How to incorporate the colour red into the bedroom

As a primary colour with many representations throughout history, red commands attention.

When red is used dominantly, it can carry plenty of psychological weight. On one side, it can suggest warmth, confidence, and energy, but on the other, aggression, danger, and violence. What can be said is that red brings out passion. But if you are winding down for the day, that spike of passion isn’t always what you need. So, how can you incorporate red in the bedroom? Follow these tips to find out.

Subtly add red within the bedroom to create a striking contrast that isn’t overbearing.

Using red as an accent that complements the other colours will spark attention and help make a subtle statement. Consider throw pillows, plush blankets, lampshades, rugs, and artwork.

Using accessories to bring in red can ensure the essence of the colour doesn’t take over the room’s atmosphere. Or, perhaps select a statement piece of furniture that brings the intense red hues together in one central space. An upholstered chair or the headboard of your bed will work perfectly as a focal point that demands attention.

The colour red blew up on TikTok earlier this year with the unexpected red theory, the latest interior design trend circulating on people’s reels.

@intayriors UNEXPECTED RED THEORY #unexpectedredtheory #greenscreen ♬ original sound – Taylor Migliazzo Simon

Advocates of the trend suggest that including red in a room where no other colours match the shade creates cohesion, bringing the room to life with the tiny spark of attention that red creates.

Red is associated with embracing passions and influencing action, so it can instantly create a suggestion of lust.

Enlist the power of red to set the mood in your bedroom. Through drapes of red décor and enticing bedding, the sight of red can spark romance within just a few steps through the door. It’s not just through your interior choices; flowery displays of rose petals can be carpeted across the floor to match the mood.

Credit: @at.home.with.konnie

The vibrancy of red can be counterproductive for the bedroom. Look to soften its intensity with cooler tones to create a sanctuary of calmness.

The fiery tone of red can be overwhelming, but partnering the colour with softer hues such as white and beige creates harmony in the bedroom. For those seeking tranquillity, embrace pastel colours to ensure your space becomes a sanctuary for sleep.

If you want to bring a substantial amount of red into the space, you’ll need to balance the strong red tones with calming counterparts cleverly. In this case, why not use dark blue or grey wall panelling to help mute the brightness of the more dominant red? Or use a grey sleigh bed frame alongside other darker accessories and flooring, as in the image above.

The sleigh bells are ringing, and the snow is glistening: evoke Christmas cheer in your bedroom with red.

Cosy red bedding and décor, such as curtains and rugs, can bring plenty of Christmas cheer to your master suite in the run-up to the big day. Think about pairing subtle hints of candy-cane red with soft white cotton and invest in some comfy textures to create a winter wonderland retreat. As shown in the image above, small red accents are more than enough. You don’t have to redecorate your entire space or invest in expensive new furniture – little touches here and there are more than ideal.

Credit: @no18_to_home

Including soft red lighting can help you get to sleep and inspire a calming atmosphere.

Soft red lighting stimulates the production of melatonin, the hormone that prompts us to feel sleepy. However, the key here is the soft part. With a warm glow instead of a harsh, strong light, you can prepare yourself for sleep and calm your mind before drifting off. Brighter reds, such as those you see on traffic lights, too closely resemble warning signs and a sense of danger, making it more difficult to drift off. So, how do you ensure the red glow you choose is soothing?

Think about incorporating a soft red glow through a bedside lamp – either with a coloured bulb or go retro with a lava lamp. Or dare to be a little more exciting and incorporate red strip lights around the edges of your room, such as your skirting boards or the joins where two walls meet. This can create a beautiful shadowy and soft neon effect. You can even add interactive lights that you control with your phone. How about soft red before sleep and a gorgeous sunrise yellow when you wake?

Red is one of the oldest colours recorded, dating back over 40,000 years to prehistoric cave art depicting life during the Palaeolithic period. Since then, it has had many associations.

During the reign of the Roman Empire, red was used on the cloaks of soldiers and gladiators to inspire courage and frighten their opponents. Even Mars, their God of War, is associated with red, conveying the spirit needed to fight.

On the other end of the spectrum, and due to its association with the colour of the heart, red and love go hand in hand. Throughout history, humans have used the heart to depict our fidelity and our passion for love.

But red has separate meanings across different cultures. In China, red is a symbol of good fortune and is a colour commonly worn at weddings to bring luck to newlyweds.

These associations make red a captivating colour, sparking attention and evoking a sense of drama – at times positive, at others, more negative. With this in mind, we suggest toning down the amount of red you use in your bedroom. Consider a subtle, soft shade or an alternative but similar colour. Our guide on burgundy bedroom designs may hold the inspiration you need.

If this has got you thinking about a bedroom colour palette which won’t affect your sleep, see our guide on the best colours for sleeping to find out how to get a better night’s rest through design.