Ah, purple. It can be a divisive, love-it-or-hate-it color, and in-home decor, it can be downright intimidating—even if you love it! While it’s true that a daring shade like fuchsia can be tough to pull off in most homes, the beauty of purple is its versatility. Creating a space that feels like home, especially during times of transition, can bring comfort and stability, and personalizing it with colors like purple, from calming lavenders to bold plums, can turn any room into a sanctuary. If you’re exploring ways to embrace a purple aesthetic, this guide can be a jumping-off point for your journey into the dramatic and comforting world of purple home decor.
Purple: A Brief History
Purple dye was once a rare, costly commodity. The first recorded use of purple dye was around 1200 BCE in the city of Tyre, part of modern-day Lebanon. This dye came from the mucus of a particular type of snail, and making a tiny bit required thousands of snails. That caused the dye to be incredibly expensive and a highly sought-after status symbol, typically worn by royalty and elites. In some ancient places, there were even laws regarding who was allowed to wear purple!
It wasn’t until the 19th century that a chemist trying to create a malaria treatment accidentally created a cheap, synthetic purple dye, opening it up to the masses. It became a staple in Victorian fashion and has been a mainstay in apparel and decor ever since.
Why Decorate With Purple?
Even though we can now produce purple cheaply and easily, the color has maintained its mysterious and luxurious associations. Depending on the shade, purple can be whimsical, enigmatic, inspiring, moody, and uplifting. A bold eggplant color can make a profound statement in a color-drenched living room, while a soft lavender color can transform a bedroom into a relaxing retreat.
How to Use Shades of Purple by Style
Despite its versatility, purple can be an intimidating shade to embrace. Even pale shades like periwinkle can feel bold in a sea of beige! Here are a few different ways to use purple based on your home’s style.
Cottagecore and Purple
There are so many different subsets of cottagecore that your best shade of purple can depend on your specific cottagecore flavor.
- Light-hearted, traditional cottagecore: Draw inspiration from delicate wisteria and add light purple accents to your space. An aesthetic dark lavender room isn’t out of place here, either.
- Witchy dark cottagecore: Look to your crystals for inspo – rich amethyst can make a striking accent wall in a moody living room. Purple is also an excellent choice for a monochrome design in a witchy house!
- Fairy cottagecore: You’ve made a fairy-inspired space without lavender?! Glittery, pale shades of purple add an enchanting and whimsical touch to your space. Looking for purple bedroom ideas? Try lilac linens on your bed. Bonus points for floral prints!
Mid-Century Modern and Purple
Purple isn’t necessarily a standard MCM color but can add an unexpected twist to your style. Turn to purple for a dramatic, artsy statement piece, like a purple accent chair in deep plum. Jewel-toned glassware is also common in a midcentury modern style, so start searching your local thrift stores for the perfect chunky purple cocktail glasses!
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Farmhouse and Purple
Purple can bring a charming pop of color to your farmhouse style. Light purples can blend perfectly with your whites and cream tones, especially purple-tinted gray. A dusty, dark lavender room wouldn’t be out of place. Consider purple for your textiles, like throw pillows and rugs. Or, add dried lavender or wildflowers to your floral arrangements; a wreath of dried lavender will look and smell wonderful in your space.
Boho, Eclectic, Maximalist, and Purple
Boho and similar colorful styles allow purple to shine. And really, you can go wild with the purples in these styles! Jewel-toned, rich purples can work as accent walls, furniture focal points, or vibrant artwork. Indigo rugs and pillows, lilac tapestries, and magenta chairs are all fair game. Find a shade you adore and add it to your home however you like. The beauty of these eclectic styles is that there aren’t any rules! From dark and moody interior design to vibrant boho, purple is your friend.
Customized Furniture Rental From CORT
No matter how you want to use purple in your home, you need classic, timeless furniture to pair with it.
CORT is here to support you every step of the way, making it easy to create a home that reflects your unique style, whatever that may be. Whether you’re staying for a few months, moving for work, or settling into a new city, CORT’s flexible furniture rental options help you set up a space that feels like home without the pressure of a long-term commitment.
Explore CORT’s wide selection at CORT.com and imagine the possibilities. Our curated range of classic, versatile pieces makes it simple to find options that suit your tastes, from timeless essentials to unique statement pieces. As you browse, you’ll see how each piece could bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to your new space.
With CORT, you’re in control—you decide what you need and how long you need it, allowing you to personalize your home without the hassle of buying, moving, or storing furniture. Every item is delivered and set up with expert care, ready to be enjoyed right away, so you can settle in quickly and comfortably. When it’s time for your next move or a new design direction, the only finger you have to lift is the one you use to schedule the most convenient pickup time. We’ll take care of the rest, retrieving each item so you can focus on your next chapter with ease.
Ready to make your new space feel like home? Start by exploring the selection on CORT.com or your local CORT showroom today and see how easy it can be to create a space that grows with you, wherever life takes you.
