Chinese Red
Sherwin-Williams · SW0057
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The Analysis
Chinese Red is a deep, saturated terracotta-toned red that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 10.95. It will make a room feel cozy and enclosed rather than spacious, as its dark pigment pulls the walls inward.
Due to its intensity, this shade is best used as a bold accent wall, in a small powder room, or on cabinetry. It is too overpowering for a main wall color in most standard living rooms unless you are intentionally aiming for a dark, moody 'jewel box' effect.
LRV 11History & Origin
This red leans into traditional Asian design influences and 18th-century European lacquer-work aesthetics. It functions as a classic choice for period-inspired homes but looks sharp and modern when paired with clean, architectural lines.
How to Use It
Pair this color with warm wood tones like walnut or teak to ground the red, and use matte black hardware to prevent it from feeling too traditional. It thrives in smaller, contained spaces where you can lean into the depth of the pigment.
The Mood
This is an inherently high-energy, stimulating color that creates a sense of warmth and drama. While it isn't a restful choice for a bedroom, it is excellent for social spaces where you want to encourage conversation and a lively atmosphere.
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.
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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