Sherwin Williams Rookwood Red: A Complete Color Review

Looking for the perfect dark red paint color for your home? Let’s talk about Sherwin Williams Rookwood Red and if it might be right for your home!

Dark red paint colors are a great way to bring energy and boldness to a space. Reds are dramatic. They make a statement.

However, like any paint colors, there are various shades. Reds can be fiery and bright, while others feel elegant and stylish.

Rookwood Red is one of those bold, elegant reds. Let's dive into the details and see if it might have a place in your home.

Rookwood Red, Sherwin Williams, SW 2802

Rookwood Red is a dark, earthy red with hints of brown. It feels bold but historic, ideal for adding a little something to your home.

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Rookwood Red

Color Family

Rookwood Red is in the red family.

Light Reflectance Value

5

Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around. This is on a scale of 0 to 100 with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.

With an LRV of 5, Rookwood Red is an extremely dark color. This means it absorbs light rather than reflecting it — great for creating a cozy vibe.

RGB Colors

R: 98 G: 47 B: 45

RGB describes the amount of each color - red, green, and blue - present in a color. This is on a scale of 0 to 255 for each color. This is basically the color mix to make the color!

Hex Code

#622F2D

Undertones

Rookwood Red has warm, deep brown undertones.

Because of its low LRV, Rookwood Red will always look dark and dramatic, but in south-facing rooms with plenty of sunlight, you may notice more of its warmth and brown / orange tones coming through.

In north-facing rooms with very little natural light, it holds onto its deep richness. You may even see a slight hint of violet.

Best uses

A color as dark as Rookwood Red is all about coziness. Whether you go all-in with it or use it as an accent, here’s where I’d recommend trying it:

• Entire room: Perfect for a living room, home office, dining room, or den if you want a snug, intimate feel.
• Accent wall: Adds depth without overwhelming the space.
• Furniture and built-ins: Looks stunning on bookshelves, cabinets, or a statement dresser.
• Shutters and trim: A dramatic contrast against lighter walls.
• Exterior doors: A warm, inviting alternative to black or navy.

Similar Colors

• Sherwin Williams Sun Dried Tomato
• Benjamin Moore Bewitched
• Behr Chipotle Paste
• Sherwin Williams Dark Auburn
• Benjamin Moore Cascabel Chile
• Behr Rumors
• Sherwin Williams Rustic Red

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Rookwood Red

Coordinating Colors

Rookwood Red pairs well with other neutrals, including soft whites, cool grays, tans, khakis, browns, mustards, and golden tones.

For a bolder look, try pairing Rookwood Red with greens, blues, or blacks.

Mid-toned cool grays:

• Stamped Concrete
• Gray Matters
• Unusual Gray
• Bedrock
• Ellie Gray

Warm mustards / browns:

• Rookwood Antique Gold
• Chamois
• Cardboard
• Almond Roca
• Baguette

Deep, dark grays / blues / blacks:

• Mount Etna
• Big Dipper
• Cyberspace
• Sea Serpent
• Tarragon

Trim Colors

As a warm color, Rookwood Red pairs well with soft whites for trim.

Soft white trim colors:

• Sherwin Williams Alabaster
• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Behr Cameo White

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Rookwood Red

FAQS

Here are some common frequently asked questions about Rookwood Red.

What color trim with Rookwood Red?

As a warm color, Rookwood Red pairs well with soft whites for trim. My favorite soft white trim colors are SW Alabaster, BM White Dove, and Behr Cameo White.

Is Rookwood Red too bright?

While some reds lean bright and energetic, Rookwood Red is more of a dramatic, moody hue. While it adds a bold statement to a room, it's not too in-your-face-bright.

Rookwood Red will appear a bit lighter in rooms with lots of natural light, such as south-facing rooms. However, it will not be a bright, fiery red.

Give Rookwood Red a swatch in your home and review it in various lighting throughout the day to see what you think.

What are the undertones: SW Rookwood Red?

Rookwood Red has warm, deep brown undertones.

In brighter spaces, such as south-facing rooms, Rookwood Red will lean warmer and you'll see its brown / orange tones. In darker spaces, such as north-facing rooms, it will look deeper and richer.

What color hardware with Rookwood Red cabinets?

As a deep warm hue, Rookwood Red looks great with gold, brass, or bronze hardware.

What's the difference: SW Rookwood Red vs Rookwood Dark Red?

Rookwood Red and Rookwood Dark Red are similar dark red colors.

Rookwood Dark Red is extremely dark with an LRV of 3. Rookwood Red is still dark but slightly lighter with an LRV of 5. Rookwood Red is slightly more saturated and bold, whereas Rookwood Dark Red is moodier and more dramatic.

Rookwood Red more brown / orange, and Rookwood Dark Red leans more violet.

If you’re torn between the two, try swatching them side by side to see which one feels right in your space.

What's the difference: SW Rookwood Red vs Dark Auburn?

Both Rookwood Red and Dark Auburn are dark red paint colors. Rookwood Red is a bit darker with an LRV of 3 vs Dark Auburn's LRV of 5.

Rookwood Red leans more red, and Dark Auburn leans more orange / brown.

Always swatch colors in your space before making a decision—especially when two colors are this close!

Thanks for reading!