Why the Upper House of Parliament Is Traditionally Red

The upper chamber in many Westminster-style parliaments is called the "Red Chamber" or "Red House" due to the red upholstery of its seats and furnishings.

Origin: The British House of Lords

The tradition began in the UK Parliament's House of Lords, where benches, carpets, and draperies have been red for centuries. Red symbolized:

• Royalty and sovereign authority
• The hereditary principle (bloodline)
• Distinction from the green of the elected House of Commons

Global Adoption

Former British colonies and influenced nations adopted the color code:

• Canada: Senate (Red Chamber)
• Australia: Senate (red)
• India: Rajya Sabha (red carpet)
• New Zealand: Former Legislative Council (red)
• Many Caribbean and Commonwealth parliaments

Symbolic Contrast

Red (Upper) = Review, tradition, appointed/hereditary, sovereignty
Green (Lower) = Popular will, elected, democratic action

While some nations have abandoned the color scheme, it remains a powerful visual shorthand for bicameral tradition.