Coordinate it with Oystershell, White Christmas, Linen Sand, and Mountain Peak White to get excellent results. Dark Lilac has an RGB color code of 84, 77, and 109 and an LRV of 10.44.
13 Best Purple Paint Colors for Your Home
There are only a few colors as vibrant and beautiful as purple, and it is one of the best colors to grace your home. But with so many fabulous shades and hues, how do you select the most suitable ones for your home?
Finding the best purple paint colors for your home should not be tedious. And because we know how saturated and deep purple can be, we have selected the 13 best ones from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. Read on to pick the colors that fit your decor.
Table of Contents
What Colors Combine to Produce Purple Paint Color?
Blue and red combine to produce purple. That is why you will find that red and blue have higher concentrations on the red, green, and blue color code when the main color is purple. The amount of red or blue you add to the paint will determine the shade produced. Also, the shades of blue and red combined are vital to the final results.
But while this is factual, you can add white, yellow, gray, or black to get various shades. Much like getting light, medium, or dark purple with different shades of red and blue, you can achieve different tones of the same color with the amount of gray, white, yellow, or black.
For example, add white or gray to a mixture of red and blue to get a light purple paint color. The same is true when you add yellow, although the resulting purple paint color may look slightly different from the one where you add white. Also, the shade of yellow added can significantly affect the purple color. However, black makes the purple paint color darken to give you deep purple shades.
What Undertones Are Common with Purple Paint Colors?
Purple paint colors typically have blue or red undertones. If a purple paint color has blue undertones, it leans toward the cool end of the spectrum. Red undertones make the purple paint color have warm tones.
Purple is versatile, especially when it is light purple. But you must be sure of the chosen shade before deciding where it will be most suitable. You can even use different shades for different rooms or walls in one room. You only need to know how best to use them.
For example, light shades like lilac and lavender work well in bedrooms or powder rooms. They are also excellent choices for nurseries. For dining rooms and living rooms, consider darker hues like aubergine or plum for a stately look. Depending on the look you are going for, deep hues can work on cabinets.
See also 11 Best Light Grey Colors for 2023
The 9 Best Purple (Violet) Paint Colors
I’m not going to lie and say purple (also known as violet or lavender) is the most popular paint color – it’s not. In fact, when I’m doing my E-Design , it’s one of the colors I’m asked about the least. Why? Well, purple has a bad rap as being either too feminine, too punchy, too royal or too Barney – and if you look at the history of purple, those keywords make sense!
However, TODAY’S purples are much different from the Barney-inspired hues of yesteryear, and in fact, are some of the most BEAUTIFUL paint colors on the market!
Ready Betty? (I was going to say Barney but it didn’t rhyme)
And BTW, I rely 100% on my E-design client’s photos and BM’s images for my blog posts, so there aren’t many in here – however, the info is SPOT on!
1. Benjamin Moore Dreamy Cloud 2117-70
Soft and subtle, Dreamy Cloud is close to being an off-white, while still having enough body to hold the perfect hint of violet. Whereas a lot of today’s most popular purple paint colors have quite a bit of gray or brown in them, Dreamy Cloud has only been moderately neutralized, so while it will look purple, it’s held back by neutral undertones. It’s on the cooler end of things and winks a bit towards dusky lavender without being overly colorful.
Dreamy Cloud will hold itself well in a south-facing room . It can work in a north-facing room as well, but keep in mind it will appear quite cold.
The LRV of Dreamy Cloud is 76, meaning it will reflect quite a bit of light back into a room. In an intensely lit room with direct sunlight, it will fade out quite a bit but will regain its color once the sun shifts.
Never heard of LRV? Don’t pick a paint color before reading about it HERE !
2. Benjamin Moore French Lilac 1403
Not for the faint of heart! Unlike Dreamy Cloud which is more subtle, French Lilac commits to purple, without being obnoxious or ‘day-glo’.
French Lilac is slightly warmer and a bit more colorful than Dreamy Cloud. It sits in the light end of things but is close to the light-medium depths.
The LRV of French Lilac is 56, which surprises me as it comes across looking a bit lighter than that. With this LRV, it won’t add much light reflectance to a room, however, it won’t absorb much either.
3. Benjamin Moore Abalone 2108-60
Abalone is my favorite of the light purples because it’s SO subtle. Compared to the above colors, it will look like gray and it IS gray – a gray with a purplish-brown undertone. It’s a great way to nod toward purple without committing 100% (or even 50% – it’s just a wee nod).
With an LRV of 62, Abalone sits in between the two previous purple colors, and that LRV ALSO happens to be my magic number – read more about that here .
4. Benjamin Moore Wet Concrete 2114-40
I love Wet Concrete (it’s great to put your footprints in too). Wet Concrete sits slightly towards the warm-pink end of things compared to cooler purples which lean towards the cool-blue end. It’s also a definite ‘earth-toned’ purple with its neutral base and isn’t as colorful as a typical purple paint color. No Barney found here!
The LRV of Wet Concrete is 27.0, meaning it’s going to absorb light, rather than reflect it back into the room. This can help a room feel warm, cozy and inviting or awfully heavy if you don’t have enough natural or artificial lighting.
5. Benjamin Moore Sandlot Gray 2107-50
Sandlot Gray isn’t a color you’d normally go to when thinking about purple as it has a good dollop of brownish/gray in it – giving it a more neutral look. However, it certainly falls into the purple spectrum with its warm purple base. Warm purples can pick up an almost pinkish-taupe look. This color will not look pink, however, you’ll see that it appears MUCH softer and warmer than a cooler toned purple that has less brown in it. Overall, Sandlot Gray is a GREAT way to get purple – without the punch!
The LRV of Sandlot Gray is 44, a nice depth for a reasonably well-lit room.
6. Benjamin Moore Mauve Desert 2113-50
Mauve Desert is a lovely saturated purple that has just enough purple to commit, without feeling like you’re 100% in. Compare Mauve Desert with Sandlot Gray to see how much more purple this color is and how NEUTRAL Sandlot Gray looks in comparison!
The LRV of Mauve Desert is 38.0.
Click HERE or on the above images to see available packages!
Let’s take a quick break to talk about paint samples…
Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out in the near future to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE . Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…
- samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on location
- at $6.99, they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling
- if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE
7. Benjamin Moore Smoked Oyster 2109-40
Smoked Oyster is a solid, medium-toned earthy purple with a gorgeous gray base. It says purple without being punchy.
The LRV of Smoked Oyster is 21.
8. Benjamin Moore Kalamata AF 630
Kalamata is a stunning purple and definitely one of the most committed of the bunch! And while it’s obviously purple, it’s not too punchy or overwhelming. It sits snug in between warm and cold (leaning slightly more to the warm side), meaning it would work well in a north or south-facing room AS LONG AS there’s enough exterior or interior light.
The LRV of Kalamata is 11 – BOOM – she’s a skookum one!
9. Benjamin Moore Passion Plum 2073-30
Oh, I do love Passion Plum! With an LRV of 12, Passion Plum will add some serious drama to any room in your home, but is particularly lovely for a bedroom! This luscious purple sneaks slightly towards the warm end of things and is perfect if you’re passionate about purple!
And one more for fun, this time, from Sherwin Williams…
10. Sherwin Williams Black Swan SW 6279
Black Swan is a WICKED dark violet that adds drama and glamour to ANY room. Just check out this eclectic living room below!
Black Swan has an LRV of 4, so there’s no messing around with this one – it’s bordering on black!
Finding these colors a bit STRONGER than you had in mind, but still have a passion for PURPLE? Check out these color reviews instead…
READ MORE
Don’t know which PURPLE to PICK?
Originally written in 2017, updated in 2020
5 Colors That Go Well With Purple (Updated 2023)
Are you wondering what colors go well with purple? We share 5 colors that pair well with purple in this article.
Working with the color purple can be perplexing for some people. After all, this hue tends to come off as too bold, which is why many shy away from using this color in the first place.
As a matter of fact, many view this shade as an intimidating color, but we are here to help you find other colors to make purple work for you.
With this article, you might just change your tune and see purple in a new light. In fact, you can transform it into something regal, modern, and even boho, depending on what you want it to be.
Read on to learn more about colors that go with purple.
What is the Color Purple?
The color purple is, by definition, the color between red and blue. It is a mix between the two colors and is often interchangeable with the color violet.
On the color wheel, purple is at the opposite end of yellow. This means they are complementary hues because they provide balance to each other.
Purple is often linked to themes of royalty and regality, as well as power and wisdom. It also speaks volumes about wealth and opulence. Moreover, it also signifies those having imagination, creativity, and mystery.
Colors That Go With Purple
1. Yellow
Yellow is the opposite color from purple on the color wheel. As mentioned, this makes them complementary to one another and they can make each other shine and pop unlike any other.
As such, this color combination is a no-brainer.
If you want to go for a hip and vibrant look, you should definitely explore a purple and yellow pairing.
This will add a hint of freshness and brightness throughout your space. For example, you can pair bigger purple furniture with yellow throw pillows as accents.
2. Pink
Pink is often considered childish and girly, but not in our case. Sure, you may have used it as a child, but there fresh are ways of making these two work together.
The key to using pink and purple is sticking to lighter shades. Blush pink, dusty rose, and the like, will not only add a touch of whimsy to your place or wardrobe, it will also elevate your space and appearance to a classic look that will stand the test of time.
You should also opt for lavender as a lighter purple, as this combination speaks of femininity but on another level of sophistication.
3. Teal
Go for a timeless and sophisticated look by pairing these two hues. Not only will teal impart a relaxing and calming feeling, but it can also add a hint of elegance and playfulness at the same time.
Not to mention, this will certainly make for an eye-popping combo nobody can resist.
When it comes to pairing teal and purple, however, it’s best to stick to more muted tones. This will give a vintage yet timeless vibe.
Complete this look with some gold accents and you’ll create a modern look that will feel every bit as luxurious for all time.
4. Gray
Many people see gray as a dreary tone, but we say otherwise. This neutral color packs in understated elegance and a depth of smokiness that pairs beautifully with the purple vibrance.
This combination looks extremely elegant, making it appear flawless and timeless, whether in fashion or interior design.
What makes the gray and purple combination a success is that gray acts as the neutral foundation which purple can use to highlight itself without appearing too safe.
5. Green
Purple and green often get a bad reputation, especially when associated with eggplant and Barney. But, don’t be too quick to set aside this color combination. After all, as contrasting colors on the color wheel, these two actually go together beautifully.
To help elevate these two hues, we suggest opting for a deep purple color and breaking this with either a dark green or emerald green-toned color.
This will lend not only an air of maturity but also a level of sophistication. As a matter of fact, you can say goodbye to all traces of childlike associations with this green and purple pairing.
