Top Designers Reveal the 16 Best Purple Paint Colors They Absolutely Swear By

The article explores the resurgence of purple hues in interior design, highlighting its versatility and impact on home aesthetics. Experts in color and interior design predict a wide array of purple shades, including lilac, pastel lavenders, plums, and aubergines, will be prominent in homes in 2026, particularly for paint applications. Despite historical misconceptions about purple being challenging to incorporate into home decor due to its perceived loudness or difficulty in pairing with other colors, designers affirm its endless possibilities. Jennifer Worts, a Toronto-based designer, emphasizes purple's unique duality, blending the calming effects of blue with the energetic qualities of red. This allows purple to evoke tranquility in lighter shades and luxury and sophistication in deeper tones, making it a color that exudes confidence and creativity while adding an elegant soul to any room. Selecting the appropriate shade of any color for home interiors can be a daunting task, and purple is no exception. To assist homeowners, the article compiles recommendations from leading interior designers on their preferred purple paint colors and offers guidance on how to integrate these shades into various projects. Jennifer Worts endorses Farrow & Ball's Paean Black, describing it as a luxurious, dark, and rich alternative to traditional black. She notes its hidden black-purple undertone, which reveals itself under certain lighting, adding a mysterious and sophisticated depth. Worts suggests applying it in an Estate Emulsion for a soft suede effect or in a Full Gloss finish for an opulent and edgy look. Kevin Kaminski and Alexis Pew of Kaminski + Pew advise choosing purple shades that lean towards muted brown or red, or lighter tones that resemble pale gray, to avoid a polarizing effect. They recommend Sherwin-Williams' Borscht, a deep red-burgundy with subtle purple undertones, which they recently used in a laundry room for its mysterious quality. Lidia Valdivia of Moonstone Design & Build champions Sherwin-Williams' River Rouge, a mauve-purple that adds instant depth and beautifully contrasts with brass fixtures. Victoria Armour of Stil James suggests Benjamin Moore's Batik, a balanced shade with enough taupe and gray to maintain sophistication, yet a soft mauve undertone for warmth and interest. She describes it as a chameleon color, suitable for both playful children's rooms and elegant kitchens. Liz Caan of Liz Caan & Co. favors Benjamin Moore's Spring Iris, a soft, sweet lavender that pairs well with greens and coral pinks, noted for its classic and fresh feel without being overwhelming. Gray Walker of Gray Walker Interiors recommends Benjamin Moore's Lavender Mist or Misty Lilac for light, gray-tinged lavenders, and Black Raspberry or Mystical Grape for bolder expressions. She advises testing paint colors on walls under various lighting conditions before finalizing a choice. Erin Gates of Erin Gates Design and Leslie Banker of Leslie Banker Interiors both praise Farrow & Ball's Brinjal, a dark, plummy hue ideal for studies or smaller rooms with intricate millwork, particularly when applied in mixed sheens for dramatic effect. Banker highlights its redder undertone, making it warm and inviting, especially for a library setting. Amy Sklar of Amy Sklar Design suggests Benjamin Moore's Abalone and White Heaven for pale lavender and mauve interiors. Abalone offers a light gray with a hint of mauve, while White Heaven features cooler lilac undertones. Both colors complement natural woods and creamy whites, creating sophisticated bedroom and dining room environments. Linda Hayslett of LH.Design recommends Webster Avenue by Magnolia Home, a calming and sophisticated purple that provides a comforting, cocoon-like feel when applied in a flat or low-sheen finish. Jeff Andrews of Jeff Andrews Design and Anne Hepfer endorse Farrow & Ball's Pelt, a moody, rich eggplant purple that adds drama and allows other decor elements to stand out, especially in bright, sunny rooms or smaller, cozy spaces. Wendy Labrum of Wendy Labrum Interiors points to Benjamin Moore's Kasbah as an ideal purple, rich in gray and brown undertones, giving it an organic, earthy feel. This shade pairs well with veined marbles, rich woods, and plush textures, making it suitable for dramatic primary bathrooms or cozy living rooms. Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors favors Benjamin Moore's Dark Purple for its rich, mysterious quality, perfect for adding glamour and drama, especially when paired with brass finishes and luxurious fabrics. Bradley Odom of Bradley Odom Interiors appreciates Benjamin Moore's Dark Walnut for its deep, saturated, and complex purple tones, creating a surprising and delightful effect in spaces like a closed pantry. Jennifer Hunter of Jennifer Hunter Design suggests Clare Paint's Prince, a rich deep purple that, when combined with aged brass hardware, is perfect for millwork in pantries or mudrooms, creating instant drama. Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects, who grew up with a purple front door, advocates for bold purple selections, recommending Benjamin Moore's Mauve Bauhaus for playful bathrooms, laundry rooms, bedrooms, or even ceilings to add whimsy. Finally, Meredith Ellis of Meredith Ellis Design highlights Farrow & Ball's Peignoir, a subtle gray-lavender that is romantic and soft, providing an excellent backdrop for strong colors and enhancing architectural details or softening antiques. #PurplePaintColors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorTrends2026 #DesignerRecommendations #PaintSelection #FarrowAndBall #BenjaminMoore #SherwinWilliams #MagnoliaHome #ClarePaint #PurplePaintColors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorTrends2026 #DesignerRecommendations #PaintSelection #FarrowAndBall #BenjaminMoore #SherwinWilliams #MagnoliaHome #ClarePaint