Red and green are fine. They’re classic. But honestly, they can feel a little bit like a uniform after a while, can't they? If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest lately or wandering the aisles of a high-end department store like Liberty London, you’ve probably noticed something shifting. People are moving toward a christmas tree decorated purple because it does something red simply can't: it creates mood.
It’s moody. It’s regal. It’s slightly mysterious.
Purple isn’t just one thing, either. You’ve got your deep, dark plums that look almost black in low light, and then you’ve got those bright, electric magentas that practically scream for attention. It’s a versatile color that most people are scared to use because they think it’ll look like a child’s birthday party. But if you do it right? It looks like a million bucks.
The Psychology of the Purple Palette
Color theorists have long associated purple with luxury and the subconscious. Historically, the dye for purple (Tyrian purple) was so expensive that only royalty could afford it. We still carry that mental association today. When you see a tree dripping in amethyst and violet, your brain registers "expensive" before you even check the price tag on the ornaments.
There's also a calming effect. Green and purple are secondary colors that sit in a very interesting spot on the color wheel. They offer a high contrast that feels sophisticated rather than jarring. If you’re tired of the high-energy "vibrance" of traditional bright red, a cool-toned purple can actually make your living room feel more like a sanctuary and less like a gift shop.
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Getting the Lighting Right (The Mistake Everyone Makes)
If you throw standard warm-white incandescent bulbs on a purple tree, you might be disappointed. Warm lights have a yellow tint. What happens when you mix yellow light with purple ornaments? You get brown. It muddies the color.
To make a christmas tree decorated purple truly pop, you want to lean into cool-white LEDs or, if you're feeling brave, blue-tinted lights. This keeps the violets looking crisp. If you’re using a flocked tree (the ones that look like they’ve been hit by a blizzard), the purple ornaments will stand out even more because the white background acts as a primer.
Think about the "glow."
Professional designers often layer their lights. Start with a strand of purple fairy lights deep near the trunk to create a sense of internal depth. Then, use cool white on the outer branches to illuminate the actual glass ornaments. It’s about layers.
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Mixing Textures and Metals
Don't just buy a box of shiny purple balls and call it a day. That’s how you end up with a tree that looks flat. You need variety.
- Matte Ornaments: These soak up the light and provide a resting place for the eye.
- Glitter and Sequin: These are your high-points. Use them sparingly on the tips of branches.
- Velvet Ribbons: This is the secret weapon. Deep plum velvet ribbon cascaded vertically down the tree adds a tactile luxury that plastic or glass just can't mimic.
And let’s talk about metals. Gold and purple is the "Royal" look. It’s warm, heavy, and traditional. Silver and purple is the "Winter Wonderland" look. It’s icy, modern, and very clean. Lately, rose gold has entered the chat, and it’s surprisingly effective with lavender tones. It softens the whole look.
Beyond the Baubles: Creative Fillers
A great tree isn't just made of ornaments. You need "fillers" to bridge the gaps between the branches. For a purple theme, consider using dried lavender sprigs. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also smell incredible when the heater is running.
You could also use dyed eucalyptus or even oversized faux peacock feathers if you’re going for a more maximalist, boho-chic vibe. The goal is to break up the triangular shape of the tree with different silhouettes.
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Is a Purple Tree Too Trendy?
Some people worry that a christmas tree decorated purple will look dated in three years. Honestly? Everything looks dated eventually. But purple has a staying power that "neon orange" or "millennial pink" doesn't. It’s rooted in liturgical traditions (Advent often uses purple) and high-fashion history.
If you’re worried about commitment, start small. You don't have to buy a purple artificial tree. Stick with a high-quality Nordmann Fir or a Fraser Fir. The dark green needles of a real tree provide a stunning, moody backdrop for violet decor. It’s a lot more forgiving than a bright white tree.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for a Professional Look
- Choose your "Lead" Purple: Pick one specific shade (like Royal Velvet or Pale Lilac) to be your dominant color. This should make up about 60% of your decor.
- Pick a Metallic Sidekick: Decide now—Gold, Silver, or Champagne. Don't mix all three unless you really know what you're doing.
- The "Big-Medium-Small" Rule: Buy ornaments in three distinct sizes. Most people only buy medium ones. You need giant 6-inch baubles to tuck deep into the branches to create "weight," and tiny ones for the very tips.
- Ribbon Tucking: Instead of wrapping the ribbon around the tree like a mummy, cut it into 12-inch strips and "tuck" them into the branches to create loops. It looks much more high-end.
- The Topper: Forget the cheap plastic star. A large, oversized bow made of wired purple velvet or a cluster of silver ting-ting branches creates a much more modern silhouette.
The beauty of this color scheme is that it transitions perfectly into the New Year. While red and green feel "over" on December 26th, a purple and silver tree feels festive and wintery all the way through January. It’s a sophisticated way to embrace the darkest months of the year without feeling like you’re stuck in a gingerbread house.
Focus on the depth of the shades you choose. Avoid the "grape soda" bright purples unless you’re going for a retro-kitsch look. Instead, look for tones that remind you of red wine, midnight skies, or dusty heather. Those are the colors that will make your neighbors stop and stare through the window.
To get started, audit your current ornament collection. You likely already have silver or gold pieces that will work perfectly. Simply adding two or three tubes of deep violet baubles and some purple floral picks from a craft store can completely transform your existing setup without requiring a total overhaul of your holiday storage bins.