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HeritageSouth-Facing

Ruby Red

Behr · 120D-7

The Analysis

Ruby Red is a deep, saturated tone with a very low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 8.47, meaning it absorbs most light rather than bouncing it back. It creates an intimate, enclosed atmosphere that will make larger rooms feel cozy or smaller rooms feel noticeably tighter.

This is a high-impact choice best reserved for accent walls, built-in cabinetry, or powder rooms. Using it as a total-room colour requires bold commitment, as it will dominate the visual landscape of the space.

LRV 8

History & Origin

This shade leans into a Heritage aesthetic, reminiscent of the saturated, moody tones favoured in traditional libraries or formal dining rooms during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It provides a timeless, scholarly weight to a room.

Undertonewarm-red
FamilyRed

How to Use It

Pair this with warm walnut wood tones and unlacquered brass hardware to play up its richness. For a modern edge, use matte black fixtures to ground the depth of the red, and ensure the room has plenty of layered artificial lighting for evening use.

The Mood

Living with this colour creates a sophisticated, grounding environment that feels intentional rather than over-stimulating. Because it is a rich, muted red, it provides a sense of warmth and drama without the frantic energy of a bright primary red.

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.

  • Cranberry Cocktail

    Benjamin Moore · 2083-20

  • Modern Romance

    Benjamin Moore · CSP-435

  • Exotic Flowers

    Behr · S-H-100

  • Cranberry

    Behr · UL100-4

  • Sugar Beet

    Behr · M130-7

  • July Ruby

    Behr · BIC-51

Lighting

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

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
  • 3500K
  • 4000K
  • 5500K