Royal effect: purple color in the interior. Why is purple considered the royal color? Decorative details: what purple loves

Violet, lavender, blueberry, grape, blackberry... Unfortunately, these extraordinary tones (and violet has 196 of them!) are rarely used in residential interiors. But the shades of the morning dawn or the evening sky fill the house with dreamy light, enveloping it in a veil of sophistication and charm.

Symbolism and psychology of purple color

“Pheasant” belongs to the group of cool and peaceful tones: it does not smell cold like blue, its neighbor in the rainbow, but it is invigorating and refreshing.
In Christianity, purple is a symbol of humility; it is not for nothing that the cardinals’ ring is crowned with a large amethyst.

This color is also a sign of nobility. Its ceremonial colors - amaranth, lilac, hyacinth - can be seen in the royal chambers and residences.
Shades of purple, psychologists say, do not excite the nervous system, but encourage creativity and inspire. It is believed that their fans are sensitive, inventive people with developed intuition.

Alliances and accents: combining purple with other colors

Why is this color, the companion of emperors and magicians, not as popular as, say, its spectral “parents”?
The fact is that the classic purple tone is too powerful and intriguing. However, this is not a reason to ignore it, but only a reminder: any rich color, and purple is no exception, is brought into the interior wisely, in the form of catchy spots. Moreover, both pastel shades and some rich colors are suitable as partners for the “pheasant”.

From the first group, ash-gray, light brown, cream, and mint tones are recommended. In a nursery or in a room furnished in a romantic spirit, blue, pink, and golden shades will create a beautiful “bouquet” along with purple.
Rooms in which smoky purple is diluted with shades of Tiffany and French gray (ash tone with a pearl tint) look very sophisticated, Hollywood-style.

Brave, free from prejudices people can take a risk by combining eggplant, lupine, red-violet tones with lemon, turquoise or even canary shades in one location. Thus, thanks to the contrast, the room will be divided into zones, acquiring its own, individual and dynamic character.

Often, a purple scene is designed on a yellow or light green wall, against which a table or shelf with a vase is placed: such a technique creates the illusion of a showcase, adds clarity and contrast to objects, and depth to the room.

From the doorstep to the kitchen: where does purple fit?

Most often, purple furnishings are formed not by walls, but by furniture and accessories.
this is, for example, a banquette, an umbrella stand, a wall clock, a floor vase... In the end, a raincoat on a hanger or a bicycle on the wall. As welcoming as a lilac branch, this color will signal to guests that the owners of the house are eccentric people with a creative streak.

The purple color scheme is a matter of personal taste. Some people think that these noble tones do not suit the room where the prose of life - food - is created. But many will argue: if you are one of those who do not like boring stereotypes, then a purple kitchen can become a real pearl of your home. Just don’t forget that this color, according to psychologists, slightly suppresses appetite...

When getting started, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your kitchen: the smaller it is, the lighter the tone should be.
Shades of fuchsia and heliotrope are suitable for the dining area.
For the work surface (tiled apron, cabinet doors), you can use a darker tone.

Advice. The more natural light there is in the kitchen, the richer and sharper its color palette can be. And vice versa: if there is not enough natural light, you should not darken the interior with gloomy shades.

If you decide on a purple kitchen set, then know that towels, napkins, chair covers and other fabrics of milky, beige, light green, blue or pink will suit it.

Decorative details: what does purple like?

  • An excellent “seasoning” for an interior in purple tones will be fresh and artificial flowers: orchids, violets, irises and crocuses;
  • chandeliers and cut crystal dishes;
  • silver candlesticks, mirrors in elegant frames;
  • burgundy or crimson velvet - curtains with tassels in the bedroom or curtains in the living room;
  • glass - countertops, vases, jugs in the kitchen.

Why Is the Color Purple Associated With Royalty?

Life's Little Mysteries


Violet or magenta? These two colors are often confused; moreover, many people think that these are two names for the same color. In fact, the difference between violet and magenta is that violet is part of the visible spectrum (rainbow), while magenta is a mixture of red and blue.

The color purple has been associated with royalty and wealth for centuries. Queen Elizabeth I of England even banned all but close members of the royal family from wearing purple. The elitism of this color is due to the fact that previously it was a rare and therefore expensive dye.

Purple fabrics were outrageously expensive, so only rulers could afford them. The purple dye was originally brought from the Phoenician trading city of Tire, the current port of Lebanon. Fabric merchants obtained dye from small mollusks that were found in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the city.

A lot of work went into producing the dye, and it took over 9,000 shellfish to create just one gram of purple. From then on, only wealthy rulers could afford to purchase and wear this color, and it became associated with the imperial class in Rome, Egypt and Persia. Purple also came to be identified with spirituality and holiness, as ancient emperors, kings and queens who wore this color were often seen as gods or their descendants.

But sometimes, purple turned out to be too expensive even for royal families. In the third century, the Roman Emperor Aurelian did not allow his wife to purchase a purple silk scarf from Tire because it literally cost the same as a gram of gold.

The exclusivity of the color purple continued into the Elizabethan era (1558 - 1603), during which everyone in England had to comply with laws regulating the consumption of luxury goods, which strictly prescribed what colors, fabrics and clothes different classes of society could and could not wear. Queen Elizabeth the First's laws prohibited anyone other than close relatives of the royal family from wearing purple, as the color not only reflected the wearer's wealth, but also their royal status.

Only a century and a half ago this color became more accessible. In 1856, 18-year-old English chemist William Henry Perkin accidentally created a purple-colored synthetic mixture while trying to synthesize quinine, an anti-malaria drug. He noted that the resulting mixture could be used to dye fabrics, and patented the dye. By producing it under the name aniline purple, Perkin became rich.

Later, in 1859, the color's name was changed to mauve, based on the French name for purple mallow. And so, thanks to a happy accident and the bad experience of a young chemist, the elite color became widespread.

Shades of purple

Shades of purple

Purple is a mysterious and enigmatic color; it emerged from two colors that are completely different in their effects - blue and red, and therefore has absorbed the qualities of both. Blue represents calm and thoughtfulness, while red represents passion, strength, rebellion. Combining such contradictory qualities, purple is most often chosen by creative and vulnerable people, whose mood and opinions are very fickle.

There are many women whose favorite color is purple. They not only choose clothes in all shades of purple, but actively use it in their makeup. Why, some brave people even dye their hair purple! Who the color purple suits, what it can be worn with and how to do it correctly is described below.

Who is the color purple suitable for?

The answer to this question depends on external data: the color of hair, eyes, skin. So, brunettes Pure shades of bright purple are suitable. Indigo and blueberry colors also look good on girls with dark hair and brown eyes. To the owners red, copper hair and green, hazel eyes, shades of violet are suitable, with more red undertones: the color of red grapes, lilac-red, ripe plum. And for those who by nature have fair-haired or another light hair color, blue, gray or gray-green eyes, delicate shades of purple are suitable: lilac, lavender, pale lilac, light gray-violet.

Purple color in clothes: how and with what to wear it?

Purple is not an easy color, so it is not surprising that even some sophisticated fashionistas sometimes get lost, not knowing what to combine this color with.

  • Shades of purple and green look good: emerald, light green, jade, khaki will create a complex and bright image.
  • Yellow and orange shades make purple more vibrant and expressive.
  • The look created using gold and copper colors looks luxurious and elegant.
  • Neutral beige and gray soften the purple color.

When choosing a purple color in clothes, do not overdo it: one or two things in purple tones are enough to look bright and attractive. But a total look in purple is not the best option. The image turns out to be too heavy and repulsive.

If you are going to a celebration, a purple dress will be a good choice to look like a royal. A dress in shades of lilac is appropriate for the office, and light purple is good for summer dresses. Trousers and jeans in purple tones are good for walking and meeting with friends, and a skirt can be worn on dates and at work.

You can complement the look, which uses a purple tint, with accessories in a similar color scheme, or make them (perhaps a handbag, scarf, shoes or something else) a bright spot in the look.

Makeup and hair: how to use purple?

Purple is appropriate in makeup. For brown-eyed young ladies, it will help highlight their eyes, give them depth and expressiveness. Green-eyed people can use it to enlarge their eyes and make their gaze mysterious. The easiest way is to apply lilac eyeshadow to the entire eyelid or create a smokey eye using shades of different intensity. If this move seems too bold for you, use a liner or mascara in a dark purple shade.

If you're ready to experiment, you might like the purple lipstick look. One nuance is important here: choose a shade that suits you, and don’t be afraid of bright colors. This lipstick will draw attention to your lips and will not leave anyone indifferent.

Some girls go much further in their experiments and decide to dye their hair purple. But here you need to choose the right shade that will highlight the beauty of the girl. Typically, purple hair looks good if your natural hair color has cool undertones. It is easier to achieve the desired result on light hair than on dark hair. On the other hand, it is on dark hair that a thick, rich purple color is obtained, while owners of light brown hair can only count on light shades.

Purple color is undoubtedly the most mysterious and ambiguous. It has many shades and even more names. Amethyst, lavender, iris, violet, lilac, fig, prune. So many things in nature have this wonderful and multifaceted color! In 2018, ultra violet was declared the color of the year according to Pantone. We did not stand aside and decided to study the use of purple in the interior. It will be educational and interesting!

reference Information

Purple color in the RGB system and in the hands of the artist is obtained from a mixture of red and blue paints.It corresponds to the shortest wavelength radiation that the human eye can perceive.

The meaning of purple


In color psychology, the following properties are attributed to purple: sensuality, mystery, power and depth. Purple is believed to be calming and help you concentrate. It is preferred by creative people and extraordinary personalities. The color purple evokes associations with the words “mysticism,” “inspiration,” and “unusualness.” They also call it royal. The thing is that in Byzantine times it was very difficult and expensive to obtain purple dye. For thirty grams of paint, it was necessary to obtain 250 thousand rare mollusks with ink secretion. The paint turned out to be very bright and durable, but only truly powerful and royal people could afford such a luxury. In the 19th century, with the advent of synthetic dyes, the situation changed, but purple is still called the “color of monarchs.”


The most mystical color has great significance in various religions.

In Hinduism, the seventh chakra, responsible for “connection with the cosmos” and “awareness,” is assigned the color violet. According to Feng Shui, it symbolizes spirituality and aristocratic spirit. In early Christianity, purple was the color of sadness and affection. Now - secret knowledge and silence. In Islam, purple is responsible for contemplation and mirage, and in Buddhism it is the color of the spiritual father, mentor.

Interesting facts about the color purple

  • Purple color is usually classified as “cold”.
  • In medieval Europe, when a king or any member of the royal family died, courtiers wore purple clothing as a sign of mourning.
  • In 2003, at an Argentine zoo, a doctor gave a polar bear an experimental drug for dermatitis, after which the polar bear changed color, turning purple. As it turned out later, it was an allergic reaction.
  • In the Incan knot writing, the quipu is a purple color (also called dark purple) - denoting a chief who would rule over a village, territory, people.

Different shades of purple


When talking about the color purple, you shouldn’t lose sight of its different variations. Take a closer look at the variety of purple colors and determine for yourself those shades that appeal to you the most. It is useful to take samples of your favorite shades with you to the store or to a meeting with a designer. You can download them to your phone or take with you something of your favorite color, because in different lighting our eyes perceive colors differently. It would be a shame not to match the tone or color temperature.

What can you combine purple with?

You can read about the general rules for combining colors in the interior.


Since purple is a rather complex color, it will look good on its own without additional accents. An advantageous “background” for purple is white or gray.


If you feel comfortable being in a dark space, deep total purple will come to the rescue. Velvet armchairs and heavy curtains will create an enveloping, languid mood - you simply won’t want to go to another room!

An interior with purple accents can also be bright!


For lovers of contrasts, there are complementary combinations. Violet color is favorably emphasized by various shades of yellow. This color scheme sets you in a positive mood and charges you with a good mood for the whole day!


The combination of muted purple and azure looks interesting. Reminiscent of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in France and gives a feeling of lightness and tranquility.


If you feel comfortable being in a dark space, deep total purple will come to the rescue. Velvet armchairs and heavy curtains will create an enveloping, languid mood - you simply won’t want to go to another room! If you like “natural” tones, take a closer look at herbal and muted tones - olive and ocher.

Pure purple does not go well with warm and bright colors - red, orange, blue. Combining purple and gold, you can easily go overboard and get a “vulgar interior” instead of a luxurious palace atmosphere.

Purple color in the interior

Purple living room


The purple color in the living room looks representative, if not luxurious. Choose muted, deep tones if you want to create an unusual but cozy environment.


Bright, flashy shades combined with contrasting colors will suit lovers and turn your living room into a real party!

Royal bedroom


The aroma of lavender has a relaxing effect on a person, and lavender color in the bedroom is guaranteed to relax you before bed.


If you are afraid that you will quickly get tired of purple in the bedroom, use it in doses, in decorative elements.

Lilac kitchen


Purple color + kitchen = Provence style. Live violets or lavender in pots will come in handy. Don't you think this is obvious? Then take a look below.




Purple in the nursery



Purple in the nursery - why not? For girls, calmer tones are suitable. For boys - bright accents and “cartoon” decor. In any case, do not forget to consult with your child. Whatever your apartment is, if you really love the color purple, it’s definitely worth using in your interior design! Don't be afraid to experiment. And if you want interesting things about color, light, zoning, in general, about everything related to design, subscribe to our newsletter, let's be friends.

What does this mysterious color mean?


Color meaning

A closed and self-sufficient color, the right to wear which was awarded only to kings - purple. We always associate it with the area of ​​mysticism and magic.

Color meaning:

    • focusing on the inner world
    • craving for the unknown
    • desire for self-improvement
    • detachment from everyday problems.

Creates an atmosphere of isolation and encourages long-term thinking. Therefore, psychologists do not recommend using this color in interior design of the work area.

Combination in the interior

Shades of purple must be combined with shades that contrast with it. The ideal combination for this color would be sand and gray.
"Yellow and Purple"- a bright combination that characterizes dynamic personalities. Place accents correctly using yellow and get an unusual and bright space design.
The richness of shades of lilac provides for interior design in Empire or vintage style. This color is an excellent basis for all kinds of forged grilles, old paintings in heavy gilded frames, trophies on the walls, massive mirrors, etc.
The shade of purple is magenta. Known to mankind since antiquity. The favorite shade of the rulers of the people. Looks great in combination with orange, turquoise or lingonberry.
Add a little gothic: combination black and purple will help you with this. Pomp and sophistication are the main features of these colors. However, not everyone can match these colors. And it’s not about status, but about mental and emotional health. For many, the gothic atmosphere is simply depressing.
Create a place for relaxation in your apartment using purple and turquoise. These colors will bring you a feeling of calm and harmony with your inner world. Purple walls and curtains with sea green furniture will create a unique color look, and pastel accents will complement it artfully.

Purple color is variable in its use. Gothic or vintage, modern or ethnic style - the use of purple and its shades will complement or form the basis for your unique interior.



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