The Best Red Paint Colors, According to Experts

Given its intensity and high saturation, red can be a tricky color to work with. When used right, however, it has the power to make a stunning design statement and completely transform a space. The key is to choose the perfect shade, pair it well with other colors, and to use just the right amount.

Red is an incredibly versatile color that leans ultra-modern just as easily as it fits a traditional setting. Not all reds are alike however, and shades of this dramatic color range from bright and energetic to deep and moody. Some are warm and cozy and exude historic charm, while other shades of red breathe a cool and contemporary mood into a space.

For the ultimate room makeover, paint the walls, trim, and ceiling in a cozy shade of red. If you don't want to go quite as dramatic, use the color more sparingly by creating an accent wall, painting the fireplace surround, or giving a door a quick refresh.

From a deep cherry hue that'll give your red front door a classic and welcoming touch, to a warm terracotta shade that instantly infuses a room with warmth and character, we're sharing the best red paint colors to make a bold statement.

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Jewel Tone Red

Bathroom wall above marble half-wall painted in garnet red shade — Courtesy of Valspar

Add a touch of drama and mystery with Royal Garnet by Valspar. Named after a precious jewel, this this rich hue is a beautiful choice for a small powder room if you want to give the jewel box bathroom trend a go. Pair garnet red with antique brass, white marble, and light woods for a timeless design that emanates luxury.

Paint color: Royal Garnet by Valspar

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Brick Red Paint Color

A brick red shade such as Sienna Red by Glidden possesses an earthy richness and clay-like warmth. A great option for an accent wall, this red-brown paint color makes a statement but is softer than some of its more dramatic red counterparts. Emphasize the softness of this brick shade with an off-white paint color for trim details.

Paint color: Sienna Red by Glidden

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Deep, Saturated Red

Front door painted red — Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Add a small dose of saturated color with the ultimate classic—a red front door. Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore recommends using one of the brand's most popular reds, Caliente. "It has a unique blend of modern and classic qualities. Whether you pair it with a crisp white and dramatic black for a modern look, or layer in textures, patterns or other rich colors in traditional settings, there’s a room for Caliente in every house", she states. Yeo suggests balancing the bold hue with light neutrals such as Gardenia, Classic Gray, or Stonington Gray.

Paint color: Caliente by Benjamin Moore

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Burgundy Paint Color

Rumors by Behr is a captivating burgundy shade whose warmth and depth is equal parts engaging and restful. Use this dark red shade to give your living room a cozy makeover and pair it with warm neutrals, earthy greens, and textured materials to emphasize its inviting nature.

Paint color: Rumors by Behr

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Earthy Rust Red

Black and white furniture in front of a red wall — Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

If you're looking for a shade of red that's warm, versatile, and pairs well with other colors, this is it. "Not all red paint colors need to be intense. For a more subtle look, try Rojo Dust, a mid-tone red that delivers a quiet, pleasant energy", Wadden says. As for where this earthy, rust tone looks best, she suggests a large space such as a living room or primary bedroom to give the color plenty of breathing room.

Paint color: Rojo Dust by Sherwin-Williams

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Cherry Red Paint Color

Bedroom accent wall painted in a red berry paint color and the rest of the walls painted in dark violet shade — Courtesy of Glidden

Choose Glidden's Calypso Berry for a cherry red shade that's fun, youthful, and energetic. The luscious color exudes joy and is the perfect choice for a front door that pops against a neutral exterior color. It's also a great pick for a formal dining room, hallway, or bedroom accent wall for an instant dose of character.

Paint color: Calypso Berry by Glidden

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Sriracha Red

Console in front of a red wall — Courtesy of Clare

If you're looking for a warm red tone with hints of orange, Sriracha by Clare fits the bill. The deep, brick-red shade creates a classic aesthetic when used on traditional-style millwork or in a formal living room, but takes on a modern feel once applied on an accent wall. It serves as a beautiful backdrop for an eclectic gallery wall, but it's eye-catching enough to stand alone without any decorative accents.

Paint color: Sriracha by Clare

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Carmine Red Paint Color

Double doors in an elegant interior painted in a carmine shade of red — Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Make a sophisticated statement with Wild Currant by Sherwin-Williams which is a deep, carmine shade of red. Use this dark and dramatic red to highlight elegant architectural features such as decorative molding, ornately paneled doors, and decorative trim. Soften it with cool lilac and warm off-white, and layer it with mixed metals for an updated look.

Paint color: Wild Currant by Sherwin-Williams

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Terra-Cotta Red

Living Room walls, trim, and ceiling painted red — Courtesy of Farrow & Ball

For a warm and cozy red, you can't go wrong with Red Earth by Farrow & Ball. "It packs so much warmth as it doesn’t contain the blue notes that some truer reds can have", says Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. Use this luxurious yet earthy shade of red in a gathering space such as a living room or dining room and for a beautiful saturated look, O'Donnell suggests covering the walls, trim, and ceiling with it. He adds, "This is a deeply rich but soft terra-cotta that will deliver enough drama if required, or bring a cocooning quality to a poorly lit north-facing room".

Paint color: Red Earth by Farrow & Ball

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Magenta Paint Color

Magenta wall with a vase of light colored roses in front of it — Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Magenta is a classic purplish red that was made for a glamorous aesthetic. Pair Magenta by Benjamin Moore with other bold and bright colors, add depth with a touch of black, and bring in some sparkle with polished metals such as brass and chrome.

Paint color: Magenta by Benjamin Moore

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Ruby Red Paint Color

Graphic paint design with scarlet red, gray and yellow shapes on the wall in a home office — Courtesy of Valspar

Crimson is a dark red with cool undertones that sets a moody tone. To implement the rich shade into your home, try Cut Ruby by Valspar whose intense saturation lends itself well to a statement-making accent wall. Brighten the deep paint color by using it in a well-lit room and pairing it with crisp white and light gray tones.

Paint color: Cut Ruby by Valspar

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Merlot Paint Color

Living room walls painted in dark red paint color and modern furniture in cool neutral colors — Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Fill a room with the understated elegance of a wine red shade such as Sherwin-Williams' Merlot. Channel a wine country-inspired aesthetic with this purple-leaning red and pair it with rustic materials such as stone, wrought iron, and warm woods. To cozy it up, layer this deep paint color with a cool slate green such as Cornwall Slate and a stone-inspired neutral like Egret White.

Paint color: Merlot by Sherwin-Williams

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Berry Red Paint Color

Modern kitchen cabinets painted in deep maroon color — Courtesy of Behr

A berry red shade like Fine Wine by Behr adds color, depth, and personality. To maintain a light and bright aesthetic when using a dark paint color, balance it out with plenty of crisp white surfaces, lots of natural light, clean lines, and warm metals such as brass.

Paint color: Fine Wine by Behr

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Subtle Cherry Red

Red accent wall in a room with wood floors and ceiling — Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

To make a bold statement without it overpowering the whole room, Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, suggests creating a red accent wall. She says, "Using red can be tricky, but choosing a cherry-hued color like Positive Red sparingly can introduce the right amount of color without making a space feel overwhelming". Bring in a pop of red to infuse a space such as a game room with energy and a playful vibe.

Paint color: Positive Red by Sherwin-Williams

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Burnt Red Paint Color

Modern living room accent wall painted in a bold red color — Courtesy of Glidden

Burnt Red by Glidden is a highly saturated scarlet red shade that delivers bold energy. It's warm and optimistic, and a great option for a game room or home gym. For a more rustic take on this dramatic color, tone down its intensity by juxtaposing it with reclaimed wood, a mix of warm and cool neutrals, and layered textures.

Paint color: Burnt Red by Glidden

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Coral Paint Color

For a warm red with hints of pink and orange, opt for Behr's Desert Coral. This cheerful hue lends a positive feel to any space, whether it's a cottage-style kitchen or a little girl's bedroom. Layer it with soft tones, light woods, and textured elements such as jute and wicker for a space that instantly makes you feel at home.

Paint color: Desert Coral by Behr

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Bright Orange-Red

Wall behind neutral cabinet painted in a saturated red color — Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

For a confident red that exudes optimistic energy, opt for Benjamin Moore's Vermilion. This orange-red shade is named after ancient color pigments and looks especially striking when paired with crisp white trim. Tone down this vibrant red's boldness and emphasize its warmth in a modern way by pairing it with soft neutrals such as White Dove, Cedar Key, and Waynesboro Taupe.

Paint color: Benjamin Moore's Vermilion

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Bright, Fiery Red

White furniture and artwork in front of a red wall — Courtesy of Behr

Make an energetic splash with Behr's Flirt Alert, a color that Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr, calls one of her favorite shades of red. It's a fiery red that ushers in bold personality and a youthful vibrancy. Woelfel says, "This color is bold and fearless and allows designers to incorporate color into their everyday lives in a daring way."

Paint color: Flirt Alert by Behr

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Chili Red Paint Color

Chili pepper red wall and marble tulip side table with silver and white china serveware on it — Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Infuse your home with the spicy charisma of Chili Pepper by Benjamin Moore. Its earthy undertones will liven up any room and inject it with a big dose of warmth and personality. The bold shade pairs just as well with warm neutrals as it does with cool tones, and it provides a rich backdrop for natural materials such as wood, leather, brick, and stone.

Paint color: Chili Pepper by Benjamin Moore

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Lipstick Red Paint Color

Front double doors painted in bold red paint color with black shutters and white siding on the exterior — Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

If you're on the hunt for that perfect lipstick red, look no further than Real Red by Sherwin-Williams. Like the makeup staple, this red is bold yet classic. It's a beautiful choice for exterior features such as a front door or an all-over interior paint color for a dining room where it serves as an inviting backdrop for lively conversations around the dinner table.

Paint color: Real Red by Sherwin-Williams

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Maroon Paint Color

Front door on a gray exterior painted in a maroon shade — Courtesy of Glidden

Use a maroon red shade such as Ruby Lips by Glidden on a front door, as an unexpected kitchen cabinet color, or to color drench a living room or bedroom. This timeless shade is warm, elegant, and incredibly versatile—it's bold enough to add drama to a modern interior but classic enough to suit a traditional style home.

Paint color: Ruby Lips by Glidden

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