My 10 Favorite Ways to Decorate with Pops of Red

Red. Yes, red! Let’s decorate with “Pops of Red!”

Love it? Hate it?

I love it!

All shades.

Whether Valentine’s Day, 4th of July, Christmas, or Game Day (Go Huskers!), there are lots of opportunities for red accents in the home!

I’m talking about the small accents that “pop” out to your eye as you accessorize your home.

The secret of the “Red Pop?” Surround it by neutral or contrasting color or texture. Or, let it stand alone in all of its glorious drama.

Here we go…

Table of Contents

Set it Up – Placemats

Place your white, grey, or black dinnerware/china on a red placement and it will sing! Look beyond the usual cloth placemats and bring in some with texture. Yes! That is singing I hear!

Decorate with pops of red on a table setting using red and white dishes and a red placemat.

A red placemat. — 6 Pack – 15″ Red Metallic String Woven Placemats Click to order

Serve it Up

Red dishes might seem like a serious commitment. Honestly, any dish purchase is a commitment, so why not commit to some dinnerware with punch. Pair with navy, yellow, or, my favorite, pink!

Decorate with pops of red using white plates and bowls with a wide red rim.

Kate Spade red and white dishes are a great way to decorate with pops of red. — 4-Piece Kate Spade Lenox Rutherford Circle Red Pattern Dinner & Salad Plate, Bowl & Tea/Coffee Cup SetClick to order

Kate Spade vertical striped red and white dishes. — KATE SPADE Red Laurel Street 4-Piece Place SettingClick to order

You can create a Valentine Table for Any Day of the Year HERE.

Drink it up

These are some adorable liqueur glasses that belonged to my mother. They don’t get used very often (Bailey’s Irish Cream anyone?), but I love displaying them on a tray. Shake up your usual wine glasses or glass tumblers with some “shots” of red.

Red swirl glass. — Marbella Rocks, Red, Set of 4Click to order

Live it Up

I came across this red, leather, contemporary wingback chair at market several years back. It was the display sample and had a small rip in the side. I didn’t care! After a little negotiation, (got a great deal!) home it came. A quick leather fix and it has lived by the fireplace every since.

Look for a red chair with a unique shape or interesting details. I am a sucker for nailhead trim. (There is that singing again! AHHHHH!)

Decorate with pops of red with this red leather chair with a stack of decorating books.

A classic red upholstered chair. — Reading Chair with Nailhead Studded WingbackClick to order

A patterned red credenza. — Kermina Suzani Uzbekistan Print CredenzaClick to order

Hang it up

Drama.

Focal Point.

Personal.

Enough said.

Wall Art with pops of red in the abstract subject. Perfect way to decorate with pops of red.

An abstract wall art piece. — Broken Wood Wall Art
Click to order

Eat it Up

Go organic and include some home accents in your grocery cart. There is nothing more classic than gorgeous red apples in a crisp white bowl. Placed on an island, in a lounge area, or home office, this healthy snack almost looks too good to eat!

A white bowl. — DOWAN Salad BowlsClick to order

Light it Up

Don’t worry…..this is not the lava lamp look. But, a red shade does add a warm, inviting ambience in a room.

Decorate with “pops of red” lighting and light up the room!

A silver lamp with a red shade. — Modern Accent Table LampClick to order

Grow it up

Tulips.

Roses.

Poppies.

Just yes.

Red and orange poppies in a blue and white vase.

Paste it up

Perfect for an area where you want to inject energy and promote conversation.

I had to include this because of my red wallpapered dining room. I chose a paper with a coral red background and a champagne gold medallion pattern. It must work because we have had many lively conversations while eating in this room!

A capiz shell light fixture hanging against a red patterned wallpaper.

Stuff it

Quickest, cheapest way to make impact with accents is with pillows. Pick your size, pattern, texture, and shade of red. Place on solid upholstery or bedding for instant gratification.

A pillow with a red chair and black cat. — Mood : how to make the most of everyday Throw PillowClick to order

A pillow with red poppies. — Night poppy garden Throw PillowClick to order

BONUS: Wear it!

YOU are the most important “accent” in your home. After all, the decor you choose reflects YOU and your personality. Pick your poison…red sweater, red lipstick, red jewelry. Or, all of the above!