Green is my favorite color but I would have to say Red is my second favorite. I love how it brings big personality and a fun yet classic vibe wherever it is used. And, it looks spectacular on my TV when the Chiefs are running across the screen during football season. Red is a selfless color that makes all the colors around it look better (kind of like an MVP, Chiefs quarterback I know). Kansas City can’t get enough Red right now, thanks to the Chiefs (Congratulations on the Super Bowl win, guys! So proud!) and we feel the same way at Unique Painting KC.
I have to give Benjamin Moore a helluva high-five on their Red palette. They have a true, bold, selection that as a red fan, makes it hard for me to choose just one. So, we put together our 12 Favorite Reds to make your job of choosing a red paint color for your home just a smidge easier.
Should I use a primer?
First, I want to give you a little 4-1-1 on Red, more specifically in actually painting the color red. Every red paint color has a recommended primer that should be used first. Your paint store will be able to give you that information if it is not listed on the back of your swatch. The deal is, it takes 2-8 (yep, I said 8, maybe even more) coats to get you to the actual red that you see on your swatch. A lot of that depends on the application process, the quality of the paint you’re using, and the red color you’ve chosen, for example: a brighter red will take more coats than a burgundy. Red is just a tricky color to paint. We can’t stress enough, the importance of using a primer before painting anything red. And, did I mention that you should use primer before you paint anything red? No? Huh. Well, you simply must use a primer when painting anything red.
Caliente AF-290:
Let’s dive into this rojo revelation, starting with the Benjamin Moore Reds. This is one of my favorite reds of all time: Caliente. If you follow us on Facebook, I’m sure you’ve seen my posts about this bold, vibrant color. Caliente AF-290 isn’t really a warm Red, nor is it a cool red necessarily, but it is a confident red. I’m kind of in love with this fiery sucker.
Dinner Party AF-300:
Dinner Party has black undertones which makes it a deep red and offers such a dramatic presence. I see this color placed exactly where its name suggests, in the formal dining room, where elegance is what it’s all about.
Exotic Red 2086-10:
Exotic Red has the same black undertones but starts out on the side of red-orange. Can we just be adults here and call this red what it is? I’m just gonna say it, Exotic Red 2086-10 is sexy. It’s such a ravishing color, a total head turner. I’m a fan.
Red Rock 2005-10
Have you ever been to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado? I have and I have to say, this color is exactly that amazing place. Benjamin Moore suggests this red is the darkest red found deep within the canyons near Sedona. I can see that, but the name and color itself make me think of Red Rocks first. I could see this handsome color not only used as an accent wall, but also on kitchen cabinets with black accents.
Heritage Red PM-18
I love the energy that this red puts off. It is such a true, glamorous, bright red. It stands out from all the reds on this Favorites Palette. This might actually be my favorite red of all time. I tend to fall in love with colors that are warm, colors that my eyes can get lost in because they’re so rich and saturated.
Raisin Torte 2083-10
Remember burgundy from the 90’s? Raisin Torte is kind of that but not really. Back then burgundy was framed with honey oak trim. Today Raisin Torte would look divine outlined in white trim and accented with dark or blonde stained woods from the now. Exquisite!
Red Tulip 2000-30:
It’s springtime ya’ll and the flowers have bloomed. I dare you to match this Red Tulip color swatch to a red tulip you see growing around town. Same, right?! It is a lovely, saturated shade that has a pink feel and will look springalicious in an entryway or powder room.
Ruby Red 2001-10:
Classic. Seriously, I don’t know what else to say about this Benjamin Moore Color Preview gem. One definition of the word classic is: remarkably and instructively typical. Yep, that’s exactly how I would describe Ruby Red, remarkably and instructively typical, oh, and utterly stunning.
Bull’s Eye Red 2002-20:
Rich and intense are two adjectives that come to mind when I see Bull’s Eye Red. Ben Moore hit their target with this bold beauty. It is magnificent.
Radish SW6861:
Radish is one of my favorite Sherwin Williams Reds. It could almost be considered hot pink, a red-hot pink, a ravishing, red-hot pink. I have talked about this color in previous Facebook posts and in my blog Can you imagine Radish painting on a ceiling with white walls surrounding? I am totally hooked on this idea and shall make that happen…someday.
Stop SW6869:
Alright, STOP! Collaborate and listen…Orangey Red is the best way to describe this spectacular color. The warmth alone will make you take pause to notice what a remarkable color Stop truly is.
Rookwood Red SW2802
This astounding color is part of the Historic Exterior collection in the Victorian Romanticism color family. We frequently use this beauty on front doors. Rookwood Red is a deep, rich red that leans a little on the cool side, but compliments stone and brick of both warm and cool colors nicely.
Where do you use Red?
Red is the best! Don’t you agree? My favorite place to see red is on a front door, but I have painted my kitchen cabinets red, had a red living room, painted furniture red, even painted my entire two-story home’s exterior red. I would do all of that again and I would love to see a red hall tree in my home at some point. Red just has that special pop and personality that every single room needs. I have a little bit of red in every room of my house and red will always be a color that I use in decorating. I love the way it makes me feel, bottom line.
These are our favorites, however, there are so many reds out there, all with different undertones. Choosing the right red for the interior of your home depends on your furnishings and items you do not plan to change (flooring, tile, interior trim color, countertops, etc.) and finding the undertone of those items, how the sunlight works in the room being painted, and how you want the room to feel (warm, cool, dark, bright). For exterior, choosing the right red is also about making sure the color you choose jives with your roof, landscaping, windows, any stone or brick you may have on your house, and even paying attention to the color of your neighbor’s homes. Whether you’re choosing interior or exterior reds, taking the time to grab a sample is not a terrible idea, I would recommend it if you’re struggling and even if you’re not. Actually seeing the color in its element will give you some peace of mind.
And if you’re still having a hard time choosing the right red, I’m just a phone call away (816-442-9699).
