In interior design, color is the ultimate game-changer. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to refresh your space or an interior designer seeking the perfect hue for a client’s room, the right shade can transform a dull area into a vibrant oasis.
Among the kaleidoscope of colors, few are as bold and cheerful as cherry red. This captivating shade not only injects warmth, excitement, and energy into any space but also has the power to evoke a sense of joy and liveliness.
We’ve picked some of the best cherry red paint colors according to interior designers to transform your space into a cheerful haven, no matter your style or preference.
Take a look!
1. Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams Cherry Tomato
Sherwin Williams Cherry Tomato (SW 6864) is a vibrant and eye-catching shade that brings a burst of energy to a room. Its lively hue can create a focal point in a space, drawing attention and instantly elevating a room’s aesthetic.
With an LRV of 12, Cherry Tomato is barely reflective, so it will work best in areas with plenty of light.
The paint color is perfect for accent walls, as it pairs beautifully with neutral tones such as soft whites and grays, allowing the red to stand out while maintaining a harmonious balance.
One of Cherry Tomato’s key features is its versatility. While undoubtedly bold, it can adapt to various contemporary and traditional styles. Pair it with sleek furniture and metallic accents in a modern setting for a chic, sophisticated look.
Combine it with rich wooden furniture and patterned textiles in a more classic space to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
In this kitchen design, Cherry Tomato creates a modern, clean look for the space. Notice how lighting helps bring out the color’s orange undertones. It complements the white countertop by providing contrast and a clearly defined workspace. Shiny fixtures and fittings help tie the space together.
Sherwin Williams Radish
Sherwin Williams Radish (SW 6861) is a sophisticated and stylish cherry red that brings depth and character to any interior space.
Its slightly darker undertones provide a sense of richness, making it an ideal choice for rooms that require a touch of drama.
Radish can add sophistication to a space while maintaining cherry red’s warmth and vibrancy. Its low LRV of 10 makes it ideal for areas with plenty of natural light.
The paint color is ideal for spaces where you want to make a statement. Consider using it in your dining room or study, where its richness can be appreciated. Pair Radish with cool grays or crisp whites to highlight its beauty without overwhelming the space.
In south-facing rooms or rooms with plenty of natural light, Radish reveals a rich, velvety texture that exudes elegance. In north-facing rooms, it takes on a deeper, more dramatic hue, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Radish creates a cozy, welcoming vibe in this dining room. The color combines well with dark-toned wooden furniture to create a well-rounded space. Since Radish isn’t reflective, shiny metallic accents have been used to help bounce off light, and a large mirror makes the space feel open and luxurious.
Sherwin Williams Real Red
True to its name, Sherwin Williams Real Red (SW 6868) is a bright and impactful red that commands attention, making it a go-to choice for those who want to make a statement.
It has a fairly high LRV of 13, making it slightly reflective.
Real Red invokes passion and excitement, infusing a space with boundless energy.
Despite its boldness, Real Red can still be incorporated into various design styles. In a minimalist space, it can serve as a striking focal point that adds a pop of color and interest. Paired with clean lines and simple furnishings, it creates a sense of balance and harmony.
Real Red can complement a mix of patterns and textures in more eclectic settings, contributing to a lively and dynamic atmosphere.
Real Red is the primary color in this living room, creating the ultimate backdrop for neutral shades to thrive. Its colorful nature creates the perfect contrast with lighter neutral shades like gray, white, taupe, and brown. Light-toned colors create contrast and balance out the space, giving the room a well-rounded look. Subtle shiny accents help reflect light and also contribute to the visual interest.
2. Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore Rapture
Benjamin Moore Rapture (CC-66) is an excellent choice if you want a red embodying energy and sophistication.
With an LRV of 10.78, Rapture is a deep, vibrant red that adds depth and richness to any room. Its bold nature is perfect for creating focal points that draw the eye and spark conversation.
The paint color works especially well in spaces designed for relaxation and unwinding, such as bedrooms or sitting areas. Its rich tones can warmly envelop a room, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere that encourages peacefulness.
Pair Rapture with soft textures and plush fabrics to enhance its comfort and luxury.
Rapture has been used to create a calm, inviting space in this small dining room. The color’s low LRV makes it ideal for spaces with plenty of natural light, like in this room. Lighter-toned furniture and curtains balance the dark shade. The large flower centerpiece improves the dining room’s visual appeal, making it feel homely while still complementing the primary color.
Benjamin Moore Exotic Red
Benjamin Moore Exotic Red (2086-10) is a vibrant and elegant cherry red that brings a sense of excitement and flair to a space.
Even though Exotic Red has an LRV of 10.68, it won’t be too stark.
Its versatile nature allows it to adapt to various design styles, from bold and daring to understated and chic. At the same time, its eye-catching hue can instantly brighten a room, creating a cheerful and lively atmosphere.
The paint color is ideal for modern design schemes, where its brightness can be used to create striking contrasts. Consider using Exotic Red as an accent color in your kitchen or living room or as a bold statement wall in your hallway.
Exotic Red shines brilliantly in south-facing rooms or rooms with a lot of natural light, where its boldness can be fully experienced. It maintains its intensity in north-facing rooms, ensuring your space remains dynamic and engaging.
Notice how Exotic Red has been used here to create a vibrant, lively living room. The color combines well with natural light in the room, giving the space a modern look. Similar colored accents help tie the space together, such as the throw pillows and the sofa. The color also combines well with the brass-toned metallic accents, which furthers the modern look.
Benjamin Moore Poppy
Benjamin Moore Poppy (1315) is a cheerful and lively red that embodies the spirit of springtime blooms.
With an LRV of 14.78, Poppy is one of the fairly reflective colors on this list.
The bright and refreshing hue is perfect for spaces where you want to infuse a sense of joy and vitality. Poppy’s playful nature makes it a wonderful choice for family rooms or playrooms.
To make the most of Poppy’s exuberance, pair it with clean whites or light grays that will allow the color to stand out—this combination creates a fresh, modern look that’s perfect for contemporary homes.
Consider mixing Poppy with bold patterns or textures that add visual interest and excitement for a more eclectic vibe.
Poppy Red is one of the most vibrant reds, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in this dining room. While the color isn’t reflective, its vibrant nature makes the space feel spacious and inviting, while natural light makes it airy. Another of its unique qualities is the ability to blend both dark-toned and light-toned colors, as seen from the dark brown table and the light-toned dining seats.
3. Behr
Behr CHERRY RED
Behr’s Cherry Red (HDC-MD-16) is a timeless and classic red whose rich and warm hue is perfect for creating a sense of tradition and elegance.
With an LRV of 16, Cherry Red is one of the most reflective colors on this list. Its LRV makes it easy to pair with light and dark-toned colors.
Its versatility seamlessly allows it to blend with contemporary and classic design styles. The color is best paired with simple, clean lines and minimalistic decor, allowing its boldness to shine without distraction.
Consider black or white accents for a crisp, modern look highlighting Cherry Red’s purity. This approach creates a fresh, open, and continually inviting space.
Cherry Red is a color with a chameleon quality; hence, it may look different depending on a room’s orientation and amount of natural light.
In this living room, the color’s chameleon qualities are clearly evident, with the well-illuminated side reading a colorful red while the side with less natural light the color reads a deeper-toned red. Light-toned furniture brings a sense of balance, while the light, earthy shades make the space more grounded.
Behr Red Pepper
Behr Red Pepper (PPU2-2) is a shade that brings a bit of spicy feel into your home. Its warm, vibrant tone is reminiscent of autumn leaves and can add a sense of warmth and coziness to a room.
With an LRV of 8, Red Pepper is an excellent choice for areas where activity and interaction are encouraged, such as living rooms or entertainment areas. It creates the perfect mood to fuel lively conversations and interactions.
In addition to its use in social settings, Red Pepper can create a sense of contrast and interest in more neutral spaces. Its bold color can be an eye-catching accent, drawing attention and adding a pop of color to otherwise subdued areas.
Red pepper combines seamlessly with wooden accents, such as the trim, wainscoting, and furniture, in this dining room design to create a classic rustic-themed space. The brown tones give the space a natural grounding look, while the subtle metallic accents and unique wall décor add to the rustic charm.
Behr Cherry Hill
Behr Cherry Hill (0989) is a warm and inviting cherry red that brings a sense of rustic charm and coziness. Its rich and earthy tones create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
Cherry Hill’s versatile nature allows it to adapt to various styles, from rustic to contemporary.
To make the most of Cherry Hill’s warmth, pair it with earthy neutrals like tan or olive that complement its undertones and create a harmonious look. This combination enhances a space’s coziness, making it perfect for lounging or unwinding after a long day.
For a more contemporary twist, combine Cherry Hill with crisp whites or soft blues that add a touch of freshness and lightness.
Being one of the dark-toned cherry reds, Cherry Hill doesn’t reflect much light, making it ideal for use in areas with plenty of natural light to create a calming atmosphere.
In this living room, Cherry Hill creates a calm, inviting space ideal for relaxing after a long day. With plenty of natural light, the color combines with dark-toned furniture, creating a tranquil space. The metallic accents improve the space’s visual interest while adding some character.
4. Farrow and Ball
Farrow and Ball Rectory Red
Farrow and Ball Rectory Red (No. 217) is a classic, elegant cherry red that embodies sophistication and refinement.
With an LRV of about 12, Rectory Red is ideal in areas with plenty of natural light.
Its rich and saturated color can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and its timeless allure allows it to adapt to various traditional and contemporary styles.
Pair Rectory Red with dark woods and luxurious fabrics to enhance its traditional appeal. Consider adding touches of gold or brass for a classic, opulent look that exudes elegance and sophistication.
In this study room, Rectory Red creates the perfect backdrop. The dark wooden study desk and vintage armchairs add to the room’s classic appeal, while the metallic accents make the space more stylish.
Farrow and Ball Blazer
For those seeking a red with a touch of sophistication, Farrow and Ball Blazer (No. 212) is an excellent choice.
Blazer’s bold nature adds a sense of drama and flair to a room, making it an exciting addition to your home’s color palette.
The paint color works particularly well in social spaces like dining rooms or entertainment areas.
Pair Blazer with contrasting colors, such as black or white, to create a striking, modern look that’s bold and sophisticated. Its vibrant hue can also add excitement and dynamism, making living spaces more enjoyable and memorable.
Here, Blazer creates a vibrant mood for this entryway. Notice how the color pairs with a contrasting white color on the trim and ceiling, giving the area a balanced look. The metallic accents on the console table, mirror, and table lamp give the area an air of sophistication.
Farrow and Ball Incarnadine
Farrow and Ball Incarnadine (No. 248) is a regal and sophisticated cherry red whose deep and rich tones create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Incarnadine’s refined hue allows it to adapt to various styles, whether classic, contemporary, transitional, or modern farmhouse.
In south-facing rooms, Incarnadine reveals its full depth, showcasing its luxurious and elegant character. It takes on a more intimate, cozy glow in north-facing rooms, making it ideal for spaces where you want to create a sense of warmth and comfort.
In this living room design, Incarnadine creates a peaceful, intimate space ideal for conversation or winding down after a long day. The paint color utilizes natural light to create an airy space without being too stark. Light, earthy furniture helps ground and balance out the dark Incarnadine tone.
What Color Compliments Cherry Red Paint Colors?
- Navy Blue
- Charcoal Gray
- Soft Pink
- Bright White
Navy Blue
Navy blue is a deep, cool color that provides a stunning contrast to the vibrant tones of cherry red. This combination creates a bold and sophisticated look, adding depth and a touch of elegance to the space.
Use navy blue in textiles, such as curtains, throw pillows, or rugs, to create a harmonious and balanced environment that complements the energy of cherry red.
Charcoal Gray
Charcoal gray is a rich, neutral shade that pairs beautifully with cherry red. This combination creates a modern and refined atmosphere, softening the intensity of red while maintaining a stylish and contemporary feel.
Incorporate charcoal gray in furniture, accent walls, or larger elements to create a sleek and balanced space that enhances the vibrancy of cherry red.
Soft Pink
Soft pink offers a gentle, romantic contrast to cherry red. This pairing adds warmth and softness, creating a harmonious and inviting look that tones down the boldness of cherry red without losing its impact.
Add soft pink through accessories like throw blankets, cushions, or artwork to introduce a delicate and soothing element that complements the vibrant cherry red.
Bright White
Bright white is a crisp, clean color that creates a high-contrast, fresh look when paired with cherry red. This combination adds brightness and clarity, making spaces feel more open and lively.
Use bright white in trim, ceilings, or furniture to create a striking, modern environment that highlights the boldness of cherry red.
Color Disclaimer
Please note that all paint colors displayed on this page are for illustrative purposes only. Due to variations in screen settings, lighting, and other factors, the colors you see on your screen may differ from the actual paint colors. We recommend viewing a physical color sample or swatch for the most accurate representation.
