Nicolson Red CW-270 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that makes a statement, Nicolson Red by Benjamin Moore is a bold choice that delivers drama and sophistication in equal measure. This isn’t just any red—it’s a deep, dynamic hue with a richness that commands attention while still feeling surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy, intimate vibe or a striking modern look, Nicolson Red has the depth and character to transform your space.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Nicolson Red is its intensity. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of just 8.86%, it’s firmly in the “dark colors” category, meaning it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This gives it a luxurious, almost velvety appearance, perfect for creating a moody, inviting atmosphere. But don’t let that scare you—while it’s undeniably bold, its blue undertones add a subtle coolness that keeps it from feeling overwhelming. This makes it a surprisingly adaptable shade, working just as well in a traditional dining room as it does in an eclectic living space.

So where does Nicolson Red shine brightest? Think accent walls in a living room, where it can serve as a dramatic backdrop for artwork or a sleek media console. In a bedroom, it adds a romantic, cocoon-like feel, especially when paired with soft textiles and warm metallic finishes. Dining rooms are another great fit—this red creates an intimate, almost theatrical setting that makes dinner parties feel extra special. And if you’re feeling daring, painting built-in bookshelves or a single piece of furniture in Nicolson Red can add a punch of personality without overwhelming the room.

Lighting plays a huge role in how this color performs. In natural daylight, it’s vibrant and full of energy, while under warm artificial light, it deepens into a richer, more burgundy tone. That’s why it’s always a good idea to test a swatch in your space before committing. Paint a small section and observe it at different times of day to see how it shifts. If your room doesn’t get much natural light, consider balancing Nicolson Red with lighter trim or furnishings to keep the space from feeling too closed in.

When it comes to pairings, Nicolson Red is surprisingly flexible. For a classic look, try it with crisp white trim—Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is a perfect match. If you want to lean into its warmth, brass or gold fixtures add a touch of glamour. And if you’re feeling adventurous, its complementary green tones (thanks to those blue undertones) mean it can work beautifully with deep emerald or sage accents. Just remember: because it’s such a strong color, you’ll want to keep other elements in the room relatively simple to avoid visual overload.

Application is a breeze with Nicolson Red. It’s a high-hide formula, meaning you’ll likely get full coverage in just one or two coats. It’s also fast-drying and low-splatter, so even if you’re tackling the project yourself, you won’t be dealing with a messy cleanup. And because it’s scrubbable and stain-resistant, it’s a practical choice for high-traffic areas like dining rooms or home offices where walls might need the occasional wipe-down.

Of course, no color is perfect for every situation. If you’re working with a very small room, Nicolson Red might make it feel even cozier—which could be a pro or a con, depending on your goals. And while its high coverage is a plus, darker colors like this can sometimes require an extra coat to look perfectly even, especially if you’re painting over a lighter shade. But for most spaces, the payoff is worth it: a rich, sophisticated look that feels both timeless and on-trend.

If you love the idea of Nicolson Red but aren’t ready to go all-in, consider using it in smaller doses. A front door painted in this shade makes a unforgettable first impression, while a red-painted ceiling in a study or library adds unexpected drama. And if you’re selling your home, don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed accent wall—Nicolson Red has a way of making spaces feel curated and intentional, which buyers love.

At the end of the day, Nicolson Red is for those who aren’t afraid to embrace color with confidence. It’s not just a paint shade; it’s a design decision that sets the tone for the entire room. Whether you’re going for bold and modern or warm and traditional, this red has the depth and versatility to deliver. So grab a sample, test it out, and see how it transforms your space. Once you see it on your walls, you’ll understand why this is a color that designers—and homeowners—keep coming back to.

Real Room Photo of Nicolson Red CW-270

Undertones of  Nicolson Red ?

Nicolson Red features subtle undertones of blue, which give it a slightly cool edge. These undertones help to balance the intensity of the red, preventing it from feeling too overpowering. The blue undertones also make Nicolson Red a sophisticated choice that can easily be paired with cooler color palettes for a harmonious look.

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Is  Nicolson Red Cool or Warm?

Despite its bold appearance, Nicolson Red leans slightly cool due to its blue undertones. This makes it a versatile color that can work well in both warm and cool environments. In a room with lots of natural light, it maintains its vibrancy without appearing too harsh, while in dimmer settings, it takes on a more muted and elegant tone.

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 Nicolson 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.

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LRV of Nicolson Red

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Nicolson Red is 8.86%, which places it in the Dark colors category. This means it does not reflect 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  Nicolson Red

Nicolson Red is a standout color that brings a sense of luxury and warmth to any space. Its boldness makes it perfect for creating a focal point in a room, whether that’s an accent wall in a living room or a dramatic dining room setting. The depth of this red allows it to pair beautifully with a variety of colors, from creamy whites to rich, dark tones. It’s versatile enough to complement both contemporary and classic decor styles. When used in a bedroom, it can add a romantic touch, while in a living room, it can create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Although vibrant, Nicolson Red is not overwhelming, making it suitable for larger applications. It’s important to consider lighting when using this color, as it can shift slightly depending on the natural and artificial light in a room.

Pros & Cons of  CW-270 Nicolson Red

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Nicolson Red

FAQ on CW-270 Nicolson Red

Is Nicolson Red suitable for small spaces?

While Nicolson Red can indeed be used in small spaces, it’s essential to consider the effect it will have. Red is a powerful color that can make a room feel more intimate and cozy, but it can also make a space feel smaller if not balanced with lighter elements. To use Nicolson Red in a small area, consider pairing it with light-colored furnishings and trim to offset its intensity. Moreover, ensure the room is well-lit, either with natural or artificial lighting, to maintain a sense of openness. Test a small section first to see how it impacts the space before committing to a full application.

What decor styles work well with Nicolson Red?

Nicolson Red is incredibly versatile and can work with a variety of decor styles. In modern settings, it adds a pop of color that can be beautifully contrasted with sleek, minimalist furnishings and metallic accents. For traditional or classic decor, Nicolson Red can enhance the warmth and richness of wood tones, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. It also pairs well with eclectic styles, where its vibrant hue can complement an array of textures and patterns. When using Nicolson Red, consider the overall mood you want to achieve and choose complementary colors and materials accordingly.

Comparisons Nicolson Red with other colors

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