The journal

Red Decor Ideas and Inspiration for Your Bedroom

26 June 2024 4 min read

Red may sound an unusual, even daring, choice for a bedroom, breaking the many design conventions that call for calm, serene, neutral walls. But what if you like being unusual and daring, and want to move away from the traditional neutral tones? Red bedroom walls can elevate your home's design while reflecting your warm personality.

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

As Dominic explains, there are many shades of red, from theatrical tones that add drama and impact, to deep, rich hues that feel warm and comforting, to floral reds with a natural, rosy appeal. Here are 18 ways to bring a sophisticated red scheme into a bedroom.

1. Use red as a highlight

Red is great for accents and features, especially if you don't want to commit to a whole wall or room; a red accent wall adds interest, warmth and personality without being overwhelming, and it's a good idea to echo the same red elsewhere, perhaps on a duvet or cushion cover, so it isn't an isolated choice. Use red to draw attention to a particular feature, a chimney breast with an ornate fireplace, or bookshelves displaying your favourite reads.

Regency bedroom with warm stone Cadogan Stone No.59 panelling and a fireplace surround painted deep brick red Mortlake Red No.290 — Left, Cadogan Stone No.59 panelling with a Mortlake Red No.290 fireplace in a bedroom; right, Dulwich Red walls behind a gallery wall of framed textiles

Victorian bedroom with warm terracotta-red Dulwich Red walls hung with small framed textile fragments, stone-coloured woodwork — Left, Cadogan Stone No.59 panelling with a Mortlake Red No.290 fireplace in a bedroom; right, Dulwich Red walls behind a gallery wall of framed textiles

2. Create a red wall as a backdrop for artwork

A red wall catches the eye instantly, so if you have statement art, set it against red for real impact, or create a captivating gallery wall of pictures, prints or textiles. Mylands has produced bespoke reds 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, created specifically to emphasise the light of Dulwich Picture Gallery's exceptional Enfilade.

3. Try darker shades of red

Experiment with darker reds for depth and sophistication; if your bedroom is dark with little natural light, embrace it by colour drenching the whole room in a deep red for a cocooning effect, enveloping you in warmth and comfort, ideal in a bedroom. Mylands Arts Club™ No.281 is a rich, sophisticated choice perfect for this look.

Sunlit Georgian bedroom with vivid red Red Post Hill No.68 walls and soft white Cotton Street No.3 shutters, cornice and door — Red Post Hill No.68 walls with Cotton Street No.3 woodwork in a Georgian bedroom

4. Whimsical elegance

Bring the garden indoors with Blomster JB.01 from the Mylands x Jinny Blom collection. Balance whimsy with stylish elegance through vintage-inspired designs and touches of red, the colour of poppies, tulips, peonies, strawberries and cherries; bring the outside in with natural floral reds, going maximalist or more subtle, and in a guest bedroom this feels fresh and inviting, making a stay memorable.

5. Fun and playful graphics

Add vibrant red accents and bold patterns for an energetic, lively atmosphere; a touch of red lifts a room, perhaps as a floral, stripe or graphic print through textiles and soft furnishings. Here, a red-and-neutral striped blind makes a fun feature alongside a bright red window frame in Mylands FTT-009™ - Bright Red, a great option in a child's bedroom, where playful additions can pack a punch without going over the top, though larger patterns can feel overpowering in a small room, so smaller prints are better.

Child's bedroom with soft white Cotton Street No.3 walls, a bright red Red Post Hill No.68 window frame and a red-and-cream striped blind — Left, a Red Post Hill No.68 window frame against Cotton Street No.3 walls in a child's bedroom; right, a bedroom colour-drenched in Arts Club No.281

Small bedroom colour-drenched in deep red Arts Club No.281 on walls, ceiling, shutters and door, grey winter light from one casement — Left, a Red Post Hill No.68 window frame against Cotton Street No.3 walls in a child's bedroom; right, a bedroom colour-drenched in Arts Club No.281

6. Refined sophistication

Achieve luxury with deep reds and elegant furnishings for a sophisticated feel; red can be a very traditional, grand colour, and with antique furniture, artwork and elegant accessories, deep red schemes add grandeur. Accentuate period features like panelling with a strong red, as here, where Mylands Theatre Land™ No.282 draws the eye to the panelled wall, 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, a bed nook or cosy reading corner, with a warming red, an easy way to create a comforting little space to curl up in.

Bedroom with deep red Theatre Land No.282 panelling below the dado and soft lilac Pale Lilac No.246 walls above, walnut bed, parquet — Upper walls in Pale Lilac No.246 and panelled lower walls in Theatre Land No.282 in a bedroom

8. Bold, striking statements

Make a statement with dramatic red focal points, which needn't mean painted walls; you could make a statement with red furniture, a stylish wood or metal bed frame or a dramatic canopy bed, while a red sofa or armchair in opulent fabrics like velvet makes an eye-catching addition.