Purple Bedroom Ideas to Make You Feel Like Royalty

Purple as bedroom décor isn’t always trending, but when it is used, delivers a bold, resonant punch. (In fact, we say that it’s precisely because purple isn’t always trending that you should decorate with it; be a round peg in a square hole, as the say!) When styling a purple bedroom, embrace layers. (“Layers are my friend” – repeat that mantra-style until it is ingrained into the deepest level of your subconscious!) By layers here, we mean anything that can be “layered” on a bed, across a floor, over a chair and on/across/over any other surface. Need some examples of layers to try in purple? Throw blankets, rugs, ottomans, pillows, and curtains are a few great places to start! Once you’ve got the layers you want pinned down (i.e., know which pieces you are going to bring in for a new “room makeover”), think about contrasting different shades. Pairing a light purple throw pillow with a dark purple blanket over neutral bedding truly “celebrates” purple, while bringing out each different layer. (And when “celebrating” a color, it’s also important to not skimp on neutrals. In the examples below, purple only works thanks to the grounding properties of neutral elements like white walls, grey linens and brown floors.)

To get the look above, start with a neutral bed. If you know you’re going to be laying on the colors, try a grey bed or other light color – the lighter the neutral, the more it will highlight the surrounding colors. Then, choose an area rug; since this will be covering the majority of your floor, you’ll want to go darker to prevent a washed-out feel. For the next step, you’ll want to think about the color of your walls; shown here, a bright white panel wall plays off the grey bed and provides a crisp backdrop for the bedding. (Also note, in the very back corner, the peach curtains – brightened with the natural light and just another example of how color is “sneaked” into this bedroom!) Framed wall art in a boho blue print here also adds to the overall fun, laidback charm. Then, finally, comes the fun part: the bedding! (Because the rug and the wall art already provide a pop of pattern, this bedroom’s bedding set is kept clean and minimal – but still bright for a playful feel.) On its own, each detail might not feel that “fun” or exciting, but when combined together forms a stunning bedroom aesthetic.

2. Purple Bedding

As you can see from the first image compared to this one, “purple bedding” can mean anything. When creating a purple bedroom that doesn’t feel too loud or in-your-face (which is an easy thing to happen when focusing on one bright color in a bedroom), it all comes down to shade. Which shade do you want to thematize? Do you prefer to feel more energized when you walk into your bedroom? Do you want your bedroom to be a space where, when you wake up in the morning, you feel awake? Or, do you want to focus on the more calming aspects of purple – do you want your bedroom to be a space of zen and peace? If you want a more energizing vibe, go for a more pinkish-purple (a purple whose pink undertones are more prominent); in the first image above, the brightest shade of purple pops and adds warmth and energy. If you want a more calming vibe, try a purple that’s closer on the color wheel to blue or grey; the muted tones create a more neutral, natural appearance and an overall “quieter” bedroom.

What Is the Color Meaning of Purple?

The title and introduction of this article references the regality of purple – and there’s a reason for it. Purple has long been associated with royalty. True story: Queen Elizabeth I forbade anyone except members of her elite family circle to wear it! Why would she do such a thing? Purple was, even back then, a sign of wealth, specifically because of the cost of the dyes that were originally needed to produce the color. In other words, any sort of purple color, especially in upholstery and clothing, was expensive. The commoners couldn’t access it, and even most higher-class individuals couldn’t luxuriate in it without spending ridiculous sums of money. (Purple dye wasn’t just costly, it was also rare, stemming from a city in Phoenecia called Tyre (today called Lebanon). The dye came from a small mollusk species found only in that area.)

Decorating with Purple

Back then, purple was extremely elite; now, it still carries nuances of regality, but in a more positive light. It’s the color of sophistication and class. (In terms of how it’s made, it’s a combination of red and blue – the former a symbol of passion and the latter a symbol of serenity.) Most of the things in life that are purple, such as flowers, the certain way a sun can set, butterflies’ wings and certain species of exotic birds, are regarded as beautiful. Purple is definitely one of the rarer colors in nature, and when it does appear produces awe and wonder. In the home, this carries over. Purple throw pillows and blankets create a sense of peacefulness and almost mysticism. In the bedroom, its color associations fit in beautifully. Crank the shade up a notch to a vibrant almost-pink hue for a teen or child’s bedroom; mute it down to levels of almost grey for a more “grown-up” elegance.