HeritageSouth-Facing

RED MAPLE

Jotun · 2727

The Analysis

Red Maple is a deep, saturated brownish-red with a low LRV of 11.88, 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, though it will shrink the visual scale of a smaller space.

Due to its intensity, this is best used as a bold accent or in specific rooms like a study, library, or powder room. It is too heavy for a main wall colour in small homes, but it acts as a sophisticated anchor for a feature wall.

LRV 12

History & Origin

This colour leans into a traditional, heritage aesthetic reminiscent of Victorian libraries or academic club rooms. It pairs well with classic woodwork and provides a sturdy, established look that feels permanent and well-considered.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Use this in rooms where you want to emphasize warmth, such as a den or a dining room. It pairs beautifully with dark walnut wood tones and warm metals like brass or antique gold, which pop against the deep base.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels grounding and stable. It is a restful, mature shade that avoids the over-stimulation of bright primary reds, making it ideal for spaces where you want to relax in the evenings.

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.

  • Berry Brandy

    Valspar · 1005-9B

  • Sequoia Dusk

    Behr · 700B-6

  • Japanese Maple

    Behr · 120F-6

  • Rosy Sandstone

    Behr · MQ1-53

  • SOPHISTICATED RED

    Jotun · 2951

  • Book Binder

    Behr · 140F-6

Lighting

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

  • Natural