Choosing a wall color can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options to pick from, it can be challenging to select a shade that complements your space and decor style. If you’re interested in using a bold, dramatic red on your walls, you’ll need to carefully consider what furniture, accessories, and accents will pair well with this vibrant hue. By thoughtfully coordinating the rest of the room, you can allow the dark red walls to really pop while creating a cohesive look.
Benefits of Dark Red Walls
Going with a powerful, saturated red on the walls can provide a number of advantages for your interior design:
- Makes a statement – Using a dark, intense red is an excellent way to create a dramatic, sophisticated look in a room. The eye-catching walls will immediately grab attention.
- Encourages conversation – Vivid red walls tend to spark discussion and interest among guests. The color is associated with passion and excitement.
- Warms up a space – While a lighter red can appear pink, deep saturate reds have a warming effect that helps heat up a room visually.
- Adds luxury – Dark reds feel rich, elegant, and luxe. The color evokes an upscale aesthetic.
- Sets a mood – Red walls can help establish an intimate, relaxing vibe perfect for dining rooms, bedrooms, and other private spaces.
Choosing a Dark Red Paint Color
If you know you want to paint your walls red but are unsure where to begin, considering the following tips:
- Decide on undertones – Red paint colors can lean warm or cool. Warm reds have hints of orange or yellow while cool reds veer toward purple or blue undertones.
- Consider lighting – The way light hits your walls will impact how dark the red appears. North-facing rooms may need a deeper shade.
- Sample paint chips – Look at paint chips and sample the reds on your wall before deciding. Colors appear different swatched.
- Match your style – Choose a red that aligns with your overall aesthetic – traditional, modern, minimalist, eclectic, etc.
- Use accents first – Try red on accent walls, doors or trims before committing to it for the entire room.
Some popular rich, dark red paint color options to consider include:
- Fireweed by Behr – a warm, approachable red
- Cranberry Twist by Sherwin Williams – a cheerful, vivid red
- Portrait Rose by Benjamin Moore – a stately red with purple undertones
- Rosso Merlot by Kylie Minogue at Dulux – a saturated, elegant wine red
- Spiced Wine by Valspar – a dramatic red with a touch of purple
Furniture for Dark Red Walls
The furniture you select will make a major impact on how cohesively a dark red paint color ties your room together. Carefully choose pieces that complement rather than compete with rich, intense walls.
| Furniture Type | Best Options | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sofas/Chairs | Black, white, gray, camel, chocolate brown | Light pinks, pastels |
| Wood Tones | Cherry, espresso, mahogany | Maple, light oak |
| Metals | Brass, copper, pewter | Chrome, silver |
| Upholstery | Leather, suede | Light/bright patterns |
Some specific furniture pieces that pair nicely with dark red walls include:
- Black leather club chairs
- An espresso wood dining table
- A soft gray sofa
- Shelving in a cherry or walnut stain
- Pewter lamps
- A cozy chocolate brown ottoman
Accessories for Dark Red Walls
Once furniture is selected, accessorizing and styling the space becomes key for tying everything together. When it comes to dark red walls, rich metals, dark woods, and black-and-white photography tend to work best. Some accessories to consider:
- Brass side tables or table lamps
- Decorative glassware or vases in mercury glass
- Throw pillows in a animal print or black-and-white geometric patterns
- Black-and-white art, framed prints, photographs
- Area rugs with some red coloring mixed with black and white
- Sculptural wood, metal, or marble decorative pieces
- Candles and candleholders
Keep accessories minimal and streamlined so as not to compete with the impact of the bold red walls. Less is often more when dealing with such an intense backdrop.
Fabrics and Textiles
The fabric patterns and textures you utilize can help ground a space and soften the vibrancy of dark red walls. Some textile options to consider:
- Faux fur throws in cream or gray
- Black and white patterned curtains
- A Moroccan trellis or oriental rug with red accents
- Cashmere or wool blankets in charcoal or oatmeal
- Satin, velvet, or embroidered throw pillows
In general, stick with solids, simple geometrics, animal prints and textured options. Avoid overly bright, floral or rainbow patterns. Let the red walls provide the main source of pattern and vibrancy.
Wall Decor
When decorating the actual red walls themselves, there are several options that can add interest while complementing the color:
- framed artwork, prints or photography in black + white, black frames
- abstract art pieces with touches of red
- large scale mirrors for bouncing light around
- floating shelves in black stained wood for displaying decor
- wall tapestries or macrame wall hangings
- modern geometric metal wall sculptures
Aim for wall accents that are high-contrast and graphic. Steer clear of watercolor florals and pastel landscapes which may clash.
Flooring Ideas
With so much visual interest on the walls, flooring can be kept simple. Some good options include:
- Dark stained hardwoods
- Black stone tile
- Gray wash concrete
- Black sisal, jute or hemp rugs
- Dark bamboo floors
Espresso hardwood floors or concrete in a charcoal stain help ground the space and contrast well with red walls.
Ceiling Treatment
To keep the focus on the stunning red walls, the ceiling should be kept minimal. Some subtle ceiling ideas include:
- White or light gray paint
- Exposed wood beams in a dark espresso stain
- Tin tiles in an aged patina
- Black pipes or air ducts accented with Edison bulbs
A vaulted ceiling touched up in a neutral white allows the dramatic walls to take center stage.
Best Paint Finishes
Flat or matte paints have no sheen and can help dark colors feel rich and velvety. Some other finishes to consider for deep red walls include:
- Eggshell – Has a soft glow with just a hint of shine. Durable and easy to clean.
- Satin – A smooth, subtle sheen. Reflects a bit of light.
- Semi-gloss – Brighter sheen. A bold option for making reds really pop. Use with caution.
The more glossy the paint finish, the more vibrant and intense the red will seem.
How Much to Paint Red
Dark, saturated reds can easily be overwhelming. When using such a powerful color, it’s best to stick with one accent wall or feature area. Some strategic ways to incorporate red include:
- Just the fireplace wall or feature wall
- The back wall of a bookcase
- Behind wall cabinets or open shelving in a kitchen
- An accent stripe on one wall
- The interior walls of window alcoves
- Doors and door frames
- Ceiling beams
Limiting the red to 30-40% of the total walls will prevent the rich color from feeling too overwhelming.
Tips for Dark Red Master Bedrooms
Deep reds can create a warm, welcoming feel perfect for master bedrooms. Some ideas for using red in bedrooms:
- Paint just the headboard wall red
- Use red on the wall behind the bed only
- Choose a red accent wall adjacent to the bed
- Pick a red with brown undertones for an earthy feel
- Incorporate textures like velvet, linen and fur
- Use multiple shades of red for depth
- Add pops of gold or brass for luxury
- Include black and white photography
- Display dark wood furnishings like ebony end tables
With a calming cool gray ceiling, warm wood flooring, and hints of gold, a red bedroom wall can feel welcoming.
Best Red Dining Room Ideas
Red dining room walls can help stimulate appetite and conversation at your next dinner party. Some tips for pulling off red dining rooms:
- Use red only on one accent wall
- Incorporate food-related art such as prints of peppers or tomatoes
- Paint the ceiling light blue for contrast
- Display collections of wine bottles and glassware
- Use a modern glass dining table and black dining chairs
- Include a statement chandelier or pendant light
- Add candles and fresh floral centerpieces
With a vibrant red statement wall, the dining room can feel elegant yet playful.
Conclusion
Painting your walls a dramatic dark red can provide an instant mood-boosting focal point to any room. However, the key is thoughtfully selecting coordinating furniture, decor and accents. Stick with a cohesive palette of blacks, whites, woods, and metals to allow the powerful red walls to take center stage. With deliberate accessorizing and stylish furniture choices, you can easily achieve a space centered around stunning dark red painted walls. Just remember – a little goes a long way, so exercise restraint when incorporating such a strong color. With the right balance, your red room is sure to leave a lasting impression.
