The Problem with Red Walls
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 8:06PM Today's post is an answer to a question left as a comment on this post.
The reader wants to know what is so bad about red walls. First of all- I would have to say- that I have yet to see a red room that I really love. Sure- some aren't as bad as others- but I think all most of them would be improved by a different paint color. I would say that it is simply too intense a color for the wall. I really believe the saying that Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe coined : less is more. I absolutely believe that is the case with the color red. And- I feel like in most rooms, there is too much wall space to pull off red paint.
Try this- google red walls under images. Do you like any of the rooms that come up? Let me show you a sample of what I found:
When everything is red, you lose the fun punch that the color provides. The red walls are really what do the room in. Paint them white and the room would be great.
Most wood colors do not look good next to a red wall. This wall color is making the furniture look bad. I would have kept the red just in the accents. With the wood headboard- I would not even use a red coverlet. Have some red pillows and a red duvet folded at the base of the bed. Follow it up with some red in the artwork. This red also makes the lamps look bad.
This bedroom above is a perfect example of "Less is More". The large amount of white makes the red look terrific.
The red kitchen is such an overdone mistake. It is too bright, and again, looks bad next to wood.
Even with white cabinets- I still don't like the red kitchen walls. It is doing nothing for that sideboard and mirror.
Here is another very nice room- probably professionally decorated- but- still- the red does not look good with the wood. How much nicer would this room be if the wall were blue or green or yellow- even white.
Sometimes I think homeowners are trying too hard. They want "drama." But the result is not drama- it is ugly.
One last poorly done room:
Yes- this is the red room in the White House. What is wrong with this room? The wall decor does not have a relationship with the walls. The scale is way off. The piece over the mantle is hung way too high. The three feet of wainscoting is not high enough for such a high ceiling. The large mass of red walls followed up with red furniture? Perhps it was decorated by the first lady- not an actual designer that knows what he is doing. This is certainly an example of more is less- not less is more. I would visually bring the ceiling down with mill work; the result would be a much more manageble wall space.
So- the question remains- are red walls ever a good idea? Occasionally- they look good.
I like the charm of the room above. Although I would not choose it for myself- It's OK. Having less wall space- is what makes it work. In this room- they covered the wall with art- leaving less of it to overpower.
I liked this kitchen from Country Living. Notice how not all of the walls are red- and the red wall has very little wall space. I'd say it works.
I love the less is more aspect. So- do you love red? Get a red island- like the one above. So much better than red on the walls. How about just red bar stools- a red Kitchen Aid mixer, a sprinkle of red does not mean that you love red less, but rather that you have restraint. Check out this post on restraint.
Paint your dining table red.
A slice of wallpaper here- a tray - a pillow- the red pops out and works. Put it all over the walls- and I'd say- it just doesn't work. I think that is lazy decorating to think you can create your environment with paint alone.
Now- hopefully none of my friends with red walls will read this post...
White House, red, red walls in wall color
Reader Comments (7)
Yes, your friend with red walls did read your post! It's okay, you found me an awesome lamp.
I have learned so much from you about decorating. You were RIGHT about taking the red (love that color!) out of my dinning room so the focal point could be my damask ceiling! Your photo examples and explainations are persuasive. In the dark, red bedroom walls look black/dark green...but I am ready to repaint. First, I will find the perfect fabric! Thanks for your hard truth, brutal honesty, and amazing-talented advice.
Nancy- you make it work- you don't have all four walls red- and you have your red by your large windows! And yes- your lamp is awesome!
Jennilyn- thanks for the kind words- you made my day. ;)
I have deep red walls in my apartment (all the units are red). The only reason it works is that we have white wanes-cot and coffer-ed ceilings in our 100 year old vintage apartment. I have black case furniture, moss green sofa and love seat both with a red accent pillow, and a classic rug that ties in navy, red, moss, gold. My style is very eclectic with odd musical instruments, and vintage international pieces. The closest "style" that my tastes fall into is "European Opulence", kind of a Brittish library look with worn antique looking pieces...they go well with the brick fireplace and leaded glass built ins. It works, and works in some apartments better than others. I studied Interior Design in college which helps...the other apartment I love belongs to another Interior Design graduate. He is a Art framer for a high end Framing Gallery. I must say, that after 4 years of living here, I miss having white walls and a more peaceful room. Also, I hear many couples having violent fights....and if you understand the psychology of red, it doesn't surprise me. Our building has a lot of drama and a high turn over and a lot of relationships that end.
Genevieve,
I bet your place is beautiful. That is interesting about the high turn around and volatile relationships...
Hi Christine; My daughter loves red and as a surprise after a mission trip overseas, we repainted her room and caved in and painted one wall red (the one with the window at least!). She will be getting married at the end of the year and moving out. We would want to repaint. What do you recommend is the best thing to do to be able to cover up the red when we paint with white? I've heard that if you paint with a light green you can neutralise the red quicker than layers and layers of white. Is that correct? Thank you.