When it comes to color combinations in interior design, red and beige make for one of the most classic. Two warm tones, red and beige naturally complement one another and work in both pared-back and maximalist spaces.
From saturated tomato reds to deep wine tones, this trending, bold hue is balanced perfectly alongside beige, and experts say it's a softer and more flattering pairing than red and white.
If you're looking to decorate with these two hues in your next home decor project, we've highlighted five of our favorite spaces that channel this timeless color combination. Read on to garner some decorating ideas, from living rooms to bedrooms.
5 ways to pair red and beige
'Decorating with red and beige requires a balance between boldness and subtlety to create captivating and inviting spaces,' says Helen Bygraves, co-founder at Hill House Interiors.
'To ensure red makes a statement without overwhelming, we balance it with a calming neutral palette. This provides a soft, soothing backdrop that allows red to shine, creating a cohesive and impactful design.'
While there are many neutral shades on the color wheel, decorating with beige is widely seen as the best fit for red since it has a softer feel than brighter shades.
1. Decorate with red and beige wallpaper
One way of incorporating both red and beige into interior schemes is by decorating with wallpaper ideas, as seen in this bedroom by Peter Dunham Design & Associates.
'Like a successful marriage, the beige tempers the red, and the red enlivens the beige,' says Peter Dunham. 'The two are natural companions because they’re both warm tones – the beige doesn’t emotionally read as warm, but it is in a subliminal way. Red and white seems very harsh to me, but this is the perfect balance.'
Combine red and beige in a powder room or bedroom with this floral wallpaper.
2. Add red to neutral spaces through art
If you're used to decorating with neutrals, red can seem like a daunting color to incorporate. But, it can be a very effective one to add depth to neutral spaces. In this porch seating area designed by Nadia Watts Interior Design, red is incorporated into the neutral scheme by decorating with art.
'I work with red all the time, I love the way it pairs with other warm colors as well as playing with the contrast of red with white or beige,' says Nadia. 'Red makes everything pop so it’s a great color to use with beige. Pops of primary colors, including red, bring simplicity and modernity to an otherwise beige color palette.'
3. Create a calming bedroom with muted red hues
Pairing red and beige can be subtle, too. If you're drawn to less saturated hues, stick to deep, muted shades of red that won't overwhelm the space, but will add warmth and depth. In this bedroom designed by Blackberry Farm Design, the beige and neutral tones are elevated with red textiles.
'Red and beige are really a timeless combination,' says Christine Carney, Director of Design at Blackberry Farm Design. 'In interiors, this combination is classic – deep red can infuse cozy warmth to a neutral palette and can help balance too much gray.'
This linen throw pillow would look great paired with neutral bedding for a sophisticated take on this color pairing.
4. Add drama to neutral living rooms with red accents
Just like the unexpected red theory tells us, adding small but bold amounts of red to neutral rooms can go a long way in adding interest and making them feel more design-led. Demonstrated in this living room designed by Gray Walker Interiors, the bright red accent chair energizes the room and uplifts the layered beige tones across the rug, sofas, and walls.
'Red is a bold and classic color especially when popped against a light neutral,' says Gray. 'This sitting room has a timeless zest that is sparked by classic red mixed with beige neutrals.'
5. Uplift beige kitchens with red furnishings
Neutral kitchens are endlessly popular, providing a calming and timeless backdrop in the heart of the home. However, these social and hardworking spaces can often benefit from a healthy dose of color to ensure they feel warm and inviting, and red makes for a go-to choice.
In this Cathy Nordström dining nook, the bench is upholstered in a patterned red fabric which gives the space a relaxed feel, while complementing the room's various beige tones across wood furniture and neutral walls.
The shade of red is important to get right; highly saturated reds won't have the same effect, so opt for dark, warm reds to create a similar look.
Add this red gingham table runner to your dining table this summer to add interest to neutral spaces.
Red and beige is a timeless color combination that works in so many rooms and design styles. If your style is more understated, stick to muted shades of red used through small accents; whereas maximalist rooms can handle vibrant shades of red used in large amounts.
