10 Ideas for Using Pantone’s Ultra-Violet 2018 Color of the Year in Your House

Rachel BroughamUpdated: Jan. 10, 2023

If you're looking for an inexpensive way to liven up a tired room, ultra-violet is a dramatic and complex choice. As Pantone's 2018 Color of the Year, ultra-violet is a bold color that is often associated with mindfulness and is full of emotion. Here are 10 ideas for using ultra-violet in your home without going overboard.

1 / 10

shutterstock_650771770 ultra violet paint color couch

Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Use as an Accent

Due to its boldness, ultra-violet may not be a color you want to use throughout your entire living room. Instead, try using the hue on an accent wall for a dramatic burst of color.

Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

2 / 10

shutterstock_155198090 purple violet picture frames

peerasak kamngoen/Shutterstock

On Frames

If you have a gallery wall, try using ultra-violet to add some color to the space. Paint old picture or mirror frames ultra-violet for an unexpected twist.

Photo: peerasak kamngoen/Shutterstock

3 / 10

Interior Design/Shutterstock

Your Bedroom

Purple is full of drama, so spice up your bedroom walls with ultra-violet. A rich purple works well with white linens and the deep color is stunning with dim lighting.

Photo: Interior Design/Shutterstock

4 / 10

shutterstock_375763642 purple office space

Pair with Pinks, Blues

If you’re looking to pair ultra-violet with other colors, look for shades in the same color family. Ultra-violet pairs well with pinks and blues, but can also work with some oranges for a dramatic twist.

Photo: VOJTa Herout/Shutterstock

5 / 10

archideaphoto/Shutterstock

Add Jewel Tones

Ultra-violet is a jacked-up amethyst color that can work well with an unexpected pop of ruby red. Then add brightness and elegance to your space with a mirror in a dusty-gold frame.

Photo: archideaphoto/Shutterstock

6 / 10

Add Some Black

Black, another dramatic color, pairs well with ultra-violet. Try mixing an ultra-violet wall with a black fireplace and dark wood or black furniture.

Photo: Courtesy of extrasoft.us

7 / 10

shutterstock_83025514 purple bed pillows

stockerman/Shutterstock

Ultra-Violet Accessories

Not ready for ultra-violet on your walls? Try adding some purple accent pillows, a blanket or a rug to liven up the space and make it feel cozy and inviting.

Photo: stockerman/Shutterstock

8 / 10

shutterstock_405317956 purple chairs formal living room

petereleven/Shutterstock

Purple Furniture

Go bold with a purple couch or purple chairs. You can also refinish those old dining chairs and paint them ultra-violet.

Photo: petereleven/Shutterstock

9 / 10

shutterstock_321707927 purple curtains window treatments white living room

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Update Your Window Treatments

For an instant update to a room, add some deep purple curtains. Curtains can also help you save energy and cut costs on your utility bills.

Photo: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

10 / 10

shutterstock_602113925 purple front door brick house

WhiteMoon/Shutterstock

Paint the Front Door

Up your home’s curb appeal with a stylish hue on your front door. Purple will work well on gray-, white- and charcoal-colored homes, and is stunning when paired with brick.

Find out what you can do with the Pantone color 0f 2023, next.

Photo: WhiteMoon/Shutterstock

Originally Published: July 14, 2021

Rachel Brougham

Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.