Red is scary. Most people stick to "safe" neutrals like Agreeable Gray or Alabaster because they're terrified of their living room looking like a fast-food joint. But then there’s Sherwin Williams Positive Red.
It isn't a shy color. It’s a high-energy, unapologetic cherry red that demands you look at it. Honestly, if you’re looking for a "hint of rose" or a "muted terracotta," you’re in the wrong place. This is SW 6871, and it’s basically the extrovert of the paint fan deck.
What Exactly Is Sherwin Williams Positive Red?
Technically speaking, Positive Red is a saturated, mid-to-deep tone red. It has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of about 11. To put that in perspective, 0 is absolute black and 100 is pure white. At an 11, this color absorbs a ton of light.
It’s deep. It’s rich. But it’s not dark like a burgundy.
What makes Sherwin Williams Positive Red interesting is the undertone. Most reds lean either "cool" (blue-based, like a cranberry) or "warm" (orange-based, like a tomato). Positive Red sits in a very specific spot. It’s got a distinct pinkish-orange warmth that keeps it from feeling cold or clinical. Some designers even call it a "true cherry."
The RGB Breakdown
If you're a data person, the numbers look like this:
🔗 Read more: Pin up hairstyles short hair: Why You Don’t Need Long Locks for a Retro Look
- Red: 173
- Green: 44
- Blue: 52
You’ve probably noticed that the red value is significantly higher than the others. That’s why it feels so "pure." There isn't a lot of gray or brown "muddying" it up. It’s just... red.
Why Your Screen Is Lying to You
Here’s a hard truth: do not trust the swatch on your phone. Digital screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) light to mimic color, and most phone screens can't actually reproduce the depth of a pigment as heavy as this one.
I’ve seen people buy five gallons based on a Pinterest photo only to realize it looks way brighter in their sun-drenched kitchen. Light is everything. In a north-facing room with cool, blueish light, Positive Red can look a bit more serious and regal. In a south-facing room with hit-you-in-the-face sunlight, those warm undertones wake up and it can look almost neon if you aren't careful.
Get a sample. Seriously. Use something like Samplize or just buy a small pot and slap it on a piece of foam board. Move it around the room at 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and after the sun goes down.
The "Primer" Secret Nobody Tells You
You cannot just roll Positive Red over white drywall and expect it to look like the swatch. Red pigments are notoriously translucent. If you try to do two coats over a white base, you’re going to get a streaky, pinkish mess that looks like a DIY project gone wrong.
Sherwin Williams usually recommends a Gray Primer (specifically their P-shade system, often P4 or P5) for colors this saturated. The gray base provides a neutral "anchor" that allows the red to reach its full depth.
Expect to do at least three coats.
Maybe four.
It’s a labor of love, but the finish is worth it.
Best Places to Use Positive Red
You probably shouldn't paint your entire master bedroom in this. Unless you’re trying to never sleep again. Red increases heart rate and blood pressure—it’s science. But used correctly? It’s a total showstopper.
The Front Door
This is the most popular use for Sherwin Williams Positive Red. It’s the "Welcome Home" color. It looks incredible against white siding, dark gray shutters, or even navy blue exteriors. It pops. It says you have personality without being "that neighbor with the weird house."
The Dining Room
There’s an old design theory that red stimulates the appetite. Whether or not that’s true, it definitely stimulates conversation. In a dining room with dim lighting and a wood table, Positive Red feels intimate and expensive.
Kitchen Cabinets (The "Island" Move)
If you have an all-white kitchen and it feels a little boring, painting the island in Positive Red is a massive vibe shift. It turns a utility space into a design choice. Pair it with brass hardware to lean into that warmth, or matte black for a modern, edgy look.
Colors That Actually Play Nice
You can't just pair this with any old color. It’s a dominant personality. You need colors that either support it or get out of the way.
- The Crisp White: SW 7006 Extra White. It’s clean and doesn't have yellow undertones that might clash with the red.
- The Moody Contrast: SW 6258 Tricorn Black. This is for the "Modern Farmhouse" or "Industrial" fans. Red, white, and black is a classic for a reason.
- The Sophisticated Neutral: SW 7029 Agreeable Gray. The slight warmth in this "greige" helps bridge the gap between the aggressive red and the rest of your house.
Common Misconceptions
People often confuse Positive Red with SW 6868 Real Red. They are close, but Real Red is slightly more "primary"—think fire truck or LEGO brick. Positive Red has just a tiny bit more "soul" and depth to it. It feels more like a designer color and less like a schoolhouse color.
Another one is SW 6866 Heartthrob. Heartthrob is deeper and leans slightly more toward the cool/blue side. If you want something that feels a bit more "Red Carpet," go with Heartthrob. If you want "Sunny Afternoon in Italy," stick with Positive Red.
Making It Work in Your Space
If you’re nervous, don't start with a wall. Start with a piece of furniture. An old thrifted tallboy dresser painted in a high-gloss Sherwin Williams Positive Red can anchor a whole room.
Also, consider the sheen.
- Flat/Matte: Makes it look like velvet. Very "old world" and sophisticated.
- Satin: The standard. Good for hallways and kids' rooms.
- High Gloss: This is the "look at me" finish. It’s reflective, glam, and looks amazing on front doors or trim.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you head to the paint store, grab a roll of painter's tape and mark out a 3x3 foot square on the wall you're considering. Live with that empty square for a day. If you find yourself wanting more energy in that spot, go buy a sample of Sherwin Williams Positive Red.
When you do paint, remember the gray primer rule—it's the difference between a professional finish and a patchy disappointment. Use a high-quality synthetic brush for the edges and a short-nap roller to keep the texture smooth. Red shows every mistake, so take your time with the prep work.
If you're doing an exterior door, make sure to check the weather. You want at least 48 hours of dry, mild temperatures so the thick pigments can cure properly without bubbling. Stick to these basics, and you'll have a space that feels vibrant and, well, positive.