10 of the Prettiest Purple Paint Colors to Upgrade Any Room

Orchid Purple Paint Colors

In 2014, purple made it back on everyone's radar thanks to Pantone naming "Radiant Orchid" the color of the year. But don't pigeonhole purple as a one-hit-wonder. "Violets are more versatile than you may think. The softest tints speak of romance and sweetness, and the deepest shades are rich and powerful," San Francisco designer Kelly Berg says.

"Color is never viewed in a vacuum," she says. "So if you want a lavender room to be less feminine, add elements that are less girly, such as black-and-white photography, industrial pieces, and streamlined furniture."

Paint colors pictured:

• Spangle SW-6834, Sherwin Williams
• Sweet Surrender C4-1, Ace Hardware (discontinued)
• Purple Davenport 1003-3A, Valspar
• Mouthwatering 40B6, True Value Paint (discontinued)
• Storybook Charm BHG204, Walmart (discontinued)

Amethyst Purple Paint Colors

Purple is versatile because it is a mix of red and blue, and the exact color can vary based on the ratio of red to blue. More blue means a cooler color, which is the story of these brilliant amethyst purples. To get this earthy color right, be careful not to go too red. "Red becomes mauve," Boston-area interior designer Liz Caan says. "You need to stay on the blue side of things, which feels cool."

Paint colors pictured:

• Forget-Me-Not SW-6824, Sherwin Williams
• Powdery Mist 650C-2, Behr
• Sugarplum 1394, Benjamin Moore
• Purple Phantom 1001-3B, Valspar
• Standing Ovation 38B7, True Value Paint (discontinued)

Purple Paint Tip

Depending on the time of day and exposure to natural light, purple can take on different appearances. Before painting your room, apply a sample to a wall in the room you are going to paint. With all painting endeavors, monitor the section of paint at different times throughout the day, if possible, to see how—if at all—the color shifts.

Paint color pictured:

• Sea Life 2118-40, Benjamin Moore

Complimentary Hues

It's not for everyone, but sometimes a little drama can be just what your space needs. Go bold on two fronts using a super-saturated purple alongside yellow for a complementary color palette. Purple and yellow are opposite each other on the color wheel, and when paired, the differences of the hues create a dynamic energy in a space that demands attention.

Paint color pictured:

• Brinjal 222, Farrow and Ball

Purple Color Blocking

If you're not ready to commit to an entire room of purple, employ the color as an accent. In this bedroom, a block of lavender behind the bed draws attention to the beautifully dressed bed. The purple is tempered by sweet pink and golden yellows.

Paint colors pictured:

• Fragrant Lilac 4001-5B, Valspar for Lowe's
• Livid Violet 4002-3C, Valspar for Lowe's

Fine Wine Purple Tones

Consider a saturated purple where you might otherwise use red, Berg says. On dining room walls, it has a similar rich, traditional look and cozy feel but offers a bit of surprise. In this dining room a Bordeaux color with warm undertones is advanced by similarly warm, red draperies and creamy whites.

Paint name pictured:

• Bottle of Bordeaux 1357, Benjamin Moore

Purple Paired With Neutrals

Another way to ease into a bold color is to use a neutral with undertones of the color in question. Here, purple undertones take this gray a step beyond plain Jane. Warm, pale yellows and mossy green accents punch up the neutrals, while plum accents draw out the purple undertones of the wall color.

Paint color pictured:

• Mark Twain House Ombra Gray 4004-2A, Valspar for Lowe's

Mauve Moment

It's not in your face, but mauve has subtle impact, which can go a long way when used on more than one wall. Add in deeper and stronger versions of the color in a lamp or pillow to drive the color mission home, but remember smooth surfaces that echo the hue and nature-centric pieces that warm up the space act as the best accents, rather than additional large pieces (such as upholstered furniture or window treatments).

Paint color pictured:

• Victorian Mauve 2114-50, Benjamin Moore

Fresh and Clean Purple

Pale purple thrives in natural light with clean white at the palette's core. Include trendy-but-classic chrome accents to up the style and create a polished appearance.

Paint color pictured:

• Easter Ribbon 1381, Benjamin Moore

Dreamy Purple Hue

Crisp white and pale green accents balance out the rich purple-brown of this room. The raisin hue stands out but doesn't feel overbearing thanks to a clean and simple white ceiling.

Paint color pictured:

• Amazon Soil 2115-30, Benjamin Moore