Red is a strong color that has the capacity to produce coziness and warmth in a space. Here are some decorating ideas that make use of the various tones of red to liven up your living area.
Warm Up a Room
An icy blue wall color in this living room required a vibrant accent to bring warmth. Introducing red-orange tones through throw pillows, a wingback chair, and a rug balances out the cooler shades, creating a more inviting and cozy atmosphere.
Red in Small Doses
Red can make a significant impact even in small amounts. In this space, the barn-red lacquered chest and quilt fragment above the sofa stand out without overshadowing the gentle fabrics and neutral tones elsewhere in the room. The trick is to blend intense colors with lighter, more subdued shades for a harmonious look.
Sofa Statement
An orange-red sofa adds a striking burst of color to the living room. Complementing this bold choice with vibrant, patterned pillows enhances the sofa’s role as the room’s focal point. This lively color is also echoed in the adjacent room, where it adorns the walls to create a cohesive flow between spaces.
Mixing Patterns
Combining stripes and patterns in similar color families can be visually pleasing. Here, the red striped rug and the intricately patterned red chairs work well together because their hues are closely matched in weight and intensity, creating a cohesive and balanced look.
Red Stripes
Integrate red into your decor easily by choosing from its various shades. Whether used to infuse warmth throughout a room or as a standout accent, red adapts to many schemes. In this example, the red-and-tan striped sofa against pale blue walls imparts a relaxed, coastal vibe.
Classic Red
A pair of rich red sofas combined with a deep blue chair creates a classic, elegant ambiance. Black and white accents complement the bold red furniture and bring balance. The room’s tall ceilings and light-colored walls ensure the space remains bright and airy.
Cottage Chic
Brick red gingham furniture combined with floral fabrics and soft yellow walls imparts a charming cottage aesthetic. This palette of reds, yellows, and antique blues enhances the casual, welcoming feel and contrasts pleasantly with the stone floors.
Pulling it Together
Create a cohesive look by centering the room around a striking red color. Arranging three oversized sofas around a vibrant red rug makes the large space feel more intimate. Complementary orange accents in curtains and throw pillows tie in with the rug’s deep red tone.
Geometric Connection
Incorporate a bit of pattern to make the most of red in a room. The red-and-cream geometric pattern uses red strategically to instill warmth and unity. The pattern’s repetition in the accent pillows on the sofa helps connect the furniture pieces and integrates the room’s design.
New Primary Colors
Pairing a red wall with turquoise, yellow, and white accents brings a fresh take to classic primary colors. This combination maintains a light and contemporary feel, resulting in a modern living room with enduring appeal.
Red Brick Fireplace
Enhance the natural allure of a red brick fireplace by incorporating matching shades into the room’s decor. The red and white bricks of the fireplace provide a great color foundation. Complement this with natural wood accents and neutral furniture to let the bold red stand out.
Chartreuse and Red
For a modern and vibrant look, pair chartreuse with red. The bright chartreuse ottoman and red patterns in the chairs and drapes combine to create a formal yet feminine atmosphere. The red from the chairs is mirrored in the ottoman’s piping for a coordinated effect.
Focal-Point Rug
Create a striking focal point with a bold red-print area rug. Keep the surrounding decor neutral to let the rug stand out. Incorporate small accents in the same hue around the room to unify the design and enhance the rug’s visual impact.
