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HeritageSouth-Facing

King's Red

Benjamin Moore · CW-335

The Analysis

King's Red is a deep, saturated shade that absorbs a significant amount of light, giving the room a cozy and enclosed feeling. Because of its low LRV of 12.58, it will make large rooms feel more intimate rather than bright or airy.

Due to its intensity, this is best used as a bold accent wall, for built-in cabinetry, or in small spaces like powder rooms. It is generally too overwhelming for all four walls of a large living area unless you are intentionally going for a moody, high-drama aesthetic.

LRV 13

History & Origin

King's Red leans heavily into traditional, heritage-style design often found in classic studies or formal dining rooms. It feels anchored in historical architecture, avoiding the clinical look of modern minimalist palettes.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

This shade pairs exceptionally well with rich walnut wood tones and unlacquered brass hardware for a classic look. If you want a more modern edge, use matte black fixtures to ground the intensity of the red.

The Mood

This color is highly energizing and stimulating, making it an excellent choice for rooms where you want to feel active. It creates a bold, warm environment that feels grounded and substantial rather than restful or calm.

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.

  • Romantic Night 1138

    Colourtrend

  • Red Ochre

    Valspar · 2011-4

  • Fire Cracker

    Behr · PPU2-16

  • Pillar Box Red

    Crown Paints

  • Totally Tom

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Bijou Red

    Behr · UL110-16

Lighting

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

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