Ways to style red for 2026

 www.furniturechoice.co.uk

“New year, new you - new colour, new mood? That rings true if you want to make a big statement this year with colour. Red as a colour trend is growing, and we predict it will continue to gain momentum as the year progresses. For anyone who wants to make a bold start to the year, this is the trend for you.

The psychology of red differs depending on the context. Often associated with passion, romance, and excitement, it can also convey feelings of danger or anger, like the term ‘seeing red’. When it comes to interiors, it’s not just timeless but also incredibly versatile. It can be used to warm up the living room, make the dining room feel more intimate or inject passion into the bedroom.

The ‘unexpected red theory’ trend can be traced back to the start of red’s surge in popularity. The trend, which originated from TikTok, involves adding a hint of red to enhance the room's appearance. This can be through accessories like a red cushion on a neutral-coloured sofa or by introducing a red lamp to a neutral space.

Loren 2 Seater Sofa- www.furniturechoice.co.uk

For those who want to go all out with red on the walls, it’s about picking the right tone of red. Terracotta trends quite highly on Google with 1,300 searches for the term ‘terracotta paint colour’. It’s a great choice if you want to inject an earthy touch into the room, thanks to its reddish-brown undertone. Oxblood with 2,400 searches is the red tone to inject passion, sophistication and warmth into the room. It works particularly well if you have wall-panelling as it highlights the depth of the walls. Burgundy, with 5,400 searches, has a cooler undertone compared to oxblood and is reminiscent of red wine. 

Red’s fiery and bold presence allows it to complement or contrast different textures. Velvet or plush fabric upholstery, wall panelling, textured wallpaper, and lacquered tiling are many ways red textures can be introduced into your home. Meanwhile, metallic textures like vases, lamps or coffee tables provide a stylish contrast and brighten up the room.

Baltimore Armchair- www.furniturechoice.co.uk

Besides textures, mixing and matching red with other colours creates a layered look. Pairing red with earth tones like light brown wood tones, light greys and indoor greenery helps soften the room and create a calming anchor. The colour-drenching trend shows no signs of going away, and layering the room with different tones of red creates a chic and sophisticated look. Burgundy walls and a burnt orange sofa create a striking effect with their fiery spirit, which lights up the room.”

For more tips on colour schemes, check out our guide for inspiration.

Credit

Name: Amthal Karim

Title: Head of Design 

Company: Furniture And Choice 

ENDS

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