Shades Of Red Colors Compared: Imperial vs Scarlet vs Cardinal

Red is associated with the pope and the Catholic church as the color of redemption and the passion of Christ. It is associated with royalty; at one point, the products that made up and fixed red dye were extremely rare. Reds and purples were reserved for royalty.

Curiously, red is also the color of barns. Why? Early farmers sealed their barns in linseed oil because it was cheap. They added ferrous iron to lower the risk of mold, which stained barns red. Bright red barn paint is the off-shoot of this stain.

Let’s take a closer look at the paint colors Imperial, Scarlet, and Cardinal. Additionally, I’ll share some of my favorite red shades that may not be as well-known but are equally stunning.

These include:

• Ryan Red (1314) by Benjamin Moore
• Tricycle Red (2000-20) by Benjamin Moore
• Tucson Red (1300) by Benjamin Moore

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).

Imperial Red

Imperial red is a hot color with a cool base. It leans more toward pink than it does orange thanks to the high ratio of blue blended into the color. This would be a wonderful red to pair with a charcoal grey or a cadet blue.

It should be noted that red will never relax against another color. It will always stand out. The goal when choosing a red is to look for colors that coordinate rather than contrast, unless contrast is your goal.

To get the best coordination with reds, look for impure colors. Grey is a pairing of black and white. It may have a blue or a yellow base. To pair most effectively with imperial red, you will want a grey with more blue than red. If you use a yellow-based gray, imperial red will contrast.

If you want to pair this with a blue, make sure that the RGB number has a balance between red and green. A pure or royal blue will create a strong contrast to this color; adding red and green to that blue will allow the blue to serve as a foil for imperial red.

Visual contrast can be quite exciting; for example, a sports jersey can draw your attention from blocks away. However, in your home, this much contrast can start to feel rather chaotic.

If you want to use imperial red in your home, consider using it in small patches and in portable items, such as pillows and throws.

An accent wall of imperial red will be extremely stimulating all the time.

In an office, it can be effective. In your bedroom or family room, it may be a source of agitation.

RGB: 231, 41, 57
Hex Code: #ED2939

Ryan Red (1314) – Benjamin Moore

Ryan Red (1314) by Benjamin Moore is a deep, vibrant red that exudes warmth, energy, and a bold sense of style. It has a rich, classic tone that can make a striking statement in any room. The color is sophisticated yet full of personality, making it a great choice for those looking to create an impactful space.

Best Uses:

• Accent Walls: Ryan Red is ideal for accent walls in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms, where you want to draw attention to a particular area.
• Dining Rooms: The warmth of this red can create an inviting and energetic atmosphere, perfect for spaces where people gather.
• Entryways and Foyers: Using Ryan Red in entryways can make a bold first impression and set the tone for the rest of your home.
• Kitchens: Red is known to stimulate appetite, making Ryan Red a great choice for kitchens or breakfast nooks.
• Furniture or Cabinets: This color can also be used to refinish furniture or cabinets, adding a pop of color without overwhelming the space.

Colors That Compliment Ryan Red:

• Neutrals: Soft neutrals like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17) or Simply White (OC-117) pair beautifully with Ryan Red, offering a clean contrast that allows the red to stand out.
• Gray Tones: Cool grays such as Gray Owl (2137-60) or Stonington Gray (HC-170) can balance the warmth of Ryan Red, creating a sophisticated and modern palette.
• Soft Beiges: A soft beige like Manchester Tan (HC-81) can provide a subtle, warm backdrop that complements Ryan Red without competing for attention.
• Deep Blues: Darker blues like Hale Navy (HC-154) or Newburyport Blue (HC-155) create a dramatic contrast that can enhance the richness of Ryan Red, especially in more traditional or formal settings.
• Gold and Brass Accents: Metallics like gold or brass can add a luxurious touch to a space with Ryan Red, enhancing its warmth and elegance.

Overall Feel:

Ryan Red (1314) by Benjamin Moore is a bold and confident color that can bring a sense of drama and richness to any space. It’s versatile enough to be used in both modern and traditional settings, depending on the colors and accents you pair with it. Whether used sparingly as an accent or more broadly in a room, it’s a color that leaves a lasting impression.

Hex code: #CB4746

RGB: (203, 71, 70)

LRV: 17.75

Paint Color Samples

Would you like to sample these paint colors? I recommend using a peel and stick paint sample from SAMPLIZE. Peel and stick paint samples are very affordable and easy to use. They are also clean and environmentally friendly!

Scarlet Red

Scarlet is a pure red. This is a shade that always comes out swinging. If you love red in your home decor, this is the most powerful shade you can use. It makes a statement all the time.

People are often encouraged to plant red blooming flowers to draw pollinators. Curiously, bees can’t see red. However, pollinating birds can see red and are more inclined to visit red flowers than lighter colors and pastels.

If you are interested in drawing hummingbirds to your balcony or yard, plant scarlet flowers.

There is no calming scarlet. A simple way to get the most out of this color is to pair it with a dark, smoky pallet. Rich greens, velvety greys, and deep grey-blue tones will all serve as a supportive foil for scarlet. You want colors that will be dark and saturated enough to anchor scarlet.

If you pair it with a pale green, such as celery or mint, this red will grow teeth in terms of what it does to your home visually. Contrast quickly becomes overpowering if the color you put beside scarlet isn’t really saturated.

Textures can also increase the visual variety if your scarlet is getting to be too much. Gloss white and black trim paint will hold its own. Mirrored pieces and metallic objects with a lot of light bounce can draw down the intensity of scarlet.

If you’re not sure about using scarlet on an entire wall but you really want some red to brighten your space, pair red with a variety of shapes.

One can of scarlet spray paint used on a variety of small frames, particularly if you can use squares, rectangles, ovals, and round frames, can create wonderful visual interest without overloading the space.

These small frames can also add a splash of kitsch; images of old advertisements can fill these frames for little money and great effect.

RGB: 187,0,0
Hex Code: #BB0000

Tricycle Red (2000-20) – Benjamin Moore

Tricycle Red (2000-20) by Benjamin Moore is a bold, vibrant red with a classic, timeless appeal. This color has an intense saturation that exudes energy, passion, and confidence. It’s a true red, neither too warm nor too cool, making it a versatile choice for a variety of settings.

Best Uses:

• Accent Walls: Tricycle Red is perfect for creating a striking focal point in a room. It can add drama and warmth to a living room, dining room, or entryway.
• Front Doors: This color makes an excellent choice for a front door, offering a warm welcome and a strong first impression.
• Furniture: For a pop of color, consider painting a piece of furniture like a dresser, bookshelf, or even kitchen cabinets in Tricycle Red.
• Artistic Spaces: It works well in creative spaces, such as studios or home offices, where a stimulating environment is desired.

Colors That Complement Tricycle Red:

• Neutrals: Pair it with neutral tones like White Dove (OC-17) or Simply White (OC-117) to let the red stand out while maintaining balance.
• Deep Grays: Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) or Stormy Sky (1616) can create a sophisticated, modern look when paired with Tricycle Red.
• Soft Greens: Muted greens like Sagebrush (CC-220) or Hampshire Gray (HC-101) can complement the warmth of the red while providing a pleasing contrast.
• Warm Whites: Chantilly Lace (OC-65) or Linen White (912) offer a softer, warmer contrast that works well in traditional or cozy spaces.

Tricycle Red (2000-20) by Benjamin Moore is a powerful, statement-making color that brings warmth and energy to any space, making it ideal for those looking to add a bold touch to their decor.

Hex code: #d43b42

RGB: 211, 58, 65

LRV: 17.38

Cardinal Red

Cardinal red is another shade that is quite close to cherry red and can actually sit side by side with fuchsia and not clash. Do be aware that this is a red that will lean if you pair it with cool colors.

Cardinal red against royal blue will stay fiercely red. Pair it with teal and it will lean toward an intense pink thanks to the high level of blue in this red blend.

You can also pair this red with warm tones. Against a deep, smoky olive green, this red will intensify and stay red. The cardinal red mix contains both blue and yellow; it just contains more blue than yellow. If you pair this color with rusts, greens, or a yellow-based grey, it will lean toward brick red.

Curiously, this red will also pair with light colors. Unlike the intense scarlet, which will completely wipe out a lighter shade of green or blue, cardinal and aqua or cardinal and mint can work.

Be aware that it will lean towards pink if you pair it with anything blue.

If you want a red wall, consider putting this color on the wall with a thick nap roller. Red paint is a great option to amend with textures; if you’ve ever wanted to add a sandy or suede texture to a wall paint, use at least a 3/8″ roller cover and buy enough to do at least two coats.

A red wall will draw all eyes anyway. Adding a texture will create hints of shadow. The color will change as the light changes and the shadows will give you a visual break.

RGB: 196, 30, 58
Hex Code: #C41E3A

Tucson Red (1300) – Benjamin Moore

Tucson Red (1300) by Benjamin Moore is a warm, earthy red that captures the essence of the desert Southwest. It has a deep, rusty tone with subtle brown undertones, giving it a rich and grounded appearance. This color exudes warmth and vibrancy, reminiscent of the clay and adobe found in traditional Southwestern architecture.

Best Uses:

• Accent Walls: Tucson Red makes a bold statement on an accent wall, adding depth and warmth to a room.
• Dining Rooms: This color can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in dining rooms, encouraging conversation and a sense of togetherness.
• Exteriors: It’s an excellent choice for exterior doors or trim, especially in Mediterranean or Southwestern-style homes, where it complements natural surroundings and architectural details.
• Kitchens: When used sparingly, Tucson Red can bring a lively, energetic vibe to kitchens, particularly in spaces with rustic or traditional decor.

Complementary Colors:

• Warm Neutrals: Pair Tucson Red with warm neutrals like Benjamin Moore’s Rich Cream (2153-60) or Sandy Brown (1048) to balance its intensity and create a cohesive, inviting space.
• Earthy Greens: Earthy greens such as Cushing Green (HC-125) or Olive Branch (2143-30) offer a natural contrast, enhancing the red’s warmth while maintaining a grounded, organic feel.
• Deep Blues: For a striking yet harmonious contrast, consider deep blues like Hale Navy (HC-154) or Van Deusen Blue (HC-156). These colors can add depth and sophistication, creating a balanced palette that feels both bold and elegant.

Hex code: #A64C43

RGB: 166, 76, 67
LRV: 14.43

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