Smoldering Red 2007-10 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that exudes warmth, drama, and undeniable sophistication, Benjamin Moore’s Smoldering Red (2007-10) might just be your perfect match. This deep, sultry red is like the embers of a fire—intense, inviting, and impossible to ignore. It’s the kind of color that transforms a room from ordinary to extraordinary, wrapping you in a cozy embrace the moment you step inside. But before you commit to this bold hue, let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if it’s right for your space.

Smoldering Red is a rich, dark shade with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 11.67%, meaning it absorbs a lot of light rather than reflecting it. This makes it ideal for creating intimate, moody spaces—think a dimly lit dining room where candlelight flickers against the walls or a bedroom that feels like a luxurious retreat. Because it reflects so little light, it’s best suited for rooms with ample natural or artificial lighting. If you’re working with a smaller space, don’t let the depth scare you off. Instead, use it strategically—as an accent wall, on built-ins, or even on just the lower half of a room with wainscoting to balance the intensity.

One of the standout qualities of Smoldering Red is its versatility in finish. A matte finish gives it a velvety, understated elegance, perfect for a modern living room where you want the color to feel rich but not overpowering. If you’re after a bit more dimension, a satin or semi-gloss finish adds a subtle sheen that plays beautifully with light, making it a great choice for dining rooms or even doors and trim. The high coverage means you’ll likely only need one or two coats, saving you time and effort. That said, because of its depth, a professional application is recommended to avoid streaks or uneven patches.

When it comes to pairing, Smoldering Red is surprisingly adaptable. Its warm undertones make it a natural companion for brass fixtures, warm wood tones, and creamy whites like Benjamin Moore’s Simply White. If you want to lean into its dramatic side, pair it with deep greens or charcoal grays for a moody, high-contrast look. For a softer approach, layer in neutral textiles and light furniture to keep the space feeling balanced. This color also shines in industrial or contemporary settings, where its boldness can stand up to sleek metals and minimalist decor.

Lighting is key with a color this deep. In natural daylight, Smoldering Red feels vibrant and alive, while under warm artificial light, it softens into a more subdued, romantic glow. Test it in your space at different times of day to see how it shifts—you might be surprised by how much the mood changes from morning to night. And if you’re worried about it feeling too dark, strategically placed mirrors and lighter accents can help bounce light around the room.

As for maintenance, this paint is as practical as it is beautiful. It’s highly washable, scrubbable, and stain-resistant, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like dining rooms or home offices. Plus, its low VOC content means you won’t have to deal with harsh fumes during or after application.

So, is Smoldering Red right for you? If you’re drawn to bold, warm colors and want to create a space that feels intimate and inviting, absolutely. It’s a color that demands confidence but rewards you with a room that’s anything but forgettable. Whether you’re painting an entire wall or just a single piece of furniture, this shade has the power to elevate your home in ways you never imagined. Just remember—great design is about taking risks, and with a color this stunning, the payoff is worth it.

Real Room Photo of Smoldering Red 2007-10

Undertones of  Smoldering Red ?

The undertones of Smoldering 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.

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HEX value: #A33A2D

RGB code: 163, 58, 45

Is  Smoldering Red Cool or Warm?

Smoldering Red is undoubtedly a warm color. Its vibrant red base is infused with earthy undertones, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This warmth makes it a perfect choice for spaces where you want to evoke feelings of comfort and intimacy. When paired with warm lighting, the color glows beautifully, enhancing the welcoming ambiance of any room.

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 Smoldering 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 Smoldering Red

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Smoldering Red is 11.67%, 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  Smoldering Red

Smoldering Red is a captivating color that brings an intense allure to any room. Its deep red hue is both sophisticated and inviting, making it ideal for spaces where you want to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. This color pairs beautifully with both contemporary and industrial decor styles, adding a touch of drama and elegance. Its coverage is impressive, often requiring just one to two coats for full saturation, which makes it a practical choice for larger areas. Smoldering Red is also versatile in terms of finish options, ranging from matte to semi-gloss, giving you the flexibility to achieve the exact look you desire. Whether used as an accent wall or throughout a room, this shade is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Pros & Cons of  2007-10 Smoldering Red

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Smoldering Red

FAQ on 2007-10 Smoldering Red

Can Smoldering Red be used in small rooms?

While Smoldering Red offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, its deep hue can make small rooms feel even smaller. However, if you’re aiming for a cozy and intimate vibe, it might just do the trick. To counteract any potential shrinking effect, consider using it as an accent wall or pairing it with lighter furnishings and decor. Also, optimizing natural and artificial lighting can help keep the space from feeling too enclosed.

What finishes work best with Smoldering Red?

Smoldering Red is versatile when it comes to finishes. A matte finish can lend a sophisticated, understated elegance, perfect for bedrooms and living areas where you want a soft, cozy feel. If you’re looking for something more dynamic, a satin or semi-gloss finish will add a subtle sheen that plays beautifully with light, making it great for dining rooms or accent walls. The choice of finish can dramatically affect the mood of the room, so consider the overall atmosphere you’re aiming to create.

Comparisons Smoldering Red with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Smoldering Red 2007-10