Which Colors Should You Pair With Red in Decor?

Red, the quintessential vibrant color, a symbol of fire and passion, should be used with moderation in decor and, above all, combined with the right colors. Which colors go well with red?

The color red: some general points

A symbol of happiness in the East and intense emotions in the West, red will bring energy to your decor. Follow these principles to find the best complementary color to red for your interior:

• Red absorbs light, so pair it with a color that reflects it, such as blue or light green.
• In a room, a beautiful bright red will immediately attract attention. It will stimulate thinking in an office and stir the appetite in a kitchen. Pair it with understated tones to highlight its brilliance.

Discover also what the complementary color of orange is

Modern urban style in red and gray

Are you dreaming of a red kitchen or entryway for a modern urban touch? Opt for a bright red like scarlet or vermilion, but pair it with gray. Gray calms the vibrancy of red, which, in turn, enhances its neutrality. There is nothing like gray to highlight the geometry of red patterns.

Red and white or green for a country decor

For a country-style decor in your living room, pair:

• Red and white for a rustic, retro feel, like the checkered tablecloths of the 50s. White enhances red, so prefer more understated shades like burgundy or wine red, paired with cream or off-white.
• Red and green for a cozy touch in a kitchen or living room. The green of a wall will highlight the cheerfulness of a red sideboard while freshening up the decor.

Red, blue, and yellow in the child's bedroom

Red, blue, yellow: this combination is often found in children's bedrooms, schools, and daycare centers, as these are the three primary colors that children recognize first. Red and yellow share a touch of brown, while red and blue are linked by their light intensity. A turquoise rug or curtains with red and yellow patterns will add cheer and create a playful atmosphere.

Luxury and comfort in red and beige, splendor in red and gold

For an interior that is both comfortable and elegant, use shades of red:

• A pinkish beige with dark red, such as beige cushions on a burgundy bedspread, will create an impression of luxurious comfort.
• For a precious decor in a baroque spirit, add gilding to the red.

An ethnic touch with brown, ecru, or white

For a spirit of adventure and escapism, opt for a red decor with shades of brown and white. Combine red with warm colors and natural materials like wood, wicker, or bamboo. Add artisanal decor items, travel souvenirs, or small decorative finds from flea markets for an ethnic chic style. Use rugs, cushions, or throws to introduce patterns from far-off lands. Keep a light hand so as not to clutter the space and to maintain a decor that is both understated and inspiring.