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Popular reds

Add drama to your colour palette with these favourite reds!

Note: Click on the testpot or colour name for full colour information. Click on the buy links to purchase a testpot from the online Resene ColorShop.

Resene Guardsman Red
Resene Guardsman Red

R47-148-036

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A bold hussar red, strong and brave

Resene Red Hot
Resene Red Hot

R46-147-033

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A scarlet of primary purity, full of wild enthusiasm

Resene Havoc
Resene Havoc (Get Reddy)

R49-160-036

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A pure chromatic red

Resene Poppy
Resene Poppy

R43-133-032

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A constant and bright splash of Flanders red, marking a place of a million memories

Resene Raging Bull
Resene Raging Bull

R42-095-035

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A provocative and determined red, strong and energetic

Resene Smashing
Resene Smashing

R43-123-029

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A bold pure red; it is so full of provocative energy that it demands centre stage

Resene Jalapeno
Resene Jalapeno

R37-114-026

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A spicy salsa red, torrid and tasty

Resene Bright Red
Resene Bright Red

R44-148-034

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A letterbox red, bright, pure and interesting

Resene Pioneer Red
Resene Pioneer Red

R39-075-033

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A bright colonial red oxide, old fashioned and abundant

Resene Red Berry
Resene Red Berry (Razzamatazz)

R37-107-030

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A vivid primary red inspired by summer fruits

Resene Hot Chile
Resene Hot Chile

R37-084-027

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A very popular opulent red with a hint of burgundy

Resene Pohutukawa
Resene Pohutukawa

R36-087-023

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A spicy rich red inspired by the New Zealand Christmas tree

Resene Red Oxide
Resene Red Oxide

R35-080-034

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A colonial colour, traditional and respected

Resene Fahrenheit
Resene Fahrenheit

R38-068-033

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A rich temperate raisin red

Resene Red Planet
Resene Red Planet

R35-054-031

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A deep scorched red

Resene Scoria
Resene Scoria

R36-049-033

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A copper brown red, elemental and severe

Resene Redwood
Resene Redwood

R38-041-036

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An Ayers Rock brown, universally appealing saturated hue

Resene Espresso
Resene Espresso

R35-034-035

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A sumptuous sensual brown based red

Resene Digeridoo
Resene Digeridoo

R31-030-033

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A red hearted warm brown, perfect complement to the fireside

Resene Rustic Red
Resene Rustic Red

R29-033-024

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A deep blue based maroon red, dignified and robust

Red-hot and royal

Red is a bright warm colour positioned at the least refracted end of the spectrum and the furthest away from violet.

Historically, red was one of the more rare and most expensive pigments for dyes so it was referred to as a "regal" colour. Only kings and queens and heads of church and state could afford to wear robes coloured in shades of red. Even so these were not the vibrant hues we now accept as true reds for it was not until the mid-nineteenth century that synthetic chemical dyes were invented. Prior to this time reds were made from earth oxides, plants, insects and "sang de boeuf" – ox blood!

Studies of the effects of colour have shown that red increases sexual activity, heals wounds, raises blood pressure, makes weight seem heavier, and time seem longer. It excites and stimulates and is excellent for creation but not for the execution of ideas. Small children are drawn to it as it is so visually interesting – hence that first joyous kindergarten painting – a bold splash of crimson!

Red has such a strong impact that it should be used carefully in the home. If bright red is used too generously it can be jarring and uncomfortable, but properly handled it can be warm and welcoming, setting a distinctive tone as the major element in a colour scheme. Because it is an "advancing" colour it makes rooms glow with rich intimacy. One way of learning to enjoy the colour if you are wary of using it in large quantities is to use it as a small part of an overall look: – part of the sofa upholstery fabric, potted geraniums in an otherwise quiet kitchen, a lampshade glowing from the depths of a darkened lounge, or perhaps as a feature wall colour with a favourite painting or gilt-framed mirror.

Red is particularly attractive teamed with its natural complementary colour – green – yet it also works with soft warm colours like creams or yellow. Teamed with white, red is domesticated; and is often seen in kitchens coupled with mid blue Willow patterned china and pine furniture. It can be combined with other shades of red as a glaze on walls where the uneven colour and texture creates depth and warmth that a uniform colour can't. Toning it up and down with slightly different shades and embellishing it with touches of gold makes a sumptuous statement. These types of schemes are often used in dining rooms or occasionally bedrooms, as the gold "tames" the red.

Reds are both warm and cold. The concept of a hot red is easy to understand, but the idea of a cool red is harder to envisage. The hottest reds have yellow in their makeup and they veer towards orange; white cooler reds contain some element of blue which takes them towards the violet-red tones seen in old-fashioned French roses, plums, claret wine and gemstones like rubies and garnets. Cool reds are more moody and restrained; they do not dominate as much as the warmer hues do.

So roll out the red carpet, paint the town red and grab yourself a Resene testpot so you can start experimenting with red in your own home.

Decorating with red...

Always try out your colours using a Resene testpot in the area you plan to paint before you start your painting project – that’s the best way to confirm the colour looks right before you start painting. You can also can order drawdowns online.

View popular Resene colours: Top 20 | Reds | Oranges | Yellows | Greens | Blues | Violets | Browns | Greys/blacks | Wood stains

Resene has changed the way it measures and creates electronic colours – read more

 

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Colours shown on this website are a representation only. Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.   See measurements/conversions for more details on how electronic colour values are achieved.

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