Could this be the most daunting colour to decorate with?
From soft putty to warm plum and vibrant fire engine, there's no shortage of red paint shades to choose from — and they each bring a very different look and mood to a room.
Wondering how to find the right shade of red? We ask three paint experts to share their insights.
1. Earthy neutrals
If the thought of diving headfirst into fiery reds scares you, then dial down the vibrancy and choose a shade with an earthy undertone. A muted shade will be easier to live with and takes on the role of a neutral.
'For a gentle and easy way to incorporate red in your home, consider muted earthy shades such as Nether Red and Arras, or Tuscan Red which, with its intense and chalky terracotta tone, offers a fantastic way of introducing a rich and vibrant look, without being overpowering,' Ruth Mottershead, Little Greene's creative director, tells House Beautiful UK.
'These warm shades are perfect for creating a comforting, soothing environment in spaces where we want to relax. Easy to use on all four walls paired with earthy warm whites and soft pinks, or in a cohesive, colour-drenching approach, they'll create a rich interior that feels gentle and cocooning.'
2. Primary brights
One for the daring decorator, this powerful primary encapsulates the mood of the moment as we continue to crave joyful interiors. It may sound like maximalism overload to some, but we suggest making bold design decisions and going all-in with this energising shade – that includes the walls, furniture and accessories.
'Go all in and drench the space in red. A softened shade, such as our Can-Can, will add warmth and richness without the intensity that comes with using a bright red. To introduce bright red in a controlled way, you could consider using it in small doses like on door frames, the edges of a mirror or on pieces of furniture,' says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook.
'Pairing red with another shade such as a complementary blue or green, can also balance that intensity. Finally, pairing reds with a warm, stony neutral can look really sophisticated without the overwhelm that some people may fear with using red in an all-over scheme.'
3. Dark, deep shades
Arguably a more usable alternative to fiery shades of red, burgundy is set to be this season's biggest colour trend. Enhance the luxuriousness of this decadent hue with glossy paint and lacquered accessories.
'Rich deep red can be the most impactful colour to use in spaces where you want to impress, entertain and snuggle down. Adding a little bit of grey will transform what can be a scary colour into an easier colour to work with,' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.
'A shade like Redcurrant Glory has the perfect amount of soothing grey in which makes this the most versatile red for any project. If you combine them with calming neutrals like Knotted Twine or Goose Down in your decorating scheme, it makes the decision to choose red even easier.'
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