Carriage Red CW-250 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that brings warmth, depth, and a touch of timeless elegance to your home, Benjamin Moore’s Carriage Red (CW-250) might just be the perfect choice. This rich, dark red hue evokes the classic charm of a vintage carriage, making it a standout option for anyone who wants to infuse their space with character and sophistication. But before you commit to this bold shade, let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if it’s right for your project.

Carriage Red is a deep, warm red with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of just 7.69%, meaning it absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This gives it a cozy, intimate feel—perfect for creating a snug atmosphere in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms. But because it’s so dark, it can make smaller spaces feel more enclosed if used on all four walls. If you’re working with a tight area, consider using it as an accent wall instead, paired with lighter neutrals to balance the intensity. The color’s undertones lean purely red, giving it a straightforward warmth that pairs beautifully with wood, leather, and brass accents.

One of the biggest advantages of Carriage Red is its versatility. It works effortlessly in traditional and rustic settings, where its richness enhances natural materials like exposed beams or hardwood floors. But don’t let that limit you—it also shines in industrial or vintage-inspired spaces, adding a bold, unexpected pop of color. For a modern twist, try pairing it with sleek black furniture or metallic finishes. The contrast between the deep red and cooler tones creates a striking, designer-approved look.

When it comes to application, Benjamin Moore makes it easy. This paint is roller-ready, fast-drying, and offers excellent coverage—often needing just one or two coats for full opacity. It’s also self-priming, which saves time and effort, and its low-VOC, odor-free formula means you won’t have to deal with harsh fumes. Plus, it’s washable and stain-resistant, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas like dining rooms or home offices.

Lighting plays a huge role in how Carriage Red appears. In bright, natural light, the color feels vibrant and full of life, almost glowing with warmth. In dimmer or artificial light, it deepens into a more moody, intimate shade. 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 the color shifts. You might be surprised by how much the lighting changes its personality.

If you love the idea of Carriage Red but aren’t ready to go all-in, there are plenty of ways to incorporate it without overwhelming a room. Try painting just the lower half of your walls in a wainscoting style, or use it on interior doors for a dramatic yet contained statement. Trim pairings matter, too—white trim (like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove) keeps the look crisp and classic, while brass or gold hardware adds a touch of luxury.

For those who want to explore similar shades, Carriage Red sits in a family of deep, warm reds. If you’re looking for something slightly lighter, consider shades like 1300 or 2084-10. For a darker alternative, HC-184 offers a deeper, more dramatic take. And if you’re playing with complementary colors, greens like HC-145 or soft neutrals like 2135-30 create a balanced, harmonious palette.

At the end of the day, Carriage Red is a color for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement. It’s warm, inviting, and full of personality—perfect for creating a space that feels both sophisticated and lived-in. Whether you’re going for a cozy library vibe, a rustic dining room, or a modern industrial loft, this shade has the flexibility to adapt while still making a strong visual impact.

So, is Carriage Red right for you? If you love rich, warm tones and want a color that adds instant depth and character to your home, the answer is probably yes. Just remember to test it in your space, consider the lighting, and think about how it pairs with your existing decor. Done right, this paint can transform a room into something truly special—a space that feels as timeless as it does inviting.

Real Room Photo of Carriage Red CW-250

Undertones of  Carriage Red ?

The undertones of Carriage 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: #713128

RGB code: 113, 49, 40

Is  Carriage Red Cool or Warm?

Carriage Red leans towards a warm tone, thanks to its brown undertones. This warmth makes it perfect for creating inviting and comfortable spaces. It pairs beautifully with warm neutrals and earthy tones, enhancing the coziness of a room. However, it can also stand out as a bold statement when used alongside cooler colors for contrast. This versatility makes it a great choice for a range of interiors, from traditional to modern.

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 Carriage 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 Carriage Red

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Carriage Red is 7.69%, 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  Carriage Red

Carriage Red is a luxurious paint color that exudes warmth and sophistication. This shade is ideal for those looking to add a touch of drama and richness to their home decor. Its deep red tone works beautifully in traditional and rustic settings, complementing wood and leather furnishings. The paint’s formulation offers good coverage, often requiring just 1–2 coats for a complete, vibrant finish. Despite its boldness, Carriage Red maintains a level of versatility, allowing it to seamlessly blend with various decor styles, from industrial to vintage. It’s perfect for accent walls, bringing depth and character to any room. However, due to its intensity, it may not be suitable for small or dark spaces as it can make them feel more enclosed.

Pros & Cons of  CW-250 Carriage Red

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Carriage Red

FAQ on CW-250 Carriage Red

Is Carriage Red suitable for small spaces?

Carriage Red is a bold and deep color, which can sometimes make small spaces feel more enclosed or darker than they are. If you want to use this color in a small area, consider using it as an accent rather than painting all the walls. Pairing it with lighter colors or using it in a room with ample natural light can help maintain a sense of openness while still benefiting from the warmth and richness of the shade.

What decor styles work best with Carriage Red?

Carriage Red is incredibly versatile and complements a variety of decor styles. It pairs particularly well with traditional and rustic interiors, where its warmth can enhance wood and leather elements. It also fits well in industrial and vintage settings, adding a touch of boldness and character. For a more contemporary look, consider pairing it with sleek furniture and metallic accents to create a modern yet inviting space.

Comparisons Carriage Red with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Carriage Red CW-250