Shades of Red and the Colors That Pair With Them
Explore the versatility of red with timeless and whimsical pairings for shades like cherry, garnet, and coral. From bold contrasts to soft blends, discover inspiring ideas to style red for every room, combining elegance, warmth, and playfulness in your home design.
Red is one of the most powerful and versatile colors in design. Its spectrum, ranging from bold cherry to soft coral, allows it to evoke moods as varied as passion, elegance, playfulness, and romance. When paired thoughtfully, red can transform any room into a space that feels timeless or whimsical.
In this guide, we explore 10 stunning shades of red and their perfect pairings, offering both classic combinations and creative twists for inspiration.
1. Cherry Red
- Timeless Pairing: Cherry Red + White
Crisp and classic, this duo brings vibrancy to kitchens, dining rooms, or modern living spaces.
- Whimsical Pairing: Cherry Red + Aqua
Bright and playful, this retro-inspired pairing adds charm to children’s rooms, bathrooms, or eclectic decor.
2. Garnet
- Timeless Pairing: Garnet + Gold
Luxurious and regal, this rich combination suits formal spaces like dining rooms or libraries.
- Whimsical Pairing: Garnet + Blush Pink
Romantic and soft, this pairing adds a surprising lightness to bedrooms or artistic spaces.
3. Crimson
- Timeless Pairing: Crimson + Navy Blue
Bold and sophisticated, this classic pairing works beautifully in studies or traditional living rooms.
- Whimsical Pairing: Crimson + Lime Green
Festive and fun, this contrast is perfect for seasonal decor or bold statement walls.
4. Brick Red
- Timeless Pairing: Brick Red + Cream
Warm and grounding, this combination is perfect for rustic kitchens or cozy family rooms.
- Whimsical Pairing: Brick Red + Teal
Vibrant and eclectic, this pairing creates a striking look in modern spaces with a bold edge.
5. Red
- Timeless Pairing: Red + Black
Dramatic and classic, red and black are perfect for creating high-contrast, formal designs in dining or living rooms.
- Whimsical Pairing: Red + Sunshine Yellow
Cheerful and energetic, this duo is ideal for entryways, creative spaces, or playful accents.
6. Strawberry
- Timeless Pairing: Strawberry + Gray
Soft and calming, this pairing brings a sense of subtle sophistication to bedrooms or offices.
- Whimsical Pairing: Strawberry + Mint Green
Sweet and fresh, this delightful combination works well in nurseries or spring-inspired designs.
7. Rhubarb
- Timeless Pairing: Rhubarb + Olive Green
Earthy and elegant, this mix brings warmth to kitchens or dining rooms with natural tones.
- Whimsical Pairing: Rhubarb + Lavender
Dreamy and romantic, this pairing is perfect for feminine bedrooms or artistic spaces.
8. Coral
- Timeless Pairing: Coral + White
Bright and clean, coral and white create an airy and refreshing feel in coastal or summer-inspired designs.
- Whimsical Pairing: Coral + Turquoise
Vibrant and tropical, this duo energizes patios, poolside spaces, or playful interiors.
9. Tellina
- Timeless Pairing: Tellina + Beige
Understated and calming, this combination suits serene living rooms or minimalistic bedrooms.
- Whimsical Pairing: Tellina + Periwinkle
Soft and playful, this mix brings a dreamy vibe to nurseries or light-hearted interiors.
10. Plie
- Timeless Pairing: Plie + Charcoal Gray
Modern and chic, this pairing adds sophistication to living rooms or minimalist spaces.
- Whimsical Pairing: Plie + Butter Yellow
Cheerful and bright, this combination is ideal for kitchens or sun-filled breakfast nooks.
Conclusion
Red’s wide spectrum of shades offers endless design possibilities, from bold statements to delicate accents. Whether you prefer timeless combinations like garnet and gold or playful mixes like cherry red and aqua, there’s a pairing to suit your style.
Quick facts
Which color looks good with red?
Colors like white, black, gold, and cream complement red beautifully. For bold pairings, try teal, turquoise, or lime green.
What is a complementary color to red?
Green is the complementary color to red on the color wheel. Shades like olive or mint green create balanced and striking combinations.
What is the best combo for red?
Red pairs best with classic neutrals like white and cream for timeless looks. For a bold statement, pair it with gold or teal.
What color goes with vibrant red?
Vibrant red pairs well with crisp white, sunshine yellow, or aqua for high-energy and cheerful designs.
What color contrasts the most with red?
Green contrasts the most with red as its complementary color. For even bolder contrast, try lime green or teal.
What color calms down red?
Neutral tones like gray, beige, and cream can balance and calm down the intensity of red.
What color blends best in red?
Shades of pink, like blush or coral, blend beautifully with red for a harmonious and soft look.
What is the best pairing with red?
Red pairs exceptionally well with gold for luxury, white for simplicity, and teal for a modern, vibrant look.
What color to shade red with?
You can shade red with deeper tones like burgundy or crimson for a rich and layered look.
What color red is most attractive?
Bright cherry red is often considered the most attractive due to its bold and energizing quality.
Do red and green go together?
Yes, red and green pair beautifully, especially in seasonal or bold designs. Opt for muted shades like olive and brick red for a modern take.
What color pairs with red?
Gold, cream, white, teal, and blush pink are excellent choices for pairing with red in various settings.
What two colors should not be seen together?
Red and purple can clash if not balanced carefully. Use a neutral like cream to bridge the two colors for a harmonious look.
What is the opposite of red?
Green is the opposite of red on the color wheel. This contrast creates bold and dynamic pairings in design.
Geoff Abraham
Co-founder & President of Spoken
Geoff is the co-founder and President of Spoken. He is a Dad. He holds a BA from UT Austin (Plan II) and an MBA from Stanford. Geoff has built several successful businesses, including a bicycle taxi business in San Francisco which he ran for 10 years with his wife, Mimosa. He is an executive coach, and he actively invests in seed-stage startups via The Explorer Fund.
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