Looking for a deep red paint color that really stands out? Let’s discuss Behr Rumors and see if it’s the bold choice you’ve been searching for.
Dark, dramatic colors are everywhere right now, and for good reason. They bring a touch of richness and intensity to any space.
So it’s no surprise that Behr picked a deep red for its 2025 Color of the Year: Rumors!
I love using dark colors like Rumors when I want to make a statement.
This red has a way of turning heads, whether you’re using it as an accent or giving an entire room a bold, dramatic look.
One of my favorite ways to use a deep red like this is on a front door. It adds instant curb appeal and feels welcoming and confident.
But you could also go all out and paint a smaller room, like a powder room, for a cozy and striking vibe.
Red is known for bringing energy and confidence to a space, and Rumors definitely delivers. It’s bold, dramatic, and has that extra something that just makes a room feel alive.
So, let’s look into the details of Rumors and see if it’s the perfect fit for your next project!
Rumors, Behr MQ1-15
Rumors is a stunning deep ruby red that instantly adds a sense of elegance and warmth to any room.
It’s both bold and luxurious without being too bright.
Color Family
Rumors is in the red family.
Light Reflectance Value
8
Light Reflective Value (LRV) measures how much light a color reflects, on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.
With an LRV of 8, Rumors is definitely a dark paint color, but it’s on the lighter side compared to other deep shades.
RGB Colors
R: 116 G: 66 B: 69
RGB tells you how much red, green, and blue make up a color.
Each one is measured on a scale from 0 to 255. It’s basically the recipe for the exact color you see!
Hex Code
#734246
Undertones
Rumors has rich brown undertones that give it a grounded, sophisticated feel. It’s bold but still has a warmth that makes it more versatile.
In rooms with a lot of natural light, especially south-facing rooms, you’ll notice Rumors looks a bit brighter and redder. But don’t worry—the brown undertones keep it from feeling too intense or overwhelming.
In darker rooms like north-facing spaces or interior rooms, Rumors deepens and takes on a more mauve tone. It creates a moodier, more dramatic effect that feels luxurious and cozy.
From my experience, it’s always best to swatch the color first. Try it on your walls to see how it plays with your lighting, both during the day and at night, before committing.
Best Uses
Dark colors like Rumors are perfect for adding a bold touch to your space.
You can use it for small pops of color that make a statement or go all out with color drenching — where you paint the walls, ceiling, and trim all in the same shade.
Rumors is also a great choice for:
- Exterior doors
- Furniture
- Lower cabinets or a kitchen island
- Creating a focal point, such as a fireplace
- Built-ins
- Shutters
- Bathrooms (perfect for color drenching)
- Foyers (again, color drenching!)
- Other small rooms
Similar Colors
- Benjamin Moore Plum Raisin
- Behr Cinnamon Cherry
- Sherwin Williams Fine Wine
- Behr Tile Red
- Benjamin Moore Sweet Rosy Brown
- Sherwin Williams Carriage Door
- Behr Dark Crimson
Coordinating Colors
Rumors works beautifully with a range of neutrals like white, black, tan, gray, and greige.
It also shines when paired with earthy tones — think blues, greens, oranges, golden yellows, and even soft pinks.
Dusty / muted pinks:
- Heirloom Rose
- Regal Rose
- Mulled Wine
- Malted
- Wisp of Mauve
Calming greens:
- Bay Water
- Sage Brush
- Balance Green
- Nuturing
- Sap Green
Dark blues:
- Very Navy
- Laguna Blue
- Starless Night
- Tidal
- Inked
Trim Colors
Rumors pairs beautifully with a crisp white trim, adding a clean, striking contrast that really makes the deep red pop.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
- Behr Ultra Pure White
Rumors Paint Color Palette
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FAQs
Here are some common frequently asked questions about Rumors.
What is the Behr 2025 Color of the Year?
The Behr 2025 Color of the Year is Rumors, a deep, rich ruby red. It adds a touch of warmth and glamour to any room, instantly making your space feel more stylish.
What color finishes go with Behr Rumors?
Rumors pairs beautifully with finishes like gold or oil-rubbed bronze.
These metallics really pop against the deep red. I’ve also seen it look amazing with natural wood tones, which give it a cozy, balanced feel.
Try a few options to see which one speaks to you!
Is Rumors a good cabinetry color?
Definitely! Rumors is great for lower kitchen cabinets or an island if you want something bold. It might be a bit too dark for all your cabinets, but it really depends on your taste and how much light your kitchen gets.
Be sure to swatch it on your cabinets first so you can see how it looks in your kitchen.
What color trim goes with Behr Rumors?
Rumors looks fantastic with crisp, bright white trim. It gives the room a clean contrast that really makes the red stand out.
I’d suggest Behr Ultra Pure White, Benjamin Moore Simply White, or Sherwin Williams Extra White for that perfect pairing.
Does Rumors look bright red?
Not at all. Rumors is a deep, ruby red—not that flashy bright red from the past. The brown undertones keep it rich and grounded.
If you have a room with a lot of natural light, Rumors might look a bit brighter.
In darker rooms, it takes on a deeper, almost mauve look. I’ve found that swatching the color in different areas of the room helps to see how it changes with light.
Is Rumors a good choice for color drenching a room?
Yes! If you’re feeling bold, Rumors is perfect for color drenching.
That’s when you paint the walls, ceiling, and trim all in the same color. It gives the room a dramatic, moody look that’s full of personality.
Be sure to swatch first to see how it feels in your space before diving in.
Is Behr Rumors warm or cool?
Rumors is a warm paint color. It’s a deep red with brown undertones, which gives it that cozy, inviting feel.
What is the color code for Behr Rumors?
The color code for Behr Rumors is MQ1-15, and the hex code is #734246. These are handy if you want to match it exactly for your project.
What are the undertones of Behr Rumors?
Rumors has brown undertones, which keep the red from being too bright. These undertones make it feel more luxurious and grounded, giving it that rich, sophisticated look.
Before you go…
So, you’ve found the perfect paint color, but here’s the thing – there’s another big decision you have to make: picking the right paint sheen. Seriously, the level of glossiness can totally change how your color looks on the walls and how long the paint lasts!
Check out our complete guide to understanding paint sheens.
Still not sure what paint color to choose?
My Paint Color Formula ebook walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.