How Ruby Red Can Change Your Home

Dickson Wong
Updated

Maybe it has to do with Dorothy andThe Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, but without a doubt there's something magical about ruby red. It's a dazzling color that has timeless appeal. Though we might not think twice about adding a little fiery red to our wardrobes, many of us blanche at the thought of adding the jewel-tone hue to our homes.

Whether it's a small vase or chandelier, what's important to know about decorating with ruby red is that it works especially well against neutral color schemes. Because of its blue undertone, ruby red naturally complements white furniture, making the pieces appear brighter and whiter. If you have a white-painted fireplace, grouping red accessories such as candlesticks and vases on top of the mantel can instantly make it a focal point. Likewise, sparkling ruby glassware placed on crisp table linens will create a captivating setting. At the same time, the blue undertones in ruby can also bring out the warmth in wood furnishings and accents.

On another note, the color ruby (or red in general) also conveys passion -- there's a certain sexiness to the hue. And,this recent study of men's positive response to women dressed in red is evidenceof the color's undeniable allure. Ruby accent pieces can therefore have a similar effect in a room, helping to set the mood and bring a bit of romance into the atmosphere.

Looking for ideas on how to decorate with the red shade? Click through the slideshow below to see our color palette inspired by Dorothy's ruby red slippers along with home finds based on those hues.

Ruby Red Color Palette

Paint colors, from top: Ruby Red, 2001-10, by <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/color-gallery?cd=2001-10&col=CP#ce_s=ruby" target="_hplink">Benjamin Moore</a>. Red Rose Bouquet, by <a href="http://www.glidden.com/color/color-visualizer.do#path=colorPalette&cid0=196&cid1=&cid2=&cid3=&cid4=&cid5=&cid6=&cid7=&cid8=" target="_hplink">Glidden</a>. Ruby Ring, S-G-150, by <a href="http://www.behr.com/Behr/home#channel=INSPIRATION;view=32;vgnextoid=c15eb3f45ecdb110VgnVCM1000006b0910acRCRD" target="_hplink">Behr</a>. Ruby Shade, SW 6572, by <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6572-ruby-shade/" target="_hplink">Sherwin-Williams</a>. Cut Ruby, 1009-4, by <a href="http://www.valsparpaint.com/en/explore-colors/color-selector/index.html?ref=colorselector_homepage_menu2#1" target="_hplink">Valspar</a>. Flickr photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/drumminhands/6269207855/sizes/z/in/photostream/" target="_hplink">drumminhands</a>

Iris Ruby Pitcher

Add sparkle to your lunch table with this <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Iris-Pitcher-Ruby/-/A-10504844#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage" target="_hplink">ruby pitcher</a>.
Add sparkle to your lunch table with this ruby pitcher.

Iris Ruby Double Old-Fashioned Glass

For a little flair, use <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/artland-glassware-iris-ruby-collection?ID=627549&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-6-_-78-_-MP678&LinkshareID=IHX5g9evBD0-Hkcny6LG1thGdN0pUVCIUg" target="_hplink">this drinking glass</a> for beverages instead of your normal clear ones.

Small Ruby Etched Vase

The unusual, <a href="http://www.lampsplus.com/products/small-ruby-etched-vase__u8191.html" target="_hplink">sculptural shape of this vase</a> makes it a great accent piece on a wood side table or fireplace mantle.
The unusual, sculptural shape of this vase makes it a great accent piece on a wood side table or fireplace mantle.

10 Strawberry Street Ruby Highball

Simply elegant, <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/10-strawberry-street-ruby-highball?ID=472529&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results" target="_hplink">this highball glass</a> is perfect for a refreshing cocktail.
Simply elegant, this highball glass is perfect for a refreshing cocktail.

Angelina Ruby Bowl

We love the ruby-colored florals on <a href="http://www.mikasa.com/Bowl/5084861,default,pd.html" target="_hplink">this dainty glass bowl</a>. We would use it for snacks when entertaining.
We love the ruby-colored florals on this dainty glass bowl. We would use it for snacks when entertaining.

Red Foil Glass Bottles

<a href="http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/HomeAccentsD%C3%A9cor/tabid/979/List/0/CategoryID/135/level/a/ProductID/34006/ProductName/Red-Foil-Glass-Bottles/Default.aspx" target="_hplink">Decanter-style bottles like these ones</a> bring an elevated look to a table. We like how the gleaming exterior of these bottles are reminiscent of ruby stones.

Ruby Glass Goblets

<a href="http://www.target.com/p/Glass-Goblets-Set-of-6-Ruby/-/A-728876#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton" target="_hplink">These goblets</a> will bring instant color to any table setting.
These goblets will bring instant color to any table setting.

Diaz Large Candleholder

Made of glass, <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/outlet/home-accessories/diaz-large-candleholder/s226312?rv=Outlet%3aHolidays%3aLinden+Ruby+Tablecloth+60x60+SKU+637427+Product+Page" target="_hplink">this candleholder</a> has a red shade that looks just like ruby. We would place multiple pairs on a dining table for a burst of color.

Tube Top Small Table Lamp

Bring ruby red to your workspace with <a href="http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=21064" target="_hplink">this fun and bold table lamp</a>.
Bring ruby red to your workspace with this fun and bold table lamp.

DIVOGA Ruby Accent Pillow

If you have a neutral-toned couch, get a handful of <a href="http://www.officemax.com/clearance/clearance-furniture-seating-and-office-decor/product-prod3790036" target="_hplink">this pillow</a> and pile it on to the sofa to make it really stand out.

Linden Tablecloth

Almost matching exactly to the Ruby Red color from our palette, <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/outlet/holidays/linden-60"x60"-ruby-tablecloth/s637427" target="_hplink">this tablecloth</a> will look stunning with white porcelain dishes set on top.
Almost matching exactly to the Ruby Red color from our palette, this tablecloth will look stunning with white porcelain dishes set on top.

Gala Ruby Comforter Set

Nothing gets more glamorous than when gold and ruby are used together, like in <a href="http://www.lnt.com/product/comforters/10084-50863/lichtenberg-and-co--gala-ruby-7-piece-comforter-set.html" target="_hplink">this comforter set</a>.
Nothing gets more glamorous than when gold and ruby are used together, like in this comforter set.

Eclipse Ruby Curtains

A quick way to bring a dramatic touch to a room is to switch up your curtains for panels with bolder, richer colors. Next time, consider these <a href="http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_02445866000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3" target="_hplink">ruby-colored drapes</a>.

Nourison Julia Area Rug

Anchor a seating area by putting down <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/nourison-area-rug-julian-jl45-rub-2-3-x-8?ID=168031&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-8-_-96-_-MP896&LinkshareID=IHX5g9evBD0-yGhgh_9Rf9paJAi9nXEaXA" target="_hplink">this colorful ruby red rug</a> with a motif of blooming flowers and growing vines.

Roxy Lighting Concerto Chandelier

Dripping with Lucite beads, <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=202218782&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=202218782&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googlebase-_-D27X-_-202218782" target="_hplink">this ravishing chandelier</a> will definitely amp up the style (and enhance the mood) in any room.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.