Farrow & Ball does not publish LRV; this value is estimated from the color’s hex using standard relative-luminance calculation. The matte estate finish typically reads lower.
Fox Red is a warm, burnished terracotta that sits right between true red and a dusty clay. It is not a bright, punchy red. Think of the color of old brick that has been baking in the sun for decades, or the soft russet of an autumn fox pelt. It has real depth but never feels heavy or oppressive.
In person, Fox Red reads warmer and more muted than you might expect from the name. It does not scream red. It whispers it. On a color card it can look a bit flat, but once it is up on a full wall, the warmth spreads and the pigment complexity shows itself. You will notice brown and orange notes alongside the red, giving it an earthiness that feels grounded.
In bright daylight it leans slightly more orange and terracotta. In evening lamplight or candlelight it deepens, pulling more toward a warm, rich rust. North facing rooms will cool it just slightly, but it holds its warmth remarkably well compared to paler terracotta tones.
The dominant undertone is red, but it is never a clean, fire engine red. There is a strong warm, brownish base underneath that keeps it earthy and approachable. Depending on the light, you will also catch a subtle orange cast, especially in rooms flooded with afternoon sun.
In cooler light or north facing rooms, the brown undertone can come forward more, making Fox Red read closer to a warm sienna. In warmer, south facing light, the red asserts itself and the color feels livelier. The finish you choose matters here too. Estate Emulsion's chalky matte surface will emphasize the dusty, muted quality, while a Full Gloss on woodwork will bring out more of the reddish warmth.
There is virtually no pink in this color, which is what separates it from softer terracotta shades. It stays firmly on the warm, earthy side of the red spectrum.
Fox Red is a natural fit for rooms where you want warmth and character without going dark. It works beautifully in spaces that benefit from a cocooning atmosphere. Dining rooms are the classic choice, where it creates an inviting backdrop for evening gatherings. Studies and libraries feel right too, especially with dark wood furniture and warm metals like brass.
It is also a strong front door color. On a front door it reads confident and welcoming, especially against stone, brick, or pale rendered facades. As an accent wall, Fox Red adds depth to an otherwise neutral room without overwhelming it.
Living rooms can handle Fox Red when there is enough natural light to let the color breathe. In a darker living room, consider using it on a single wall or below a dado rail, paired with a lighter tone above. It works in both traditional and transitional homes, reading heritage in a period property and warm-modern in a contemporary space.
Fox Red turns a dining room into the warmest room in the house. Evening light and candlelight deepen it to a rich rust, making meals feel like an event. Pair it with Dimity on the ceiling and warm metallic accents.
In a study or home office, Fox Red creates focus and warmth. It pairs well with dark wood shelving and leather furniture. The color is stimulating enough to keep you alert but muted enough to avoid distraction.
A Fox Red front door signals warmth and welcome. It looks especially good on period homes with stone surrounds or white painted frames. Use Full Gloss or Exterior Eggshell for durability and to bring out the red undertone.
Use Fox Red on a single wall to anchor a room without committing to full color. It works well behind a sofa, a bed headboard wall, or a fireplace wall. Keep the remaining walls in a warm neutral like Oxford Stone or Dimity.
In a living room with good natural light, Fox Red on all walls creates a warm, enveloping feel. In a darker room, use it below a dado rail or on the chimney breast. Treron on opposite walls or in soft furnishings keeps the scheme balanced.
Fox Red wants companions that respect its warmth without competing for attention. Dimity (No. 2008) is the natural trim and ceiling partner. It is a soft, warm white with just enough pink in it to harmonize rather than clash. For a richer scheme, Oxford Stone (No. 264) brings a sandy, muted warmth that sits beautifully alongside Fox Red on adjacent walls or in hallways that flow into a Fox Red room.
Treron (No. 292) is the unexpected pairing that really works. This muted sage green provides a cool, earthy counterpoint that makes Fox Red feel more sophisticated. The combination is grounded in nature, like autumn leaves against lichen covered stone, and it keeps the palette from feeling too hot.
A stark, blue-toned white on trim or ceilings will make Fox Red look muddy and out of place. The temperature gap is too wide, and the red can look dirty by comparison.
Pairing Fox Red with a vivid, cool-toned red in furnishings or art makes Fox Red look flat and brownish. The bright red steals all the energy and Fox Red reads as a failed attempt at red.
A strong cool blue-gray in the next room creates a jarring transition. Walking from one space to the other feels disjointed rather than intentional.
Fox Red has a warm red undertone with a noticeable brown, earthy base. In strong daylight you may also detect a subtle orange cast. There is no pink or cool blue in this color, which keeps it firmly in the warm, terracotta family.
Fox Red is decidedly warm. Its red and brown undertones create a cocooning, earthy warmth. Even in north facing rooms where cooler light might temper other colors, Fox Red holds its warmth well.
Dimity (No. 2008) is the ideal trim and ceiling white. Oxford Stone (No. 264) works as a warm neutral on adjacent walls or in connecting spaces. Treron (No. 292) provides a muted sage green contrast that feels natural and balanced alongside Fox Red.
Estate Emulsion is the go-to for walls. Its chalky, matte finish emphasizes the muted, earthy quality of Fox Red and hides minor surface imperfections. For woodwork, use Estate Eggshell for a soft sheen or Full Gloss if you want to bring out more of the red warmth. For front doors, Exterior Eggshell or Full Gloss both work well.
Fox Red is Farrow & Ball No. 48. Its hex code is #AA725D and its LRV is 21.4, which places it in the medium range. It reflects enough light to avoid feeling cave-like in a well-lit room, but it is dark enough to bring real depth and atmosphere.
Yes, but expect the brown undertone to come forward more in the cooler light typical of north facing rooms. The color will read closer to warm sienna than bright terracotta. If you want to keep the red more visible, pair it with warm lighting and warm-toned furnishings.
