Mauve isn’t just a blast from the past — it’s a color that’s stood the test of time, showing up in everything from historical art pieces to modern home designs.
Why? Because mauve has an incredible talent for setting the mood — think of it as the playlist of your room, setting the tone from chill vibes to vibrant energy.
What’s more, designers love this paint color for its adaptability. Mauve can be your home’s leading star or a supporting actor, fitting into any room like it was made for it.
In the next few minutes, I’ll explain everything you should know about mauve and share the 10 best mauve paint colors for 2024.
What Color is Mauve?
Mauve is a complex color that sits somewhere between purple and pink — think of it as the sophisticated cousin in the purple family.
👇 Jump to the top mauve paint colors
It is a mood ring for your room. Lighter shades can create tranquility and a sense of peace, which is why many designers opt for mauve in bedrooms and reading nooks.
Darker shades, on the other hand, can add a layer of luxury and drama, making it perfect for spaces like dining rooms where you might want a more intimate setting.
Is It Warm or Cool?
It’s versatile. Light mauves with blue undertones are cooler, making a room feel expansive and airy. Warmer mauves with reddish undertones create a cozy, welcoming vibe.
This adaptability to both warm and cool schemes is part of why designers view mauve as a go-to transitional color.
Brief History of Mauve
Mauve color was one of the first synthetic dyes discovered in 1856 by English chemist William Perkin. Its name is derived from the French word “malva,” which means mallow flower.
Mauve enjoyed its popularity in the 1980s as a staple of chic, opulent interior styles. And yep — it’s enjoying a 21st-century renaissance in the world of design right now.
In a nutshell, mauve isn’t just a color — it’s an interior design powerhouse, capable of transforming your space in ways you might not have imagined.
10 Best Mauve Paint Colors for 2024
Before we dive into the list, I want to note that this isn’t a countdown of colors from good to best.
Each paint color has a unique vibe and potential, so think of this as a curated collection with no single winner.
Make Mine Mauve – PPG
A medium shade with a romantic vibe, Make Mine Mauve has a relatively high LRV (Light Reflectance Value), making it a good choice for spaces that you want to brighten up.
Its neutral undertones make it versatile, fitting well in living rooms or as an accent wall in a bedroom.
Matching Colors: Calm, Portland Gray, White Dove, Silhouette
Setting Plaster – F&B
Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball offers a modern twist on a classic shade. This paint color has both warm and cool undertones, making it incredibly versatile for any space.
Matching Colors: Olive Green, Soft Charcoal, Seashell Pink
Moody Mauve – PPG
Don’t let the name fool you — Moody Mauve can lift your spirits.
This color leans more towards a plum shade, making it great for creating a cozy atmosphere, perhaps in a dining room or a study.
Matching Colors: Frosted Jade, New House White, Plumville
Mauve Finery – SW
Mauve Finery from Sherwin-Williams strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and approachability.
Its warm undertones create an inviting atmosphere, making it a good pick for communal spaces like a living room or kitchen.
Matching Colors: Toasted Almond, Sea Salt, Urban Jungle
Wisp of Mauve – BM
Wisp of Mauve by Benjamin Moore is a lighter shade that brings a breath of fresh air to any room.
Its cool undertones make it ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms, where a calming aura is beneficial.
Matching Colors: Lunar Blue, Fresh Mint, Tranquil Bay
Dusty Mauve – BM
With a name like Dusty Mauve, you’d expect a more subdued shade, and this one delivers.
It has a vintage feel, making it perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to modern settings.
Matching Colors: Antique White, Urban Bronze, Cozy Cottage
Mauve Magic – PPG
Mauve Magic leans into the pink side of mauve, offering a lively energy that can bring a playful tone to a room. This color looks great for children’s rooms or creative spaces.
Matching Colors: Bubblegum Pink, Skyline Silver, Fiesta Red
Just Beige – BM
Although its name implies simplicity, Just Beige by Benjamin Moore is anything but.
It’s a neutral with mauve undertones, ideal for those who prefer a less dramatic shift towards mauve.
Matching Colors: Vintage Cream, Classic Khaki, Walnut Shell
It’s Your Mauve – KM
It’s Your Mauve by Kelly-Moore is another lighter shade, but don’t let its subtlety fool you. It adds a layer of complexity to any room it graces.
Matching Colors: Soft Lavender, Pure White, Ocean Breeze
Art Deco Pink – Behr
A throwback to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, Art Deco Pink from Behr offers an upscale look.
It has a warm, coral undertone, making it more energetic than traditional mauves.
Matching Colors: Golden Hour, Champagne Toast, Vintage Lace
What Colors Work Well with Mauve?
Mauve is a social butterfly — it plays well with many other hues. Let’s choose the right color partners for this versatile paint:
Matching Colors
- Whites and Grays: Want to keep it simple? A monochromatic color scheme with whites and grays complements mauve wonderfully.
- Greens: Sage green and olive bring out the organic nature of mauve, making it feel even more homey.
- Blues: A blue like navy or sky blue adds contrast, giving a refreshing twist to a room with mauve accents.
Settings
- Living Rooms: A mauve and white combo creates a soothing yet stylish atmosphere.
- Bedrooms: Try pairing mauve with cool blues for a calming bedtime environment.
- Kitchens: Warm mauves and earthy greens can make your kitchen feel inviting and organic.
Which Should You Choose?
Choosing the right mauve paint colors boils down to three main things:
- Room’s Purpose: If it’s a chill zone, go for cooler, softer mauves. For social spaces, opt for warmer, vibrant shades.
- Lighting: Check how much natural light the room gets. Some mauves change character as the light changes, adding an unexpected twist.
- Your Taste: At the end of the day, pick a color that feels like ‘you.’ If in doubt, test a few peel-and-stick samples to see how they look in your actual space.
I love Wisp of Mauve, its very calming with a touch of Femininity