From deep burgundy to cherry, using red in the home can instantly add warmth, personality and a sense of confidence to your space. It’s a colour that makes a bold impact, and choosing the right shades to pair it with can help you create a look that feels beautifully balanced and design-led.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best colours that go with red, with expert advice from Caroline Woolmer, Head of Product Design at I Love Wallpaper, on how to style it in your home.
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Why decorate with red?
“Red is one of those colours that instantly changes the energy of a room,” says Caroline. “It brings warmth and a sense of sophistication that really draws you in. Whether you use it in small accents or add it through a painted wall or a touch of red wallpaper, it creates a space that feels welcoming and full of character.”
“The design trend, the unexpected red theory, has shown just how powerful the colour can be. Adding a pop of red in an unlikely place instantly elevates a room and makes it feel more curated.”
“Red is also great for adding depth to neutral schemes or giving a room a focal point. Even the smallest hint can make your home feel more vibrant and considered.”
Colours that go with red
If you’ve ever wondered what colour goes best with red, or which tones complement it, you’ll find it’s a surprisingly versatile choice.
Caroline says: “If you’re ever unsure what colours go with red — or any colour for that matter — the colour wheel is your best guide. The shade sitting directly opposite can give you a beautifully balanced, complementary pairing. Opposite colours naturally enhance each other; the contrast creates harmony rather than clash.”
Here are our top colours that go with red:
Bold pairings
Green
Beauty of Nature Wallpaper in Rich Red and Green
For red, the opposite colour in the colour wheel is green, but the key is not to overdo it. Bright red and vivid green used together in large amounts can quickly drift into a Christmas-like look. Instead, choose softer, more sophisticated variations of each shade to create a modern, harmonious scheme.
Think sage green with deep burgundy for a rich yet calming feel, or forest green with warm, muted reds to create a cosy, contemporary space. Even subtle touches of green, such as a plant, a throw, or a painted alcove, can help ground bolder red accents and make your room feel thoughtfully put together without overwhelming the space.
Teal
Teal is another high-contrast pairing for red, sitting close to opposite on the colour wheel and creating a striking visual balance. The cool blue–green tones in teal cut through the warmth of red, giving you a bold yet beautifully composed look that feels confident and design-led. It’s a pairing that works brilliantly in modern homes.
“Red and teal might seem unexpected, but that’s exactly why they work so well,” explains Caroline. “Teal has enough depth to stand up to strong red tones, and the contrast between warm and cool shades can create real harmony. You just need to be mindful of balance; both colours are strong, so let one lead and use the other as an accent. A deep teal wall with small pops of red, or red accessories against teal upholstery, keeps the look bold and intentional without overwhelming the room.”
Navy blue
Navy is one of the most striking pairings for red. The deep, cool tone of navy helps anchor red’s warmth, creating a look that feels modern and effortlessly sophisticated. This combination works particularly well in living rooms, bedrooms and dining spaces where you want to introduce depth without darkening the room too much. Navy wallpaper, for example, can make a stunning backdrop for touches of red in artwork, cushions or decorative accents.
Caroline recommends: “Try pairing crimson or cherry red with inky navy for a vibrant, contemporary contrast, or choose burgundy with midnight blue for a moodier, more luxurious feel. Navy really helps red feel more mature and elegant.”
Classic combinations
Warm white or cream
Warm white is a go-to choice when using red. Pure white can create a very sharp contrast with red, great if you’re aiming for something bold, but it can feel harsh in a home setting. Warm white softens that contrast, helping the red sit more naturally in the space.
Caroline recommends: “If you’re worried about red and white feeling too high-contrast, introduce a third grounding colour — something like taupe, soft beige, or a muted terracotta. These earthier tones bridge the gap between red and warm white, creating a more layered, relaxed look.”
Warm white walls with deeper red accents, like cushions, artwork or a statement chair, always feel considered. Burgundy paired with warm white and touches of natural wood creates a timeless, high-end finish.
Grey
Dream Team Wallpaper in Red, Grey, and White
Red and grey is one of the most reliable classic pairings because grey acts as a calm, grounding backdrop for red’s natural warmth. Unlike stark white or deep black, grey offers a softer contrast that lets red stand out without dominating the space.
Grey also helps soften red’s intensity. Its cool undertones balance the heat of red, making the colour feel more controlled and sophisticated.
Caroline says: “Grey is such a clever partner for red because it anchors the palette. If you want red to feel grown-up and stylish, grey is the shade that brings everything into balance. Pair soft dove grey with brighter reds for a fresh, modern look, or use charcoal with burgundy when you want something a little more refined.”
Complimentary combinations
Gold
Gold is a natural partner for red, bringing out its richness and adding a luxurious, high-end feel to any room. The warmth of both colours means they sit beautifully together, creating a look that feels glamorous.
Caroline says: “Gold softens stronger red tones and adds a subtle glow that feels elegant rather than bold. Think brushed gold hardware, picture frames or lighting alongside deep red accents, or pair warm red wallpaper with gold details for a truly luxe finish. Even the smallest hint of gold can elevate the whole scheme and make it feel more refined.”
Pink
Cherry Kisses Wallpaper in Pink & Red
Pink is one of the most seamless colours to pair with red because the two sit side by side on the colour wheel. This close relationship allows them to blend effortlessly, creating a harmonious, layered palette. It’s an especially effective pairing in bedrooms and living spaces, where you want warmth and personality without sacrificing a calm atmosphere.
Caroline says: “Red and pink work so well together because they’re part of the same colour family. You’re essentially building a gradient. That makes them perfect for tonal decorating or colour drenching, where you use variations of the same hue across walls, furniture and accessories.”
“Softer rose or blush tones can take the edge off richer reds, creating a relaxed, comforting feel ideal for bedrooms, while deeper pinks can add depth to a muted red scheme. It’s a sophisticated way to use colour with confidence.”
Frequently asked questions
What colours to avoid with red
“Interior design is all about expressing your own style,” says Caroline. “There are no strict rules. But being mindful of certain combinations can help you avoid looks that feel unbalanced or overly intense, saving you from redecorating later.”
Here are a few colour combinations to be careful of when using red in your home:
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Bright green and red — Red and green are complementary colours, but when you choose very bright versions of both, the contrast becomes intense and can lean heavily into a festive, Christmas-esque look. If you love this pairing, opt for softer variations like sage and burgundy instead.
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Purple and red — Purple and red sit close together on the colour wheel, which means they don’t offer enough contrast to feel deliberate. Strong versions of both shades can blend into each other and make a room feel visually heavy. If you want to pair them, soften one side of the palette, for example, plum with muted red or lilac with a deeper burgundy.
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Bright yellow and red — Red and bright yellow together can feel overpowering because both shades are high-energy and visually dominant. Used in equal measure, they fight for attention and can make a space feel busy or childlike.
What colours go with burgundy?
Caroline says: “Burgundy really comes to life when you put it with colours that let its depth show. I love it with soft, warm neutrals because they make the shade feel rich rather than heavy, and darker tones like charcoal or navy add just the right amount of drama without competing with it. If you want something more modern, bring in a touch of blush or dusty pink — it creates a really beautiful, tonal look that feels intentional and effortlessly stylish.”
What colour goes with cherry red?
Cherry red is bright and energetic, so it needs colours that help ground it.
Caroline says: “For cherry red, choose shades that bring balance — warm whites, soft greys and charcoal all work brilliantly. They calm the intensity and help the colour feel more sophisticated. Avoid pairing cherry red with very bright tones, as too much saturation can make the room feel overstimulating.”
What colour goes with dark red?
Dark red shades, like oxblood and deep burgundy, pair well with contrasting tones that enhance their richness.
Caroline explains: “Dark reds look incredible with warm neutrals, muted golds and natural wood. These tones bring out the warmth in the red and keep the palette inviting. For a more dramatic scheme, combine dark red with navy or charcoal; the depth-on-depth contrast feels luxurious and timeless.”
What colour goes with red walls?
Red walls make a confident design statement — they’re bold, atmospheric and instantly add warmth. Red walls can completely transform a space, but they work best when paired with a palette that balances the intensity.
Choose warm whites, soft greys or taupe to soften the look. For a richer feel, pair red walls with dark wood, navy accents or brushed gold details. Lighter reds shine in contemporary spaces, while deeper shades feel luxurious in living rooms and dining rooms.
If you're using patterned wallpaper in red tones, keep surrounding elements simple to let the design lead.
What are the best red living room ideas?
A red living room can feel warm, welcoming and effortlessly stylish when balanced right. Red brings instant energy and depth to a space, making it perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere or adding a touch of drama. Here are some of our top red living room ideas:
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Create a feature wall — Hanging wallpaper with red tones or using red paint can create a focal point in the room. It’s a good idea to keep the remaining walls neutral for balance.
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Choose luxury red wallpaper — Textured, metallic or patterned red wallpaper adds depth and dimension, especially in classic or modern spaces.
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Try burgundy furniture — A burgundy sofa or armchair paired with warm white or taupe walls creates a cosy, high-end look.
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Layer warm neutrals — Colours like beige, taupe and oatmeal soften the intensity of red and make the space feel calm.
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Introduce navy or charcoal accents — These cool tones help ground red and stop it from overwhelming the room.
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Add gold or brass details — Metallic touches elevate red and make the palette feel more luxurious.
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Use natural wood to warm the palette — Mid-tone or dark woods pair beautifully with red and make the space feel relaxed and inviting.
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Keep textiles simple — If your room has bold red walls or wallpaper, choose neutral cushions, curtains and rugs to maintain balance.
