Heritage Red HC-181 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that makes a statement without shouting, Benjamin Moore’s Heritage Red (HC-181) might just be your perfect match. This deep, rich red is more than just a color—it’s a mood. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy, intimate vibe or a bold, sophisticated look, Heritage Red delivers. With its timeless appeal and versatility across decor styles, it’s no wonder this shade has become a favorite among designers and homeowners alike.

Let’s talk about what makes Heritage Red special. First, the hue itself is a showstopper. It’s a dark, warm red with a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 10.26%, meaning it absorbs a lot of light rather than reflecting it. This gives it a luxurious, almost velvety appearance on walls, creating an instant sense of depth and drama. If you’ve ever walked into a room painted in a deep red and felt like you were wrapped in warmth, you know exactly what this color can do. It’s the kind of shade that makes a dining room feel like a candlelit haven or a bedroom feel like a retreat.

One of the best things about Heritage Red is its versatility. It plays well with traditional decor, adding a classic richness to wood paneling and antique furniture. But don’t let that fool you—it’s just as stunning in modern or industrial spaces, where it can anchor sleek lines and metallic finishes with its bold presence. Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a dream combo) for a sharp contrast, or let it mingle with brass fixtures for a touch of old-world glamour. The color’s warmth makes it incredibly forgiving, so even if your space gets limited natural light, it won’t feel cold or unwelcoming.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: small spaces. Yes, Heritage Red can work in them, but it’s all about balance. If you’re painting a powder room or a cozy reading nook, this color will make it feel intimate and inviting. But if you’re worried about it closing in a tight room, consider using it on an accent wall instead of all four. Pair it with lighter furnishings or plenty of mirrors to bounce light around and keep the space from feeling too heavy. Lighting is key here—warm artificial light will enhance its richness, while natural light will keep it from feeling too dark.

Durability is another win for Heritage Red. This isn’t a fussy paint that’ll show every scuff or stain. It’s scrubbable, stain-resistant, and holds up beautifully in high-traffic areas like dining rooms or home offices. Plus, it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, so you don’t have to sacrifice air quality for style. Application is smooth, whether you’re brushing, rolling, or spraying, though its depth means you’ll want to take your time for an even finish. A professional touch can make all the difference here, especially if you’re going for a flawless matte or semi-gloss look.

If you’re still on the fence, think about the mood you want to create. Heritage Red is romantic without being saccharine, bold without being overwhelming, and sophisticated without feeling stuffy. It’s the kind of color that makes a house feel like a home—warm, lived-in, and full of character. So go ahead, take the plunge. Test a swatch, see how it changes with the light in your space, and imagine the possibilities. Whether it’s a single wall or an entire room, Heritage Red is ready to transform your space into something extraordinary.

Real Room Photo of Heritage Red HC-181

Undertones of  Heritage Red ?

The undertones of Heritage Red are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

R

G

B

HEX

HEX value: #990A14

RGB code: 153, 10, 20

Is  Heritage Red Cool or Warm?

Heritage Red is undeniably a warm color. Its rich, deep red tone envelops a space with warmth and coziness, making it ideal for creating inviting and comfortable rooms. The warm nature of this color can enhance the feeling of closeness in larger spaces, while also providing a bold yet cozy atmosphere in smaller rooms. This warmth makes it a great choice for living rooms and dining areas where people gather and spend time together.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Heritage Red

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

4800K

2000K

3000K

4000K

5000K

6000K

7000K

LRV of Heritage Red

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Heritage Red is 10.26%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Heritage Red

Heritage Red is a paint color that doesn’t shy away from making a statement. With its deep, rich hue, it can transform any room into a warm and inviting space. The paint applies smoothly and offers excellent coverage, often needing just one or two coats to achieve its full depth. It’s versatile enough to fit into various decor styles, from traditional to modern, and pairs beautifully with both neutral tones and bold accents. While its intense color might not be for everyone, those looking to add a touch of elegance and drama to their home will find Heritage Red to be a perfect choice. This shade is particularly effective in rooms where you want to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, such as a dining room or a study.

Pros & Cons of  HC-181 Heritage Red

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Heritage Red

FAQ on HC-181 Heritage Red

Is Heritage Red suitable for small spaces?

Heritage Red can be used in small spaces, but it’s important to consider its impact on the room’s feel. Due to its deep, rich hue and low Light Reflectance Value (LRV), it can make a small room feel cozier, which can be desirable in spaces like a powder room or a small den. However, it can also make the space feel more enclosed, which might not be ideal if you’re aiming for an open, airy feeling. To counteract this, you can pair it with lighter-colored trims or furnishings to balance the intensity of the color. Additionally, incorporating strategic lighting can help enhance the room’s brightness and prevent it from feeling too dark.

How does Heritage Red perform in terms of durability?

Heritage Red performs well in terms of durability, making it a solid choice for spaces that experience regular use. Its washable and scrubbable nature ensures that it can withstand the rigors of everyday life, maintaining its vibrant appearance over time. The paint’s stain-resistant qualities add an extra layer of protection, making it suitable for areas like dining rooms or kitchens where spills might occur. Additionally, the low VOC formulation means it’s not only durable but also more environmentally friendly, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. With proper application and maintenance, Heritage Red will keep its bold, luxurious appearance for years, providing a long-lasting impact in your home.

Comparisons Heritage Red with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Heritage Red HC-181