Want to know more about the burgundy color? In today’s article, we will discuss the meaning of burgundy, its symbolism, shades, and color codes. What’s more, you’ll find out what colors go with burgundy.
The burgundy color is reminiscent of the delicious dark red wine variety from a region of France and dark sweet cherries.
Moreover, it is a deep shade of red that represents intensity, sophistication, and individuality.
When paired with gray, charcoal, golden yellow, or turquoise, burgundy brings out its unique qualities.
In today’s article, you’ll learn everything about the color burgundy, from its meaning and symbolism to its shades and color codes.
Table of Contents
What Color is Burgundy?
Burgundy is a dark reddish-brown color inspired by Burgundy wine made in the French region, named after the Burgundians, an ancient Germanic tribe. The burgundy hex code is #800020.
Although it looks close to brown, burgundy is a very dark red with purple undertones due to mixing red with a bit of blue.
Maroon versus Burgundy Color
Burgundy is a dark purplish-red created by mixing red with a bit of blue. On the other hand, maroon is a dark brownish-red created by combining red and brown.
So burgundy has a purplish tinge, while maroon has a brownish tint.
However, both burgundy and maroon are dark shades of red. In addition, both are cool reds.
Burgundy
Hex code: #800020
RGB value: 128, 0, 32
CMYK code: 0, 100, 75, 50
Maroon
Hex code: #800000
RGB value: 128, 0, 0
CMYK code: 0, 100, 100, 50
In the CMYK space, maroon is made up of magenta, yellow, and black in a 2:2:1 ratio. Burgundy has the same composition but with less yellow.
Wine versus Burgundy
Wine and Burgundy are not the same color, although they look similar. Wine is a dark reddish-brown color, while burgundy is a dark purplish-red.
Both burgundy and wine are cool, dark reds. The difference between wine and burgundy is that wine is a mix of magenta, yellow, and black in equal proportions, while burgundy uses a 2:1.5:1 ratio.
In the RGB space, the brownish tint of wine is given by adding green, unlike burgundy, which is composed of red and a little blue.
Burgundy
Hex code: #800020
RGB value: 128, 0, 32
CMYK code: 0, 100, 75, 50
Wine
Hex code: #722F37
RGB value: 114, 47, 55
CMYK code: 0, 59, 52, 55
Burgundy Color Meaning
What does the color burgundy represent? It has some of the passion and power of the color red and the royalty of purple.
Burgundy means ambition, intensity, power, and wealth. It also symbolizes uniqueness and individuality. Burgundy is more formal, sophisticated, and elegant than the classic red.
It can also be associated with maturity and prosperity.
Like red, burgundy stimulates the metabolism, increasing appetite. In addition, burgundy is an exciting color that increases heart rate.[1]
Using it in the recreation or child’s room is not advisable as it also stimulates the nervous system.
In terms of strength and intensity, these qualities are derived from red, its primary hue. For this reason, it denotes action, force, and power. Sometimes it can even seem intimidating.
Moreover, it is a sumptuous color associated with sophistication and refinement. Furthermore, it is associated with expensive things.
Although a luxurious color, burgundy is introverted. It’s isolated and reserved.
Because it is a rare color, burgundy distinguishes itself from other hues by its uniqueness. Look at dark sweet cherries if you want to see the color burgundy in nature.
On the other hand, the color burgundy is perceived as sober, malicious, aggressive, individualistic, and reserved.
Burgundy symbolizes: power, ambition, intensity, individuality.
Effects of burgundy: stimulates, intimidates, energizes, reassures.
Positive traits: sophisticated, remarkable, self-confident, intense.
Negative traits: unfriendly, reserved, somber, malicious.
Burgundy Symbolism in Different Cultures
Burgundy is the color of Burgundy wine, a deep red wine created in a region of eastern France that is popular for its vineyards. “Burgundy” comes from the French “Bourgogne” – the region’s name.
In Europe, Burgundy is associated with intensity and individuality.
In Western cultures, this color symbolizes wealth and luxury. This association comes from the mix of red – the color of intensity and action, with purple – the color of royalty.
Moreover, advertising experts use this color for expensive things.
In Western Europe (especially France), burgundy is often called “Bordeaux.” In short, there are two varieties of red wine that come from regions of the same name in France.
However, bordeaux is a color that leans more towards red than burgundy, which has a purple tinge.
In Christianity, burgundy is the color of red wine, which symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ.
In the United States, the color burgundy was a fashion icon three decades ago, thanks to the lipstick promoted at the time.
In Hinduism, the color burgundy is associated with power, wealth, and sensuality. Furthermore, this color is associated with prana, the life force, due to the fact that it resembles the color of blood.
In Chinese culture, this color represents luck, happiness, and prosperity.
How to Mix Burgundy Color
To make burgundy paint, mix red with blue in a 4:1 ratio, then add a splash of yellow until you reach the brownish tint.
If you want to make wine color, mix cadmium red, pthalo blue, and burnt umber, then add a little cadmium yellow light. Finally, to lighten the shade, add white paint.
Burgundy Color Codes
In RGB space, burgundy is made up of 50.2% red and 12.% blue, while green is missing from the composition. Its RGB decimal code is 128, 0, 32. The combination of red and purple in equal proportions makes purple, but here it is a red-blue ratio of 4:1.
Regarding the CMYK color space for printing, burgundy consists of 100% magenta, 75% cyan, and 50% black. So the red shade is darkened by a consistent addition of black, while the cyan added to the mix gives it the tinge of purple.
In the HSL color space, burgundy has a hue angle of 345 degrees, a maximum saturation (100%), and a brightness of only 25.1%.
Compared to the HSL space, in the HSV space, burgundy has a value of 50.2% with the same hue angle of 345 degrees. This hue angle corresponds to the range assigned to magenta, which is between 301 and 360 degrees.
| Code | Value | HTML/CSS |
|---|---|---|
| Hex | 800020 | #800020 |
| RGB | 128, 0, 32 | rgb(128,0,32) |
| CMYK | 0, 100, 75, 50 | |
| HSL | 345°, 100%, 25% | hsl(345, 100%, 25%) |
| HSV | 345°, 100%, 50% | |
| XYZ | 9.164, 4.695, 1.79 |
Shades of Burgundy
Even though burgundy itself is a very dark shade of red, there are a few pretty similar colors.
The most popular shades of burgundy are classic, vivid, ancient, and old burgundy. Burgundy’s similar colors include maroon, wine, and Bordeaux.
Vivid Burgundy
Hex: #9F1D35
Burgundy
Hex: #800020
Maroon
Hex: 800000
Bordeaux
Hex: #7F1734
Wine
Hex: #722F37
Classic Burgundy (Benjamin Moore)
Hex: #6A191B
Fine Burgundy
Hex: #815158
Burgundy by Sherwin Williams (6300)
Hex: #63333E
Ancient Burgundy
#481E28
Old Burgundy
Hex: #43302E
Colors That Go with Burgundy
Burgundy goes well with light gray, charcoal, forest green, turquoise, golden yellow, and umber.
The complementary color to burgundy is tropical rainforest, a beautiful blue-green color. Its hex code is #008060. This color is similar to Benjamin Moore’s reef green.
Tropical Rainforest
Hex: #008060
RGB: 0, 128, 96
CMYK: 100, 0, 25, 49.8
Let’s see some colors that go with burgundy.
Burgundy Goes Well with Forest Green and Pistachio
For a visually appealing contrast, you can pair burgundy with cooler shades of green such as forest green and pistachio.
The coolness of burgundy can enhance the overall harmony in the color palette, creating a balanced and sophisticated combination.
Burgundy, Silver, and China Rose
This burgundy color palette includes silver (#CECCCC), and China rose (#9D6381) colors.
The deep and rich tone of burgundy creates a bold and dramatic effect. At the same time, the cool and metallic silver adds a touch of elegance. Finally, the warm and subtle rosy hue balances out the palette.
Burgundy, Tropical Green, and Khaki
Tropical rainforest green is one of the best colors that go with burgundy in a complementary color scheme.
Forest green adds a vibrant and refreshing pop of color with its cool, blue-green tone.
On the other side, khaki is warm and earthy, providing a balanced contrast to the two colors.
Dark Burgundy, Taupe Gray, and Tiffany Blue
This burgundy color brings a deeper tone, while taupe gray adds a neutral and sophisticated touch.
In addition, Tiffany blue adds a pop of color that complements both colors.
Burgundy, Thulian Pink, and Celadon
Despite their stark contrast, thulian pink and celadon work well with burgundy.
Thulian pink adds a vibrant and feminine touch with its medium pink tint. At the same time, celadon introduces a soothing and refreshing greenish-blue tone.
Burgundy, Gray, and Silver
Here, gray adds neutrality, while silver brings a modern and luxurious feeling. Thus, this combo results in a modern and sophisticated color palette.
Burgundy, Turquoise, and Tiffany Blue
The cool burgundy creates a captivating contrast when combined with the vibrant turquoise and soothing Tiffany blue. These calming blues add a refreshing and cool touch to the overall color palette.
So burgundy is a versatile color that works well with neutrals and metallics like gray and silver, as well as soothing colors like turquoise and Tiffany blue.
Furthermore, it looks excellent with forest green and pistachio.
F.A.Q.
Is Burgundy purple?
No, burgundy is a dark red with purple undertones. So it is a dark red-purplish color.
Is burgundy a shade of red?
Yes, burgundy is a shade of red. It is often described as a deep, dark red color with purple undertones. The name “burgundy” originates from the deep red wines produced in the Burgundy region of France, which inspired the color.
Burgundy vs. Maroon vs. Wine
Burgundy, maroon, and wine are dark shades of red. While burgundy is a deep red with purple undertones, maroon is a dark red with a brownish tinge. Wine, on the other hand, is a dark, muted red with strong purple undertones.
What colors compliment burgundy?
There are several colors that compliment burgundy, including light gray, silver, charcoal gray, forest green, turquoise, and golden yellow.
Last Words on Burgundy Color
From its origins in the deep red wines of Burgundy, France, this stunning color has evolved into a symbol of sophistication, elegance, and refinement.
The burgundy color conveys a sense of luxury and depth wherever used in branding, interior design, or fashion.
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