Arroyo Red 2085-10 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that brings warmth, depth, and a touch of earthy sophistication to your home, Benjamin Moore’s Arroyo Red (2085-10) might just be your perfect match. This deep, muted red evokes the rugged beauty of desert landscapes, with a richness that feels both timeless and modern. It’s the kind of color that doesn’t just sit on your walls—it transforms them, creating an atmosphere that’s cozy, inviting, and full of character.

Arroyo Red is a dark hue with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 7.37%, meaning it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This makes it ideal for spaces where you want to cultivate a sense of intimacy and warmth. Think living rooms where you host gatherings, dining rooms that encourage long conversations over meals, or home offices where you need a grounding yet inspiring backdrop. But because it’s so deep, you’ll want to be mindful of lighting. In bright, natural light, the color reveals its full warmth and richness. In dimmer spaces, it takes on a more subdued, enveloping quality—perfect for creating a cocoon-like feel.

One of the standout qualities of Arroyo Red is its versatility. It straddles the line between modern and rustic effortlessly, making it a great fit for eclectic, bohemian, or even industrial-inspired spaces. Pair it with natural materials like reclaimed wood, leather, or stone to enhance its earthy vibe. Metallic accents in brass or copper add a touch of elegance, while crisp white trim (like Benjamin Moore’s Simply White) keeps it looking fresh and balanced. If you’re feeling bold, try it with deep greens or charcoal grays for a dramatic, high-contrast look.

When it comes to application, Arroyo Red is a dream to work with. It offers high coverage, often needing just one or two coats, and it’s touch-up friendly—a big plus if you’re painting a high-traffic area. The finish options (matte, satin, or semi-gloss) give you flexibility depending on the room’s function. Matte is great for a velvety, sophisticated look in living spaces, while satin or semi-gloss works well in dining rooms or home offices where you might need a more durable, scrubbable surface. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can feel good about using it in your home.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: small spaces. Arroyo Red *can* work in tighter areas, but it requires some strategy. If you’re dealing with a petite room, consider using it on just one accent wall to add depth without overwhelming the space. Balance it with lighter furnishings, plenty of mirrors, and good lighting to keep things airy. In larger rooms, though, it shines—literally and figuratively. Open-concept spaces, high ceilings, and rooms with abundant natural light are where this color truly comes alive.

As for trim, you’ve got options. Classic white trim (like White Dove) creates a crisp, clean contrast that lets Arroyo Red take center stage. For a more modern edge, try black or dark gray trim. If you love a natural look, warm wood trim complements the color’s earthy undertones beautifully. And don’t forget about fixtures—brass or gold hardware adds a luxe touch that plays well with the warmth of the red.

What’s the mood of a room painted in Arroyo Red? Think cozy evenings by the fire, intimate dinner parties, or a home office that feels more like a creative sanctuary than a workspace. It’s a color that grounds you, making spaces feel lived-in and welcoming. It’s not just a paint choice; it’s a design statement.

Before you commit, though, always test the color in your space. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. Notice how it changes with the light, how it interacts with your furniture and flooring. Colors are chameleons, and Arroyo Red is no exception—it will look different in every room. But if you’re after a hue that’s warm, sophisticated, and full of personality, this might be the one.

So, is Arroyo Red right for your project? If you want a color that brings depth, warmth, and a touch of desert-inspired elegance to your home, the answer is a resounding yes. Just remember to plan your lighting, balance it with the right accents, and—most importantly—have fun with it. After all, the best interiors are the ones that feel uniquely yours.

Real Room Photo of Arroyo Red 2085-10

Undertones of  Arroyo Red ?

The undertones of Arroyo 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: #6E3731

RGB code: 110, 55, 49

Is  Arroyo Red Cool or Warm?

Arroyo Red is a warm color that exudes a sense of comfort and coziness. Its warm undertones make it ideal for creating inviting spaces that feel welcoming and intimate. This warmth makes it a perfect choice for rooms where you want to encourage relaxation and conversation, such as living rooms and dining areas.

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 Arroyo 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 Arroyo Red

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Arroyo Red is 7.37%, 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  Arroyo Red

Arroyo Red is a captivating, earthy tone that draws inspiration from natural landscapes. Its muted red color creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it ideal for spaces where you want to foster warmth and comfort. This hue pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing its organic feel. It also complements neutral tones and metallic accents, offering versatility in decor. While it brings depth to larger spaces, it can make smaller rooms feel more intimate. This color’s strength lies in its ability to bridge traditional and contemporary styles effortlessly, adding a touch of elegance and character to any home.

Pros & Cons of  2085-10 Arroyo Red

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Arroyo Red

FAQ on 2085-10 Arroyo Red

Is Arroyo Red suitable for small spaces?

Arroyo Red can be used in small spaces, but it’s essential to consider the lighting and decor. This color has a deep, rich tone that can make a small room feel cozy and intimate. However, in very small or poorly lit spaces, it might make the room feel smaller and more enclosed. Pairing it with lighter accents or using it as an accent wall rather than covering all four walls can help balance this effect. Additionally, incorporating plenty of natural or artificial light can prevent the color from feeling too heavy.

What trim colors go well with Arroyo Red?

Arroyo Red pairs beautifully with a variety of trim colors. For a classic look, consider pairing it with white trims such as Simply White or Chantilly Lace, which can provide a crisp contrast and highlight the depth of the red. If you prefer a more modern aesthetic, consider trims with a soft gray or even black to add a dramatic edge. Warm wood trims are also an excellent choice, as they complement the earthy undertones of Arroyo Red and enhance its natural warmth. Whatever you choose, ensure it aligns with the overall design and lighting of your space.

Comparisons Arroyo Red with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Arroyo Red 2085-10