HeritageSouth-Facing

Redwood

Benjamin Moore · ES-20

The Analysis

Redwood is a deep, saturated earth tone that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, making large rooms feel intimate and smaller spaces feel like a cozy, enclosed box. Because its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is quite low at 8.95, it will make walls feel like they are receding, which creates a sense of depth but can make a room feel noticeably darker.

This is a bold, high-impact choice that works best as a statement wall or for full-room immersion in dens, libraries, or dining rooms. It is too heavy for a subtle backdrop, so use it when you want to define the character of a space rather than blending into the background.

LRV 9

History & Origin

Redwood channels a classic heritage aesthetic, reminiscent of the wood-paneled libraries and formal dining rooms found in traditional Victorian and Craftsman homes. It leans toward a timeless, established look rather than a modern, stark minimalist style.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this shade with warm brass or antique gold hardware to pop against the deep red undertones, or use matte black for a modern, high-contrast edge. It looks best with medium-to-dark walnut wood tones, which complement the natural richness of the red without clashing.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels grounding and stable, offering a warm, cocoon-like environment. It is less about high-energy stimulation and more about providing a restful, sophisticated backdrop that feels solid and permanent.

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.

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  • Hot Apple Spice

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  • Red Pepper

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  • Red Rock

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  • Brick Red

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Lighting

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

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