There’s one color that’s well and truly dominating right now, not least in interiors but further afield in the fashion world too, and that’s rich shades of red. Indeed, dark, red wine-esque hues have officially taken center stage, and I for one am fully onboard with it.
As H&G’s color editor, I’ve noticed dark red seeping into paint brands’ Color of the Year reveals for 2025. For example, Behr unveiled Rumors, a rich ruby-red that firmly put this bold shade on the radar for fall color schemes. Marking a shift away from the prominent mid-tones, this alluring red paint encourages daring color trends that fill our homes with drama.
Since then, I’ve increasingly noticed wine red cropping up in interior spaces, from all-out red room ideas to cozy fall decor. And so, intrigued by this color trend, I spoke to interior designers about how they recommend decorating with this need-to-know-about hue.
How to decorate with wine red
While dark paint colors have been gaining popularity throughout this year, such as dark greens and browns, wine red stands out more than most right now since it nods to the holiday season. Decorating with red has always been a timeless choice, but the warming purple undertones of wine reds are the most on-trend way to do so right now.
‘Rich red wine shades create an intensity and convey confidence and complexity,’ explains interior designer Nadia Watts. ‘Red wine colors such as ruby, garnet, and violet add sophistication and refinement. They have great depth; the perfect combination of warm comfort and passionate energy.’
Wondering how to decorate with wine red? Read on to gain some moody and sophisticated room color ideas, the most stylish shade for the cozy season ahead.
Create a high-impact scheme with color drenching
(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors, photography Julie Soefer)
‘When decorating with red wine colors, my top tip is to embrace these deep, luxurious hues in spaces where you want to create warmth and intimacy,’ explains designer Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors. ‘For these spaces, I love to go all in with a fully saturated room that includes painting the walls and ceiling.’
In this incredibly sophisticated living room with a gloss, deep red paint used across the walls and ceiling for a color-drenched look, you can see how effective this color is when used boldly. However, there are other ways to embrace this color in more understated ways, as Marie shares below:
‘If you’re looking to take a smaller step, start with a statement piece, like a sofa, and build around it with complementary tones to balance the richness. Incorporate textures that enhance the color’s depth – think natural woods, leather, or metallic accents. To avoid overwhelming the space, pair red wine colors with neutral or muted shades, allowing the rich tones to stand out without dominating the room. Finally, lighting is key; choose warm lighting to enhance the color’s warmth and create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.’
Choose a saturated, bright wine red paint
(Image credit: Studio SFW, photography Tim Williams)
In this room designed by Studio SFW, an NYC-based architecture and interior design firm, Benjamin Moore’s Rapture, a bold red paint with warm violet undertones, is used across the walls and built-in cabinetry,
‘Don’t be afraid to go all in with a rich, bold hue,’ says Erin Fearins, co-founder of Studio SFW. ‘The saturation of color becomes a beautiful backdrop for art and the entire room.’
Certainly not shying away from making a statement, red paints such as this are great for maximalist decor ideas. If you do opt for this approach, embrace the wall color fully as shown here which feels a lot more modern and cohesive than once-popular accent walls.
Channel wine red through furniture and decor
(Image credit: Kathryn Murphy Interiors, photography Erin Konrath)
Want to incorporate this color trend into your home but don’t want to re-paint the walls? Consider decorating with red wine colors through furniture and soft furnishings.
When choosing the best color combinations for your wine red schemes, one approach is to turn to other warm tones such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples – all of which sit close to red on the color wheel. This approach was taken in this home office with a deep red sofa, dark purple curtains and pillows, and yellow wallpaper. The result is a warming scheme that’s full of depth.
‘We like to go all in when using bold colors, balancing them with their color wheel counterparts, and repeating tones around the room to create a cozy, cohesive space,’ says Kathryn Murphy, founder of Kathryn Murphy Interiors. ‘This study is rich in texture and unexpected combinations.’
Avoid paring wine red with white
(Image credit: deVOL)
‘If you’re thinking about using the rich red wine color we’re all loving right now, you can either ease into it with accents or go all in,’ says Thea Bloch-Neal, founder and lead designer at Curated by Thea.
‘But if you’re going for bold walls or a big furniture piece, it’s key to pair it with warm tones – nothing too bright. Avoid big swaths of white with burgundy, you don’t want locker room vibes. Instead, think warm browns, muted grays, deep blues, or cozy ivory tones to make the space feel inviting and cohesive. Every time I’ve used this color, people can’t stop talking about how much they love the bold choice.’
Use dark wine red in small rooms
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
A great place to experiment with rich wine tones is in small rooms. While such bold color choices can feel too brave in rooms like living rooms or kitchens, smaller rooms that aren’t the main social spaces of the home can be a great opportunity for an unexpected color moment, such as powder rooms or pantries.
There are so many wine red paints out there, depending on how vibrant or dark you want to go, but some of my favorites right now are Farrow & Ball’s Preference Red, a rich burgundy; Benjamin Moore’s Segovia Red, a rich red with brown undertones; and Backdrop’s Self-Portrait, a dark and sophisticated red paint.
Embrace the unexpected red theory
(Image credit: Cathy Nordström, Fanny Radvik)
I couldn’t talk about decorating with red and not mention the unexpected red theory. If you’re looking for an understated yet equally effective way of embracing this color trend, use red wine colors in small doses to uplift neutral rooms.
Whether that’s by painting trim details with wine red paint colors like this boot room; adding a red lamp to a neutral entryway or elevating the living room sofa with a pop of red through pillows, there are lots of simple ways to explore this trend without going overboard.
Shop the wine red color edit
If, like me, you love this rich and sophisticated color trend, why not incorporate it into your own home, just in time for fall? I’ve rounded up my favorite wine-red decor picks for you to shop below, from cozy textiles to statement lamps.
Kingsley Textured Cotton Duvet Cover
This duvet cover in the shade ‘merlot’ is high on my wish list for fall, perfect for incorporating rich colors into the bedroom.
Mohair Pillow with Velvet Stripe
Looking to bring wine red into your living room? Opt for this velvet, dark red cushion that’s both plush and timeless.
Recycled Wool Throw by Tartan Blanket Co.
Designed by the Scotland-based Tartan Blanket Co., I love this wool throw in a rust hue, ideal for cozy evenings.
This table lamp in a dark wine-red hue is perfect for uplifting neutral rooms with the unexpected red trend.
Crane Stencil 2 Wall Art by ZBC House
To bring wine red to your walls, shop this wall art by ZBC House in a sophisticated dark red color.
Loewe Home Scents Beetroot small scented candle, 170g
This burgundy scented candle is a great way to dabble into this color trend in a subtle way.
Whether you decide to update your wall colors with this trending shade or embrace it more subtly with smaller decor items, this rich, warm, and bold color trend boasts timeless appeal, bound to endure long beyond the fall months.
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