Colour Stories: Red

The fact that red has the longest wavelength in the visible light spectrum leads some to think, incorrectly, that it’s the colour most clear to the human eye. In fact, that honour goes to bright green but red has the quality of appearing nearer than it is and grabbing our attention - so the perfect colour for traffic lights, stop signs, postboxes and anything else that needs to be noticed.

Red is the colour of warmth, energy and excitement. Companies such as Coca-Cola and Virgin Group who want to convey a sense of fun, rebellion and excitement have long realised the power of red in their branding. Adversely, it’s also the colour of anger, heat and attack. We go red when we’re upset and our hearts quicken at the sight of it. Before the move to improve their healthy eating credentials, a number of fast food chains used red in their restaurants to make people feel hungry but would pair it with strongly contrasting colours to ensure they didn’t linger. The psychological effect was that time was moving faster than it actually was, so customers would hurry up, eat their food and depart.

This effect on the human psyche goes back a very long way. The Ancient Egyptians wrapped their mummies in linens dyed in hematite, a red-coloured mineral. This ensured they were warmly welcomed in the afterlife by the god Osiris, known as ‘lord of the red cloth’. The Romans prized red for its associations with power and influence, and the Chinese - from ancient to modern times - have seen it as the colour of joy, good luck and fortune. Gifts of money are still given in red envelopes at Chinese weddings and other special occasions.

So, how best to use a colour that’s no shrinking violet in your home? Firstly, it’s important to play to red’s strengths and use it in rooms that will benefit from its fiery, exuberant qualities. So how about a red bedroom where an injection of passion has got to be a good thing. Or choose red for a dining space to stimulate palettes and encourage animated conversation? Be careful not to pair with yellow though, unless you’re aiming for a McDonald’s-like ambience! Red is best avoided in kitchens or other places that are likely to suffer from an inherent excess of heat. Use with caution too in rooms such as studies and meditation spaces where concentration is important.

As with all primary colours, red is easier to use when it’s slightly ‘knocked back’ through the addition of other pigments rather than in its strident, pure state. Depending on the pigments used, red will become warmer - as it veers towards orange and yellow - or cooler as it moves towards blue.

Our Port and Watermelon wool fabrics are gorgeous, warm reds, full of youthful energy and optimism. Team with amber, chocolate and warm metal finishes to create a rich, welcoming space.

In contrast, our Chilli linton and Merlot silk are cooler, sophisticated reds, perfect paired with deep berry shades, silver and pops of acid green for extra zing.

Whatever red you choose, you’re sure to make a statement, so be bold and go for it. Start your love affair with red today…..