In color theory, pairing red with balanced colors involves selecting hues that complement or contrast with red to create a harmonious and visually appealing composition. Balanced colors often include complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel), analogous colors (adjacent on the color wheel), or monochromatic shades (various tints, tones, and shades of the same color). This approach helps to avoid a sense of dominance and can lead to a more aesthetically pleasing and balanced design.