Different nations interpret the symbolism of the red colour differently. In any case, it is a colour that is strong, expressive and evokes emotions.

On the visible spectrum, the red colour occupies a place between orange and violet. It belongs to the category of primary colours together with blue and yellow. Secondary colours are created by the combination of these three colours, in different mixtures. Red itself is created by mixing Magenta and Yellow.

In this post, we will consider the colour red and how it is used in the design of clothing and furniture.

Fashion trends

In the magazines, we find tips on fashion trends for the autumn of 2023. There is detailed information on the characteristics of clothing items, applied materials, their textures, and of course colors. Monochromatic solutions dominate this season. Clay, chocolate brown, olive green, ... tones of grey including silvery, and basic black are represented. The special place is occupied by the red color.

Fashion experts recommend red in a wide range of shades from deep burgundy tones, and fiery red to bright, gentle pinkish tones, depending on the admixture of blue, purple or orange.

Oversized blazers, maxi skirts or pants suits, woolen T-shirts, tops, coats with sharp lines, all these items are in one of the tones of red.

An important place is occupied by Tomato red, which represents one of the shades of red. This tone is special, expressive, and intense, bright, with a little blue and very little orange. Comfortable dresses, and cardigans in this shade of red bring a note of cheerfulness and freedom to the outfit. The use of bright red colour implies simple and clean lines because the colour is strong enough that attract attention. Red maxi dresses, often made of cashmere or wool, are just like that.

Even classic pieces of clothing made of fiery red material represent a combination suitable for this season.

Eye-catching pieces of leather are most often jackets or skirts in cherry red colour. It is deep, bright red, darker than Tomato red but less purple than Viva Magenta. This tone of red is the best choice for the given purpose.

For those who prefer traditional solutions and less daring combinations, in addition to tomato red, other shades of red with darker or muted tones are available.

Details such as a bag, shoes, or just glasses can give modernity to a clothing combination.

This season's wardrobe in red is the first choice. It brings freshness and a cheerful note to the autumn days.

Colour inspiration

Is red colour present in furniture design? The answer is definitely YES. Elements of different Hug pouch (L)purposes, chests of drawers, dining tables, chairs and bookshelves, as well as many others, are represented in the red final finish.

Vico Magistretti designed the Maralunga 50 program (armchair, two-seater and three-seater) upholstered in a special shade of red Nubuck leather, colour Maralunga 50  a particular shade of red.

The characteristics of this product: functionality, creativity and aesthetics were awarded with the Compasso d’Oro in 1979. It is framed by special stitching that outlines its silhouette. This product is characterized by the application of a simple but innovative solution. A mechanism made from a bicycle chain enables the headrest to move and raise or lower the backrest. Today, the model is part of the Cassina iMaestri Collection. The production was renewed in 2023 for the 50th anniversary of the Cassina. The company put a lot of effort into reproducing the initial solution as faithfully as possible, but within modern conditions while respecting the principle of sustainability.

The bright red colour was chosen for the Ribbon stool designed by Nendo (the team of designers headed by architect Oki Sato). Like a small sculpture, it gives an accent to any space in which it is located. Sheet metal derived from a single piece was used for the construction. Strips with a simple shape, overlapping and twisting each other, ensure maximum stability of the product and provide secure support for the seat at the required height.

Designed like this the product leaves an impression of movement, and dynamics, and contributes to a good atmosphere in the space.

Angeletti Roza chose Bordeaux red as a final finish for her product. She designed a small club table with a metal structure and a top plate in the form of a tray. A product with a simple design and great functionality brings calmness to the proctor.

The bookshelf designed by Jaime Haion

is part of the Explorer collection. The attractive, playful orange-red colour gives the product character and fits any living space.It has organic, curved shapes that provide safety even when children are around.

The Love armchair has a symbolic name, shape and color. Everything is in a sign of love, just like the red color itself. The heart-shaped padded seat is made of soft polyurethane and provides comfortable seating. This pouf armchair is suitable for furnishing rooms for different purposes. It brings a touch of informal atmosphere to the space and attracts the sympathy of the viewers.

Doshileven Studio (Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien) designed the Kundan mirror cabinet, in an orange-red colour. This unusual design represents a combination of modern design and details inspired by Indian tradition. The attractive colour of the cabinet unites simple lines and details from the Indian tradition of mirrors, numerical and pictorial symbols, including the lotus flower. The performance of materials including its color are the factors that attract the attention of the viewer of this furniture with classic composition.

Jean Nouvella designed the NVL table. It has a simple shape; and consists of elements that are contrasting but together form a harmonious whole. The table top is thin, giving the impression that it floating above the supporting structure.

The central support that carries the plate, consists of two identical bases. The NVL table is simple and elegant, suitable for different spaces, both for residential and office spaces. The table reveals its extraordinary elegance in red.

Red is a powerful, expressive, eye-catching colour. Therefore, its application in the interior or fashion combinations requires special attention. In both cases, the solution will be successful if all the components of the composition are balanced so that they form a harmonious whole. Depending on the solution, red can bring cheerfulness, can represent a bold accent or a surprising detail that attracts attention.

In this post, the presented examples show that the range of products for different purposes, in red colour is wide. They provide unlimited possibilities of combination and the realisation of original solutions both in clothing and in the interior.