Let me tell you about the time I spilled red wine all over my brand new cream colored carpet.
I was having a small dinner party and was feeling a bit clumsy after one too many glasses of Merlot.
As I was refilling my glass,
I tripped over the edge of the rug and the entire glass of red wine went flying, drenching my poor carpet in a huge red stain.
I was mortified!
After desperately trying every carpet cleaner and home remedy I could find, I finally had to admit defeat.
The stain wasn’t coming out.
So I decided to get creative – if you can’t beat red wine, join it!
I had the carpet dyed a bright cherry red, and it ended up looking fabulous.
My little accident turned into an exciting home decor adventure.
Now I love playing with bold, dramatic colors in my home.
So today, I’m sharing my tips on what paint colors go best with a red carpet!
Opt for warm, earthy neutrals like beige, tan, or light brown – these will complement the red without clashing.
Accent with metallics like gold and copper for some glam!
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Top 20 Paint Colors for Your Red Carpet
| Rank | Why it is a Good Match | |
|---|---|---|
| Beige | 9.5 | Warm, earthy undertones complement red without clashing. Provides a versatile neutral backdrop. |
| Tan | 9.0 | Similar earthiness as beige, but slightly deeper tan tones offer more contrast. |
| Taupe | 8.5 | Bridge between warm and cool with subtle grayness pairs elegantly with red. |
| Light Brown | 8.5 | Richer than beige or tan but still warm and cozy with red carpet. |
| Silver Gray | 8.0 | Crisp, cool contrast to red. Brings out modern glam vibes. |
| Sage Green | 8.0 | Earthy, soothing green with yellow undertones pops against red. |
| Robin’s Egg Blue | 7.5 | Retro, uplifting pastel blue complements red playfully. |
| Lilac Purple | 7.5 | Soft, romantic violet hue feels whimsical and elegant with red. |
| Deep Blue | 7.0 | Bold, moody contrast to red. Makes dramatic style statement. |
| Sunny Yellow | 7.0 | Warm, cheerful contrast. Must be muted yellow to avoid neon look. |
| Cream | 6.5 | Slightly warmer alternative to white for an elegant, soothing look. |
| Dove Gray | 6.5 | Softer, gentler gray with hints of mauve looks refined with red. |
| Blush Pink | 6.0 | Only very pale pinks work to avoid clashing. Adds soft feminine touch. |
| Seafoam Green | 6.0 | Cool, fresh green provides gentle color contrast with red. |
| Pale Yellow | 5.5 | Very subtle, buttercream yellow can complement red if done right. |
| Lavender | 5.5 | Very light, subdued purple adds only a hint of color contrast. |
| Sky Blue | 5.0 | Riskier pale blue, carefully muted could work with the right red tone. |
| Mint Green | 5.0 | Again, must be a very muted, dusty mint hue to avoid going too sweet. |
| Blush | 4.5 | Only a subtle hint of warmth, or could risk clashing with red. |
Beige
Beige may seem boring to some, but it’s a classic for a reason.
The light tan color is versatile and pairs well with many bold accent colors like red.
Beige has a warmth that contrasts and complements the vibrancy of a red carpet.
Choose a beige with yellow undertones rather than pink or gray to get that cozy, earthy look.
Beige walls and trim allow the drama of a red carpet to take center stage.
When selecting the perfect beige, look for one with a subtle touch of yellow rather than pink or gray undertones.
A pale beige with a hint of mustard will provide that warm, welcoming backdrop for your red carpet.
Stay away from beiges that veer too peachy-pink, as that will clash with the red.
Look for descriptive paint names like “Buttercream” or “Praline” rather than generic “Beige” which could go too cool-toned.
Matte beige paint has a velvety look that can offset the sheen of a red carpet beautifully.
Consider an eggshell or satin sheen for easy wipe-downs but avoid high-gloss, which could look too slick and modern with traditional red carpet.
For walls, flat or matte beige paint hides imperfections well.
Trim can be a tad glossier – satin or eggshell sheen adds depth.
Don’t be afraid to layer different beige tones.
Try a darker sandy beige on the lower half of walls with a soft buttercream hue on top.
Or make trim and molding a warm camel tone several shades deeper than pale beige walls.
Add visual interest with a lightly textured beige paint for walls – subtle texture catches the light beautifully.
For a touch of glam, consider metallic beige paint with a subtle shimmer.
Just a touch of shimmer can make the beige walls come alive.
Look for a paint with a delicate gold or champagne mica – avoid anything too sparkly.
Limit metallic beige paint to an accent wall or use on picture frames and architectural millwork rather than entire rooms, which may be overwhelming.
Silver Gray
For a more modern, sleek look with red carpet, consider cool-toned silver gray paint.
The icy hue contrasts beautifully with the warmth of red, keeping the space feeling bright and crisp.
From pale moonlight grays to darker charcoal shades, the right gray can provide the perfect sophisticated backdrop for your red carpet.
Look for gray paint with hints of blue and avoid muddier grays with brown undertones, which won’t pop against red.
Names like “Raincloud” or “Galactic” indicate blue-biased grays.
Stay very light or go quite dark for maximal contrast – mid-tone grays can look drab with red.
Flat, matte, or eggshell gray paint offsets the shine of a red carpet gorgeously.
Consider adding subtle metallic flecks to grays through stenciling or drybrushing for modern glam.
High-gloss gray trim against darker matte walls makes a bold, elegant statement.
Go darker on lower walls by layering charcoal or pewter grays below eye-level, keeping upper walls pale.
Paint architectural details in contrasting shades of gray for added drama and dimension.
Brushed stainless steel or chrome accents really make cool grays and red carpet sing.
A pale silvery gray ceiling is an unexpected twist with a red carpet, feeling airy and ethereal overhead.
Consider adding silver leaf detailing or metallic paint on ceiling medallions to accentuate the drama.
Gray inspires creativity with accent colors – don’t be afraid to add pops of bright colors that play off the neutral gray walls.
Deep Blue
For a rich, moody ambiance with red carpet, go for a dramatic deep blue paint.
From navy to cobalt, the right saturated blue can complement the vibrancy of red while feeling bold and elegant.
Dark blue is an unexpected twist that allows the red carpet to stand out while making a decadent style statement.
Aim for blues with slight purple undertones rather than pure primary blue, which can feel too patriotic with red.
Paint names like “Midnight Blue” and “Blue Iris” indicate a touch of violet comes through.
The darker and richer the blue the better, so don’t be afraid to go very dark for maximum drama.
Matte or eggshell deep blue paint offsets red’s shine while feeling luxe and velvety to the touch.
Consider a subtle metallic sheen for modern glam – just avoid overly sparkly blues.
High-gloss navy or sapphire blue trim makes a bold, striking statement against dark walls.
Use varying shades of blue together for added depth.
Try indigo on lower walls with a touch lighter blue above chair rail molding.
Metallic silver accents pop against the blue, like mercury glass lamps or brushed nickel fixtures.
Embrace the drama with dark moody blue walls and sumptuous red carpet.
Painting the ceiling a rich midnight blue envelops you dramatically overhead.
The matte ceiling becomes a textural focal point and intimate canvas, especially with glossy red carpet below.
Add sparkle with small crystal chandeliers, mirror accents, and silver candlesticks.
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Lilac Purple
For a playful, feminine take with red carpet, consider a light lilac purple paint.
The soft violet hue complements the bold vibrancy of red, while feeling whimsical and ethereal.
Pale purple paint allows the red carpet to stand out while adding a touch of romance to a space.
Look for purples with a blue undertone rather than pink, which could become too sweet.
Names like “Spring Lilac” and “Wisteria” indicate a violet-leaning purple rather than raspberry.
Pastel shades of lilac work best rather than deeper eggplant purples, which may be too dark with red.
Matte, eggshell or soft satin purples offset the shine of red carpet in a chic way.
Metallic flecks added to lilac paint through sponging or dry-brushing adds modern flair.
Glossy white or silver trim provides lovely contrast against moody, ethereal purple walls.
Use lighter purples above chair rail molding with deeper plums below for added drama.
Paint a medallion or cornice on the ceiling in a striking silver leaf or mercury glass effect against purple.
Mirrored accents and lustrous silver fixtures play beautifully off cool lilac walls and rich red carpet.
A pale lilac ceiling feels like a springtime cloud overhead and provides the perfect dreamy complement to a red carpeted space.
Consider painting whimsical sky scenes, clouds and stars on a lilac ceiling for a playful, artistic touch.
Let your inner child run free and embrace the magic of colored walls!
Sage Green
For an earthy, organic look, consider sage green paint with red carpeting.
The refreshing, herbal hue has yellow undertones that pop against red without clashing.
From misty seafoam to deep olive shades, the right soft green can complement red carpet beautifully.
Look for green paint names like “Foggy Jade” or “Salvia” that indicate a yellow-gray green versus pure primary green, which would be too vivid with red.
Soft muted sage greens work best – steer clear of lime shades that could look garish.
The more grayed and subdued the green, the better.
Matte or eggshell sage green paint prevents the space from feeling too slick or primary colored.
Consider adding texture through subtle metallic sage stenciling or dry brushed detailing.
Glossy white or lacquered black trim grounds sage walls elegantly.
Use darker muted sage on lower walls with a misty seafoam green above for an organic sense of depth.
Incorporate natural textures and materials like wood, stone, jute and linen to enhance the earthy vibe.
Sage green and red carpet create a warm, welcoming nest.
Painting the ceiling a very pale sage green adds the perfect touch of harmonious color overhead.
Consider a matte finish to allow the glossy red carpet below to shine.
Add whitewashed wood beams across a sage ceiling for rustic charm and contrast.
Sunny Yellow
For an uplifting, cheerful ambiance with your red carpet, bright yellow paint could be the perfect companion.
Buttery sunshine shades offer playful contrast to rich red while feeling fresh and modern.
The right golden yellow will make red carpet pop without becoming overwhelming.
Look for yellow paint with just a hint of green rather than pure primary yellow, which could look neon with red.
Names like “Sunflower” or “Wheat” indicate a mellowed, subdued yellow that complements rather than clashes.
Stay away from chartreuses and acid yellows.
Matte and eggshell yellows offset the shine of red carpet in a chic, contemporary way.
Consider adding extra texture through subtle metallic stenciling in gold for modern depth and interest.
Lacquered black trim grounds sunny yellow walls in bold contrast.
Use a deeper goldenrod or ochre on lower walls with bright lemon yellow above to embrace the color play.
Add whimsy by painting patterned accent walls in retro geometrics or bold graphic stripes.
Don’t overlook yellow on the ceiling – a mellow hue overhead feels cheerful but not overbearing.
Sunny yellow inspires creativity and playfulness.
Don’t be afraid to accessorize with other primary shades like turquoise, cherry red and grassy green for a vibrant, fearless look.
The yellow carpet grounding allows the bold colors and patterns to sing.
Robin’s Egg Blue
For a fresh, invigorating pop of color with red carpet, try robin’s egg blue paint.
The retro pastel blue has a hint of green that provides the perfect crisp, cheerful contrast to rich red.
Robin’s egg blue is uplifting without feeling overly primary or nautical.
Look for soft powdery blues with “Mint” or “Ice” in the names to get the right retro vibe.
Avoid primary blues, which would be too vibrant with the red carpet.
Muted, dusty shades of robin’s egg blue complement red without competing for attention.
Matte or eggshell finishes prevent the space from feeling too slick and keep the focus on the red carpet.
Consider painting geometric patterns in glossy white against the flat blue walls for fun contrast and pop.
Crisp white trim grounds the soft blue elegantly.
Use lighter robin’s egg blue on upper walls and ceilings with a deeper cadet blue wainscoting below.
Paint the insides of bookshelves or display cabinets in the blue for bursts of surprising color.
Accent with bright cherry red and citrus green accessories.
A soft blue ceiling is both soothing and surprising overhead.
For a playful touch, paint fluffy white clouds floating across the blue ceiling.
Glossy red carpet below reflects the colors beautifully.
Embrace color and fun with retro robin’s egg blue and red!
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Tan
Similar to beige, different shades of tan offer a warm, neutral backdrop for a red carpet.
From light camel to darker browns, tan paint has the same earthy quality that works well with red’s richness.
Tan is a great way to ground the boldness of red into a cozier, more welcoming space.
For contrast, go for a darker tan on the walls with lighter tan molding and trim.
Brass light fixtures and accessories made of wood will enhance the elegant feel.
When choosing a tan paint color, look for one with yellow undertones to complement the red carpet.
Stay away from orangey terra cotta tones that could clash.
A light camel or biscuit tan is safest, but you can go a few shades darker for contrast against the red.
Names like “Fawn” or “Khaki” indicate golden yellow undertones rather than orange in a tan paint.
Matte tan paint has an inviting, velvety look that pairs nicely with shiny red carpet.
Consider a soft eggshell finish on walls for durability and sheen.
Distressed, aged tan paint techniques can add textural interest as well.
Try sponging flecks of darker tan over base walls in a rough stucco technique.
Tan also looks great in high-contrast gloss for trim against flatter wall paint.
Don’t forget the ceiling when considering tan paint colors!
A few shades darker than the walls, a tan ceiling can feel intimate and cozy against red carpet below.
For a focal point, try painting the ceiling tan in a matte finish to contrast with glossy red carpet.
Tan is versatile enough to use all over – on walls, trim, ceiling and even furniture for a pulled together look.
Mix different shades of tan for added depth.
Go lighter on molding and darker on lower walls.
Adding some gray to tan walls yields a sophisticated “greige” that adds elegance with the red carpet.
Brass fixtures pop against tan walls, so don’t be afraid to go bold with metallic accents.
Light Brown
Light and medium brown hues can provide the perfect complementary balance to red carpet.
Go for paint with yellow/beige undertones rather than orange undertones, which could clash with the red.
The richness of the brown will make the red carpet pop while feeling grounded.
Accent walls in various shades of lighter and darker browns can add drama and highlight architectural details.
For whimsy, consider painting patterns onto the brown walls like organic shapes or geometrics in metallic copper or brass.
Choose a light brown paint with subtle yellow or beige undertones to complement the red carpet best.
Names like “Café au Lait” and “Pecan” indicate a brown with a golden yellow base rather than orange.
Stay away from cinnamon browns, which can look too autumnal with red.
Light taupes and camel browns work well to provide contrast without clashing.
Eggshell or satin sheen light brown paint has enough depth to accentuate red carpet but avoids looking too slick and modern.
Consider a velvety matte finish on brown walls with glossy trim for gorgeous contrast.
Distressing techniques like sanding edges or drybrushing work beautifully on brown paint to add aged character and texture.
Don’t overlook the ceiling when selecting the perfect brown paint for a red carpeted room.
A milk chocolate brown ceiling makes a striking statement and can help ground the space.
Paint the ceiling flat or matte brown while allowing the gloss of the carpet to shine below.
Use metallic paint on ceiling medallions or architectural millwork to really make it pop.
Layer shades of brown for added visual interest.
Try a dark chocolate on lower walls with latte brown above chair rail molding.
Paint architectural details and millwork in varying shades of brown for added depth and drama.
Warm metallics like antique brass and oil-rubbed bronze bring out the richness of brown paint and red carpet.
Taupe
This complex gray-brown hue has both warm and cool undertones, making it highly compatible with the boldness of red.
From soft dove grays to mushroom browns, the range of taupe paint colors is wide enough to find a perfect companion to red carpet.
Look for a taupe paint with subtle hints of lilac-gray or rosy beige to complement red carpet.
Stay away from muddier, pure brown taus with green undertones, which can look dirty with red.
Aim for taupe paint names like “Weathered Stone” or “Smoke” to get that refined, blended neutral that straddles both warm and cool tones.
Matte taupe paint has a cozy, welcoming look that offsets the shine of red carpet below.
A velvety eggshell sheen on taupe walls feels both durable yet soft.
Consider adding visual texture with a sandstone-finish taupe paint for dimension.
Taupe also looks elegant in a glossy trim paint against darker, flat walls.
Layer shades of taupe for added interest.
Go darker on lower walls with a lighter taupe chair rail molding above.
Distressing techniques like sanding edges and dry brushing work well on taupe paint, giving walls an aged patina.
For luxe contrast, paint crown molding in a metallic champagne taupe against matte walls.
Don’t overlook your ceiling color when designing a space with red carpet!
A blue-gray taupe ceiling makes a gorgeous neutral focal point, especially in a matte finish against the sheen below.
Taupe ceilings feel cozy and intimate yet still light and airy overhead.
