Purple guest bedroom ideas and inspo.

What’s the best way to design and decorate a purple guest bedroom?

Whether you are designing for yourself or someone else, guest bedrooms should be cozy and comfortable, providing a space to unwind, recharge, and escape the chaos of the world. Even if your typical design style is more maximalist, guest bedrooms usually lean more minimalist to offer a serene backdrop for a good night’s sleep. Guest bedroom layouts are also more simple. The square footage of your guest bedroom and size of your bed frame will typically dictate the best layout.

Whether you're in the process of a guest bedroom remodel or looking to makeover your existing one, these are the key elements to include in your design:|

• Paint or Wallpaper: Bedroom walls set the mood for the space. Select a color or pattern that complements the style you want to achieve. We are partial to covering walls, ceilings, and trim in a uniform paint color to create a cohesive look. Or consider an accent wall to serve as a focal point.
• Bed: The bed is the centerpiece and typical focal point of any bedroom, providing a comfortable and restful place to sleep. It typically includes a mattress, bed frame, and headboard. Your purple style can really shine by selecting bedding (sheets, duvet covers, and pillows) that match the aesthetic.
• Nightstands: Nightstands (or bedside tables) are small tables or cabinets placed on either side of the bed. They provide a convenient surface for placing bedside lamps, alarm clocks, books, and other personal items. Pro tip: Bedside tables should be placed 2-4 inches from the bed frame and no more than 24 inches deep (any deeper and it can be pretty uncomfortable to get in and out of bed). If you choose to add a table lamp or a sconce, keep in mind the depth of the light to ensure you have enough space on the bedside table.
• Area Rug: It’s common to include an area rug in a bedroom for extra warmth and coziness. There are three common layout options for rugs in the bedroom. Option 1, place the bed and nightstands entirely on the rug. Option 2, place ⅔ of the bed on the rug, with 24 inches extending beyond the sides of the bed. Option 3, place two runners along each side of the bed (the runners should be wider than the bedside tables, if possible).
• Decorative Lighting: Combine task, ambient, and accent lighting for a layered lighting scheme. Typically in a bedroom, you’d want a flush surface mount or chandelier on the ceiling and wall-mounted sconces or table lamps on each side of the bed. Consider the placement of lighting fixtures to eliminate shadows and evenly light the space. Dimmer switches can adjust the mood.
• Curtains or Blinds: In bedrooms, window treatments are not just design statements. They help promote a restful sleep environment, while also adding a layer of privacy and warmth. Opting for blackout or heavy, lined curtains can enhance these effects, making them perfect for ensuring comfort and tranquility. Don’t forget a curtain rod!
• ** Bedroom Decor**: From accent pillows and throw blankets to bedside table lamps and wall art, bedroom accessories should be both functional and decorative. Coordinate the color and pattern with the overall bedroom color scheme and style to bring your design vision to life.

Get creative and have fun with your guest bedroom! If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on How To Design a Bedroom.

How do you decorate with purple?

Decorating with purple can bring a sense of elegance and sophistication to a guest bedroom. Purple is historically known as a regal color (since purple dye was the most expensive color dye to make way back when). Today, it is still commonly associated with luxury and also creativity.

Purple can adapt to various spaces depending on its shade. Soft lavenders and lilacs bring a fresh, airy feel to living spaces and bathrooms or can instill a sense of calm and serenity in bedrooms or quiet corners meant for relaxation. Darker shades of purple, like plum or aubergine, can make dining areas or libraries feel more intimate and luxurious.

The perception of purple can change significantly under different lighting conditions. Natural light tends to bring out the vibrancy in purple, especially lighter shades, making them appear more luminous. In artificial lighting, the richness of darker purples can be enhanced, adding a cozy, enveloping feel to a room.

To allow purple to shine without overwhelming, pair it with neutral tones. Grays, beiges, and soft whites complement purple beautifully, providing a muted backdrop for purple to pop. For a vibrant and eye-catching palette, pair purple with its complementary color, yellow, creating a dynamic contrast. For a more dramatic effect, consider deep charcoals or ruby reds to heighten the intensity and richness of darker purples. Analogous colors like blues and reds create a more harmonious and cohesive look.

Use patterns and textures to introduce purple in a more nuanced way. Floral patterns, geometric prints, or textured fabrics like velvet or silk in purple can lend a tactile and visual richness to your guest bedroom, making it more engaging and layered.