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Today it is all about colors that go well with red – something many people frequently search for as it can be quite challenging to get right.
Whether you are painting one wall or decorating your entire house using bold shades of red, understanding which additional colors work best with them and in which combinations will make sure you achieve exactly what atmosphere you desire in each room.
After reading this guide, we hope you not only understand why certain pairings work better together but learn to apply these tricks when envisioning any other future projects around your home too.
Generally, best colors that go with red are black, blue, purple, gold and white, but you may found a few surprises on our list.
What Colors Go with Red
Here's our list of the best colors that match red, including interior design images and color palettes:
1. Red and Black Color Scheme - Modern Living Room
The modern living room utilizes the red and black color scheme to create an edgy yet sophisticated environment. Bold red walls are contrasted with glossy black furniture, including a leather sofa and sleek coffee table. The high contrast between the red and black gives a dynamic and energetic feel to the room. This pairing is bold and visually engaging, adding depth to the room while maintaining a modern, minimalist aesthetic. The black tempers the intensity of the red, making it more palatable and enjoyable.
Red and Black Color Palette
Night + Raisin Black + Fire Engine Red
Hex Codes: #121216, #352E34, #CA2422
Red and Black are both bold and assertive colors. Red symbolizes passion and intensity, while black represents power and sophistication. Together, they create a striking, elegant aesthetic that's dramatic and attention-grabbing.
2. Red and Blue Color Scheme - Traditional Bedroom
In this traditional bedroom, the red and blue color scheme takes center stage. The blue wallpaper complements the red bedspread and matching drapes beautifully. This combination symbolizes balance, with blue's calmness softening the intensity of red. Antique wooden furniture completes the traditional feel, while white trim and ceiling provide a neutral canvas that balances the boldness of the primary colors.
Red and Blue Color Palette
Fire Engine Red + Anti-Flash White + Lapis Lazuli
Hex Codes: #C83126, #E9ECEE, #1F5776
Red is a warm and invigorating color, while blue is cool and calming. Together, they create a vibrant and energetic contrast, giving a space a lively and dynamic atmosphere.
3. Red and Green Color Scheme - Country Style Kitchen
This country-style kitchen combines a cherry red and soft sage green palette. Red painted cabinets stand out against the muted green walls, creating a vibrant, rustic charm. Green, a complementary color to red, neutralizes the warmth of the red, creating a balanced and harmonious space. Natural wood floors and a vintage wooden table provide a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Red and Green Color Palette
Burnt Umber + Reseda Green + Lion
Hex Codes: #8C2F20, #817F5A, #C49E77
A combination often seen in nature, especially during the holiday season. Red and green are complementary colors, so they create a harmonious and balanced look. This duo works well for a lively and energizing aesthetic.
4. Red and Orange Color Scheme - Bohemian Lounge
This bohemian lounge employs a red and orange color scheme, evoking a warm, inviting atmosphere. The reddish-orange sofa, surrounded by earth-toned throw pillows, makes for a visually appealing centerpiece. This color pairing is energetic and uplifting, mirroring the radiance of a sunset. Eclectic artwork and a vintage rug tie the look together, embracing the adventurous spirit of the bohemian style.
Red and Orange Color Palette
Rust + Flame + Black Bean
Hex Codes: #BE3513, #EE5529, #4C100C
Being adjacent on the color wheel, red and orange create a warm, inviting, and cohesive color scheme. They convey a feeling of warmth, enthusiasm, and creativity, perfect for a dynamic and comfortable environment.
5. Red and Purple Color Scheme - Glamorous Dining Room
A glamorous dining room design shines with a red and purple color scheme. Red velvet dining chairs contrast with a grand purple area rug. The blend of these two rich, deep colors creates a sense of luxury and opulence. Both colors are connected with royalty, their combined use emphasizes extravagance. Gold accents in the lighting and table decor add to the luxurious feel.
Red and Purple Color Palette
Red (Ncs) + Tyrian Purple + Magenta Haze
Hex Codes: #C70D2E, #451426, #9A5385
Red's energy combines with purple's regal undertones to create a sense of luxury and passion. This pairing can create a dramatic and mysterious mood, suitable for spaces designed to impress.
6. Red and Gold Color Scheme - Asian-inspired Bedroom
In this Asian-inspired bedroom, a red and gold color scheme creates a luxurious, cultural aesthetic. Gold embroidered red silk bedspread is a stunning centerpiece, creating a striking contrast against dark wood furniture. Red symbolizes luck and prosperity in Asian cultures, while gold represents wealth and prestige, enhancing the cultural significance of the space.
Red and Gold Color Palette
Auburn + Burnt Sienna + Buff
Hex Codes: #A53226, #F07151, #DAAE7D
Red's dynamism coupled with gold's opulence creates an ambiance of luxury, power, and richness. This color pairing is perfect for spaces where you aim to inspire awe and grandeur.
7. Red and Yellow Color Scheme - Mid-century Modern Study Room
This mid-century modern study room combines red and yellow to produce a playful, creative atmosphere. A mustard-yellow desk chair pops against a red feature wall. Yellow adds brightness and cheerfulness to the room, counterbalancing red's intensity. Mid-century furniture pieces in natural wood tones harmonize with the color palette, maintaining the room's retro feel.
Red and Yellow Color Palette
Ou Crimson + Persian Red + Aureolin
Hex Codes: #861D17, #D2372F, #FDE417
A warm and lively combination, red and yellow together symbolize joy, enthusiasm, and energy. Ideal for spaces meant to stimulate and engage, like a creative studio or a child's playroom.
8. Red and Pink Color Scheme - Romantic Bathroom
A romantic bathroom design explores a red and pink color scheme. Deep red tiles contrast with soft pink walls and towels, creating a passionate yet gentle ambiance. Pink softens the red's intensity, while red adds depth to the overall color scheme, conveying a sense of romance and femininity.
Red and Pink Color Palette
Falu Red + Indian Red + Melon
Hex Codes: #811A1E, #CA5D6A, #FEB4B2
A softer and more romantic palette, red and pink together express love, affection, and warmth. This color combination is suitable for cozy, intimate spaces.
9. Red and White Color Scheme - Contemporary Kitchen
In this contemporary kitchen, a red and white color scheme creates a clean, bold look. Bright white cabinets contrast with red backsplash tiles, creating a visually stunning design. The white neutralizes the red, keeping the space from feeling overwhelming while maintaining its modern appeal.
Red and White Color Palette
Fire Engine Red + Falu Red + White Smoke
Hex Codes: #D5211B, #7D2324, #F0EFEE
White's purity and simplicity balances red's intensity. This combination provides a clean, modern aesthetic that's also energizing and inviting.
10. Red, White, and Blue Color Scheme - Nautical Themed Bedroom
A nautical-themed bedroom uses a red, white, and blue color scheme. Red and blue bedding, alongside white painted walls, evokes a coastal vibe. These colors together create a balanced and patriotic palette, reminiscent of maritime flags and the open sea.
Red, White, and Blue Color Palette
Persian Red + White Smoke + Delft Blue
Hex Codes: #B73B37, #F2F2F1, #3C4461
A classic trio often associated with patriotism, especially in the United States. This color scheme communicates strength, unity, and freedom, creating a vibrant and harmonious balance.
11. Green, Yellow, and Red Color Scheme - Tropical Sunroom
This tropical sunroom integrates green, yellow, and red for an exotic, uplifting ambiance. Vibrant red cushions stand out against green wicker furniture, while yellow accents in the curtains and rug add a sun-kissed feel. This palette mirrors the vibrancy of tropical flora, creating a lively, nature-inspired space.
Green, Yellow, and Red Color Palette
Dark Moss Green + Bronze + Fire Brick
Hex Codes: #4E5E31, #D78133, #AD2024
Inspired by nature, this combination is reminiscent of beautiful sunsets and lush landscapes. It creates a vibrant, earthy ambiance that's fresh and inspiring.
12. Red, Black, and Gold Color Scheme - Art Deco Home Office
An art deco home office utilizes a red, black, and gold color scheme. Black and red wallpaper contrasts with a gold desk and lamp, delivering a lavish aesthetic. This color combination, emblematic of the art deco period, exudes opulence and luxury, making the space feel lavish yet professional.
Red, Black, and Gold Color Palette
Black Bean + Fire Brick + Harvest Gold
Hex Codes: #2D0101, #AE2A27, #CF9439
The fusion of red's passion, black's elegance, and gold's opulence creates a bold, luxurious, and dramatic palette. Ideal for sophisticated spaces that exude a grand, opulent feel.
13. Red, Blue, and Yellow Color Scheme - Child's Playroom
This child's playroom integrates a red, blue, and yellow color scheme for a fun, stimulating environment. Red storage units, a blue rug, and yellow chairs create a bright, cheerful space, ideal for sparking creativity. These primary colors are visually stimulating for children, making the room fun and educational.
Red, Blue, and Yellow Color Palette
Fire Engine Red + Gamboge + Gunmetal
Hex Codes: #CA282C, #E89C1E, #293646
These are the primary colors, the basis of all other colors. Together, they create a vibrant and playful atmosphere that stimulates creativity and curiosity.
14. Red and Grey Color Scheme - Industrial Living Room
In this industrial living room, a red and grey color scheme creates a stylish, modern aesthetic. A charcoal grey sofa is accented with red throw pillows, against the backdrop of red brick walls. Grey balances the intensity of the red, complimenting the industrial vibe with its concrete-like tone.
Red and Grey Color Palette
Red (Cmyk) + Dim Gray + Outer Space
Hex Codes: #EA1811, #626463, #3B4141
The combination of red's warmth and grey's cool neutrality creates a balanced and modern aesthetic. This duo is ideal for a contemporary space with an energetic yet sophisticated vibe.
15. Red and Teal Color Scheme - Eclectic Bedroom
This eclectic bedroom embraces a red and teal color scheme. The teal bed frame and curtains provide a cool contrast against red patterned wallpaper. This bold and unconventional color pairing creates an intriguing balance between warmth (red) and coolness (teal), showcasing the playful nature of eclectic design.
Red and Teal Color Palette
Rosewood + Chili Red + Zomp
Hex Codes: #530D06, #E4381E, #60AB91
The contrast between warm red and cool teal creates a dynamic and balanced atmosphere. This color combination is invigorating yet calming, perfect for creating an eclectic, serene environment.
16. Red, Black, and White Color Scheme - Minimalist Bathroom
This minimalist bathroom features a red, black, and white color scheme. A black vanity and mirror frame stand out against the stark white walls, accented by red towels and rug. This trio of colors creates a modern, minimalistic aesthetic that is crisp and impactful.
Red, Black, and White Color Palette
Auburn + Eerie Black + White Smoke
Hex Codes: #9C2327, #232222, #F2F1EF
The strong contrast between red, black, and white creates a bold, dramatic aesthetic. Red adds energy, black brings elegance, and white provides balance, perfect for a modern, minimalist space.
17. Red and Brown Color Scheme - Rustic Cabin Living Room
This rustic cabin living room pairs red with brown for a warm, natural ambiance. Deep red upholstered furniture contrasts beautifully with rich brown wooden beams and a stone fireplace. The red adds vibrancy, while the brown adds a cozy, grounded feel, echoing the cabin's natural surroundings.
Red and Brown Color Palette
Persian Red + Black Bean + Beaver
Hex Codes: #C32E36, #411D10, #A07B66
Red and brown together create a warm, earthy palette that is comforting and inviting. This combination is ideal for creating a cozy and nurturing environment.
18. Red and Gold Color Scheme - Classic Library
This classic library explores a red and gold color scheme. Red walls and gold-trimmed bookshelves create a regal and sophisticated space, perfect for study or contemplation. Gold accents add a touch of opulence, enhancing the warmth and richness of the red.
Red and Gold Color Palette
Engineering Orange + Sandy Brown + Hunyadi Yellow
Hex Codes: #B0190F, #E79A5D, #F5C068
As mentioned earlier, the combination of red and gold creates a luxurious, rich atmosphere that evokes grandeur and opulence.
19. Red, Blue, and Purple Color Scheme - Funky Teen Bedroom
In this funky teen bedroom, a red, blue, and purple color scheme prevails. The red bedspread and purple walls create a vibrant contrast with the blue curtains and rug. This mix of warm and cool tones creates a fun and youthful atmosphere that is playful and energizing.
Red Blue Purple Color Palette
Indigo Dye + Quinacridone Magenta + Bittersweet Shimmer
Hex Codes: #2D4463, #8A3463, #BC4347
A cool-toned palette, the combination of red, blue, and purple creates a soothing yet dynamic atmosphere. This blend is ideal for spaces where creativity and calmness are desired.
20. Light Blue and Red Color Scheme - Retro Kitchen
This retro kitchen employs a light blue and red color scheme. Light blue cabinets and appliances are brightened by red counter stools and dishware. The light blue softens the vibrant red, creating a harmonious balance. The colors, reminiscent of the 1950s diner aesthetic, evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Light Blue and Red Color Palettes
Poppy + Bittersweet + Light Blue
Hex Codes: #D44444, #F07361, #B4D9E2
The cool tranquility of light blue balances the intense energy of red, creating a balanced, invigorating atmosphere. This duo is perfect for creating a stimulating yet calming environment.
21. Purple Red Color Scheme - Luxe Powder Room
A luxe powder room showcases a purple and red color scheme. Dark purple walls act as a dramatic backdrop to a bold red vanity. This pairing of deep, intense colors creates an atmosphere of luxury and decadence, making the small space feel opulent and dramatic.
Purple Red Color Palette
Dark Purple + Burgundy + Quinacridone Magenta
Hex Codes: #2E1629, #9A002F, #7D4060
The blend of purple and red creates a bold, dramatic, and luxurious color scheme that communicates passion, creativity, and sophistication. It's great for spaces designed to inspire and impress.
What is the Complementary Color to Red?
The answer: green! Green and red make one of the most classic pairings in interior design due to their drastic contrast – while red stands out with its boldness, green brings calm energy and balances things out with its natural hue. This pairing works especially well when used sparingly as accents like throw pillows or area rugs. However, stronger variations on these two hues could be used throughout an entire room if needed.
Combining both colors together allows them showcase each others best qualities more prominently than they would alone - making for eye-catching visuals without overdoing it on either side of this equation. For instance, adding lighter tones (such as pastels) will bring forth a softer atmosphere whereas darker tones give off more intensity.
The possibilities are endless when working with this dynamic duo so have fun mixing andmatching different combinations until you find something that fits just right within your own unique style.
Colors that Go with Red
When pairing any bright or bold shade like red, our top tip would be "less is more". Too much of one strong hue can easily overpower a room - so opt for softer hues that won't compete visually.
Think pastels; dusty blues and purples in particular contrast beautifully when paired alongside with vibrant shades of ruby-reds or fire engine crimsons. You could also introduce some natural elements like light wood tones used in furniture pieces or green foliage as accent décor to create lovely balance against vivid shades of scarlet and coral.
Mixing up plenty of texture through fabrics (think velvet ottomans) further adds depth within the overall scheme – whilst detailed patterns are great way for introducing additional colours into the mix without having them dominate over primary tone chosen.
If all else fails, try the opposite colors using contrasting neutrals such as navy's and creams together with red which will provide both harmony and character simultaneously.
