So, now you’ve learned how to warm and cool your red colors, how do you make reds brighter, darker, or more muted?
13 Colors That Go with Red, Because in 2023, Your Home Should Be Anything But Boring
You’ve always loved the color red, but decorating with it can be intimidating. Will it be too jarring? Will it veer into Valentine’s Day cheesiness? Will you feel like you’ve moved into a Wendy’s? (There are worse things, if we do say so ourselves. ) No, it doesn’t have to be any of those things, friend. When done correctly, incorporating red into your decor can make it feel more worldly and rich, not to mention create an invigorating vibe. It’s all about understanding which colors go with red (and which colors don’t go with red) so you can enhance your home’s best features without the bold shade overwhelming your space.
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Meet the Expert
Sue Wadden is the director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams . She graduated the Cleveland Institute of Art with a BFA in 1998, after which she worked as a designer and a member of the Diversified Brands Division at Sherwin-Williams for many years. We chatted with her about general color matching rules to abide by, plus how to effectively decorate with the color red.
In short, Wadden says that “there are different ways to match colors. For example, when pairing two colors, match warm undertones with warm undertones,” but adds that it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of color theory.
Most of us are familiar with the triadic color scheme, which makes use of the three primary colors—red, yellow and blue—spaced an equal distance apart on the color wheel. But Wadden recommends exploring the other types of color theory, such as monochromatic, analogous and complementary.
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“A monochromatic color scheme involves selecting a single color and then using that color in a variety of shades that vary in lightness and saturation to create a clean, sophisticated look,” Wadden says.
An analogous color scheme entails choosing one main color, then selecting a handful of shades that are close on either side of that color on the color wheel.
For a complementary color scheme, decide on a dominant color, then select complementary colors that are directly across from it on the color wheel to add contrast. “This method of basic color theory works for matching color, as well as understanding how to work with their undertones,” Wadden adds.
Next: How to Decorate with Red
Because red is often associated with strong emotions like power, passion and energy, using too much can overwhelm a space. Wadden recommends using red in spaces where you want to feel energized, like a home office, or where you want to really connect with other people. “Communal rooms—like kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms—can handle the fiery hue,” she notes.
Wadden also suggests using touches of red in the kitchen, like on a kitchen island, because of the color’s strong connection with food. Using red sparingly can liven up the space without making it look like a drive-thru, especially if you choose a shade beyond ketchup. “Consider the full spectrum of reds, which range from rich, moody maroon and oxblood to crisp, happy tomato red,” says designer Seana Freeman, aka Glamohemian Girl on IG (@bellybaila). “Reds are incredibly varied. There is bound to be one you like!”
Not only can red look great on walls and major focal points, like a kitchen island, but it can work famously on wood paneling or trim. “Try it on a front or back door, an entry hall or around the TV or fireplace in a living room,” Wadden says. “Tonal reds, such as red-brown or merlot, are sophisticated and add elevated elegance to a space. To encourage conversation around the dining table, consider painting just the ceiling red.”
A Brief History of the Color Red
The color red has been around since prehistoric times. It was the first color developed for use in painting and dying and, together with black and white, formed the earliest trio of colors used by our prehistoric ancestors.
The first red pigments came from ochre as evidenced by prehistoric art. The Egyptians and Mayans used the color to paint their faces for ceremonies while the Romans painted their whole bodies red to commemorate victories. The Chinese used red for their early pottery and also used it to paint the walls and gates of palaces.
Nobles and the wealthy in the Renaissance dyed their costumes a brilliant red using pigments from kermes and cochineal. This would continue to be the source of red pigments until the advent of the first synthetic red pigments during the 19th century.
Red Colors: Psychology and Meaning
With its link to mankind’s earliest roots, the color red has since become a symbol for many things.
In ancient times, red represented our blood and, therefore, our life force. Because of this association with blood, western countries used red to symbolize martyrs and sacrifice. In the Middle Ages, the color red was worn by Roman Catholic Popes and Cardinals to symbolize the blood of Christ and the Christian martyrs.
Today, red stands for courage to many people around the world.
We also link the color red with love, lust, and passion as well as war, anger, and hatred. When someone is angry, they’re said to “see red”. Red is the color of heat so we relate it to the heat of our passion but it is also the color of Mars, the god of war, and the planet named after him.
Red has always been the symbol of danger. A red flag shown during a war in the Middle Ages meant no prisoners were to be taken and a red flag hoisted by a pirate ship meant they’d show no mercy.
Today, red is the international color for stop signs and is constantly used in traffic lights, traffic signs, and other signs indicating danger.
Shades of Red
Now that we’ve discussed the history and symbolism of the color red, let’s talk about its different shades.
As humanity’s eyesight evolves, we may eventually see more shades of red get developed and used. As of the writing of this article, though, red has several shades and even more variations from pinks to almost brown. Here are just some of the most used shades, namely: burgundy, carmine, chili pepper red, cinnabar, crimson, maroon, and scarlet.
Here’s a brief description for each shade:
1. Burgundy
Burgundy is a dark red-purplish color.
It takes its name from the Burgundy wine in France. Unlike the name of the French province, you don’t capitalize the “B” in the color burgundy.
2. Carmine
Carmine, a.k.a Imperial, is the general term for a group of colors that are deep red, very slightly purplish, and closer to red than crimson. Some rubies have a color called “rich carmine” while deeper and darker variations can be achieved by processing the raw pigment.
3. Chili Red
As the name implies, chili red is the color derived from red chili peppers.
It’s also the shade of red used in the flags of Chile and South Africa.
4. Cinnabar
Similar to the previous entry, the color cinnabar comes from the mineral of the same name. This color has a slightly orange shade and comes with several variations ranging from brick red to bright scarlet.
5. Crimson
Crimson is a strong, deep, bright red with some hints of blue or violet making it very slightly purplish. On the RGB color wheel, crimson comes between rose and red and between magenta and red on the RYB color wheel.
6. Maroon
Maroon is a brownish crimson color that derives its name from the French word marron (chestnut).
In the sRGB color model, the web color for maroon is achieved by turning down the brightness of pure red to about one-half.
7. Scarlet
Scarlet is a bright red color that sometimes comes with a tinge of orange. On the traditional color wheel, it’s a quarter of the way between red and orange and is slightly less orange than vermilion.
