Red Decor Ideas And Inspirations For Your Bedroom

Red may sound an unusual and somewhat daring colour choice for a bedroom. It breaks many interior design conventions which recommend calm, serene, neutral colours on bedroom walls. But what if you like being unusual and daring and move away from the traditional neutral and serene tones? Red bedroom walls can enhance your home design while reflecting your warm personality.

“Red is a bold colour choice, but it's not as intimidating if you know how to choose the right shade,” says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands. “Deeper reds like Huguenot™ No.49 are ideal if you’re looking for an earthier tone, while brighter hues like Red Post Hill™ No. 68 are lively, fun and vibrant, and an exciting way to make a statement.”

There are varying shades of red, as Dominic explains. Choose from theatrical shades to add drama and impact, to deep, rich hues that feel warm and comforting, and floral reds that have a natural, rosy appeal. Here are 18 ways to incorporate a sophisticated, red colour scheme in a bedroom.

1. Use red as a highlight

Red is a great colour for accents and features, especially if you do not want to commit to an entire wall or room. A red accent wall adds interest, warmth and personality without being overwhelming. It’s a good idea to add notes of the same red tone elsewhere in the room - perhaps on a duvet or cushion cover - so it is not a completely isolated colour choice.

Use red to draw attention to a specific area of interest - perhaps a chimney breast with an ornate fireplace or bookshelves displaying your favourite reads.

Wood in Cadogan Stone No. 59 and Fireplace in Mortlake Red No. 290.

Walls in a bespoke Dulwich Red for the permanent collection at the Dulwich Picture Gallery.

2. Create a red wall as a backdrop for artwork

A red wall will catch the eye instantly. If you have artwork that makes a statement, set the wall art against a red background to make real impact. You could create a captivating gallery wall of pictures, prints or textiles to great effect.

Mylands has produced bespoke red paint colours for Dulwich Picture Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery to showcase their remarkable art perfectly. Mylands Dulwich Red is a warm hue with a hint of terracotta, specifically created to emphasise the light of Dulwich Picture Gallery’s exceptional Enfilade.

3. Try darker shades of red

Walls in Red Post Hill™ No.68.

Experiment with darker reds for depth and sophistication in your home decor. If you have a dark bedroom without much natural light, you can embrace that by colour drenching the whole room in a deep, red colour to create a cocooning effect. You will feel enveloped by warmth and a sense of comfort which is ideal in a bedroom. Mylands Arts Club™ No 281 is a rich, sophisticated choice that is ideal for this look.

4. Whimsical elegance

Bring the outdoor garden feeling indoor with Blomster JB01 from the Mylands x Jinny Blom collection.

Balance whimsy and stylish elegance with vintage-inspired designs and touches of red. Red is the colour of poppies, tulips, peonies, strawberries and cherries. Bring the outside in, with natural floral shades of red. Go maximalist or more subtle in your design approach. In a guest bedroom, this can be fresh and inviting whilst making a memorable stay.

5. Fun and playful graphics

Add vibrant red accents and bold patterns for an energetic and lively atmosphere. A touch of red will lift a room, perhaps as a floral, stripe or graphic print. That could be through textiles and soft furnishings. Here, a striped blind in red and neutral colours makes a fun feature alongside a bright red window frame using Mylands FTT-009™ - Bright Red.

This is a great option in a child’s bedroom. You can make playful additions that pack a punch without feeling over the top. Just remember that larger patterns can feel overpowering in a small bedroom, so it’s better to use smaller prints.

Window frame in FTT-009™ - Bright Red and walls in Cotton Street™ No.3

Walls in Arts Club™ No.281

6. Refined sophistication

Achieve luxury with deep red hues and elegant furnishings for a sophisticated feel. Red can be a very traditional, grand colour. Coupled with antique furniture, artwork and elegant accessories, deep red colour schemes add a sense of grandeur.

Accentuate period features like wall panelling with a strong red shade. In this image, Mylands Theatre Land™ No 282 draws the eye to the panelled wall which is paired with the softer, lighter Mylands Pale Lilac™ No 246.

7. Warm and cosy nooks

Create inviting spaces with soft red throws and pillows for comfort and relaxation. Zone an area of your bedroom - be that a bed nook or cosy reading area - defined by a warming red colour. It’s an easy way to create an comforting small space that you will want to curl up in.

8. Bold striking statements

Make a statement with dramatic red focal points. That does not have to mean painted red walls. You could make a statement with red bedroom furniture. Look for stylish red bed frames in wood or metal or even a dramatic canopy bed. A red sofa or armchair in opulent, luxe fabrics like velvet make an eye-catching addition to a bedroom.

Top wall in Pale Lilac™ No.246, bottom wall in Theatre Land™ No.282