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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Cherry Red

Behr · HDC-MD-16

The Analysis

Cherry Red has a low LRV of 16.24, meaning it absorbs a significant amount of light rather than reflecting it. This creates a cozy, enclosed atmosphere that makes large rooms feel more intimate but can make small spaces feel tighter.

Because of its high saturation, this shade is best used as a bold accent rather than a whole-room colour. It excels on feature walls, built-in shelving, or cabinetry where you want to create a high-impact focal point.

LRV 16

History & Origin

Deep, saturated reds are a staple of traditional Victorian and Colonial interiors, often used to create a sense of formal luxury. However, it also fits well into modern, maximalist design schemes as a punchy contrast against neutral backdrops.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with dark walnut wood tones or matte black metal hardware to ground the intensity of the red. It is best suited for dining rooms or powder rooms where you want to make a definitive statement without overwhelming your main living areas.

The Mood

This is an intensely energizing and stimulating colour that increases the heart rate and conversation levels in a space. It is not designed for relaxation, so it works best in rooms where you want to feel active rather than restful.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Raging Bull

    Behr · M160-7

  • Empower 1095

    Colourtrend

  • Rosy Apple

    Benjamin Moore · 2006-30

  • Red Parrot

    Benjamin Moore · 1308

  • Red Tomato

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6607

  • Romeo O Romeo 1145

    Colourtrend

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
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