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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Scarlet Tanager

Valspar · V043-3

The Analysis

Scarlet Tanager is a high-intensity red that absorbs significant light due to its low LRV of 14.482. Because it pulls light in rather than reflecting it, the color will make a room feel smaller, cozier, and more intimate.

This is a statement color, not a neutral backdrop. It functions best as an accent wall, on cabinetry, or in a powder room where you want a bold, high-impact design choice.

LRV 14

History & Origin

This shade leans into a classic, saturated aesthetic reminiscent of traditional dining room glamour or moody library styles. It feels like a contemporary update to the rich, pigment-heavy colors popular in heritage design.

Undertonecool
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this color with warm wood tones like walnut to ground the intensity, or matte black hardware for a modern, high-contrast look. Use it in rooms with ample natural light or strong artificial lighting to ensure the red doesn't look like a dark brown cave.

The Mood

This is an energizing, high-stimulation color that creates a sense of drama and excitement. It is best used in areas where you want to feel active and alert rather than trying to relax.

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.

  • Red Beacon

    Dulux

  • Stop

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6869

  • 100 Mph

    Behr · P170-7

  • Oh So Red

    Valspar · 1009-1

  • Grenadine

    Behr · S-G-180

  • Million Dollar Red

    Benjamin Moore · 2003-10

Lighting

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

  • Natural