Mayflower Red HC-49 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that exudes warmth, sophistication, and a touch of timeless charm, Benjamin Moore’s Mayflower Red (HC-49) might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy red is more than just a bold statement—it’s a versatile hue that can transform a room into a cozy, inviting sanctuary. Whether you’re considering an accent wall, a full room makeover, or even a furniture refresh, Mayflower Red brings depth and character to any space. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if this is the right color for your home.

First, let’s talk about the color itself. Mayflower Red is a medium-dark shade with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 17.37%, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This gives it a deep, moody quality that works beautifully in rooms where you want to create intimacy and warmth. The undertones are unmistakably red, leaning warm and earthy, which makes it incredibly versatile. It pairs just as well with cool neutrals as it does with other warm tones, giving you plenty of flexibility when designing your space.

One of the standout features of Mayflower Red is its ability to adapt to different decor styles. If you love traditional interiors, this color will feel right at home alongside rich wood tones and classic furnishings. For a rustic vibe, pair it with natural textures like linen, jute, or reclaimed wood. Bohemian spaces can embrace its depth by layering in vibrant patterns and global-inspired accents. Even industrial decor benefits from its warmth when balanced with exposed brick or metal finishes. The key is to let Mayflower Red anchor the room while playing with complementary shades and textures to create balance.

When it comes to application, this paint is a dream to work with. It offers excellent coverage—often achieving full opacity in just one or two coats—and it’s touch-up friendly, so minor imperfections are easy to fix. The finish options (matte, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss) give you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. For high-traffic areas like living rooms or hallways, a satin or semi-gloss finish will hold up better to wear and tear while still maintaining the color’s rich appeal. Just keep in mind that because of its depth, professional application is recommended for the smoothest, most even result.

Lighting plays a huge role in how Mayflower Red performs in your space. In rooms with ample natural light, the color will appear vibrant and lively, showcasing its warm undertones. In dimmer or artificially lit spaces, it can take on a deeper, more dramatic quality—perfect for creating a cozy bedroom or a moody dining room. If you’re working with a smaller room or one that lacks natural light, consider using Mayflower Red as an accent wall rather than painting all four walls. This way, you still get the impact without overwhelming the space.

Pairing this color with the right trim and accents is essential for a polished look. Wood trim, especially in warm tones like walnut or cherry, complements Mayflower Red beautifully. Brass fixtures add a touch of elegance, while neutral trim (think creamy whites or soft beiges) keeps the focus on the wall color. For a bold contrast, try pairing it with deep greens or navy blues—these complementary hues will make the red pop even more.

As for durability, Mayflower Red is a practical choice. It’s stain-resistant, scrubbable, and fade-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. The low VOC formula is also eco-friendly, so you can feel good about using it in your home. And if you’re feeling adventurous, it can even work on exteriors—imagine a front door painted in this rich hue, making a striking first impression.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. Mayflower Red’s depth means it might not be the best fit for very small or poorly lit rooms, as it can make them feel more enclosed. Testing a sample in your space is always a good idea—paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day to see how the light affects it. You might also want to explore lighter or darker shades in the same family if you’re looking for something slightly different.

At the end of the day, Mayflower Red is a color that invites you to take a risk—to embrace warmth, sophistication, and a little bit of drama. Whether you’re painting an accent wall in your home office or giving your dining room a bold new look, this hue has the power to transform. It’s a classic favorite for a reason, and with the right approach, it can make your space feel uniquely yours. So grab a sample, imagine the possibilities, and see if this rich, earthy red is the perfect fit for your next project.

Real Room Photo of Mayflower Red HC-49

Undertones of  Mayflower Red ?

The undertones of Mayflower 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: #9E624D

RGB code: 158, 98, 77

Is  Mayflower Red Cool or Warm?

This color is undoubtedly warm, with its rich red tones creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to evoke warmth and comfort, such as living rooms or dining areas. The warmth in Mayflower Red also pairs well with other warm colors for a cohesive look.

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 Mayflower 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 Mayflower Red

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Mayflower Red is 17.37%, 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  Mayflower Red

Mayflower Red is a beautiful and versatile paint color that brings warmth and depth to any space. This earthy red is perfect for those looking to add a bold yet sophisticated touch to a room. It pairs wonderfully with both warm and cool colors, making it ideal for various decor styles, from traditional to modern. The coverage is excellent, often requiring just one to two coats for full opacity. Its rich tone provides a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for living rooms or dining areas. However, due to its depth, it might not be the best choice for small or dimly lit spaces, as it can make them feel even smaller. Overall, Mayflower Red is a timeless choice for adding character and elegance to your home.

Pros & Cons of  HC-49 Mayflower Red

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Mayflower Red

FAQ on HC-49 Mayflower Red

How does Mayflower Red hold up in high-traffic areas?

Mayflower Red is a durable paint choice for high-traffic areas. Its stain-resistant and scrubbable nature makes it a practical option for spaces like hallways or living rooms where wear and tear are common. The color’s depth helps conceal minor scuffs and marks, maintaining its rich appearance over time. However, it’s always a good idea to use a finish like satin or semi-gloss in these areas for added durability and easier cleaning.

Can Mayflower Red be used for exterior applications?

Mayflower Red can be a striking choice for exterior applications, adding a bold statement to your home’s facade. Its warm and inviting tone works well for front doors or accent areas, offering a touch of traditional charm. However, it’s important to ensure that the paint is formulated for exterior use to withstand weather conditions. Pairing it with a high-quality primer can also enhance its longevity and vibrancy when applied outdoors.

Comparisons Mayflower Red with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Mayflower Red HC-49