Benjamin Moore’s Iron Ore Red: A Bold and Strong Shade
If you’re thinking about adding bold color to your space, I know how easy it is to feel unsure about the right shade. I’ve been there too, wanting something rich but not too overpowering.
Benjamin Moore Iron Ore Red might be just what you’re looking for. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this deep, warm red.
You’ll see how it compares to similar colors, where it works best, and how it appears in different lighting conditions. Let’s figure out if it’s the right fit for your space.
Understanding Benjamin Moore Iron Ore Red
I’ve found that Benjamin Moore Iron Ore Red 2089-10 provides a rich, bold look without feeling too harsh. You can use it on your walls, cabinets, or anywhere you want warmth and depth.
Color Overview and Undertones
Iron Ore Red is a rich, grounded red with noticeable orange undertones, giving it a warm, inviting feel. Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 16.24, indicating that it reflects little light and appears dark on most surfaces.
This makes it ideal for creating a bold contrast or cozy atmosphere. It’s a confident choice that adds depth and character without feeling overwhelming.
Iron Ore Red pairs well with neutral accents and works beautifully in rooms that get plenty of natural light.
Available Finishes & Sample Types
Benjamin Moore makes it easy to try Iron Ore Red in your space before making a final decision. Here’s what you can expect:
- Interior and exterior availability: Suitable for walls, cabinets, trim, and even outdoor surfaces.
- Finish options: Choose from matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and more to match the needs of your space.
- Peel-and-stick samples: These let you test the color on different walls without any mess.
- Liquid brush-on samples: Great for seeing how the paint works with real textures and surfaces.
- Pro tip: Always test the color at different times of day to see how lighting changes its appearance.
Iron Ore Red vs. Other Popular Paint Colors
Iron Ore Red is often mistaken for other deep shades, especially Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore and Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron. Here’s how they compare side by side.
These shades may sound related, but their undertones and light reflectance make them perform very differently in a space.
|
Paint Color |
Brand |
Undertone |
LRV |
Visual Feel |
|
Benjamin Moore |
Warm red with orange |
16.24 |
Bold, rich, warm red |
|
|
Sherwin-Williams |
Slight green-brown |
6 |
Neutral, dark charcoal black |
|
|
Benjamin Moore |
Cool blue-gray |
8.17 |
Muted, cool charcoal gray |
Despite their dark appearance, each color brings a unique tone and atmosphere, depending on its use and the lighting.
Is There a True Equivalent?
There’s no true equivalent to Benjamin Moore Iron Ore Red. While other dark paints, such as Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore or Wrought Iron, may appear similar at a glance, they differ in undertone and depth.
Iron Ore Red stands out with its warm orange-red base, making it richer and more vivid. It brings a unique warmth that cooler blacks and charcoals don’t offer.
Where and How to Use Iron Ore Red
I’ve seen how Iron Ore Red can bring warmth and depth to almost any space. You can use it for bold accents or even paint full rooms, whether indoors or outside.
Interior Walls
Iron Ore Red works beautifully on interior walls to create a cozy, dramatic atmosphere. It adds depth to living rooms, dining areas, or reading nooks.
Pair it with crisp white trim to create a clean, high-contrast look that highlights the richness of the red. In well-lit rooms, the color stays vibrant without feeling overwhelming.
It also works well with neutral furnishings and warm wood tones, adding a grounded, inviting touch.
Kitchen Cabinets & Islands
This shade is a strong pick for kitchen cabinets or islands, especially in farmhouse or modern rustic spaces. Iron Ore Red complements natural materials, such as butcher block, wood shelves, and stone countertops.
It also pairs nicely with soft sage green backsplashes or matte black hardware. Its depth makes it practical for high-use areas while still adding character. Use it to bring a grounded yet colorful element to the heart of your kitchen.
Exterior Applications
Iron Ore Red is equally effective outdoors, offering a rich alternative to traditional exterior neutrals. It stands out on front doors, shutters, and siding while still feeling classy.
For optimal performance and durability, use it with a weather-resistant finish, such as Benjamin Moore’s Element Guard. This ensures it withstands moisture and temperature fluctuations.
It looks especially striking when paired with stone, cream trim, or soft gray roofing, making the home feel grounded and inviting.
How Iron Ore Red Looks in Different Lighting
I’ve noticed that Iron Ore Red can look different depending on the time of day. If you test it in morning, afternoon, and evening light, you’ll see how it shifts and where it works best in your space.
Morning Light
In soft morning light, Iron Ore Red tends to look slightly muted but still warm. The natural daylight highlights its orange undertones, giving it a cozy, earthy feel without being too bold.
It’s ideal for east-facing rooms where you want a gentle wake-up effect with a bit of color. If the room has white or cream accents, the contrast will feel softer in the morning than at other times of day.
The color appears lighter and more balanced early on.
Afternoon Light
During the afternoon, especially in west-facing rooms, Iron Ore Red shows its most vibrant side.
The warm sun brings out its reddish base, making the shade feel richer and more saturated. This is when the color feels bold and dramatic.
If you want a high-impact look for a feature wall or kitchen island, observe it in strong daylight first. Afternoon light is also a great time to check how it pairs with wood tones or natural textures nearby.
Evening/Artificial Light
In the evening, Iron Ore Red darkens and looks more dramatic under artificial lighting. Depending on the bulb’s temperature, it may lean slightly warmer or deeper red.
Warm bulbs will accentuate the orange tones, while cooler ones may slightly mute them, creating a duskier feel in the room. This is why testing with your actual lamps and overhead lighting is important.
At night, Iron Ore Red feels moody, grounded, and perfect for cozy, relaxed environments, such as bedrooms or reading corners.
What Colors Complement Iron Ore Red?
If you’re planning to use Iron Ore Red in your space, you’ll want to pair it with the right shades. I’ll help you choose colors that bring out its warmth without clashing or overwhelming.
Coordinating Neutrals and Accents
Iron Ore Red pairs beautifully with soft neutrals and earthy accents. Cream, taupe, and warm grays soften its boldness, helping to balance the room’s overall aesthetic.
Muted sage or olive green works well as an accent, especially in decor and textiles. These combinations keep the space grounded and cohesive while letting Iron Ore Red stand out as a feature.
If you’re working with a traditional, modern, or rustic style, these neutral tones offer flexibility and a polished, inviting look that’s easy to live with.
Trim & Ceiling Color Suggestions
For trim and ceilings, it’s best to stick with soft whites and light beige tones that let Iron Ore Red shine without competing.
Benjamin Moore favorites like Chantilly Lace or White Dove offer a crisp contrast that frames the red nicely. For a softer, more blended feel, consider a pale beige or warm off-white.
These shades help the space feel open and polished, giving the red room to breathe. Clean trim lines in light hues also help define the color’s depth.
Buying & Sampling Benjamin Moore Iron Ore Red
If you’re ready to try Iron Ore Red, sampling it first is the best way to see how it looks in your home. Here’s how and where to get started.
Where to Get It
You can buy Iron Ore Red through local Benjamin Moore retailers, the official Benjamin Moore website, or sampling services like Samplize.
Local stores often have staff who can offer in-person advice and color pairing tips. The website allows you to order various finishes and sample sizes with delivery directly to your door.
Samplize offers peel-and-stick swatches that ship quickly and are easy to apply and remove. To find the nearest store, use the Benjamin Moore store locator tool online; It’s fast and easy to use.
How to Test Paint the Right Way
Before fully committing, it’s smart to test Iron Ore Red in your space to see how it looks with your lighting and surroundings.
- Brush-on samples from Benjamin Moore: These show how the paint looks on actual wall textures, though they take more time to apply and dry.
- Peel-and-stick swatches from Samplize: A quicker, cleaner option that lets you reposition the sample easily across different areas.
- Best testing spots: Try samples near baseboards, windows, and major furniture to see how the color shifts with light and nearby elements throughout the day.
Conclusion
Now that you and I have gone through what makes Benjamin Moore Iron Ore Red stand out, you’ve got a better idea of how it might work in your home.
You saw how it changes with lighting, which colors complement it, and how to test it correctly. I hope this helped you feel more confident about your choice.
If you’re still deciding, that’s okay. Try a sample first. And when you’re ready, take a look at more of my color guides to find your perfect match.
