimension to purple walls. Metallic accents reflect light beautifully off rich purples.
Showcase Artwork
Vibrant artwork stands out beautifully against a purple backdrop. Group colorful prints and paintings to really make them pop.
Install White Trim
Crisp white trim frames purple walls and gives the eye a break from all that richness. Use white on baseboards, window trim, the ceiling and door frames.
Display Greenery
Plants bring freshness to the purple palette. Groupings of succulents, snake plants or philodendrons complement purple walls nicely.
Best Purple Paint Colors for Bedrooms
Here are 10 go-to purple paint shades that look stunning in bedrooms:
| Paint Color | Paint Brand | Purple Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Plum | Benjamin Moore | Lilac Purple |
| Royal Orchid | Valspar | Bright Purple |
| Purple Hyacinth | Sherwin-Williams | Lavender Purple |
| Majestic Mauve | Behr | Muted Purple |
| Violet Tulip | Glidden | Vibrant Purple |
| Regal Violet | Ralph Lauren | Eggplant Purple |
| Night Iris | Dunn Edwards | Deep Purple |
| Purple Mountain Majesty | PPG | Grayish Purple |
| Iris | Farrow & Ball | Blue-toned Purple |
| Purple Rain | Clare | Vivid Purple |
Conclusion
Painting your bedroom purple can be an exciting way to transform the look and feel of your personal retreat. A splash of purple on the walls evokes creativity and luxury. However, to pull off the look successfully, pay attention to factors like room size, natural light and existing decor. Stick to soft pastel or muted purples for small, dark bedrooms and reserve jewel tones for spacious, well-lit rooms. Combine purple walls with plenty of neutral colors and textures. And focus on one specific shade of purple instead of mixing several. With the right prep work and execution, your new purple bedroom can become a relaxing, stylish and rejuvenating space.