Purple is an interesting color choice for painting the interior of a room. On one hand, it’s an eye-catching, bold color that makes a statement. On the other hand, it’s not considered a neutral color like white or beige that appeals to the masses. So should you paint your room purple? There’s a lot to consider when determining if purple is the right color choice for your space.
The Psychology of the Color Purple
The psychology behind the color purple influences whether it’s a good choice for a room or not. Here’s what purple represents psychologically:
– Luxury – Purple is associated with royalty, wealth, and extravagance. It’s a rich, lush color that feels upper class and prestigious.
– Creativity – Purple evokes creativity and imagination. It’s an artistic, innovative color.
– Spirituality – In many cultures and religions, purple represents spirituality, mysticism, and ceremony. It’s thought to be connected to one’s inner wisdom.
– Compassion – Purple also conjures feelings of compassion, empathy, and sensitivity.
– Ambiguity – Purple can seem somewhat ambiguous. It’s a mix of passionate red and calm blue. This makes it seem conflicted.
So the mood that purple creates really depends on the shade. Darker purples may feel more luxurious yet somber, while light purples evoke creativity and imagination. Keep this psychological symbolism of purple in mind when deciding if it’s the right choice.
Different Shades of Purple
All shades of purple are not created equal when it comes to painting a room. Darker, richer purples may overpower a space, while light purples add a pop of color. Here are some popular shades of purple and what rooms they work best in:
Lavender – This very light purple has a feminine, soft quality. It’s excellent for bedrooms, especially young girls’ rooms.
Lilac – Slightly deeper than lavender, this shade offers a whimsical feeling. Use it in living spaces, libraries, or offices.
Wisteria – Wisteria is a medium, vibrant purple with blue undertones. Kitchens, dining rooms, and laundry rooms benefit from this energizing shade.
Eggplant – A darker, richer purple that feels elegant. Eggplant purple can make a dramatic impact in master bedrooms, dining rooms, or lounges.
Plum – Plum is a red-toned purple that’s both sophisticated and intense. Use it sparingly in bold accents in any room.
So in summary, lighter purples work best for most living spaces, while darker shades make dramatic accent colors. Make sure your purple isn’t overly saturated for large surfaces.
Which Rooms Does Purple Work Best In?
While purple can work in just about any room, some spaces are better suited to this bold color choice than others. Here are the rooms where purple typically works really well:
– Bedrooms – As mentioned, lighter purples like lavender or lilac are perfect for bedrooms. These shades are soothing and relaxing. Darker purples can also create a cozy, cave-like feel in a master bedroom.
– Bathrooms – Light or bright purples give bathrooms an invigorating pop. Pair purple with white for a refreshing spa-like atmosphere.
– Kitchens – In small doses, purple energizes a kitchen. Use it on an accent wall or kitchen island. Vibrant shades like violet or wisteria work best.
– Dining Rooms – Purple sets a dramatic table in the dining room. Eggplant or plum purples stimulate conversation and appetite.
– Offices – Creative purples like lilac or periwinkle encourage productivity and imagination in home offices.
– Kid’s Rooms & Playrooms – For kid’s spaces, choose light or pastel purples for a whimsical feel. Use brighter shades sparingly.
So focus on lighter purples for relaxation and darker purples for making a bold statement. Use accents of purple in key living spaces.
What Colors Go Well With Purple?
Purple pops when paired with certain accent colors. Sticking to a complementary color scheme is key. Here are colors that work well with different shades of purple:
| Shade of Purple | Complementary Color Palette |
|---|---|
| Light purples like lilac or lavender | Grey, white, light blue |
| Bright purples like violet or wisteria | Yellow, bright green, black |
| Dark purples like eggplant or plum | Gold, cream, grey |
Choose paint, decor, furniture, and accessories in these complementary color palettes to make purple really pop. Monochromatic shades of purple can work well too. Just avoid clashing shades like orange or neon pink. Stick to a cohesive color scheme.
Feng Shui Perspective on Purple
In the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, purple carries a conflicting energy. Therefore, feng shui recommends using purple somewhat sparingly and consciously. Here’s an overview of purple in feng shui:
– Represents fire element – purple brings warmth, passion, and high energy
– Linked to fame and recognition – purple uses fire energy to boost reputation
– Too much purple causes restlessness – it overstimulates emotional energy
-Best used in moderation – accent walls, decor items, or soft furnishings
– Avoid in entryways, hallways, and stairwells – disrupts optimal feng shui flow
So feng shui suggests purple should complement a space but not dominate it. Use purple consciously to enhance certain elements like passion, fame, or creativity, but avoid going overboard.
Conclusion
Purple makes a strong color choice for certain rooms in your home when used strategically. Lighter purples work best for large living spaces where relaxation is the goal. Darker purples provide dramatic accents and bring out luxury and intimacy. Complement purple with shades like white, grey, gold or green. And use purple moderately from a feng shui perspective. Ultimately, pink brings creativity and imagination into a home when done right. It comes down to picking the perfect shade of purple and using it sparingly and intentionally in the right rooms. This allows you to enjoy the positive energy purple can bring into your living space.
