Be Bold – 9 Ways To Add Red to Your Home Decor

Red is a fiery, daring color and is not for the meek. So how best to add it to your home decor without overwhelming a space?  Use it sparingly by selecting one or a few pieces to add an accent.

 Red to Your Home Decor

Depending up on how committed to the color you are, you can incorporate smaller pops of color or go for the bold with kitchen appliances or even a whole wall.

Spice it up with a Sofa

If you’re gutsy enough, go for a bold red sofa.  It dominates the space and means you don’t need to add color elsewhere in the space. It will work with black and white, as in this setting from Hammary, or with any neutral palette.

The only additional red accent in this room is the red piping on the upholstered ottoman.
The only additional red accent in this room is the red piping on the upholstered ottoman.
A red sofa looks great in a modern design.
A red sofa looks great in a modern design.
Red pairs well with other bold colors, as with this deeply tufted sofa and benches.
Red pairs well with other bold colors, as with this deeply tufted sofa and benches.

Try Some Sassy Shelving

Shelving doesn’t have to be brown, black or metallic. Pieces like this one from Creative Coop can be bright as well as functional. The vintage styling makes it great for a kitchen or dining area.

Creative Sassy Shelving

Install a Bold, Bright Lighting Fixtures

An easy way to add a dash of red is with a colorful light fixture. Whether it’s a pendant or a chandelier, a red fixture near the ceiling will add a very visible but not overwhelming dose of color to your space. So many styles are available that it’s possible to choose something that is bright but not too over-the-top for your taste. This is the Parker Pendant from Currey and Company.

This casual fixture is made from wire.
This casual fixture is made from wire.

Modern lighting styles look particularly striking in red, as does this glossy red pendant Called the Classic from Bruck, part of Ledra Brands.

The fixture is a spun aluminum shade available in a variety of finishes.
The fixture is a spun aluminum shade available in a variety of finishes.

Large ornate fixtures look even more stunning in a bold shade of red, such as this Bella Vetro Chandelier from Cyan Design. It is a stunning piece that would be a dramatic addition to an entryway or dining room.

Made of Murano glass, the chandelier gives off a lovely light.
Made of Murano glass, the chandelier gives off a lovely light.

Table lamps are a more modest pop of color and a good way to test out a red accessory. The Z Bar lamp from Concept is modern and minimalist. It is a slim and very functional desk lamp.

The Z Bar is a very versatile lamp, with its ability to direct light in different directions.
The Z Bar is a very versatile lamp, with its ability to direct light in different directions.

Try a rustic red piece like this vintage pendant fixture from Ferroluce. The exposed bulb and weathered base are perfect together.

This is from the Retro Collection.
This is from the Retro Collection.

Maybe a lampshade is more your speed. In fact, if you have a base you like, you can try out something red by swapping out the shade for a bold one. These ripe red ones are by Moon Shine Lamp and Shade.

Moon Shine offers classic drum shades and flared pendants.
Moon Shine offers classic drum shades and flared pendants.

Or, try a curvaceous red beauty like this one from Pangea — it has loads of drops and beads. It is as ornate as a traditional chandelier but has an edge to it thanks to the abundance of beads shapes of all sizes.

This would be fun in a bedroom.
This would be fun in a bedroom.

A space that was simple lines doesn’t mean foregoing a traditionally shaped chandelier. The Kristina Chandelier has the typical profile, but the shiny resin body and bold color make it modern.

Shiny, with a heftier feel, this chandelier is funkier than usual.
Shiny, with a heftier feel, this chandelier is funkier than usual.

A pendant that looks like it’s made from little red puffs — this is from WAKAnine and is made from silkworm cocoons.

Created by a Thai designer, this is an elegant fixture.
Created by a Thai designer, this is an elegant fixture.

Go really bold and funky with the Sarve Chandelier from Pangea, which has uniquely shaped glass pieces that help diffuse the light. Depending upon how you arrange the glass pieces, it changes the direction of the light.

This fixture is very unusual.
This fixture is very unusual.

Accent Your Space with a Bold Chair

Chairs are another way to add color to a space and red can perk up a basic kitchen, dining room, or other living space. Whether it’s a dining chair, bar stool or armchair, it is another way to add color without being overwhelming. This modern bar stool is durable as well as attractive and is an attractive choice for a kitchen dining island.

This bar stool is from Florida Seating.
This bar stool is from Florida Seating.
This bar stool is from Florida Seating.
This bar stool is from Florida Seating.
Red acrylic stools provide a softer touch of a bold color.
Red acrylic stools provide a softer touch of a bold color.
A red lounge, like this classic modern one from Cassina, is a brave choice for a living room.
A red lounge, like this classic modern one from Cassina, is a brave choice for a living room.
A modern chair and ottoman from Luminaire are bright and artful.
A modern chair and ottoman from Luminaire are bright and artful.
Unique design and an unusual upholstery treatment make this set from Global Views eye-catching.
Unique design and an unusual upholstery treatment make this set from Global Views eye-catching.
Red has always been a popular color as evidenced by these vintage red chairs from MF Toninelli.
Red has always been a popular color as evidenced by these vintage red chairs from MF Toninelli.
A classic armchair from Elements gets a fresh look with bright red upholstery.
A classic armchair from Elements gets a fresh look with bright red upholstery.

Even the outdoors can use a pop. Most outdoor furniture sets come in neutral colors but a good dose of red can enliven your outdoor living space.

A set of bright bar stools will be the center of attention at your next party.
A set of bright bar stools will be the center of attention at your next party.
Woven or vinyl strip chairs are fun and casual.
Woven or vinyl strip chairs are fun and casual.
Outdoor chairs are also available in modern designs that are truly distinctive.
Outdoor chairs are also available in modern designs that are truly distinctive.

Swap Out Hardware for Something Gutsy

The bathroom is a little more challenging for incorporating smaller accents of a bright color, but new hardware in a bold hue can make a big impact. Fantini’s bathroom faucet and knobs come in an array of adventurous shades.

Fantini Bathroom Hardwared in Bold Colors

Add a Pop of Red with an Accessory

Timid about adding any type of bold color in a permanent way? Afraid to invest a substantial amount of money in a large piece? Try adding a sculpture, piece of art or selection of accessories in red to add an easy accent to a space.

A modern sculpture from J Luhrmann Gallery.
A modern sculpture from J Luhrmann Gallery.
Red vases from the Thomas Fritsch Gallery
Red vases from the Thomas Fritsch Gallery
A vintage sign from VIP Home and Garden is the perfect accent against the brick wall.
A vintage sign from VIP Home and Garden is the perfect accent against the brick wall.

Try out the sharp color with cushions or pillows

Another inexpensive way to audition a bold color its with cushions and pillows. They’re easy o switch out f you get tired of them or if you find the color is not for you.

These vivid cushions are a great counterpoint to the concrete stools from Kannoa.
These vivid cushions are a great counterpoint to the concrete stools from Kannoa.
Just one red pillow and ottoman make a huge impact in this room.
Just one red pillow and ottoman make a huge impact in this room.
A bright purple sofa is accented by two simple pillows.
A bright purple sofa is accented by two simple pillows.

Add an Adventurous Accent Piece

Accent furniture is a great way to be adventurous with color. Smaller pieces are easy to incorporate into different living spaces and move as desired.

Glossy and bright, this sleek stool is a fantastic accent from Light and Living.
Glossy and bright, this sleek stool is a fantastic accent from Light and Living.
TJ O'Keefe's modern and geometric side table is modern and extra vivid.
TJ O’Keefe’s modern and geometric side table is modern and extra vivid.
A red, slouchy beanbag is a a casual favorite.
A red, slouchy beanbag is a a casual favorite.
Even a refined style can incorporate a red accent, like this babe trimmed dresser.
Even a refined style can incorporate a red accent, like this babe trimmed dresser.
Vintage Addiction has a repurposed console table from a tractor.
Vintage Addiction has a repurposed console table from a tractor.

Go for a Bigger Swath of Color

Feeling brave? Red cupboard doors on your bathroom vanity are vivid and sophisticated. They are a good match for any neutral setting. Want to go big or go home? Paint the entire room red — it’s guaranteed to make an impression and confirm your extroverted nature.

Textured doors add interest.
Textured doors add interest.
Red walls and a red floor mean keeping other components simple.
Red walls and a red floor mean keeping other components simple.

Be Daring With Appliance Color

Appliance manufacturers are making it easier to add vivid hues to your kitchen with major appliances that are a not only functional but also fun. Choose a hood, a refrigerator or cooktop. Some companies also offer small appliances on the same colors.

Modern hoods in vibrant colors.
Modern hoods in vibrant colors.
Kitchen Aid's refrigerator is a little retro.
Kitchen Aid’s refrigerator is a little retro.
SMEG's red dishwasher makes clean up just a little more fun.
SMEG’s red dishwasher makes clean up just a little more fun.
SMEG's range comes in a fiery red.
SMEG’s range comes in a fiery red.

Try a Dashing Doggy Bed

Perk up your pet’s space with a dash of color for them too. A luxurious velvet dog bed in a luscious deep red is an adorable choice for a pampered pooch. TOV Furniture carries a number of similar styles.

Tufted Red Pet Chair

Options for incorporating a little — or a lot of — red abound and there are many choices at all levels of size and splash. How much red can you handle? Give it a try and see.