Mauve color is that lovely spot between blueish purple and pink: Our Complete Paint & Supplies decor experts compare it to a soft lavender toned down with gray and a touch of brown. It's dusty, sophisticated, and never overly sweet. Those gray undertones make it feel grown-up and refined, but never stuffy or too formal.
Mauve colors were popular during the Victorian era and have made countless comebacks since then. Today's Benjamin Moore Paint versions range from barely there neutrals to richer, more saturated options that make exciting design statements.
If you've avoided this hue in the past, it's more versatile than you think. And after you've read our ideas, you will see mauve in a whole new light.
Using Mauve Paint Throughout Your Home
Bedrooms become instant sanctuaries with mauve on the walls. Benjamin Moore's Tropical Dusk 2117-40 leans toward a soft, deep purple for a calming atmosphere that helps you unwind after long days. Prefer something lighter? Try Hint of Mauve 2114-60, a paler option with neutral, brown, and shy purple elements.
Your living room can handle a mauve accent wall without feeling too dramatic. Deep Mauve 1265 is a traditional, rich mauve that pairs wonderfully with white trim for a fresh, current look. It adds personality without overwhelming your space or clashing with your furniture. We like it painted on walls behind sofas or as a backdrop for built-in shelving.
Dining rooms take on an unexpected elegance with deeper mauve shades. Mauve Blush 2115-40 brings richness to the table with a mid-range, traditional color profile. Add brass or gold light fixtures, and you've got yourself a seriously stylish space. The gray undertones in this mauve prevent it from feeling too bold or intimidating.
What Goes Well with Mauve Color?
Believe it or not, soft sage greens feel absolutely natural next to mauve tones. Saybrook Sage HC-114 creates a balanced, organic pairing that never feels forced. We love how this combination makes kitchens and bathrooms look super-sophisticated.
Warm neutrals ground mauve beautifully, if you prefer that approach instead. White Winged Dove 1457 makes an ideal trim color that lets your mauve walls take center stage; the creamy warmth of this white prevents your space from feeling stark. On the darker side, Chelsea Gray HC-168 adds contrast and depth to lighter mauve paint colors.
If you're willing to experiment with out-of-the-box complementary colors, try Hale Navy HC-154 as an accent color. This deeply saturated navy blue delivers a serious visual punch. Don't worry about overdoing it; you only need small amounts to get the right effect against a paler mauve color.
Finishes and Materials
Gold and brass fixtures look stunning against mauve colors. These warm metallics feel luxurious without being fussy when used on cabinet hardware, lighting, or picture frames.
Medium to dark wood tones work beautifully as well: Oak, walnut, and cherry all complement mauve paint naturally.
Start Your Project with Benjamin Moore Paint from Complete Paint & Supplies
Complete Paint & Supplies makes choosing the perfect paint easier. Our team will explain how different shades appear in various lighting conditions and which colors complement each other best. We feature Benjamin Moore PPG interior/exterior paint, paint supplies, and equipment. Stop by or contact us for information in Service Areas: Petoskey, Charlevoix, Boyne City, Harbor Springs, and Cheboygan, MI.