7 Bold Ways to Make a Statement with Red Paint in Your Home

Using red paint can be a daring decision, but when executed thoughtfully, it stands out as one of the most striking colors for home decor.

Bright shades like tomato red can invigorate a space, while deep wine reds exude sophistication; understanding color psychology is key before painting with red.

According to Tash Bradley, Head of Interior Design at Lick, red evokes strong emotions and physical reactions in people. 'It represents excitement, courage, and warmth. When applied correctly, red commands attention and creates a significant impact.'

We've compiled some expert-approved methods to embrace this bold color trend, showcasing stunning red paints suitable for any area of your home.

7 Bold Ways to Use Red Paint

Whether you want to envelop a room in red for a maximalist vibe or use it as an accent, these ideas illustrate how effective red can be in home design.

1. Use Vibrant Red in Small Areas

bright red modern kitchen with curved window

If maximalism is your style, red is a fantastic choice to create a striking look throughout your space. Highly saturated reds add energy and drama, such as Sherwin-Williams' Energetic Orange, featured in this maximalist kitchen designed by Matthew Boland of MMB Studio.

While bold colors may seem intimidating, Matthew highlights that they can enhance small spaces.

'I wanted the kitchen in this guest house to shine,' says Matthew. 'The color draws your attention and guides your gaze throughout the area. Small spaces can leave a lasting impression when focused effectively.'

2. Select Red to Enhance Artwork

dark red dining room with wooden chairs and artwork

In a dining area designed by Los Angeles studio STUDIO KEETA, Farrow & Ball's Preference Red coats the walls and ceiling in a semi-gloss finish.

Founder Kristina Khersonsky notes, 'Since the dining room is visible from the foyer, we chose this deep Baroque-inspired red to serve as a focal point and contrast against the textured white walls.'

This rich shade was selected to harmonize with the displayed artwork. 'The tones in the client's painting matched perfectly with Preference Red,' Kristina adds.

Employing a semi-gloss finish not only maximizes light but also works well in spaces with limited natural illumination. Kristina emphasizes, 'We chose the gloss to reflect light and enhance the room's brightness.'

3. Create a Fun Atmosphere with Bold Red

Bright red paint can be perfect for spaces meant to feel lively and energetic. While saturated reds might not evoke calm, they certainly add warmth and vibrancy, ideal for social areas.

Interior designer Kati Curtis of Kati Curtis Design showcased this in a Tudor family residence, transforming a room into a playroom for young children. 'We created a unique vibrant red shade with Fine Paints of Europe to inspire playfulness,' Kati explains.

This paint adorns the walls, paneling, and window seats designed in collaboration with ART Architects, complemented by bold patterns and striking fixtures that emphasize the maximalist aesthetic.

4. Choose Terracotta for Classic Designs

traditional red living room with large window and leather chairs

Farrow & Ball's Book Room Red, a muted terracotta, was applied throughout the walls of a traditional home office designed by NYC's Bennett Leifer Interiors.

This color was chosen to complement the room's dark woods and leather furnishings, enhancing its traditional charm. The goal was to embrace dark hues instead of offsetting heavy furniture with lighter paint for a cozier ambiance.

For those seeking a red wall color that feels subtle, Book Room Red is an excellent option, particularly recommended for compact areas.

5. Reflect Light with Cherry Red Lacquer

traditional dark red library room with white marble fireplace and built in shelving

Dark red tones can create a sophisticated atmosphere when used on walls, offering a more subdued option than brighter shades.

Design studio Alice Lane Interior Design applied a custom dark cherry red lacquer to the walls and cabinetry of this formal library, designed for entertaining and featuring a bar. Despite the intensity, the reflective quality of the lacquer brightens the area, making it inviting for gatherings.

Designer Kristina Kellett explains, 'We opted for cherry red lacquer for its light-reflecting properties, ensuring the space feels airy rather than cave-like.'

6. Incorporate Red as an Accent Color

purple maximalist bedroom with red painted headboard

Using red doesn't mean painting every wall. As red can be quite a bold choice, applying it as an accent color can make it more manageable.

Interior designer Matthew Williamson painted the headboard in this maximalist bedroom red, explaining the strategy behind his selective use of this color.

'Red isn't always the easiest color to work with, but it can create a significant effect if used wisely. I've transitioned from painting entire rooms red to highlighting specific pieces with this color.'

'Rather than using it as an overwhelming hue, I apply it thoughtfully to bring focus to an accessory or a piece of furniture that deserves attention. A lone red element can transform a room, which I keep in mind when planning designs.'

7. Use Deep Red in a Dining Area

grand dining room with red walls, gold artwork and gold chandelier

In this grand dining area crafted by Fisher Weisman, Benjamin Moore's Umbria Red coats the walls, creating a luxurious feel when paired with opulent decor.

Co-founder Jeffry Weisman describes, 'Red transforms the dining space into a destination, fostering a sense of intimacy. The combination of gold and red is timeless. Venetian red captivates us with its drama and warmth. It enhances various materials and colors used in the room, making it classic yet contemporary.'

Moreover, red is known to stimulate appetite, making it an ideal choice for dining rooms.

From kitchens to living rooms, red paint can enhance any area of your home, though moderation is key. Use vibrant hues judiciously in spaces meant for relaxation, as too much red in bedrooms can feel overstimulating. Embrace red thoughtfully in your decor for the best results.