Decorating with the bold color red can instantly warm up any space. Red has the power to stimulate energy and appetite, making it an excellent choice for dining rooms, kitchens, and family spaces. When used thoughtfully, red can be striking, elegant, and utterly timeless. Here are some tips on how to effectively decorate with red.
Choose the Right Red Tones
Red has depth and dimension across the color spectrum. Lean into red’s versatility by selecting tones that align with your overall design goals.
- Brighter reds, like crimson and cherry, have an energizing and stimulating effect. They are great for creating a fun, lively ambiance. Use them in moderation as accent colors.
- Deeper reds, like burgundy and oxblood, feel refined and luxurious. They pair beautifully with metallics and dark woods.
- Earthy reds, like rust and brick, have a natural, cozy vibe perfect for many design aesthetics.
- Pink-based reds add a soft, romantic quality. Tones like blush and rose can give a feminine touch.
Use Red Thoughtfully
A little red goes a long way. Use it strategically as an accent color to make decor pop rather than overwhelm.
- Start with small doses of color first, like throw pillows, rug accents, flowers, books, candles, or kitchen appliances.
- Paint a single wall or touch up trim and molding. Use tape to paint crisp stripes or geometric patterns.
- Layer lighter and darker red tones together for extra depth. Combine red with neutrals like white, black, gray, and wood for balance.
Red Decor Ideas for Each Room
Red can enhance any room’s style. Here are decor ideas tailored to specific spaces:
Living Room
- Place a red area rug under a sectional or furniture grouping to define the space.
- Drape red curtains atop windows for an eye-catching focal point.
- Display red vases, candles, blankets, and artwork for pops of color.
Dining Room
- Dress the dining table with a red tablecloth or runner for drama.
- Use red upholstered dining chairs for a bold statement.
- Hang a modern red chandelier as a striking centerpiece.
Kitchen
- Paint a red backsplash tile behind the stove or sink for flair.
- Display red appliances like a stand mixer, toaster, or mini fridge.
- Add red bar stools around kitchen islands or banquettes.
Bedroom
- Place a red upholstered bench at the foot of the bed.
- Layer red and white bedding for a classic look. Use red pillows and shams.
- Hang red curtains or drapes to soften windows.
Home Office
- Paint or decorate one wall red to inspire creativity.
- Display red office accessories like file folders, staplers, tape dispensers.
- Place a red office chair or desk light for a pop of color.
Bathroom
- Fold red towels neatly on open shelves or towel racks.
- Add a red bathroom rug for softness underfoot.
- Display red soaps, candles, and accessory trays.
Mixing Patterns, Textures, and Tones
When decorating with red, think about complementary patterns, textures, and shades that enrich the overall look.
- Combine red with natural textures like wood furniture and jute rugs for an earthy feel.
- Layer red with metallics like gold and rose gold for glamour.
- Mix red stripes and florals together for an eclectic vibe.
- Pair red walls with white trim for clean contrast.
Common Red Decor Mistakes to Avoid
When used incorrectly, red can feel overwhelming. Steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Don’t use too much red overall. Stick to accent pieces to prevent clashing.
- Don’t pair very warm and cool red tones together. Stick to a color family for harmony.
- Don’t overlook the lighting. Red can appear more intense under bright light. Dim lighting softens its impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating With Red
Should I choose cool or warm red tones?
The temperature of red used should align with your overall design aesthetic. Warm reds with orange undertones are energizing. Cool reds with blue undertones are soothing.
What colors pair well with red in home decor?
Red looks beautiful paired with neutrals, metallics, and earth tones. Great color combinations include red-white, red-black, red-gold, red-gray, and red-brown.
Is red too bold for walls?
Red can feel bold on walls, especially darker shades. For walls, stick to lighter reds or layer red as wallpaper inside built-ins or niches. Always paint a large sample first.
Should all the reds in a room match?
Not necessarily. Feel free to layer different red tones together like burgundy and pink. Just be sure the tones complement each other. Matching all the reds can feel monotonous.
Which rooms does red work best in?
Red is a flexible accent color that can work in any room. It’s most commonly used in dining rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. Red makes a fun statement in home offices too.
Conclusion
The power of red cannot be denied. When used thoughtfully as an accent, red enlivens any interior with energy, passion, and flair. Experiment with different red tones and textures to find a combination that complements your existing design aesthetic. Let red revitalize your rooms, infusing them with bold spirit and timeless sophistication. With the right balance and restraint, red gives any space that extra decorative edge.
