How often do you wonder if the red color category is a great idea for your home?
Yes, it’s true that reds are quite passionate and energetic with a major focus on imbibing an angry or enthusiastic environment.
However – not every time!
You can infuse shades of red in such a creative way that they can equally look refreshing, muted, and cohesive.
Don’t worry – I’m going to reveal that later in the color review.
For now, Sherwin Williams Real Red is a true red paint color that is stark, rich in character, that brings an energetic and warm appeal.
No, it’s not maroon or cherry! It’s a true red color.
Too much of this color is stark and can prick the eye. So, you must very carefully make use of this paint color in the home!
And believe it or not – it will equally look stunning like the blues, greens, and grays.
So, are you looking to add some fun and eccentricity to your home? Well, this color review will exactly help you make informed decisions.
We will discuss the pros and cons, where, how, and when to use this color and what best compliments it.
So, let’s get started!
Sherwin Williams Real Red SW 6868 Details and Specifications
Sherwin Williams Real Red is a paint color that definitely requires you to know its background information and details.
And why not? I am pretty sure none of you would like to mess up with the walls of your home, right?
So, long story short – I always advise my clients to understand what the color says – and most importantly, what is hidden behind the color.
Because, trust me, that is what will help you determine if you really want to use the color or not!
So, first and foremost, let me introduce you to the concept of Light Reflectance Values or the LRV’s that determine how light or dark the paint color is.
You can easily find that value at the back of the Sherwin Williams paint swatch or even the website!
Here, in this case, the LRV of Sherwin Williams Real Red is 13.
And that means it is quite darker in tone – another reason why you must be extra careful.
(Remember, the lesser the value, the darker the paint)
What I like to do is sample Real Red under different lights where I’m going to use it. I use Samplize stick-on samples. Get some samples now!
Secondly, other important associated terms are the RGB and the HEX Values.
Red = 191
Green = 45
Blue = 50
HEX Value = #bf2d32
Now that is enough with the technical and scientific information, let’s get started with the practical aspects of this red Sherwin Williams paint.
Gear up, friends!
How Does This Color Feel in a Space?
Sherwin Williams Real Red is bound to make your space feel energetic, lively, aggressive, warm, and passionate.
Since too much of this color can imbibe feelings of anger and uneasiness – I highly recommend you avoid that.
So, you have to be very careful and add just a few tinges of this paint color.
Secondly, this warm paint color is often used in gyms and aerobics centers to brighten up the souls and let the players feel energetic throughout the activity.
In smaller rooms – this paint color perfectly fits on the accent walls or sometimes, in the decorative accents like furniture frames and window frames!
Since this color is quite saturated, you are expected to feel strong, determined, and focused at all times.
So, a big no-no for yoga centers and other likewise functions!
You see – in the case of a space you want to feel calm and relaxed – red would be a no-no!
However, excessive red should be avoided as it may lead to increased heart rate and hypertension or anxiety.
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Light has some role to play here!
So, the more light you give to this paint – the brighter and more enhanced your room will appear.
I would recommend using this paint color in rooms that receive ample natural light. Else, this color is bound to feel dull and dingy!
You must also not be worried about the compass directions since this color can play equally energetic in either of the directions.
However, it can greatly be influenced by the view of the outdoors. If you have a front lawn, the room can be slightly inclined to red-greens.
And since this color has low reflectivity, you must expect additional artificial lighting in the form of wall sconces, pendant lights, and chandeliers.
As I mentioned before, you can try out this color with real paint, (but without the mess) using stick-on samples from Samplize.
What are the Best Coordinating Colors?
Now is the time to spill some of my best secrets!
Yes – I will help you pair the best complementary colors so this energetic red paint color further protrudes and exhibits its true beauty.
So, Sherwin Williams Real Red can be best paired with crisp whites, lighter grays, lighter beiges, sage greens, and darker grays.
In terms of metallic accents, you could choose from either chrome or black powder coating finish.
Yes, you could also either choose from a monochromatic or a contrasting color scheme.
Firstly, I am going to enlist paint colors to be used for a monochromatic palette.
- SW 6599 Begonia
- SW 6598 Dishy Coral
- SW 6597 Hopeful
Some of the paint colors for a contrasting scheme are as follows:
- SW 6322 Intimate White
- SW 7072 Online
- SW 7651 Front Porch
In the case of ceilings, trims, and moldings – I would recommend using SW High Reflective White and SW Extra White to further protrude this color!
SW Real Red Vs Similar Colors
If you are not completely satisfied with SW Real Red and want to look for similar options – don’t worry!
I am here to help you figure out the best red paint color for your home.
So, according to me, some other similar colors are SW 7590 Red Obsession and 2087-20 Watermelon Red.
Remember, even though they look similar – there are far more differences than the eye can meet!
Real Red Vs Red Obsession
Sherwin Williams Red Obsession is sort of a tomato red color that plays subtle and muted – unlike the former which is stark and eye-catchy!
So, if you don’t want your room to speak out loud – the latter paint color is something to look forward to!
With an LRV of 13 – these two colors share equal reflectivity values.
Order stick-on samples of these two colors here to help you compare these colors in your own living spaces.
Real Red Vs Watermelon Red
Another red paint color that’s bright, enchanting but with a beautiful subtle and muted look – yes, Benjamin Moore Watermelon Red it is.
It’s not very stark and doesn’t prick the eye, which is a major positive to look forward to.
With an LRV of 16.4 – this color is the lightest of them all! (Not too light though)
Try out the looks of these colors in your own home with a some temporary wall samples. You can find them here!
Where to Use Real Red?
You have to be extra careful about using this paint color in your homes.
Since this paint color is known to over-excite the person and lead to long-term effects, I would recommend using it only as an accent.
I would highly recommend painting the doors in this specific color for an artsy and eye-catchy look!
For interior design styles like eclectic glam, French Country, Traditional, Transitional, and Contemporary – this color is definitely a yes-yes!
However, let’s discuss how you can incorporate this paint color in your home – and most importantly, where!
Real Red in Living and Dining Room
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Real Red is quite a stark red paint color – which is why you must only use it as an accent. (For filling out dining rooms, I would recommend the darker by attractive Antique Red from SW).
Especially on the furniture frames and door and window frames, this color can truly play flawless.
Secondly, you must add other whites, beiges, and creamy off-whites to balance the high saturation of this color and let your room exhibit a welcoming and peaceful vibe.
Your furniture must mainly be glass and metal – since that will exhibit a modern appeal. Too much wood can be too distracting so it’s better to avoid that!
Just in case you plan to use the color on walls – don’t hold back from painting this color on an accent wall.
You can further add blues and grays for a sense of visual interest.
Using in Bedrooms
SW Real Red in the bedrooms is a big no-no!
Well, your bedroom must feel restful, calm, and poised – and this color doesn simply the opposite.
So, be careful and only introduce this paint color on the decorative accents.
On the other hand, if you have an eclectic style and want to fancy the look of Victorian reds on the walls, try to add ample bases like whites and beiges to neutralize the look.
If you have a bedroom that’s large and cold – this color can solve the issue.
Real Red in Kitchens
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One of the quirkiest ways to introduce this color in your home is the kitchen cabinets.
So, if the size and space allows, you must add white on the backdrop wall, white backsplash tile, and light gray marble countertops.
For pull handles and knobs – don’t hold back from chrome or matte black finish.
Real Red in Exteriors
Use SW Real Red on the exteriors only if you really want to do it!
Typically, it’s not such a pro color for the exterior walls of your home. However, if you reside in a society where such colors are embraced, red will look fabulous than you may ever think.
If not on the walls, I highly recommend incorporating this color on the front door, shutters, and window frames.
The backdrop wall could be dark blue, dark gray, white, or even black.
Furthermore, choose a darker stain for the deck and crisp whites for the moldings, trims, and other special architectural features.
How to Best Sample This Color?
I need to share my favorite tip for testing out a color like Real Red – go over and order a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize.
These folks are nifty because they figured out a convenient way for us to sample colors way more easily. Just stick up a temporary square sample and forget the small jar of actual wet paint.
For only a few dollars you’ll receive a perfect sized square you can stick up temporarily anywhere you want to “”try”” on a paint color and any possible coordinating hues you like. It’s the best!
So, how do you want to use this color in your homes? Interiors or Exteriors?
Now that you have all the secrets – are you excited about painting your home in SW Real Red?
Should there be any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below!