Selecting the colors for your home is one of the most exciting parts of interior design. And any time you include red in your color scheme, you’re adding a burst of invigorating energy.
But depending on what colors you include with red, your home can create a farmhouse aesthetic, a bohemian haven, or a decidedly modern look.
In this article, we’ve included some suggested colors to use. Some are iconic shades you may recognize as Pantone’s Colors of the Year. Others are distinctive shades you may not have seen used with red before!
Here’s a list of colors that go with red, including color palette examples.
1. Very Peri and Red
Hex Codes: #6667AB, #CC2936, #F5F0F6
If you like to keep up with color trends, you might recognize this one as being Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2022. Pantone characterizes Very Peri as a color “whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity.” Trends in the digital world played a major part in this color’s selection, as many digital platforms have been adopting shades of cool violet and periwinkle blue.
Very Peri has a decidedly springlike hue, so try pairing it with a raspberry red or other similar color. But that isn’t your only option; if you’re going for a bold contrast, try pairing it with bold red. You might include a Very Peri accent wall in a living room with red furniture. Or for something more subtle, add a few red accents to a Very Peri room.
2. Mint Green and Red
Hex Codes: #A4E9D5, #6E0D25, #C1ABA6
You might be surprised to hear that plenty of interior designers recommend pairing mint green with red. Lauren Flanagan, an interior designer writing for The Spruce, notes that mint’s light color goes well with something warmer or darker.
Mint is flexible enough to go with different shades of red. For a modern and energetic feel, try combining it with coral or coral-like reds. Or for a retro-inspired look, combine it with a deep clay-red couch.
If the mint green you choose is pale enough, it can even function as a neutral in your color scheme. This is a good choice if you’re going for a light, airy-feeling room with a bold red accent or two. Depending on your exact tastes, you can use just about any mint green hue.
3. Warm White and Red
Hex Codes: #F8F7F2, #FB3640, #22577A
Red goes with any neutral color, but the exact neutral you choose has a major impact on the overall feel of the room. Cooler whites support a more modern aesthetic, but if you want a softer, vintage feel, opt for warmer whites.
One of the most fun ways to combine these two hues is to use a shade of tomato red (a warm-toned red) in patterns with warm white. A red and white bedspread pops in an otherwise neutral room. Alternatively, you might want to opt for a warm white room with a red door or red accent wall. Of course, a warm white room with bold red furniture is always a safe bet.
Warm white also pairs beautifully with a weathered or farmhouse red. When combined, these colors create a vintage-style, homey aesthetic. This combination is also a great choice if you want to mute red’s high energy a bit.
Even though you might associate warm white with vintage-inspired color schemes, a warm white and red combination can look delightfully modern.
4. Pitch Black and Red
Hex Codes: #080808, #ED254E, #8DA9C4
The mixture of red and black is classic and dramatic. But since this contrast is bold and heavy, it’s a good idea to use it relatively sparingly. Primary red looks quite striking next to pure black, but if you want something a little softer, try a warmer black with a rosy or raspberry red.
For a modern aesthetic that still feels relatively open, mix in cool whites, soft grays, or other cool neutrals. A living room with mostly white walls, a gray accent wall, red couches, and a black accent table or two gives you the best of black and red contrast without seeming too closed in.
5. Bright Orange and Red
Hex Codes: #F28500, #D7263D, #E9E3E6
Combining red and vivid orange isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you want a cheerful, high-energy room, this is a great combination. It’s an especially great mix for a kitchen, as orange is associated with creativity and joy. Red is associated with love and thought to stimulate appetite.
A patterned accent wall or backsplash of red, white, and orange looks especially striking. If you’d rather avoid a patterned aesthetic, an orange wall with red kitchen accents (kitchen towels, etc.) can still give you the benefit of both.
A primarily orange room with some red added in is also a great choice if you like the general idea of red but want to take down the heat a bit. Orange is warm enough to be a high-energy color, but it’s a bit less dramatic than red.
6. Turquoise and Red
Hex Codes: #40E0D0, #BF211E, #E4BE9E
Turquoise is another shade that pairs nicely with coral-hued reds, but it looks surprisingly good with bolder reds as well. For a new twist on a vintage aesthetic, try a matte red-and-white accent wall in a room with lacquered turquoise furniture. Or for a bold look, mix up red and turquoise furniture!
If you’d rather create a calmer atmosphere with a few bright accents, opt for turquoise walls in a room with red lampshades and/or curtains.
Or if you want to create a kitchen to remember, try combining turquoise-finished appliances with red tea kettles, other kitchen accents, or rugs. Essentially, this is a non-traditional color combination, so if you want to get creative, it’s a great one to choose!
7. Copper and Red
Hex Codes: #B87333, #621708, #220901
If you like the look of red paired with warm neutrals but want something a little bolder, red and copper create a memorable look. The combination of red and brown is a classic one in interior design, and depending on the exact shades you choose, you can create a variety of different looks.
For a warm, soft look, try copper-hued walls with a red accent rug. Including standing or table lamps with a soft white glow will add a sense of calm. If you want something more traditional, red walls with natural wood furniture (finished in a coppery brown) create a memorable look as well. To support the warm aesthetic, opt for bronze hardware rather than chrome.
You can also use subtle copper accents to bring out the warmth in red furniture. Even a small coppery lamp really adds something to the room!
8. Ultimate Gray and Red
Hex Codes: #939597, #E71D36, #2D3142
You may recognize Ultimate Gray as one of two Pantone Colors of the Year for 2021. This rich, cool gray makes a fitting backdrop for a variety of bold, warm colors, including red.
Gray in general is a color you often see combined with red; it takes the stark contrast of red and black and makes it a little calmer. A red rug is almost always a good choice on a gray tile floor. Red furniture is also an excellent complement to gray walls.
If you like the energy of red but are worried that too much will overtake a room, a pairing with gray is a safe choice. Depending on the energy level you’re trying to create in the room, you can add more or less red to an Ultimate Gray backdrop.
9. Jade Green and Red
Hex Codes: #00A86B, #A8201A, #E0E2DB
If you like the idea of mint green and red but would prefer something even more vintage, jade green just might be your answer. To create a look that hearkens back to the jadeite dishes made popular in the 1930s, jade green cabinets against a red wall are a great look.
For a combination emphasizing red, a primarily red room with jadeite accent bowls will create a modern look. Black furniture goes beautifully with this setup.
Or if you prefer to use this combination in a more subtle way, you can create a largely neutral room with a few accents of both red and jade green. Both of these colors pair well with white. Both warm white and cool white will work; which you choose just depends on the mood you’re trying to create.
10. Charcoal and Red
Hex Codes: #36454F, #A53F2B, #BCAB79
If you like red and gray and red and black but just can’t seem to choose, try combining red with charcoal. Since charcoal can be pretty dark depending on the shade you choose, this is a combination you’ll want to use judiciously.
If you want a cool, modern aesthetic, try gray or white walls with dark charcoal furniture and a red accent rug. Black, white, and various shades of cool gray are great choices to mix with charcoal. But if this combination looks too cold or sterile, a burst of red will prove to be just the touch you need.
If you want to go even more subtle, just add a red accent pillow or two (instead of a red accent rug) to the room described above. Or if you want a dark yet elegant aesthetic, you can create a room with charcoal walls and deep red furniture.
11. Periwinkle and Red
Hex Codes: #CCCCFF, #C84630, #EAD2AC
Periwinkle is an interesting shade. You may not think of it as a good complement to red, but periwinkle actually has a considerable red undertone. If you’re mixing it using paint, you just need to combine white, red, and blue.
Creating color combinations with red is always a balancing act. And if you find that you like the look of red and purple but want something a bit less dramatic, periwinkle is a good choice. And while we’ve given an example shade above, it’s worth experimenting with various shades to see if you prefer a blue-leaning or purple-leaning periwinkle.
Since periwinkle has the overall look of a cool color, including a warm white in a red/periwinkle color scheme is a good way to create balance. For example, solid periwinkle upholstered furniture creates a calming presence against a red and cream patterned wall. If you’re seeking a more muted look overall, try periwinkle accents against a rich clay-red wall. Very pale periwinkle walls can also add a sense of calming light to any room!
12. Beige and Red
Hex Codes: #F5F5DC, #D64045, #27213C
We mentioned earlier that just about any neutral goes with red. And if you want something a bit warmer than gray, beige is a great choice.
This color scheme goes especially well with a living room setup. A lot of couches, chairs, and loveseats come in various shades of beige or brown. So even if you have an existing set like this one, you can easily breathe new life into it by simply adding a red pillow or two!
13. Aquamarine and Red
Hex Codes: #7FFFD4, #BB0A21, #2E1E0F
Like red, aquamarine is a pretty bold design choice. It has a cool-toned, chic look that makes it great for modern living spaces and offices alike.
Aquamarine is similar in color to turquoise, though it is a bit cooler in nature. As a result, it can be used similarly to turquoise in a variety of projects.
Aquamarine looks especially nice with coral and raspberry reds. But like turquoise, it also creates a memorable contrast when placed alongside primary reds.
14. Cool White and Red
Hex Codes: #F4FDFF, #FF5A5F, #087E8B
We mentioned earlier that red and white are almost always a successful combination. And if you’re after a more modern look, cooler shades of white are the best way to go.
Often, when a designer applies this look to a home, they will create a look that is primarily white. They’ll then place a single red accent piece (or a few pieces) to draw the eye. A good example would be a mostly white room with a hanging red lamp at its center. And of course, white furniture with a few red accent pillows is always a good choice.
15. Golden Yellow and Red
Hex Codes: #FCCB06, #5E0B15, #BA9593
Rich, jewel-tone red goes beautifully with other jewel tones, and golden yellow adds a cozy autumnal touch to any room. Like red, golden yellow can become overwhelming if used too heavy-handedly.
However, the example color and related shades are great for adding a lively accent wall. You can always add red-dominant art pieces, tapestries, or other decorations. The red/golden yellow mix goes well with warm yet very dark browns, as this combination helps to maintain the fall-like energy.
That being said, you aren’t limited to just that color. If you want, you can use just about any other neutral as well.
16. Dark Brown and Red
Hex Codes: #4E3524, #F03A47, #FFFCF9
As you’ll see throughout the list, red goes well with just about every wood tone. Dark brown wood flooring (or even wood-paneled walls) looks especially good with red. For example, dark wood looks great with a red woven rug.
But you don’t have to limit yourself to dark brown wood; if you prefer, you can add a deep brown accent wall (or even a deep brown mantle) to an otherwise light-colored room. Then, add a red chair or other item to create a burst of color.
17. Cobalt and Red
Hex Codes: #0047AB, #DF2935, #C1C1C1
Red looks especially striking with almost any shade of blue. And depending on what shade of red you pair with the blue, you can create very different energy. Try adding cobalt accents to muted clay red for a balance of bright and subdued energy.
Alternatively, you can pair cobalt with equally bright red. This pairing goes especially well as a room accent like a patterned rug. If you can find cobalt-blue chairs or even a cobalt table runner, you can also create a noticeable pop with a red accent wall. Ultimately, both red and cobalt are classic and versatile colors, so it’s worth experimenting with colors related to both before you settle on one.
18. Ultra Violet and Red
Hex Codes: #5F4B8B, #9B1D20, #D5BBB1
Purple and red are bold colors that conjure images of royalty. And if you want a cool shade of purple to balance out red’s energy, Ultra Violet is a great option. It was Pantone’s Color of the Year in 2018.
Pantone characterizes Ultra Violet as being “inventive and imaginative,” and it certainly is, especially when it comes to interior design.
Red and purple is not a combination for everyone. If you aren’t quite sure how you feel about it, a small violet accent in a largely red room makes a difference. But if you’re set on this remarkable combination, you can try something bold like an Ultra Violet wall with red furniture.
19. Slate Blue and Red
Hex Codes: #5B7C99, #F2545B, #DCEDFF
A lot of the fun of interior design comes from choosing just the right color for the job. And if you’re looking for something between slate gray and navy blue, slate blue is the ideal choice.
For a very rustic look, you might consider pairing this color with brick red or even with natural brick. For example, a slate blue wall adjacent to a natural brick wall creates a sophisticated aesthetic that perfectly blends vintage and modern.
20. Sage Green and Red
Hex Codes: #B1BCA0, #AF1B3F, #938BA1
As we saw above, red goes surprisingly well with various shades of green. And if you need an earthy green that sits somewhere between mint and olive, sage just might be it. This combination may not be right for every room, but it’s distinctly modern and memorable.
The combination of sage and red often works well when you have subtle touches of both in an otherwise neutral room. For example, you might opt to paint a room pale gray and then incorporate a sage green chair (a great conversation piece on its own!) and a red wall hanging.
21. Black-Brown and Red
Hex Codes: #331800, #CE4257, #CCDAD1
We mentioned dark brown earlier, but extremely dark seal brown functions differently in a color scheme. It’s a great alternative to black if you want something that’s just a touch warmer.
Most people don’t opt to paint walls this color. But black-brown can be a grounding influence when incorporated into other elements of a room. For instance, coffee tables and end tables with wrought-iron legs often use this as a finish instead of black.
Of course, if you want to incorporate more black-brown into a room, there’s nothing wrong with that choice. Much like black, black-brown makes the red parts of a room really pop. For instance, a near-black wall can really make a red chair stand out.
22. Pewter and Red
Hex Codes: #ADB4BF, #931F1D, #12355B
Red goes with just about any neutral (even metallic ones), but there’s something special about pewter. And while you can paint a wall this color if you want, one of the best ways to combine red and pewter is with actually pewter.
For example, if you opt to paint the walls of a given room red, you can hang pictures or wall art using pewter frames. If you have a primarily red kitchen, pewter-finished appliances, kettles, etc. will create the same effect.
Pewter’s muted shine goes well with subdued reds like oxblood. But if you want a strikingly modern look, you might opt to use more primary reds.
23. Cyan and Red
Hex Codes: #00FFFF, #DB222A, #DBCDC6
If you’re familiar with the various codes used to identify colors, you probably recognize this one as the first letter in CMYK. It’s a relatively light, bright blue that’s decidedly different from sky blue.
You might be surprised to hear that cyan pairs well with red. In particular, a bright cherry red paired with cyan evokes the 1950s. One of the best ways to do this is by making cyan the main color in the room. From there, add some subtle red accents: wall clocks, picture frames, bowls, etc.
24. Cream and Red
Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #A61C3C, #1D1A05
If you like the look of warm white mentioned above but want to choose something even richer, cream is a great color to choose. Get creative with geometric or striped patterns, add a splash of red to a mostly-cream room, or go bold with approximately equal proportions of both.
A cream and red color scheme leaves room for many other colors, too. Add accents of black for a modern feel, or incorporate navy blue for a subtle touch of Americana. And of course, other neutrals are always good to add. Beige accents like seagrass rugs go well with this warm combo.
25. Royal Blue and Red
Hex Codes: #4169E1, #EF233C, #EDF2F4
Need a bold contrast for a luxuriant look? If so, royal blue is a great option. You probably wouldn’t paint a whole room this color, but you can use royal blue and red to create visual interest even sparingly.
For example, a royal blue chair with a red accent pillow makes a great addition to a living room. Or if you want to brighten up a largely neutral color scheme, try adding in a bold red and royal blue patterned rug. Alternatively, you can take a page out of the book of interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn. Flynn recommends painting a room in various shades of blue and white while adding subtle bursts of red.
26. Medium Green and Red
Hex Codes: #3CB371, #A22C29, #FFFCF9
Decorating with red and green can be risky. If not done well, it can make a room look Christmas-themed all year round. But even medium grass green can look nice with red if used carefully.
For one, red walls make a great backdrop for potted plants. Whether you have ferns or a ficus tree, placing them in front of a red wall makes a statement. Subtle accents work well, too: try a green and white patterned pillow on a red couch.
27. Pale Blush Pink and Red
Hex Codes: #FADADD, #81171B, #94BFA7
Like green, pink can work well with red if used carefully. If you use too much, you’ll end up with a room that looks as if it’s dedicated to Valentine’s Day.
The key to decorating with red and pink is to keep it subtle. Most designers stay away from bubblegum pink and gravitate more toward near-neutral blushes.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to paint a wall very soft pink and then include red furniture and/or a red rug. For a less dramatic look, just include a red accent or two. Of course, if you want to be really adventurous, you can use bright pink, too.
28. Pine Wood and Red
Hex Codes: #EED5AE, #B3001B, #627264
We mentioned earlier that red pairs well with just about any wood tone. And if you want a look that’s decidedly modern, you can pair it with pale pine or similar wood. One of the most interesting ways to do this is in a home with exposed rafters. You can paint the walls or even the ceiling red to create a contrast with the pale pine.
If your home doesn’t have exposed rafters, you could also pair a red-walled room with pale pine furniture. You could also use light-colored wood flooring, although most wood floors are darker.
29. Burnt Orange and Red
Hex Codes: #CC5500, #3F0D12, #F1F0CC
Like golden yellow, burnt orange is a great color to choose if you want to create an autumn-inspired atmosphere in your home. You can also incorporate it similarly to golden yellow. A red couch with burnt orange pillows (or vice versa) looks nice. Burnt orange accent pots also look nice against a dark red wall.
Remember that less is more with these two colors. Because both are rich and fiery, they can overwhelm a room if not used carefully. Burnt orange makes a cozy wall color, and a red patterned rug can support that energy without causing chaos.
30. Air Force Academy Blue and Red
Hex Codes: #004F98, #EE2E31, #F8F8FF
Air Force Academy blue is perfect for combining with oxblood or a clay red shade, but it can also be used with brighter reds. The color is somewhat muted, and it sits somewhere between charcoal gray and navy blue. But while navy blue can also impart a nautical or Americana feel to a room, the cool undertones of Air Force Academy blue give any room a modern edge.
This color is cool enough to use in a bedroom, and it looks especially good in a room with a red bedspread. If you’re looking to create a high-energy room, you can flip that color scheme: red walls look great with Air Force Academy blue bedspreads and/or furniture. Since both red and Air Force Academy blue can be intense, it’s a good idea to include white, beige, or another neutral in any design using them.
31. Olive Green and Red
Hex Codes: #556B2F, #D33F49, #F7F3E3
Much like sage and the other shades of green on the list, olive green looks quite dignified alongside red. One of the best ways to use this somewhat unusual combination is by incorporating a red statement piece in a mostly-olive room. Red couches, ottomans, or chairs offer a good way to do this.
Of course, too much of either color can become suffocating, so adding some warm white or beige can help make any room a little airier.
32. Teal and Red
Hex Codes: #008080, #F21B3F, #0A210F
Though teal is a deeper color than turquoise, it can be used similarly alongside red when it comes to design. If you happen to find a teal and red patterned tapestry, it makes an incredible statement in a mostly-neutral color scheme.
Like many colors on the list, this one also goes well with red furniture. Since both teal and red can be heavy, a teal and white patterned wall offers a pleasant respite.
If you prefer to keep very bright colors to a minimum, you also may want to use teal and red as barely-there accents. In a mostly gray or mostly white room, these subtle accents can add just enough energy.
33. Gray-Brown and Red
Hex Codes: #7F7053, #E84855, #CACFD6
If you want to pair red with a neutral but can’t make up your mind between gray and brown, this color is a great option. Depending on the exact shade you pair with it, you can infuse a dramatically different energy into a room.
A matte gray-brown along with a matte muted red can add an air of sophistication. But you can also use gray-brown as a backdrop for a brighter, louder red. And thanks to the grayish undertones here, you can also add a shade of pale gray if you feel that your color scheme needs another neutral.
34. Lavender and Red
Hex Codes: #DCD0FF, #DF7373, #615D6C
The aroma of lavender is soothing, but the color of lavender can be, too. And when combined with red, it can temper the incredible energy of the brighter color.
The best way to do this is by using a pale, almost pastel lavender. Unless you’re after a very, very specific aesthetic, using a deep lavender alongside red will look garish. Pale lavender walls in a room with bright red accents create an intriguing room with a very balanced energy.
It’s important to note that lavender is different from lilac. They can be somewhat similar, but lilac tends to have pinkish undertones while lavender has bluish undertones.
35. Illuminating and Red
Hex Codes: #F5DF4D, #C5283D, #BFC1C2
This strong yellow was named as one of Pantone’s Colors of the Year in 2021 (alongside Ultimate Gray). And when combined with red, it can help you to create a distinctively high-energy atmosphere.
One way to do this is by including yellow bookshelves or rugs in a room with red furniture. As is the case with other bright schemes, you also can incorporate hints of red and Illuminating (or another shade of yellow) into a black and white or otherwise neutral color scheme.
36. Dark Green and Red
Hex Codes: #023020, #840032, #F6F7EB
Like other shades of green, dark green can go beautifully with red if incorporated in a thoughtful way. One option is to use green that is so dark it’s almost black. In that case, it functions like a neutral with some real character.
A dark green wall also makes a dramatic and unconventional accent piece. You can add a splash of red to this with a piece of abstract art or other wall hanging that includes a good bit of red. This color scheme is one that can be a lot of fun to play around with; it gives you a chance to let your creativity shine.
37. Navy Blue and Red
Hex Codes: #000080, #B3001B, #D6E3F8
Red and navy blue is a classic combination with seemingly endless applications for interior design. But if you’re not trying for an Americana theme, you might be a little hesitant to use them together.
If you’re worried about that, you might want to follow the 60-30-10 rule. This rule holds that a room should be 60% neutral (walls, much of the furniture), 30% navy (bedding, rugs, or curtains), and 10% red (smaller accents like pillows or lamps).
Of course, use this rule as a starting point. You might want to play around with the percentages a bit and see where it takes you!
38. Rose Gold and Red
Hex Codes: #F4CBC6, #8B1E3F, #0D0A0B
Like blush pink, rose gold can work well with red if you know what you’re doing. Just like with blush shades, pale rose gold walls can look great alongside red furniture. If you don’t want to commit that fully to rose gold, try adding rose gold curtains to a neutral-walled room with red furniture.
Of course, you could start out with a largely neutral room and add in red and rose gold accents. If you like the way these colors look together, you can always add in more.
39. Soft Yellow and Red
Hex Codes: #FDFD96, #F45B69, #C9F0FF
Yellow can provide a wonderful glow to any room. But if you want something softer than bright, sunny yellow, pale or pastel yellow might be your answer.
As is the case with many pale colors on the list, soft yellow can function almost as a neutral. It looks especially nice in color schemes that include red and navy blue, or even other shades of blue.
This shade excels as a wall color, as it adds real positive energy to the room without overpowering the other colors. It provides a gentle backdrop that lets red really shine.
40. Sand and Red
Hex Codes: #C2B280, #990D35, #F1B5CB
Red works with all neutrals, but various shades of sand look especially great. Of course, “sand” is a very general name that covers a lot of similar colors.
One way to incorporate these colors is to choose a muted red rug with a sand-colored pattern. This color scheme is relatively common and can add a rustic touch to any room. Alternatively, sandy-colored walls or curtains add a touch of warmth while providing a backdrop for almost any red accent you can think of.
41. Classic Blue and Red
Hex Codes: #0F4C81, #BF1A2F, #EFF8E2
Last on the list is a simple yet elegant shade of blue that was named Pantone’s Color of the Year 2020. It’s a good choice if you want a classic shade of blue but find royal blue too bright and navy blue too dark.
You can incorporate this color much like any other shade of blue. And by adjusting the ratio of blue to red, you can change the overall energy of the room. Use a larger proportion of Classic Blue if you want a calmer room. As you add more red, you’ll start to feel more energy.
Designing With Red
Hopefully, you now have some ideas of colors you can combine with red to renew your home’s energy. Remember that there’s no right or wrong color choice; all that matters is that it feels right to you!
