16 red colour combinations for stylish interiors

Red can be seen as bold, dramatic and full of passion, but there are many ways to incorporate it into your home without it becoming overwhelming. Colours that complement red can either highlight its intensity or help soften it.

A good place to begin is by selecting colour combinations that complement the shades of red you have in mind.

What are some general colour-matching rules?

The colour wheel consists of three primary colours: red, yellow, blue; three secondary colours (colours created when primary colours are mixed), green, orange, purple; and six tertiary colours, which are colours made from primary and secondary colours, such as blue-green or red-violet.

and yellow.

Working out colour schemes using the red colour wheel

has a colour guide that suggests complementary colours for various shades of red. For instance:

Depending on the shade of red you’re after, you can usually match it with black, navy, different blues, grey, white, cream, pink, metallics, and timber finishes.

What is the colour that’s as opposite as possible to red?

The colour that stands out most against red is green, because it’s directly opposite on the colour wheel. Although it might seem jarring, red and green can actually complement each other nicely as a colour combination, particularly when using subdued tones and other neutral colours like cream or beige.

What colours complement red, according to colour experts

interior designer Emma Blomfield.

“Give a go to colours like navy, black, white and grey. If you want to add a bit more colour, steer clear of pastel shades like peach, lime and coral, etc. as they can clash. Go for stronger colours like canary yellow, citrus orange or dark green instead.”

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Using red in your interior design can be a bold and dramatic choice. So, it’s essential that you not only adore the colour, but also learn how to incorporate it effectively.

“Don’t go painting the whole room red if you reckon you’ll get sick of it in a year or two,” says Emma Blomfield.

“Go for red in soft furnishings like couch cushions or rugs, but use it in patterns rather than solid-coloured textiles, mate. This way you can pick out some other colours from the design and give ’em a bit of a highlight in the room as well.”

Says the best thing you can do is explore multiple shades of red before settling on one. “Maroons, magentas, burnt oranges and other similar shades won’t look so harsh,” writes Chris on his website.

“A grey wall can help to tone down a bright red, and less is often more.”

* If you’re worried about red dominating the look, balance it out with neutral colours like beige, cream, and taupe. These colours will help ground the bold red and prevent it from overpower

She has some handy tips and tricks that she personally uses when decorating with the colour red.

Less is more

“Throwing a splash of the colour red into a room can really perk it up, whether you’re working with a big space or a small one. I often give a bit of colour a go by having a small red item on a bookshelf or on a side table against a more neutral overall colour scheme in the space.”

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“I love incorporating red into my artwork, vases, books or decorative items that don’t overpower the space. You can then have a good time and re-arrange these items throughout your home whenever you want to give it a fresh look.”

Only go with red if you’re absolutely passionate about the colour.

“I always check in with my clients on what they’re comfortable with when it comes to colour before going overboard. I ask them, have they always been a fan of the colour, or is it just this year’s thing? Are they happy to wake up every day to the same colour or is there a change on the cards?”

Make a statement with the colour red

“If you want to make a bold statement, pair red with white and almost any grey, but if you’re not feeling that bold, pair red with linen, muted greens or a black backdrop and use red in smaller amounts.”

Once you provide the text, I’ll paraphrase it in Australian English, keeping the original meaning and context intact, while maintaining the quotes and numbered lists. I’ll also use red as an accent colour to highlight any changes.

If you’re after a deep red, I’d suggest going for an orange-based, firecracker red. However, if you’re using a lot of red in a single space, I’d recommend a more subdued, blue-based red.

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1. Dull red colour combinations

“Linen tones work a treat to soften the boldness of red, creating a more neutral look in a room,” says Jasmine McClelland.

Paired with a red fabric headboard and soft red accents. Add in interest with different textures and loose patterns that harmonise together. The bedroom above uses a variety of stripes and ruffly textures for an eye-catching view.

2. Black and white will always complement red

“Black is a top-notch backdrop colour for red, and creates a really moody, dramatic atmosphere,” says Jasmine McClelland.

Chuck in on the couch might be your best bet. Pair with red decor and dimmer, moodier lighting to add some drama.

3. White and blue complement red

“A soft duck-egg blue with a green undertone is a great contrasting colour combination, without being too jarring. It tones down the space, providing a cool contrast to the warmth of the red,” says Jasmine McClelland.

These two colours can create a playful, country-style look, particularly when paired with wildflower wallpaper. Stick to vintage furniture with a rustic feel to it, and your design will feel consistent and endearing.

4. Any and all shades of grey will complement red.

If you’re a modern household, and grey is your go-to colour, then adding a splash of red can give your space a bit of a pick-me-up.

As Jasmine says, “Any shade of grey complements the colour red quite nicely and really lets the colour red pop.” This red walled living room might be a bit different from your usual greys, blacks and whites, but modern doesn’t mean colourless, so go ahead and get painting!

5. Whites, creams and super-light beiges go well with red

“White’s a light and bright colour that can sharpen up any red. It’s a fantastic base for making a bold statement, providing contrast and also a bit of breathing space,” says Jasmine McClelland.

The natural, relaxing feel of this bedroom isn’t lost due to its red accents. Instead, the warm tones of the throw rug and the Persian rug allow the crisp white bedding to be the standout feature.

6. Red and orange complement a neutral colour scheme

“Use the colour red sparingly if you’re decorating a room for rest, like a bedroom or lounge room,” says interior designer Emma Blomfield. “Keep red on items that you can change in the future if you think the red is too overpowering.”

Using red furnishings and combining them with natural elements like textured wall-hangings can give your room a welcoming, yet sophisticated look.

7. White and yellow complement red

Unexpected colour combos like red, yellow and white are cheerful, vibrant and warm.

and small decor items.

8. Dark red is complemented by navy and gold

Dark red walls with navy blue are a timeless colour combination that exudes sophistication when paired with metallics.

A simple way to boost the gold in your space is with decorative items. By bringing in elements like light-coloured timber, you can create golden features in a more understated, natural way.

9. Colour scheme of red, white and brown

This colour scheme is straightforward, ageless and a bit more masculine than some other combinations. It suits a modern or mid-century style home quite well.

Pick out standout decor items, like a groovy lamp or a tan leather sofa, to mix these colours without the red overpowering everything. You can add some visual interest with hanging artwork or even a patterned wallpaper.

10. Red, white and multiple shades of blue

Pairing red and white is a straightforward combo, but mix it with two tones of muted blue and temper that red down a notch and you’ll get a room that’s visually soothing yet still looks stylish.

Find fun ways to add blue to your home by incorporating it into patterned furniture pieces, checked linens or stripy wallpaper.

11. Red and pink

Most people reckon that red and pink don’t go, but the two colours together can actually look pretty cutting-edge and striking.

Adding pink and red to a monochromatic colour scheme, you can include other colours that complement them, such as tan and periwinkle blue, to create a cohesive look without too much repetition.

12. Red complements black, white, grey, and timber furniture

Red’s a colour that pairs well with timber finishes, particularly when wood is used as an accent rather than the main feature. Stick to wooden picture frames and chair legs, and team it up with neutral tones to let the red colour really stand out!

13. Crimson, magenta and burgundy

Although some might think that pink and plum won’t go with red, these similar colours complement each other to create a look that’s contemporary and feminine.

If your room needs some extra soft, rounded vibes, consider opting for plush furnishings and mellow tones.

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Aussie bloke-inspired colours: red, grey and timber

This look is a bit more subdued and is suitable for a study, office or bachelor pad. Using grey sheets and doonas, with a hint of red will keep your design neutral without being too dull.

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Red goes with purple

Another one of those bold colour combinations, red and purple aren’t for the weak at heart.

I’m doin’ good, thanks. I’m just chattin’ with a mate here.

16. Red and green

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