Swatchd
Sign inGet started
HeritageSouth-Facing

Cottage Red

Benjamin Moore · PM-15

The Analysis

Cottage Red is a deep, saturated shade that absorbs a significant amount of light, as indicated by its low 4.62 LRV. Because it doesn't reflect light back into the room, it will make a space feel significantly smaller and more intimate rather than bright or airy.

This is a high-impact choice best reserved for accent walls, cabinetry, or smaller rooms like a powder bath or study. Using it as a main wall color in a large space requires careful lighting design to avoid the room feeling like a dark cave.

LRV 5

History & Origin

This color is firmly rooted in heritage design. It mimics the deep, pigment-heavy paints found in historic farmhouses and traditional libraries, offering an established, timeless appeal.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with warm wood tones like walnut or oak and matte black hardware to ground the richness. It also looks excellent with brushed brass if you want to lean into a more sophisticated, high-contrast look.

The Mood

Living with this color provides a grounded, stable feeling. It is neither overly energizing nor strictly restful; instead, it creates a cocoon-like atmosphere that feels warm and established.

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.

    Lighting

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

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