Is purple making a comeback for 2025? Designers and color experts weigh in on this divisive and nostalgic shade

While color trends come and go, purple is one of those divisive colors that we haven't seen as a major color trend in a long while. Often associated with the '90s and early noughties, purple is a statement color that feels nostalgic, and can risk appearing dated when used in home decor.

However, that once-held view is starting to shift. As we edge toward 2025, designers are championing decorating with purple, and it may just be the unexpected color trend you need to know about.

Here, we speak to designers and color experts about this emerging color trend, who explain the benefits of embracing purple room ideas – whether the deepest shades of violet or much softer lilacs.

Is purple making a comeback?

Purple is looking to be firmly on the map for 2025. This unexpected, daring hue has been cropping up in coveted paint brands' Color of the Year announcements, meaning it may finally be time to reconsider this once-dated color.

From Benjamin Moore's much-anticipated Cinnamon Slate, a brown and purple hybrid to Glidden's Purple Basil, a much richer, deep purple paint; purple is one to have on your radar for the year ahead.

'As far as polarising colors go, purple is one of the most divisive shades in the decorator’s color palette,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'However, it offers a broad range of dynamic hues, from deep mulberry through to delicate off-white violets which, when used astutely, can be transformative.'

For interior designer Swati Goorha, the resurgence of purple is all about bringing its comforting and familiar qualities into modern homes, providing a welcomed feeling of calm amid livelier color trends:

'Purple's resurgence as a key color trend for 2025 reflects a blend of nostalgia and modernity. Historically associated with creativity, spirituality, and luxury, purple evokes a sense of calm and introspection, making it especially appealing in today's fast-paced world.

'I imagine we'll see various shades of purple – lavender, deep violet, and soft mauve – integrated into interior design. In home decor, lighter purples can create serene spaces perfect for relaxation, while deeper tones might add a touch of drama and sophistication. Expect to see purple in textiles, accent walls, and even furniture.

'The resurgence of purple can symbolize a yearning for creativity and emotional connection, making it a powerful choice in 2025.'

What are the benefits of decorating with purple?

'Purple has always been a color of depth and mystery, and with its resurgence in 2025, this hue speaks to a societal shift toward introspection, warmth, and connection,' explains Erica McLain, founder of McLain by Design Interiors. 'In design, colors evoke psychological responses that deeply impact our well-being, and these earthy, nostalgic tones of purple – raisin, burgundy, blackberry, and lavender – are poised to create spaces that nurture and uplift us.'

'In color theory, purple symbolizes luxury, wisdom, and tranquility. Its varied shades can either calm or energize, making it versatile for different spaces and functions within the home. Deep purples like blackberry or raisin elicit a grounding effect, while lighter tones like lavender offer calm and balance,' adds Erica.

In addition to its psychological benefits, purple is said to be a versatile color that pairs well with many interior design styles.

'The perfect pop of purple works in just about every setting I can think of,' adds interior designer Nadia Watts. 'There is an easy elegance to purple, it’s powerful and playful at the same time. Mauve brings nostalgia, grace, and sentimentality; violet offers peace and prosperity while ultraviolet conjures mystery and transformation. Not only is there a purple for every palette, there is a purple for every mood.'

And while purple is more commonly regarded as a cool color, it can actually translate well to both cool color schemes and warm color schemes: 'My favorite thing about the color purple is that it really can read as warm or cool, depending on the specific shade and what it's paired with,' says designer Kathy Kuo.

Which shades of purple are we going to see more of?

With so much variety within the realm of purple, there are plenty of shades to best suit your space. Whether you prefer deep and moody purples or much lighter, softer versions, designers expect various shades of purple to take center stage next year.

'Purple is versatile – its varying shades, from lavender to deep plum, evoke a sense of tranquility and depth,' explains Donna Mondi of Donna Mondi Interior Design, who opted for a light purple scheme in this purple bedroom.

'In a recent bedroom project, I used soft, muted tones to enhance a restful, intimate environment,' the designer adds. 'Purple can function both as a gentle accent and a bold focal point.'

Since light purple paint colors are so soft, they can make a great alternative to decorating with neutrals, providing more interest and depth while maintaining a calming feel:

'Paler pigments lend a fresh, playful feel to a room,' says Helen Shaw. 'They offer a great alternative to traditional neutrals as the undertone lends a hint of warmth which soothes whilst still offering a touch of energy.'

Alternatively, darker and richer shades of purple are a great way to add drama to the home, especially when used boldly with color-drenching ideas.

'Color drenching a deep, rich, saturated shade will instantly add a unique feeling of grandeur and luxury that’s hard to replicate with any other color,' Helen adds. 'Using the darkest shades from floor to ceiling will trick the eye into thinking the room is larger, whilst plenty of natural light will show how dynamic the color can be.'

But it's not just about paint ideas, decorating with purple can be just as effective when used through decor. 'Deeper hues like plum and aubergine can make a powerful statement in rugs, especially in bold patterns or as rich, solid backdrops,' suggests Donna Mondi. 'These rugs add depth and sophistication to a space, allowing the floor itself to become a focal point. They work beautifully in modern and eclectic spaces, grounding the room.'

For a more playful look, turn to vibrant purples which fall somewhere between light and dark – another on-trend way to carry forth this color trend. These hues can be a great way to create a colorful focal point in the home, suggests Helen Shaw:

'For a less serious and more playful approach, brighter mid-tones which can be trickier to use are perfect for picking out architectural details such as staircases or architraves. Taking it a step further you can pair them with a zesty complementary shade. This color combination is perfect for creating fun small spaces or designing a focal point such as a bookshelf or piece of cabinetry.'

Whether you're already on board with this bold color trend and are ready to paint the walls a bold purple hue or want to maintain a neutral look and add small hints of purple through decor, you can be sure that decorating with purple is in style for the year ahead.