Top 12 Red Paint Colors for Bold and Stylish Interiors and Exteriors

Something about red paint always makes me think of a little pizzeria we frequented when I visited my brother in a seaside town on the East Coast.

The walls were painted this rich, warm red, which made the place feel inviting and lively yet comfortable. It brings back fond memories.

If you want to add the same warmth and energy into your home, consider these 12 marvelous colors from Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams: Rumors, Flirt Alert, Cherry Tart, Fire Cracker, Million Dollar Red, Caliente, Mulberry, Gypsy Pink, Radish, Heartthrob, Sun Dried Tomato, and Rojo Dust.

Choosing the Best Red Paint Colors

Red is an attention seeking color that draws your eye and can transform any space when used strategically. Red shades span light pinks to dark crimsons, including earthy and rusty tones. Each red has its own personality and a unique way of setting a room’s mood or creating a feature.

Let’s look at my top red paint picks from Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams to share with you.

Top Red Paints by Behr

Behr offers a lineup of rich, daring reds to bring some exotic zing to your home. Here are my top four picks to inspire your next project.

#1. Flirt Alert P150-7

If you’re more of a ‘bold statement’ type, Flirt Alert is your go-to shade in the Behr red range. It’s a playful, vibrant red that gives fire engine vibes—perfect for making a bold first impression.

It works in a kitchen, whether contrasted by stark neutral colors or with boho decor. I’d love to see it as an accent wall in a game room, too, to turn up the energy and heat.

#2. Rumors SMQ1-15

Just recently, Behr announced that Rumors would be their “Color of the Year” for 2025. So I figured it’d be great to unpack this trendy red. It’s the perfect hue for those who are hesitant to dive straight into a vibrant red.

According to color expert Erika Woefel, “It just feels right, it feels sophisticated. It feels bold, but is still approachable. It draws us in, and it’s really captivating.”

Rumors is a more muted ruby red imbued with earthy undertones. Imagine it on cozy home office walls or in a small sitting room. Add a few leather couches and feel the soft glow of a vintage lamp. It’s grounding and inviting, perfect for spaces where you want to feel subtle warmth.

#3. Cherry Tart UL110-18

Cherry Tart is a whimsical and playful take on red. This sweet option is reminiscent of summertime picnics, homemade pies, and berry-colored smoothies. I can’t help but smile, remembering those times with fondness.

Cherry Tart works well in a dining room or breakfast nook, adding the right amount of liveliness without overwhelming mealtime vibes.

Consider using it in an entryway, though your guests might linger there longer than usual.

#4. Fire Cracker PPU2-16

Fire Cracker is an orange-tinged brick red that practically crackles with energy. Think of summertime barbecues, fireworks, and jolly parades; you’ll feel what Fire Cracker inspires.

This color is ideal for igniting creativity, so try it in a playroom or as an accent wall in your home office. It’s bound to spark some new ideas.

A friend used Fire Cracker on two adjoining walls in her kids’ play area, an extension of her studio. It’s added so much personality to the space, and she said her Zoom background is much more exciting. Plus, it sparks conversation and ideas when meeting with clients.

Benjamin Moore Best Red Paints

Benjamin Moore’s red paints span from vibrant and bold to rich and romantic. Here are some of the stand-out reds I’d like to introduce to you to bring energy and warmth to your home.

#5. Million Dollar Red 2003-10

The name says it all: Million Dollar Red is as luxurious and classy as it sounds. It’s a classic and bold red that unapologetically emphasizes any space.

It’s the perfect hue for making a dramatic impact in a formal dining room or home office where you want to exude confidence. I’ve even seen a similar color as a chic statement ceiling in hall—it made the place feel very grand.

#6. Caliente AF-290

Caliente is Spanish for hot, and this red is filled with spicy energy and personality. It’s a fabulous choice for someone who wants to introduce lively heat and intensity into a vibrant kitchen or a playful media room.

I love it for a front door that instantly says, “Welcome!” and adds a pop of color to a happy and productive space.

#7. Mulberry 2075-20

Mulberry takes me down memory lane to when we had an umbrella mulberry bush. As a kid, I’d pretend it was my house and play in there for hours, munching mulberries, of course. I remember the color vividly.

Benjamin Moore’s Mulberry is a deep and romantic red with a rich plum undertone that adds sophistication.

It’s perfect for turning a bedroom into a luxurious, intimate space or creating a cozy reading nook. Naturally, I think it’s the ideal color to feel relaxed and feed your imagination.

#8. Gypsy Pink 2077-20

If you’re looking for a fun and whimsical magenta-like red, Gypsy Pink is your color. It’s great for a youthful or artistic space like a craft room or a creative studio.

My sister’s eldest daughter chose Gypsy Pink for her bedroom, and the color gave her room a bright and cheerful vibe without feeling too juvenile. It’s a definite mood-boosting color.

Popular Sherwin-Williams Red Paint Colors

Whether you’re looking for fiery and intense or warm and grounded reds, the Sherwin-Williams red palette has the right hue. Here are my four favorites:

#9. Radish SW 6861

Radish is a shade that feels fresh and spicy all at once. It’s a bright red with a hint of pink, which makes it less overpowering and livelier.

I saw Radish used in a cozy and eclectic living room, and it gave the space a quirky and upbeat vibe that was impossible to resist. I also think it’d be great for a fun powder room.

#10. Heartthrob SW 6866

Heartthrob is all about drama and passion. This rich, intense red almost flirts with the idea of burgundy, offering just enough warmth to be welcoming while still making a statement.

My cousin used Heartthrob on an accent wall in his scale model studio and liked it so much that he wants it in his bedroom, too.

#11. Sun Dried Tomato SW 7585

Sun dried tomato is an earthy, warm red with Mediterranean vibes. It’s grounded with a brownish undertone, making it ideal for a more natural and rustic setting.

I reckon it would look fantastic in a kitchen with terracotta accents or an outdoor entertainment area.

#12. Rojo Dust SW 9006

When I think of Rojo Dust, I envision a desert sunset in a paint can. This hue is a muted red with a clay-like quality, meaning it brings warmth without overwhelming a space.

I like the idea of using it in an open-plan living area to create a cozy and welcoming environment for entertaining guests.

Final Thoughts

Red paint can add warmth, passion, or a brazen statement to any room. Whether you’re after something vibrant like Caliente, a rich tone like Sun Dried Tomato, or trending Rumors, these 12 shades offer endless possibilities for transforming your space. It’s time to embrace the power of red!

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