Red Wallpaper: The Guide

While for some it might seem like a bold choice, the power of red wallpaper to bring warmth and vibrancy to our homes should not be underestimated. A bold hue that triggers a positive visceral response in our body, red instantly raises the temperature in the room, increases our pulse rate and boosts our metabolism. Its chameleonic properties allow it to be used in a plethora of different ways: on all four walls, it will make a room feel more intimate; set as the main colour for a feature wall, it will instead help to visually improve the proportions of a narrow room. Its temperature range adds to its versatility, as bright ruby wallpapers add vibrancy and energy, whereas deeper reds like burgundy create a classic and almost regal effect that also works in the popular Country House style.

What are the benefits of red wallpaper in your home?
With which colours does red wall décor work best?
Which variations of red wallpaper are the most popular?
Which rooms are a good fit for red wallpaper?

What are the benefits of red wallpaper in your home?

The most primal of colours with associations with blood, fire and lust, red has a powerful effect on the human mind. Use its powers to your advantage to add a touch of drama and energy to any space.

Red adds warmth and energy to a room

In the colour spectrum, red is the most visible to the human eye. It is associated with fire, strength and power. Red wallpaper, especially in a fiery ruby or crimson, can become the focus of attention and make a room feel more dynamic. Being one of the primary hues with the warmest temperature, red is motivating and a good choice for rooms that see a lot of activity.

Red stimulates the appetite and works extremely well in convivial spaces

We have a more intimate, almost physical connection with red than with any other primary colour. After all, it is the colour of our blood, and it triggers a deep emotional response. When we are exposed to this intense colour, it raises both our pulse and heart rate. As a result, it increases our appetite by boosting the metabolism, which is why red wallpapers are very popular in restaurants.

Red is the colour of love and a great addition for romantic spaces

Everyone knows that red is the international colour of love. From red roses on Valentine’s Day to red lingerie, no other hue produces such an emotionally intense response as red. Nothing beats a red wallpaper to set the scene in a cosy and romantic bedroom. A feature wall with textured red wall décor providing the perfect backdrop for crisp white bed linen is a fabulous way to bring some heat into your bedroom décor.

With which colours does red wall décor work best?

Used on its own, red can sometimes feel somewhat overpowering. Its versatility is most obvious when mixed with other tonalities, such as gold and white for sunny interiors, or grey for a touch of extra glamour.

Red and gold

Wouldn’t it be fun to feel festive all year around? A colour combination commonly associated with Christmas holidays and celebratory moments like wedding parties, a red and gold wallpaper model exudes positive and cheerful vibes. With darker shades of red, these two hues are perfect for oriental interior design concepts as this colour combination is typical for classic Asian décor.

Red and white

Combining the subtlety of white with the intensity of red is an exercise of proportions. These two vibrant tonalities bring clarity and are often used to decorate living rooms with a contemporary vibe or modern kitchens. A wallpaper in red and white often features white as the base hue and splashes of red as the accent colour. Paired it with red lampshades and a couple of ruby cushions, it creates a happy-go-lucky feel.

Red and grey

Grey is a hue highly appreciated by interior designers as it provides a versatile and neutral backdrop for designer furniture and lighting as well as works of art. Used alone, it can however feel slightly cold. But combined with red, one of the most passionate colours in the decorating world, it can create modern interiors with a warm yet luxurious twist.

Which variations of red wallpaper are the most popular?

Red wallpaper is imbued with chameleon-like powers and can be adapted to different spaces, depending on the tonality chosen. Light and dark shades of red work their magic in entirely different ways, while embossed and textured models add a tactile feel that engages the senses.

Light red

A wallpaper featuring a lighter shade of red is an appropriate choice for those who seek to unleash the alluring power of red but are afraid of creating a colour clash and dissonance in the room. Lighter tones of red do not overpower the other interior design elements in the room while at the same time creating a visually interesting backdrop for furniture and artwork.

Dark red

If the goal is to create drama and add sophistication to a room, look no further than an impactful dark red wallpaper. As a statement colour, it is the perfect choice for a feature wall in formal and entertaining spaces, such as dining rooms, due to its ability to stimulate the conversation and create a pleasant atmosphere.

Textured and embossed red

Finely textured or embossed wall décor in red further increases the impact of this colour, adding depth and dimension to any room and making a feature wall the focal point. A model in a burgundy red combined with warm indirect lighting provides the perfect neutral background for unusual works of art.

Which rooms are a good fit for red wallpaper?

A passionate colour that is associated with conviviality and romance, red wall décor works best for kitchens where food is enjoyed, cocooning bedrooms, and stylish living rooms in need of a touch of energy.

Living room

If you have invested in streamlined designer furniture that looks fabulous but find that your living room is now a bit sterile and lacks character, a wallpaper with red accents might be the solution you are looking for. Red adds a substantial amount of visual warmth and is therefore an amazing choice for transforming a slightly cold-looking space. Match the red wallpaper with red accessories like a table lamp or curtains for maximum effect.

Kitchen

As red is commonly associated with passion, love, and enjoyment, it is ideally suited to provide a monochromatic modern kitchen with a vibrant glow. The true symbol of joie de vivre, red is known to stimulate the appetite and - especially combined with white or cream - will make your kitchen a sanctuary where to enjoy delicious food with your family. Furthermore, it’s a great match for both rustic Country House kitchens as well as modern styles.

Bedroom

The tonality known to represent love, lust, and bold energy, red wall décor is the perfect choice for a bedroom that aims to be a little more dramatic and romantic. It’s a colour that radiates warm energy, even in artificial light, and can make the bedroom feel cocooning, relaxing, and inviting, qualities that all bedrooms should provide.

Red Wallpaper