The Ultimate Purple Interior Design Guide

Purple is the color of royalty, luxury, and creativity. Purple interior design is a sophisticated and bold choice, capable of creating spaces that are dramatic and deeply personal. From the soft, romantic tones of lavender and lilac to the rich, majestic depths of plum and eggplant, purple offers a wide spectrum of moods, making it a surprisingly versatile color for any home.

This guide will take you on a journey through the world of the purple interior, exploring the psychology behind its regal effect and showing you how to use its various shades to create an inviting home. From purple furniture to barn doors, this blog will make it clear how the color can work in your home. 

The royal psychology of purple

Purple color psychology holds a special place among other tones. It is often associated with:

• Luxury & royalty. Throughout history, purple has been a symbol of wealth and power, as the dye was historically very rare and expensive. It conveys a sense of elegance, sophistication, and luxury.
• Creativity & imagination. Lighter purples, like lavender and lilac, are linked to creativity, imagination, and a sense of serenity. It's a great color for spaces where you want to feel inspired.
• Wisdom & spirituality. Darker purples, such as indigo, are often associated with wisdom, spirituality, and introspection, making them perfect for spaces dedicated to quiet reflection.
• Bold & unique. Purple in interior design is less common, so its use can make a space feel unique, bold, and personalized, reflecting a homeowner who isn't afraid to stand out.

Understanding purple shades in interior design

The secret to using purple successfully is to choose the right shade and apply it in a way that fits your desired mood.

• Soft & light purples (Lavender, Lilac, Mauve): Gentle, serene, and calming moods come from these tones. These shades create a peaceful and romantic atmosphere in bedrooms, nurseries, and bathrooms. They pair beautifully with soft greys, white, and light wood tones.
• Medium & bold purples (Plum, Grape, Amethyst). These vibrant, luxurious, sophisticated, and energetic tones are mainstays in green and purple interior design schemes, also fitting well with neutrals and warm metals. The shades add a pop of opulence and energy to dining rooms, living room accent walls, and statement furniture. 
• Deep & dark purples (Eggplant, Indigo, Mulberry). These deeper tones can be dramatic, mysterious, intimate, and elegant. They suit libraries, home offices, or as purple interior paint on an accent wall in a living room. Tones that pair beautifully with dark wood tones and pops of silver or gold. Black and purple interior design is a classic with these tones. 

The regal barn door is a perfect fit for purple in interior design

Your barn door, with its large surface area and customizability, is a fantastic canvas for a purple finish. It can be a central part of your design, working either to blend into a royal scheme or to provide a focal point that perfectly complements the aesthetic. 

A purple barn door as a statement piece

A barn door painted in a bold shade of deep plum or amethyst can create an immediate, luxurious focal point in a neutral room. It draws the eye and makes an undeniable statement. Purple doors pop beautifully against a light wall, creating a sophisticated and elegant look. The purple feels even more vibrant against a neutral backdrop.

The seamless blend

A flat panel barn door painted with purple furniture paint in the same shade of a deep eggplant or a soft lilac as the surrounding wall can create a seamless look. This allows the door to add color without being overpowering. For a more calming effect, painting in a soft lavender can blend beautifully with similarly painted walls, creating a serene look that doesn't disrupt the room.

Functionality & versatility

Barn doors are inherently space-saving—essential in any home. A purple barn door can add a touch of personality and luxury while also ensuring the floor plan remains open and uncluttered. Use a purple barn door to signal a change in mood and to zone a creative studio, a reading nook, or a meditation space, adding imagination to the entrance.

The wooden barn door as an earthy counterpart

In a room where purple is the dominant color, a barn door made of natural wood (like walnut or a dark-stained oak) provides a beautiful, earthy complement. The warmth and organic texture of the wood offer a powerful contrast to the coolness of the purple, creating a balanced and inviting space.

Tips for a cohesive purple look with barn doors

1. Decide if you want your barn door to be a purple statement piece or a natural wood grounding element. Let this decision guide your other choices.
2. Use purple in moderation. Pair it with neutrals and other colors that you love to create a balanced and inviting space.
3. Pair your purple with plants, natural wood, and other organic textures to enhance the harmonious and calming qualities of the color.
4. Use a variety of purple shades in your space to create a layered and dynamic feel.

Begin your journey into purple interior design

Purple is powerful and versatile. It can transform any space into a beautiful, serene, and luxurious sanctuary. From its ability to create a sense of romance to its potential for sophisticated drama, purple offers a wide palette for creativity.

Your barn door is a fantastic tool for this aesthetic. It’s a piece that saves space and adds character, but also helps you create a space that is a true reflection of royalty and creativity.

If you’re interested in learning more about barn door installations and interior design as a whole, you’re in the right place. Check out our blog for more insights today.