Purple is often associated with luxury and creativity, and in the home it can be used to add warmth, depth or even a sense of calm, depending on the shade you choose. Whether you’re drawn to soft lilacs or deeper tones like plum, choosing the right complementary colours is the key to making a scheme feel cohesive.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best colours that go with purple, with expert advice from Caroline Woolmer, Head of Product Design at I Love Wallpaper.
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Why decorate with purple in your home?
“Purple is one of those colours people often overlook, but it’s incredibly versatile,” says Caroline. “Lighter shades like lavender and mauve bring a soft, calm feel to a room, while deeper tones such as plum or aubergine add richness and can work well as a feature wall. It also pairs beautifully with both warm and cool palettes, so it’s surprisingly easy to build a scheme around. Once people try it, they usually find purple is far more adaptable than they expected.”
Historically, purple has always been associated with richness and individuality, partly because the original dyes were so rare that the colour became linked with royalty and luxury. Today, the opulent feel still remains, but purple is far more accessible and easy to use in everyday interiors.
Purple also sits at an interesting point on the colour spectrum: it carries some of the vibrancy of red while borrowing the soothing qualities of blue. That’s why it can feel both uplifting and calming at the same time.
What colours go with purple?
There are many colours that complement purple — it all comes down to the shade you choose and the mood you want to create in your space. From soft, relaxed pairings to something a little bolder, purple is easier to style than you might expect.
Caroline recommends: “Before choosing a complementary colour, it helps to decide whether your purple leans warm or cool. Warmer purples, like plum or aubergine, pair best with equally warm tones, including creams, golds and forest green. Cooler shades, such as lilac or indigo, sit comfortably alongside cooler colours like soft grey, white and silver metallics. Understanding this makes it much easier to build a scheme that feels well-balanced.”
Here are some of our favourite colours that go with purple.
Neutral combinations
“Neutrals are a great partner for purple because they really let the colour shine,” explains Caroline. “Purple already has a natural richness to it, so pairing it with softer, more understated tones helps create balance. Neutrals also make it easier to build a cohesive scheme, especially if you’re introducing purple into a space for the first time.”
Soft Grey
Romantic Roses Wallpaper in Lavender on White
Best paired with: Cool-toned purples
Grey is one of the most reliable partners for lilac and lavender tones. Because grey is a neutral with naturally cool undertones, it sits comfortably alongside cooler purples and provides a subtle backdrop that lets the colour take centre stage.
A simple way to use this pairing is to keep the main walls soft grey and introduce lilac or lavender through wallpaper, textiles or accessories. If you prefer purple to be the main focus, a pale purple feature wall looks great paired with light grey furniture or soft grey painted woodwork.
Warm Creams
Hydrangea Bouquet Wallpaper in Soft Pastels on White
Best paired with: Warm-toned purples
“Cream pairs particularly well with warm-toned purples — shades that contain more red than blue, such as plum, mulberry and certain aubergine tones,” says Caroline. “Partnering these with warm neutrals creates a harmonious, inviting palette.”
“Warm neutrals can also help counteract the cooler light found in north-facing rooms, stopping purple from appearing flat or overly shadowed. Using cream on the main walls with warm purple accents, or vice versa, makes the space feel a little brighter.”
Creams suit richer purples, such as mulberry, by lifting their depth. And if you're using a dark purple feature wall, cream or off-white on the surrounding walls is an excellent choice. The contrast adds definition and warmth, allowing the purple to stand out without overwhelming the room.
Bold pairings
If you want to make more of a statement with purple, pairing it with deeper or more vibrant colours can create a striking, design-led look. These combinations are best when you want added depth in a room. Here are a few bold purple decor ideas that still feel considered and easy to style.
Forest Green
Best paired with: Warm-toned purples
Caroline says: “Forest green is a striking partner for purple, especially richer shades like mulberry or aubergine. Both colours carry depth and character, so when they’re used together, they create a luxurious, boutique-style feel. The pairing works because green and purple sit opposite enough on the colour wheel to give contrast, but still share a natural, earthy undertone that creates harmony in a room.”
Warmer purple is most effective with forest greens, where the undertones complement one another rather than compete. Cooler purples like lavender can still work, but the combination tends to feel sharper and more contemporary rather than cosy.
You can introduce this colour scheme with a purple feature wall with deep green soft furnishings, or by pairing botanical-style wallpapers with plum accessories. It’s a confident look that looks great in living rooms, dining spaces or anywhere you want a touch of drama.
Yellow
Best paired with: Warm-toned purples
If you want a bold combination, yellow is one of the most uplifting partners for purple. The two colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, which is why the contrast feels energetic and instantly eye-catching.
Caroline explains: “Yellow pairs nicely with mid to deep purples because the warmth of the yellow brings out the richness in the purple. It’s a pairing that feels confident but still harmonious when you get the balance right.”
When using this combination at home, the key is not to overwhelm the space with too much of either colour. Purple paint or wallpaper can look striking when combined with just a few mustard accents, like cushions, artwork, a throw or even a statement chair. These smaller hits of yellow lift the purple without making the space feel overly busy.
Soft combinations
Not everyone wants to go bold with purple, and soft combinations are a great option if you prefer something gentler. Lighter shades such as lilac naturally suit softer tones, but even deeper purples can feel more relaxed when paired with colours that take the edge off their richness.
Pinks
Best paired with: Cool-toned purples (certain muted pinks can suit warmer tones too)
Pink can be a soft, flattering partner for purple, particularly when you choose muted or dusky pinks rather than anything too bright. These gentler shades are a great choice with lighter purples, such as lavender, as they share a similar softness and create a calm, cohesive look without strong contrast.
Caroline notes: “Pink pairs wonderfully with purple when you want something light and calming, without it tipping into overly sweet territory. The key is choosing muted, slightly dusky tones.”
Metallics
“Metallics are a great way to add contrast and a bit of refinement to a purple colour scheme,” Caroline says. “Gold and silver both have their place; it really comes down to the undertone of the purple you’re using.”
“Gold suits warm purples like aubergine because the two colours share a similar undertone. Silver, on the other hand, naturally aligns with cooler purples, such as mauve, and gives the palette a more contemporary feel. The key is choosing a metallic that matches the temperature and mood of the purple."
Gold
Best paired with: Warm-toned purples
Gold is generally the warmer choice and looks beautiful alongside deeper, warmer purples such as mulberry. Because gold contains yellow undertones, it highlights the richness in purple and adds a luxurious, almost jewel-like quality.
You could use gold through lighting, mirrors, picture frames or soft metallics in wallpaper to create a warm, refined look.
Silver
Best paired with: Cool-toned purples
Silver is the cooler option and suits lilac, indigo and other cooler-toned purples. Its crisp, reflective finish sharpens the palette and gives the room a more contemporary edge. Silver brings clarity to purple rather than warmth, which is why it’s ideal if you're aiming for a more modern, lighter feel. Think chrome or brushed-silver lighting, cool-toned hardware, or wallpapers with silver metallic detailing.
Frequently asked questions
What colours should be avoided with purple?
While purple is more versatile than many people assume, there are a few colour combinations that can be harder to get right. It usually comes down to undertones and how strong each colour is.
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Bright, saturated colours — Very strong colours, such as vivid orange, neon yellow or intense fuchsia, can compete with purple rather than complement it. Pairing purple with equally powerful colours can make the scheme feel too busy or overwhelming.
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Colours with clashing undertones — If you’re using a cool purple, choosing another colour with strong, warm tones can look disjointed. Likewise, warm purples, like plum or aubergine, can look muddy when combined with cool, greyed-out shades that don’t share the same temperature.
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Similar mid-tones — Colours that are too close in depth but not in undertone, for example, a mid-purple next to a mid-taupe, can look slightly mismatched. Keeping either contrast or harmony in mind usually leads to a better balance.
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Mid-browns — Mid-tone or slightly ashy browns can be difficult to balance. They often sit too closely in depth but clash in undertone.
- Blue — Blue and purple can look great together, but the combination is easy to get wrong. Because the colours are alike, they can end up looking almost too similar in depth or temperature, creating a flat effect in a room. Small touches of blue can still work, for example, in artwork or accessories, but using large areas of both colours together can make the scheme feel flat.
What colours go with dark purple?
Dark purple shades have a rich, elegant feel, but because they’re quite striking, the key is choosing colours that balance their intensity.
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Warm neutrals — Creams, warm whites and soft beiges are ideal with dark purple. They enhance the richness of the shade and prevent it from feeling too heavy, making them ideal for rooms where dark purple is used as a feature colour.
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Forest green — Deep greens sit comfortably beside dark purple because both colours have depth and character. This combination has a luxurious feel, which is great for dining rooms, living rooms, or anywhere you want a more dramatic look.
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Mustard or muted yellow — Yellow is one of the most effective contrasts for dark purple. Mustard tones add warmth and highlight the richness of the purple without overwhelming it. However, be careful not to overdo it — accent pieces work best here.
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Dusky pinks — Muted or dusky pinks add softness to purple colour schemes. This combination is excellent in bedrooms or living rooms.
What colours go with light purple?
Light purple pairs best with colours that echo its softness, creating a calm, balanced palette that feels effortless in any room.
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Soft greys — Cool-toned greys sit naturally beside lilac and lavender, creating a balanced, relaxed look that works well in bedrooms and living spaces.
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Muted pinks — Dusky or blush pinks complement light purple without overpowering it, giving the palette a calm, cohesive feel.
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Sage or muted greens — Soft greens add a touch of contrast while still keeping the scheme gentle and understated.
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Silver metallics — Silver reinforces the cooler undertones in light purple and adds a clean, modern edge in small accents.
What colour goes with plum?
Plum is a rich, warm purple, so it helps to choose colours that either lift the shade or give it definition. Because plum has such strong depth on its own, lighter tones can stop the room from feeling heavy, while deeper accents can create a more layered, luxurious look.
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Cream or warm white — These lighten the palette and stop plum from feeling too intense, making them ideal for surrounding walls or larger surfaces.
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Forest green — A deep green brings out plum’s richness and creates a luxurious, boutique-style feel.
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Mustard yellow — Mustard adds a warm, uplifting contrast that highlights plum, especially when used in cushions, artwork or other small accents.
What colour goes with aubergine?
“Aubergine is a deep, warm purple with a lot of character, so it’s suited to colours that either lift the depth or introduce a clear contrast,” says Caroline. “It’s a shade that can feel very elegant, but you need the right supporting colours to keep it balanced.”
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Stone — A soft, warm greys sit comfortably beside aubergine and creates a gentle contrast. It lightens the palette without feeling stark.
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Charcoal grey — A deep charcoal gives aubergine a modern edge. The two colours share a similar depth, so the look feels sophisticated rather than heavy, which becomes even more effective when balanced with lighter accents.
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Antique gold — A brushed, muted gold adds a touch of glamour. Rather than a bright contrast, it brings a soft glow that enhances aubergine’s richness. You can incorporate gold with mirrors, art frames or even metallic wallpaper.
What colour goes with lavender?
“Lavender has a cool, gentle quality, so it suits colours that keep the palette soft or add subtle contrast,” says Caroline.
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Soft grey — A light grey reflects lavender’s cool undertone, creating a calm, balanced backdrop.
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Muted pink — Blush or dusky pink adds a hint of warmth while keeping the overall look soft and cohesive.
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Sage green — Sage introduces a subtle, natural contrast that stops lavender from feeling overly sweet and adds a fresh, modern touch.
What colour goes with lilac?
“Lilac has a cool, gentle tone, so it tends to look best with colours that share its softness or sit within a similar cool colour palette,” explains Caroline. “A little bit of contrast can work too, as long as it doesn’t overpower.”
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Light grey — A soft grey sits comfortably beside lilac because they have the same cool undertones. It keeps the room feeling relaxed while still letting the lilac shine.
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White or cool white — Crisp whites help brighten lilac. This pairing keeps things fresh and simple, which is ideal if you want the space to feel more open.
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Muted green — Shades like sage or eucalyptus bring just enough contrast to stop lilac from feeling overly delicate. They add a subtle, natural lift that gives the room a more modern feel.
What are the best purple living room ideas?
“Purple can completely change the feel of a living room, whether you want something soft and relaxed or rich and dramatic,” explains Caroline. “It’s a versatile colour that is effective in both modern and traditional spaces, but the key is choosing the right shade for the atmosphere you want to create. Let purple set the mood, then build the room around it with the right shades and textures.”
Purple living room ideas:
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Add a feature wall — Use plum or aubergine on one feature wall to create depth and a cosy, cocooning feel. It works particularly well behind a sofa or in a reading corner.
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Layer purples through textiles — Cushions, throws, and rugs in varying tones add subtle dimension without committing to large areas of colour. It’s an easy way to introduce purple gradually through a space.
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Choose patterned wallpaper with touches of purple — Florals, abstracts and soft geometrics bring interest without the intensity of a solid purple wall.
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Introduce metallics — Gold looks beautiful with warm purples, while silver suits cooler shades. Use them in lighting, frames or accessories to add definition and a refined finish.
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Pair purple with warm neutrals — Shades like stone, oatmeal, or cream help balance the richness of purple and keep the space feeling open and inviting.
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Try colour drenching — Colour drenching, and using different tones of purple across the walls, woodwork and decor can actually make the room feel more cohesive. It adds depth, and the single-colour approach gives the space a polished, intentional look. To learn more about this technique, read our Guide to Colour Drenching.
Purple bedroom ideas
Caroline says: “Purple feels at home in a bedroom because it can be soothing, cosy or luxurious depending on the shade you choose. Lighter purples create a calm, restful feel, while deeper tones add warmth and intimacy.”
Purple bedroom ideas:
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Layer purple through bedding and fabrics — Bringing purple into the room through cushions, throws or bed linen is an easy way to introduce colour without committing to large blocks on the walls. It softens the scheme and helps tie the palette together, which can be really effective if your walls are neutral.
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Add patterned wallpaper with subtle purple detailing — Florals, watercolours or abstract designs with touches of purple add texture and interest while still keeping the overall look soft. If you're new to decorating, you can read our blog on how to hang wallpaper for step-by-step guidance.
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Use purple upholstery — A velvet headboard in plum or berry tones brings instant warmth and can anchor the whole colour scheme.
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Tie everything together with purple artwork — Look for artwork with hints of purple. If you already have purple bedding or accessories, bringing those shades into your wall art helps tie the room together without relying on large areas of colour.
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Try a lilac ceiling — It might sound unexpected, but painting the ceiling a pale, cool purple can create a soothing, enveloping feel. It suits rooms with plenty of natural light, where the colour reads soft and calming rather than dark.
For more inspiration, read our guide on Small Bedroom Ideas and Tips.
