Red Home Decor Tips

Do you like red? Lately red has been out of favor as homes have gone more toward neutral colors, but red is making a comeback.

I had heard that red might be coming back but when I saw the new Ikea catalog for 2020 I knew it must be true. There’s a whole section of deep red furnishings, red chairs, red sofas, a red sectional and red Hemnes (one of the wood storage series at Ikea). The design blog Decoraid also proclaimed that tonal reds are in for 2019.

Where to Use Red In your Home

Red is a strong color. You can use it in every room, but should you?

Red is a warm color and using a lot of it in the bedroom can make the space feel less tranquil. Red is the color of passion and energy. Once upon a time having a dining room painted red was a big trend, in the 80s.

I think red works well in almost any room except the bedroom if it’s part of your color palette. Read more about how to choose the perfect color palette. (xx)

How To Incorporate Red Into Your Home Decor

There are many ways to work red into your home decor but these are just a few ideas if you like red as I do.

Rugs

If you love a vintage rug, it’s easy to bring red into your home with a rug. I have vintage rugs in my bathroom and my kitchen. My favorite source for vintage rugs is Etsy, but it doesn’t help me to share ones I like, because they are one of a kind finds. My favorite Etsy rug store is Lalaland, check it out if you love Vintage rugs like this one.

If vintage is not your style, there are plenty of other options for red in a rug, there are geometric red rugs, red kilim rugs and even red animal prints.

This colorful version of a hide rug really makes a splash of red in a fun way. It’s from Overstock and it’s only $130.
This more traditional version of a red rug is from Target. There are many different sizes and it’s budget friendly. An 8×10 is $374.
If you have a more boho style, a Kilim rug might be more appealing to you. Pottery Barn has this reasonably priced Kilim rug can really add tons of texture and color.
This indoor outdoor rug uses a more muted red, but it is a nice way to add color without making a big statement. This indoor outdoor rug from Ballard Designs comes in many different sizes.

Accent Furniture

Colorful accent pieces are something that can stand out in a room, even if the colors are fairly neutral. I brought a red hall tree into my kitchen get more color. I found it second hand so when I get tired of red, I can recycle it again or paint it.

I like this red entry table from Overstock. It comes in many colors, but I think the red really pops.
Ikea has added lots of red pieces. This nightstand from the Hemnes allows you to add red, but not too much red. Ikea also offers this color in the Hemnes set of 8 drawers if you want a larger piece.
This glass door accent chest from Wayfair is the perfect way to bring red into your living room or entry. It’s so inexpensive that if you get tired of it, it could easily be painted or recycled.

Art and Accessories

When you are trying to add a pop of color art and accessories can be easy places to do this. There is no shortage of artwork that incorporates red. I like to shop for Art on Etsy, Minted and Artfully.

The choices can be so vast and overwhelming that I usually try to narrow my search by putting in a subject and a color. For example, red abstract or red floral. I’ll give just a few examples or art with red accents.

Abstract Poppies on Minted – This can be purchased as a print or canvas.
Plainful abstract print on Minted – This can also be purchased in many different sizes as a print or a canvas.
Poppy Oil Painting by Canvasandpaperstudio on Etsy
Paris Street Scene oil painting by PaintMarksStudio on Etsy

You can find red accessories almost anywhere you like to shop.

Red Apothecary lamp from Lamps Plus is a great way to add a pop of red for $99.
You can always add a few red throw pillows for that splash of color and they are easy to switch out seasonally. I really like to find inexpensive pillows on Etsy. This seller, TheDecorativePillow, has great prices and over a thousand good reviews.
Red ceramic floor vase from Pier 1. This vase is large enough at 24″ that it will make a statement.

How Much Red Should you use in a Room

If you decide to add red as one of the colors in your room you can make it a primary color or one of the more minor players. The mix of colors in a room should follow the ratio of 60/30/10. This means that the main color you use should be 60% of the color in the room. The secondary color should be 30% of the color in the room and the accent color should be 10%.

Obviously you don’t have to stick to this rule, but if you look at photos of rooms you like you may see this rule applies. The eye finds it more appealing when the ratio of one color to another is not 50/50.

If you aren’t in LOVE with red, use it as the secondary or accent color. This makes it easier to make a change if you get tired of it.

Here are two examples of rooms where red is the primary color. You have to really be committed to red to use it like it’s used in these rooms. This is Ikea’s cherry red Brathult sofa. The first room has a bright cheery feel with lots of color. This room works only for someone who loves lots of color.

For a completely different look, Ikea also has a deep red upholstered line. This room has a completely different feel. It’s rich and sophisticated. This shows how red can be used in two drastically different ways. It’s Ikea’s Gronlid couch.

If you love red, it’s back in style in 2019. You can bring in as little or as much as you like. If you decide to go bold and make it a primary color just be prepared that trends don’t last and you may not love it forever. I love red, but not enough to make it the main color. I like to add my red with rugs and accessories. How do you like to add red to your home?