Cherry Red vs Crimson Red vs Ruby Red – Shades Of Red Explained

Choosing a shade of red color can sometimes be difficult and confusing. This article will discuss the differences between cherry red, crimson red, and ruby red to help make your decision of which red color to choose much easier.

Cherry Red vs Crimson Red vs Ruby Red Paint Colors

Red is one of the primary colors on both the paint and the light spectrum. It has a tendency to stand in contrast to other shades, rather than supporting or working with them.

However, this contrast can stand as a terrific foil for the right color in the right setting. Historically, red bedrooms are not a good idea for restful sleep, but a red accent wall can be an excellent mental boost in an office.

Definitions

Hex Code

The attributed hex codes for each color is a hexadecimal method of determining the combination of red, blue and green that goes into creating a color.

The important thing about a hex code is that it is shorter; being able to lose the three digits of each of the RGB code allows coders and designers to more efficiently note which colors they want to be included in their web pages and layouts.

RGB Code

While the use of hex codes really didn’t blossom until it was necessary to create efficient HTML coding, the RGB scale stretches back into the early 1900s and was popular in coloring in print media, from cartoons to advertisements.

When considering paint colors vs. digitally produced colors, it’s important to remember that the primary paint colors are red, blue, and yellow. In the light spectrum, you’re working with red, green, and blue.

When you combine all the colors in paint, you get black. If you split white light in a prism, you will get all the colors broken out.

LRV

LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is a measurement that indicates the amount of light a paint color reflects. It is expressed as a percentage, ranging from 0% (absolute black, which absorbs all light) to 100% (absolute white, which reflects all light).

Cherry Red

Cherry red is primarily a red tone with just a bit of blue to cool it down. There is very little green in this color on the RGB spectrum, so this tone is not muted in any way.

Most any color on the blue spectrum will coordinate well with this tone, while green will stand out strongly against it.

If you want to pair anything in the yellow family with this version of red, make sure that it is a very pure tone.

Yellow that contains too much green will just read rather dirty or dusty against this color.

To use this color in your home, look for spaces that need a bit of brightening.

For example, you may have a sofa in your entertainment space that is showing some wear.

If your children are small, a new sofa is probably not a great investment until they’re a bit bigger and can be counted on not to spill or damage the sofa.

A blue sofa with a cherry red throw or pillow could be quite energizing. If your tan or brown sofa is looking tired, look for fabrics that contain thin stripes of cherry red for throw pillows.

This is a color that really draws the eye. It can’t really back down. If any portion of your home is feeling drab, tiny pops of cherry red, from fabric to wall art to plates or cups can really boost the energy of your living space.

RGB: 247, 2, 42

Hex: #F7022A

Shy Cherry (2007-20) by Benjamin Moore

Shy Cherry (2007-20) by Benjamin Moore is a bold and vibrant red color with rich, warm undertones. It offers a striking and energetic appearance, adding a lively touch to any space. This color is perfect for creating a statement and adding warmth and passion to a room.

Best Uses:

1. Accent Walls: Shy Cherry works beautifully as an accent wall, providing a focal point in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms. It can add depth and interest to an otherwise neutral space.
2. Dining Rooms: This vibrant red can create an inviting and stimulating environment, perfect for dining rooms where it can enhance the appetite and encourage lively conversations.
3. Kitchens: Shy Cherry can add a pop of color and energy to kitchen spaces, especially when paired with neutral cabinetry and countertops.
4. Front Doors and Entryways: As an exterior color, Shy Cherry makes a bold statement for front doors or entryways, adding curb appeal and a welcoming touch.
5. Furniture and Decor: This color can be used on furniture pieces, such as a statement chair or dresser, or in decor items to add a burst of color to a room.

Colors that Complement Shy Cherry:

1. Whites and Off-Whites:
   • Chantilly Lace (OC-65): A crisp, clean white that pairs well for trim and ceilings, providing a stark contrast.
   • Simply White (OC-117): A warm white that complements the rich undertones of Shy Cherry.
   • White Dove (OC-17): A soft, warm white that offers a more subtle contrast.
2. Neutrals:
   • Revere Pewter (HC-172): A light gray that creates a balanced and sophisticated look.
   • Balboa Mist (OC-27): A soft, neutral gray that adds a subtle contrast and balances the vibrancy.
   • Edgecomb Gray (HC-173): A warm, light gray that harmonizes with Shy Cherry’s warmth.
3. Blues:
   • Hale Navy (HC-154): A deep navy blue that adds a sophisticated and dramatic contrast.
   • Wedgewood Gray (HC-146): A soft blue-gray that provides a calming balance to the boldness of Shy Cherry.
4. Greens:
   • Wythe Blue (HC-143): A muted blue-green that offers a refreshing and complementary contrast.
   • Saybrook Sage (HC-114): A muted green that pairs well for a harmonious, nature-inspired palette.
5. Browns and Tans:
   • Kendall Charcoal (HC-166): A dark charcoal that provides a strong contrast and depth.
   • Lenox Tan (HC-44): A warm tan that complements the richness of Shy Cherry.

Shy Cherry (2007-20) by Benjamin Moore is a vibrant and energetic color that can add warmth and excitement to any space. Pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and harmonious design, suitable for various applications in your home.

Hex Code:  #ae4138

LRV: 13.68

Get a peel and stick paint sample of Shy Cherry here.

Crimson Red

Unlike cherry, crimson red has a balanced ratio of green and blue. This means that it is possible to use this shade as a coordinator between those two colors.

For example, a teal side chair could stand against a crimson throw or table cover as you head into the winter months.

There is enough yellow mixed into crimson that it could also work with rust or gold, especially if the space in question gets plenty of sunlight.

If you want to use crimson as a wall color, it’s a good idea to pair it with either a white painted or a light wood tone for best results.

If your home features cherry cabinetry or trim avoid putting any red tone in large spaces, such as a wall paint.

You want your cabinetry to shine, and the red in cherry wood is simply not strong enough to stand against the red concentration in crimson.

Because the mix of blue and green in this color is close to equal, either of these colors and the spectrum between them could be wonderful combinations.

If you are working on a child’s room and they must have some red, stick with the cherry described above. Crimson will not work as well with pastels, particularly anything in the purple family.

Crimson red can be used as a coordinator between green and blue colors.

RGB: 157, 34, 53

Hex: #9D2235

Crimson Red (1299) by Benjamin Moore

Crimson Red (1299) by Benjamin Moore is a deep, rich red color with warm undertones. It exudes elegance, passion, and warmth, making it a striking choice for various interior and exterior spaces. This bold color can create a dramatic focal point and add a sense of sophistication to any room.

Best Uses:

1. Accent Walls: Crimson Red is perfect for accent walls in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms, adding depth and creating a bold statement.
2. Dining Rooms: This color can create an inviting and stimulating environment, enhancing the dining experience with its rich and warm tones.
3. Libraries or Studies: Adds a sense of sophistication and coziness, making these spaces feel intimate and elegant.
4. Entryways and Hallways: Provides a welcoming and impactful entrance, making a lasting impression.
5. Furniture and Decor: Ideal for use on furniture pieces, such as cabinets or accent chairs, and decor items to add a touch of luxury and vibrancy.
6. Front Doors and Exteriors: As an exterior color, Crimson Red makes a bold statement for front doors, shutters, or even entire exterior walls, adding curb appeal and a classic look.

Colors that Complement Crimson Red:

1. Whites and Off-Whites:
   • Chantilly Lace (OC-65): A crisp, clean white that pairs well for trim and ceilings, providing a stark contrast.
   • Simply White (OC-117): A warm white that complements the rich undertones of Crimson Red.
   • White Dove (OC-17): A soft, warm white that offers a more subtle contrast.
2. Neutrals:
   • Revere Pewter (HC-172): A light gray that creates a balanced and sophisticated look.
   • Balboa Mist (OC-27): A soft, neutral gray that adds a subtle contrast and balances the vibrancy.
   • Edgecomb Gray (HC-173): A warm, light gray that harmonizes with Crimson Red’s warmth.
3. Blues:
   • Hale Navy (HC-154): A deep navy blue that adds a sophisticated and dramatic contrast.
   • Wedgewood Gray (HC-146): A soft blue-gray that provides a calming balance to the boldness of Crimson Red.
4. Greens:
   • Wythe Blue (HC-143): A muted blue-green that offers a refreshing and complementary contrast.
   • Saybrook Sage (HC-114): A muted green that pairs well for a harmonious, nature-inspired palette.
5. Browns and Tans:
   • Kendall Charcoal (HC-166): A dark charcoal that provides a strong contrast and depth.
   • Lenox Tan (HC-44): A warm tan that complements the richness of Crimson Red.

Crimson Red (1299) by Benjamin Moore is a bold and elegant color that can add warmth, sophistication, and drama to any space. Pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and harmonious design, suitable for various applications in your home.

Hex code: #b66156

LRV: 19.58

Get a peel and stick paint sample of Crimson Red (1299) here.

Ruby Red

If cherry red is a hot color, ruby red is a furnace. This shade includes no green at all which means that it’s ready for a fight next to many shades. The intensity of red in this color may also make it rather tiresome.

To keep things calm and relaxed when using ruby red in your decor, consider using it seasonally.

For example, you can frame black and white photos or drawings with a ruby red mat and hang them as part of your winter holiday decor.

You might want to invest in ruby red dishes, placemats, or tablecloths for this same season.

Ruby red is a warm color to the eye. If you live in cold climates, go ahead and invest in some ruby red fuzzy throws to use in your living areas or to snuggle under at bedtime.

If you prefer the feel of cotton blankets and throws, avoid stripes; this color may not bleed into paler tones, but it may well fade over time.

This is a shade that works well with softer colors. Since it contains no green to take the edge off this energetic tone, it will contrast beautifully with almost every shade from teal blue to apple green.

Like ruby-red flowers, greens in every shade will coordinate well.

Like the gemstone, ruby red also works beautifully with almost any metal tone. Going back to your holiday table, treat yourself to gold-toned dinnerware and ruby red placemats for your fancy holiday gatherings.

Both the fabric color and the metal will shine next to clear crystal goblets and bright white china.

If you choose to use ruby on a wall, do your best to minimize accessories against that wall. For example, you may want to paint your office wall ruby red to up the energy in the space.

Go ahead and put your white desk against the wall. Make sure that any paintings, bulletin boards, or marker boards are also predominantly white, as well as the trim, to avoid having the whole wall look like a poorly burned campfire.

This is a color that will come out fighting. Too much contrast will just leave the whole room feeling cluttered and unfinished.

Ruby red works well with softer colors and is best to be used seasonally as a relaxing color.

RGB: 228,0,70

Hex: #E40046

Ruby Red (2001-10) by Benjamin Moore

Ruby Red (2001-10) by Benjamin Moore is a vibrant and intense red color with a deep, rich hue. This bold color exudes energy, passion, and warmth, making it an excellent choice for creating eye-catching and dynamic spaces. Ruby Red can add a sense of luxury and drama to any room.

Best Uses:

1. Accent Walls: Ruby Red is perfect for accent walls in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms, adding depth and a focal point to the space.
2. Dining Rooms: This color can create a lively and stimulating environment, enhancing the dining experience and encouraging conversation.
3. Libraries or Studies: Adds a sense of richness and coziness, making these spaces feel intimate and sophisticated.
4. Entryways and Hallways: Provides a striking and welcoming entrance, making a lasting impression.
5. Furniture and Decor: Ideal for use on furniture pieces, such as cabinets or accent chairs, and decor items to add a pop of vibrant color.
6. Front Doors and Exteriors: As an exterior color, Ruby Red makes a bold statement for front doors, shutters, or even entire exterior walls, adding curb appeal and a classic, timeless look.

Colors that Complement Ruby Red:

1. Whites and Off-Whites:
   • Chantilly Lace (OC-65): A crisp, clean white that pairs well for trim and ceilings, providing a stark contrast.
   • Simply White (OC-117): A warm white that complements the rich undertones of Ruby Red.
   • White Dove (OC-17): A soft, warm white that offers a more subtle contrast.
2. Neutrals:
   • Revere Pewter (HC-172): A light gray that creates a balanced and sophisticated look.
   • Balboa Mist (OC-27): A soft, neutral gray that adds a subtle contrast and balances the vibrancy.
   • Edgecomb Gray (HC-173): A warm, light gray that harmonizes with Ruby Red’s warmth.
3. Blues:
   • Hale Navy (HC-154): A deep navy blue that adds a sophisticated and dramatic contrast.
   • Wedgewood Gray (HC-146): A soft blue-gray that provides a calming balance to the boldness of Ruby Red.
4. Greens:
   • Wythe Blue (HC-143): A muted blue-green that offers a refreshing and complementary contrast.
   • Saybrook Sage (HC-114): A muted green that pairs well for a harmonious, nature-inspired palette.
5. Browns and Tans:
   • Kendall Charcoal (HC-166): A dark charcoal that provides a strong contrast and depth.
   • Lenox Tan (HC-44): A warm tan that complements the richness of Ruby Red.

Ruby Red (2001-10) by Benjamin Moore is a bold and energetic color that can add passion, luxury, and drama to any space. Pair it with complementary colors to create a balanced and harmonious design, suitable for various applications in your home.

Hex code: #ca2c2c

LRV: 15.9

Get a peel and stick paint sample of Ruby Red (2001-10) here.

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