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Decorating a red living room


51 Red Living Rooms With Tips And Accessories To Help You Decorate Yours

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Red really ramps up a living room decor scheme. Even a simple neutral backdrop can come alive with the introduction of red couches and a coordinated red table lamp, or a pair of red window drapes and a matching rug. Red adds a lot of visual heat, so is a particularly great option to those wanting to transform a cold looking room. This extensive gallery of 51 red living rooms is packed with inspiration on red wall colours, red living room furniture, and unique ways in which to introduce a plethora of red living room accessories that will help to balance out the scheme just right.

Create colour layers. The dark ceiling of this red and black living room evokes a cocoon-like feeling of safety, whilst everything below half height in the room radiates with the same red vibrancy. Red sofas, a red area rug, a red coffee table, and even a low slung red pendant light pull together in daring colour saturation.

Flower power and fun. This lively room scheme employs red sofas to turn up the visual heat of a plain white painted room, whilst a rainbow rug ramps up the cheer. A daisy shaped ottoman fills the room with flower power, along with petal motif side tables.

Colourful and cubist. A sharp and simplified red sofa design makes an ideal champion for the cubist decor aesthetic. Cut a feature wall into sections that can be filled with complementary accent colour, like gold, and introduce a linear modern chandelier.

Retrofit the red vibe. If you’re already decorated with neutrals but long for something more lively, fear not. Easy additions like a red feature cushion, some red wall art, and a red floral arrangement can work wonders. If budget allows, spring for an adventurous red accent chair too, it will make the colour infusions appear more permanent and intentional.

In this case, double chairs create double the impact.

Here, red cushions and art align to make one more retrofit compatible solution.

Deliciously pomegranate. Red lovers looking for something on the sophisticated side will adore this rich pomegranate shade. Team with a solid stone coffee table to get the luxe look.

Step it up. Create an island for your most colourful room elements by building a platform, then wrap it with more bright flamboyance. In this room, a raw industrial backdrop creates an interesting juxtaposition for the colour crisp elements.

Slice and splice. Use contrasting wall panels and curtains to build sections of colour around the room.

Seeing triple. Not one, but three red couches round out this large living room, with a simple red runner completing a full circuit of colour on the fourth side.

Rosy and cosy. A patchwork red carpet pulls up by the modern fireplace of this home, creating a colour bridge of heat and cosiness.

Lift it with light. A ceiling stripe of red LEDs really elevates this black, white, and red living room scheme. There is also a shape theme twinned with the red elements of this room, evident in a circular feature wall treatment, round area rug, and pendant light discs.

If you are only going to do one thing to bring red into a room, a feature wall brings the biggest impact…

… Consider teasing the colour thread out a little further, with just a couple of painted panels on an adjacent wall.

A red and brown meld makes a smooth partnership. This scheme picks up the tempo with some beats of primary yellow.

There are red chairs, and then there is THIS red lounge chair. If you’re going for a hero piece then go extra special.

Textured panelling and molding bring extra oomph to a red feature wall.

Another take on the panel molding aesthetic.

A cool grey stone effect carpet contrasts beautifully with the heat of a vibrant red painted wall and matching couch.

Work your angles. Different shades of red have been used to create this angular optical illusion on the TV wall, which gives the space added dimension.

Add a blast of blue. Red is a stong colour, but that doesn’t mean that you have to keep the rest of the room palette weak. Try adding other bold colours into the mix, like a solid cobalt blue or golden yellow–or both!

Look at Mondrian inspired interior design for colour combo insight. Note how the scheme is kept fresh with plenty of white space and sharp black linework. Max out the theme in a concept like this by choosing pendant lighting and area rugs to match.

Black linework and white space can translate into a much softer scheme too, like this half height border with black dado rail. A red persian rug expands the colour saturation across the lower half of the room. A contrasting sofa pulls out blue highlights in the carpet.

Lay out a warm welcome with red carpet. Red carpeting creates a warm base for an open and airy room. Red candles draw the warmth up to eye level when seated.

Gold standard home accessories. This round coffee table and its matching side table introduce glorious golden elements into an orange-red room. The lustre reflects the fire tones, and suggests luxury and expense.

Beautify walls with burgundy red panel molding. Even modern spaces benefit from the traditional practice of panel molding, and rich colour only amplifies the elegant effect. Be sure to place a stylish lamp nearby to light up the finished feature.

Ketchup and mustard. They work great on a hotdog and they work in decor too! Don’t be put off by the analogy, the right combination of delicious saucy red and a stripe of earthy mustard will look far more sophisticated than your local fast food joint.

Assemble a mediterannean vibe. The floral wallpaper in this red and turquoise living room is reminiscent of medditerannean tile, and even lace. The contrasting turquoise elements bring in a fresh breeze, as if from the ocean. Yellow pieces let in the sun.

Gotta love an ottoman. This tufted ottoman coffee table acts as the perfect springboard for the rest of the red elements in the room. A sea of red pattern waves around it’s base, and red wall art echoes its square outline.

A red room within a room. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen for the industrialist J. Irwin Miller, this home was the beginning of the original conversation pit trend that looks set to make a modern comeback.

A smaller take on a red conversation pit, though this time with the inclusion of a stunning ceiling mount fireplace in a double height void. Black and white pillows create a layered look on the red seating.

See the world through red rose tinted glasses. Glass wall bedrooms, kitchens and even bathrooms are all the rage in interiors right now, but how about using the glass as a vessel to carry your accent colour? Transparency is maintained to leave spaces feeling larger, but the tint promotes a cosier atmosphere when closed.

Gorgeously gothic. Solid black paint walls highlighted with gilded elements and blood red couches build devilishly good looks.

Balance out equal measures and tone. The red and teal parts of this living room each cover a similar square footage, whether that be on the floor or across the walls. Each colour is a soft muted shade, with neither one overpowering the other.

Use colour to define zones in an open plan arrangement.

This red and grey interior has a rotating red ellipse mirror to define the lounge from the entryway.

What to do when vibrant red sunsets fade away? Position red couches around your panorama in honour of natures paint palette.

Hop between opposite sides of the colour wheel, like this contrasting red and green interior. Indoor plants complete and freshen the look.

This revitalising space amps up the indoor plant and red decor combo. Natural stone, rattan and wood enrich the scene.

Crackle texture elevates this dark red feature wall, making it a stunning gallery space for abstract art.

This piece of red art becomes a feature wall in itself. Raw concrete makes a cool companion.

Make red the cohesion between interlinked living spaces.

In this home, statement red dining chairs echo the red abstract wall art in an adjacent lounge.

As if this chunky red tufted sofa isn’t glorious enough, this living room features a lush grass green rug to bind it with its wonderful garden view.

Read it, read it, red it. Take a regular bookcase and transform the stacks with bright red inserts.

All wired up. No need to conceal that wire with electrical trunking, go louder with bright red cables and creative pinning.

Life is peachy. Red and peach might not be the first colour combination that springs to mind, but the merge is something sweet.

Getting hot with houndstooth. Monochrome houndstooth and hot red accents are simply made for one another.

Top off your eclectic kingdom with a joyous red crown–oh, and a disco ball.

Have hope, be strong, laugh loud, and have a great big red typography wall.

Complement a bold red couch with a statement lamp, like this amazing Oda style lamp. Originals are available here.

1. Red rugs 2. Red vase 3. Red tufted love seat 4. Arne Jacobsen style egg chair 5. Red couch 6. Womb chair 7. Red floor lamp 8. Red themed wall art 9. Red coffee table


Recommended Reading:  51 Red Bedrooms With Tips And Accessories To Help You Design Yours

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10 atmospheric and elegant designs |

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Contemplating red living room ideas? While the color might sound like a dramatic choice, it’s actually a hue that’s easy to live with, and definitely worth your consideration.

The qualities that make red a great option? Its warmth, the ability to make the room feel cocooning, and its appearance under artificial light. After all, for many of us, the living room is a space we frequently occupy after dark.

Be inspired to consider red among your living room ideas by these fabulous rooms, and draw on the expertise of the designers who exploit its potential. 

Red living room ideas

If you're considering living room paint ideas, red is a versatile shade. Red living room decor might be used as an atmospheric backdrop, as a cozy accent, or you might pick a sophisticated tint to play with the attributes of the color. Use these red living room ideas as your starting point.

1. Choose a shade sympathetic to your room’s aspect

(Image credit: Little Greene)

As with any color used in decorating, there are many variations of red to choose from, and it’s a good idea to think about which way your room faces when selecting. 

‘Red has numerous hues, each with different undertones, so consider the aspect of your room – is it north or south facing, and when and how do you use the space?’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene .  

‘A warm-toned naturally occurring red such as deep earthy “Arras” will add coziness and intimacy to a north-facing room but may appear more intense in a south-facing room.'

And for dark living room ideas?

‘For those who are looking to embrace red on all four walls, the go-to shades are wonderful terracotta hues such as “Tuscan Red” or deeper “Bronze Red” (shown here) that create dramatic yet intimate and inviting interiors.’

2. Warm up with red

(Image credit: Lucas Eilers Design Associates)

One of the leading reasons why you might prefer red living room ideas is because of the color’s heat, and in cold climate areas, it can create a sought-after atmosphere, perfect for cozy living room ideas.  

‘My client loves red, and the warmth and energy it provides,’ explains Sandy Lucas of Lucas Eilers Design Associates . ‘This particular shade of red was the perfect choice for this sitting room that adjoins one of the primary bedrooms (which is also red) because it makes the entire space, which is high in the mountains, feel snug and cozy. ’

3. Use red for the chimney

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Red can still work its magic when teamed with other wall colors and finishes. In this home, it was selected for the chimney, accentuating this focal point, as well as being used on the opposite wall and above the glazing. 

‘We painted the walls using a paprika shade,’ explains Louise Wicksteed, design director of interior designers Sims Hilditch . ‘We paired this with wooden paneling and ski-inspired prints to create an aesthetic reminiscent of an inviting ski chalet.’

4. Take it to the floor

(Image credit: M Lavender Interiors Photograph: Janet Mesic Mackie)

Think red living rooms, and the walls and furniture might come to mind first, but don’t rule out the possibility of using it on the floor in white living rooms. This way, walls can be painted in paler, light reflective shades but red still brings its gentle flame.

In this living room from M Lavender Interiors , the floral patterned rug and plaid rug feature the bold hue, which is repeated in the upholstery on the armchairs, and a pillow. It’s part of the evocation of the best of 1980s style including saturated color in this home.

5. Up the luxe level

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

A desire to make the space look more opulent might be among the motivations to go for red living room ideas. It’s a color that’s associated with luxury.

‘Incorporating a rich, bold spice color such as red is a foolproof way to create instant character, taking a space from sterile to stylish,’ says Helen Shaw, UK director at Benjamin Moore . ‘These slighter darker tones are growing in popularity and we have seen shades of red surge in demand, adding drama and a luxurious feel to our schemes.’

6. Cocoon yourself in red

(Image credit: Sara Cosgrove Studio Photograph: Donal Murphy)

Take a confident approach with red and use it for walls and ceiling along with upholstery, drapes and lampshades. The effect is cocooning, creating a living room that’s a wonderful retreat, surrounding its occupants with warmth and comfort.  

Like the approach? Follow the example of this room by Sarah Cosgrove Studio by introducing blocks of neutral tones to create contrast with the deeper hue. Introduce different textures, too, like the velvet of the couch and the finer fabrics of the lamp shade and drapes.

7. Opt for a pop

(Image credit: Kara Adam Interiors Photograph: Michael Hunter)

If you like the qualities red can bring to a living room but think large areas are a commitment too far, introducing it as an accent color is a sound tactic.

‘The client here loved red,’ says Kara Adam of Kara Adam Interiors of this room. ‘This was a challenge for us since we don’t use a ton of that color. The way the red is integrated in this space is a little pop of happiness. The trim on the drapes has always made me smile, and I’m not even a “red person”! These are probably my favorite drapes we’ve ever done. I think the red is what creates the happiness in that room.’

Her advice for those cautious about using the hue and erring towards neutral living room ideas? ‘If you’re hesitant to use red, you can introduce it in smaller doses, like in a pattern on a chair or a trim on a drape. Another tip for the wary, is to never use a true Crayola red. I always go off the shade a bit – a little orange or a little blue. With this client we went with a warmer red. You can especially see this on the custom-colored lantern.’ 

8. Pick a natural shade

(Image credit: Earthborn)

If you like to live with nature’s colors in your home, but don't want to embrace brown living room ideas, consider a brownish take on red that’s reminiscent of the tones of fall foliage, or red earth, like this Nutkin paint from Earthborn . 

It’s a shade of red that’s more soothing than energizing and ideal for a room in which to relax. It’ll complement other organic colors beautifully, too, in a country home.

9. Bring red in with patterned wallpaper

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Alun Callender)

Consider red living room ideas that use the color as part of a wallpaper motif. It will still bring its attributes to the interior, and as part of a wallpaper pattern introduces an energy that’s perfect for a room used for entertaining.  

Red needn’t be any less impactful than blocks of the hue when used this way, either. This wallpaper is seen in the home of designer Ottoline De Vries, who employs bold color and graphic pattern in her work. She says of her home: ‘I love using wallpaper and fabrics and I’m not afraid of pattern clashes – color, print and pattern are what give it soul.’

10. Go for red in a dark living room

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

It may seem counterintuitive, but red should be on your list of possible wall colors if the living room is naturally dark.

‘When looking to decorate living rooms that don’t have an abundance of natural light, the temptation is to paint them bright white to force them to feel brighter,’ explains Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball color curator. ‘Sadly, this just results in a flat, dull room which won’t feel cozy at all. 

‘Instead, use warm, rich colors like reds to create a room that feels welcoming and confident. Strong colour feels luxurious and nurturing and cannot fail to introduce a little passion to your home. Incredibly chic by day and alluring by night, it will create a thought-provoking atmosphere.’

Is red a good color for a living room?

Red can be a very good color to use in a living room. Perhaps number one among the reasons is the coziness it can create.

‘Any color that is made up primarily of red or orange will make a room seem much warmer,’ explains Justyna Korczynska, Crown color consultant. ‘Using two or three of these colors together will create that warm palette with tonal interest. Many think that red and orange clash, but they do in fact work brilliantly together.’

What goes with red in a living room?

There are a range of options when it comes to picking a palette that includes red in a living room.

‘Deep reds work perfectly with most shades of green and any nature-inspired neutrals and natural materials like wood browns and stone grays,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux .  

Or try another confident hue alongside it. ‘Brick reds and rich mustard yellows look beautiful together,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball brand ambassador. ‘Use empathetic whites to balance the tones and avoid the room looking too cloying, such as Eating Room Red walls and String on the woodwork.’

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator.  

Living room interior in red - 80 photo ideas for designing a red living room in combination with other colors

Contents:



Factors and recommendations to consider when choosing a red living room design

According to the designers, a red living room will not go unnoticed, but before making such a decision, take into account the following factors:




The positive properties of the color, in particular in the living room, as well as the disadvantages of red

Pros:
Cons:

Despite a number of color advantages, there are also disadvantages:








What kind of people prefer red color most often?

From the point of view of psychologists, this color is preferred by people who lead an active lifestyle, strive for leadership, and have a strong character.

They like to host guests at home or organize friendly meetings outside of it. Also, such people strive for luxury and wealth. At the same time, there are many choleric and extroverted people among them. Those who like red tones are prone to the manifestation of passion and emotions. nine0003

Living room in red for such people is a great way to emphasize the peculiarities of their temperament and surround themselves with pleasant color.







Who better to refrain from the predominance of red in the room, and is there a compromise?

It is better to refuse such a color in the living room for people with such traits: increased anxiety, a tendency to insomnia, hyperactivity. Phlegmatic and melancholic people can suppress such tones. nine0003

If you still want to use red in the living room for people with the above features, you can find a compromise - use soft, delicate and warm shades: scarlet, soft coral, terracotta, brick. Dilute red with calm and light tones.

Colors can also be expressed in furniture. For example, the design of a living room with a red sofa and armchairs will already be expressive and at the same time not overloading.








Options for combining red with other colors in the living room

One of the win-win options is a white-red living room. This is a good choice for any space. In a small room, the dominance of white will visually add space, and in a large living room, you can safely focus on red. White "calms" the activity and saturation of red.

As a result, the room becomes airy, cozy and easy to perceive. Small blotches of black can add dynamics to the combination. nine0003






Against the background of beige, red looks more restrained and soft. The living room in beige and red colors looks spectacular and harmonious, so it is not necessary to introduce a third tone. If you want more dynamics, bring red to the fore, and if peace and tranquility - beige. This solution is often used to create classic or retro interiors.

To make the setting even more spectacular, use several shades of beige. nine0003





Natural and calm brown will dilute the saturation of red. Often, designers use a muted red tone in a duet with brown. Such an environment will charm you with comfort, coziness and warmth. When brown is the main one, one of the walls and pieces of furniture can be red. As a third tone, pastel colors or white are often introduced.







You rarely see a black and red living room, as both tones are too expressive and deep. Therefore, designers introduce another color, most often white, light gray or peach. But even so, such a solution is advisable in spacious and bright rooms. The black and red living room looks bold, catchy and modern.








Another no less successful duet. A calm peach will dilute a rich and dynamic red. Both colors will give the living room warmth, tenderness and comfort. In a small room, make peach dominant, in large rooms they can be equal or with a predominance of red. Another interesting solution is the dominance of peach in different tones and bright red accents. nine0003



Calm gray and dynamic red can form a harmonious composition if you choose the right amount of them and place accents. Then the gray-red living room will charm with comfort and elegance. This solution is good because gray will not look boring and discourage.

Designers often make part of the walls red and part grey. At the same time, furniture can be red with decorative elements in white or gray. Another interesting solution is a room in gray tones and a red sofa. nine0003






Red and green, when properly combined, also get along well with each other. Both colors are expressive, and in a duet they will seem even richer. Therefore, it is worth choosing a moderate brightness, at least one of the tones. You can make one tone the main one, and the other - in the form of bright accents.

In general, a red and green living room will look expressive, fresh and dynamic, which will please active people. Most often, such a duet is used in modern interiors. nine0003




Both tones are bright and saturated, so indoors they will compete with each other and overload the decor. To prevent this from happening, focus on one tone. It is also desirable that one of the colors be either less bright, or in the form of inclusions and objects (sofa, chairs, table). It is advisable to introduce a light tone - beige or white, which will smooth out the depth of blue and red. The red and blue living room looks stylish, modern and energizing. nine0003






Warm colors not only envelop with warmth, but also create a summer mood and evoke positive emotions. A yellow-red living room will be easy to read and expressive if white or cream is introduced. Otherwise, two colors will overload the vision with their brightness and emotionally tire. It is desirable to bring to the main plan only one tone.





Conclusion

Red, though a peculiar color, but thanks to the variety of shades, it fits well into living rooms, regardless of their area and other features. The main thing is to use it correctly and perceive it positively.

✽ ✽ ✽

See more than 300 photos of red interiors. Only the best ideas for your inspiration!

Living room interior in red - 80 photo ideas for designing a red living room in combination with other colors

Contents:



Factors and recommendations to consider when choosing a red living room design

According to the designers, a red living room will not go unnoticed, but before making such a decision, take into account the following factors:




The positive properties of color, in particular in the living room, as well as the disadvantages of red

Pluses:
Cons:

Despite a number of color advantages, there are also disadvantages:








What kind of people prefer red color most often?

From the point of view of psychologists, this color is preferred by people who lead an active lifestyle, strive for leadership, and have a strong character.

They like to host guests at home or organize friendly meetings outside of it. Also, such people strive for luxury and wealth. At the same time, there are many choleric and extroverted people among them. Those who like red tones are prone to the manifestation of passion and emotions. nine0003

Living room in red for such people is a great way to emphasize the peculiarities of their temperament and surround themselves with pleasant color.







Who better to refrain from the predominance of red in the room, and is there a compromise?

It is better to refuse such a color in the living room for people with such traits: increased anxiety, a tendency to insomnia, hyperactivity. Phlegmatic and melancholic people can suppress such tones. nine0003

If you still want to use red in the living room for people with the above features, you can find a compromise - use soft, delicate and warm shades: scarlet, soft coral, terracotta, brick. Dilute red with calm and light tones.

Colors can also be expressed in furniture. For example, the design of a living room with a red sofa and armchairs will already be expressive and at the same time not overloading.








Options for combining red with other colors in the living room

One of the win-win options is a white-red living room. This is a good choice for any space. In a small room, the dominance of white will visually add space, and in a large living room, you can safely focus on red. White "calms" the activity and saturation of red.

As a result, the room becomes airy, cozy and easy to perceive. Small blotches of black can add dynamics to the combination. nine0003






Against the background of beige, red looks more restrained and soft. The living room in beige and red colors looks spectacular and harmonious, so it is not necessary to introduce a third tone. If you want more dynamics, bring red to the fore, and if peace and tranquility - beige. This solution is often used to create classic or retro interiors.

To make the setting even more spectacular, use several shades of beige. nine0003





Natural and calm brown will dilute the saturation of red. Often, designers use a muted red tone in a duet with brown. Such an environment will charm you with comfort, coziness and warmth. When brown is the main one, one of the walls and pieces of furniture can be red. As a third tone, pastel colors or white are often introduced.







You rarely see a black and red living room, as both tones are too expressive and deep. Therefore, designers introduce another color, most often white, light gray or peach. But even so, such a solution is advisable in spacious and bright rooms. The black and red living room looks bold, catchy and modern.








Another no less successful duet. A calm peach will dilute a rich and dynamic red. Both colors will give the living room warmth, tenderness and comfort. In a small room, make peach dominant, in large rooms they can be equal or with a predominance of red. Another interesting solution is the dominance of peach in different tones and bright red accents. nine0003



Calm gray and dynamic red can form a harmonious composition if you choose the right amount of them and place accents. Then the gray-red living room will charm with comfort and elegance. This solution is good because gray will not look boring and discourage.

Designers often make part of the walls red and part grey. At the same time, furniture can be red with decorative elements in white or gray. Another interesting solution is a room in gray tones and a red sofa. nine0003






Red and green, when properly combined, also get along well with each other. Both colors are expressive, and in a duet they will seem even richer. Therefore, it is worth choosing a moderate brightness, at least one of the tones. You can make one tone the main one, and the other - in the form of bright accents.

In general, a red and green living room will look expressive, fresh and dynamic, which will please active people. Most often, such a duet is used in modern interiors. nine0003




Both tones are bright and saturated, so indoors they will compete with each other and overload the decor. To prevent this from happening, focus on one tone. It is also desirable that one of the colors be either less bright, or in the form of inclusions and objects (sofa, chairs, table).

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