Do Red and Purple Go Together? These 6 Design Ideas Prove They Do!

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(Image credit: Viv Yapp)

If you’re looking to turn heads with your home’s interior decor, you won’t want to overlook using red and purple as design elements. When it feels like everything has been “done” before, this combo doesn’t disappoint. 

A color wheel will tell you that red and purple should not be combined, since the hallmark of interior design is the use of contrasting colors or monotone colors to create an interesting space. Red and blue combine to make purple, and purple and red combine to make magenta. That means red and blue or purple and magenta will create a harmonious interior that is pleasing to the eye.

Trust us; red and purple home decor can be absolutely breathtaking when done correctly. Just take a look at some of these examples if you’re unsure.

Try a purple rug.

It’s okay to start small when making dramatic design choices. If you have a room with red walls, throw down an area rug with purple in it. Whether it’s a dramatic, mostly purple rug or just one with some violet accents like the one shown here, you really can’t go wrong. 

Add contrasting bedding.

This cozy but eclectic New Jersey loft shows a bright bedspread providing the perfect accompaniment to dramatic red walls. Adding bedding or other textiles is a great way to decorate with red and purple accents. 

Credit: Viv Yapp

Incorporate throw pillows.

In this living room, a couch full of pillows with bright red accents sits in stark contrast to the violet wall behind them. 

Credit: @walmart.com

Start small with art.

Not ready to go full on red and purple? Try adding a few pieces of wall art in red and purple, like this one from Walmart. Pretty flowers in these two contrasting hues will look beautiful on your wall, and will allow you to pepper in other accent pieces in red and purple.

Go all out.

Another option? Lean into the red and purple movement like this boho kitchen from www.bohemiancottage.com has done. Red walls and a purple ceiling are dramatic enough, but that’s just the beginning! Here, even the chairs and lighting feature these contrasting colors. 

Try painting your doors and windows.

This living space is another that really goes all out with the red and purple color scheme. Purple painted doors and a purple rug combine with red bedding and curtains for an eclectic look.