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Burgundy Color: Everything to Know About the Color Burgundy

  • Writer: The Finest Writer
    The Finest Writer
  • Apr 12
  • 6 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Text "The Color Burgundy" on a burgundy background with subtle leaf patterns. Mood is elegant and rich.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the rich and elegant color burgundy! In this article, we will take you on a journey through the sophisticated world of burgundy, exploring its origins, meaning, symbolism, and diverse applications.


Known for its deep, wine-like hue, burgundy holds a timeless allure that has captivated the hearts of artists, designers, and enthusiasts alike. Join us as we delve into the depths of burgundy, unraveling its secrets and uncovering its significance in various aspects of our lives.


Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next creative project or simply curious about this refined hue, this article is your ultimate resource to unlock everything there is to know about the color burgundy.



What Color is Burgundy?

Red embossed card with geometric patterns and floral designs, featuring a central gold-ringed circle on a textured red background.

Burgundy is a deep, dark red color that sits in the spectrum between red and brown. It is often described as a rich, wine-like hue, with a subtle hint of purple or brown that gives it a sophisticated and luxurious appearance. Burgundy is known for its warm and inviting tones, reminiscent of the color of red wine or the autumn foliage. It combines the passionate qualities of red with the grounded nature of brown, creating a unique and elegant shade that stands out in various contexts.


How to Make Burgundy?

Abstract red design with swirling waves, leaves, and circles. A bold radial chart is central, set against a patterned background.

To create the color burgundy, you can use different color models such as RGB, CMYK, and HEX.


Here are the values and codes for burgundy in various formats:


Burgundy RGB Values

  • Red: 128

  • Green: 0

  • Blue: 32


Burgundy HEX Color Code

The HEX code for burgundy is #800020.


Burgundy CMYK Code

  • Cyan: 0%

  • Magenta: 100%

  • Yellow: 75%

  • Black: 50%


Burgundy Web Safe Color

In the web-safe color palette, the closest approximation for burgundy is #993333.


Paint Mixing to Create Burgundy

If you're looking to create burgundy with physical paint, you can start with a base of red and add small amounts of blue and brown until you achieve the desired burgundy shade. Experimenting with different proportions will help you achieve the precise hue you're looking for.


Burgundy Light and Perception

Burgundy is a result of the way our eyes perceive specific wavelengths of light. It falls between red and brown on the visible spectrum and can vary in its exact appearance depending on lighting conditions and surrounding colors.


Burgundy is a versatile and sophisticated color that can be used in various design, fashion, and artistic applications. Whether you're designing a website, painting a room, or creating artwork, these color values and codes will help you incorporate the rich essence of burgundy into your projects.


What Colors Match Burgundy?

Red geometric collage with a central circular chart, leaves, flowers, and squares on a textured maroon background. No text visible.

Burgundy is a versatile color that can be paired with several complementary and harmonious colors to create visually appealing combinations. Here are some color schemes that work well with burgundy:


Burgundy and White


The combination of burgundy and white creates a clean and elegant look. White provides a bright backdrop that allows burgundy to stand out, adding a sense of balance and brightness to the overall palette.


Burgundy and Gold


Burgundy paired with gold evokes a sense of luxury and opulence. The warm tones of gold complement the richness of burgundy, resulting in a regal and sophisticated color scheme.


Burgundy and Navy Blue


The combination of burgundy and navy blue creates a deep and harmonious color scheme. The cool tones of navy blue enhance the warmth of burgundy, resulting in a balanced and elegant palette.


Burgundy and Gray


Burgundy and gray form a modern and understated duo. The neutral tones of gray complement the boldness of burgundy, creating a sophisticated and harmonious color scheme.


Burgundy and Pink


The combination of burgundy and pink creates a romantic and warm color scheme. The softness of pink balances the intensity of burgundy, resulting in a visually appealing and inviting palette.


These are just a few examples of colors that work well with burgundy. Don't be afraid to experiment and explore different combinations to find the perfect match for your project or personal style.


What is Burgundy’s Complementary Color?

Ornate circular stained glass panel with golden floral patterns, red and green segments on a dark background, conveying an antique elegance.

The complementary color of burgundy is a shade of teal or green-blue. In the traditional color wheel, burgundy, which is a combination of red and brown, sits opposite to the green-blue spectrum. Shades of teal or green-blue, being cool and refreshing, are considered its complementary colors. When burgundy and teal are placed together, they create a strong visual contrast that can be visually striking and harmonious.


What Colors are Similar to Burgundy?

Intricate red floral and geometric pattern on a deep red background. Elements include swirls, petals, circular shapes, and curved lines.

Colors that are similar to burgundy can be found within the red-brown spectrum. Here are some colors that share similarities with burgundy:


Maroon: Maroon is a deep, reddish-brown color that closely resembles burgundy. It shares the same richness and boldness, making it a great alternative to burgundy.


Wine Red: Wine red is another color similar to burgundy. It is a dark, rich shade of red, often associated with the color of red wine. While it is slightly more red than burgundy, it carries the same deep and luxurious qualities.


Crimson: Crimson is a deep red color that is similar to burgundy but with a more vibrant and intense tone. It carries the same passion and boldness as burgundy.


Dark Cherry: Dark cherry is a rich, reddish-brown color that is similar to burgundy but with a more brownish tone. It retains the same warmth and elegance as burgundy.


Oxblood:Oxblood is a dark, reddish-brown color that is similar to burgundy but with a more muted and earthy tone. It carries the same sophistication and depth as burgundy.


These colors are closely related to burgundy and can be used in combination or as alternatives to create a harmonious color palette.


What Does Burgundy Symbolize?

Woman in maroon suit gazes left, lion silhouette beside her. Couple embraces in red room with LVGH text, fireplace, and armchair.

Burgundy symbolizes a variety of meanings and conveys different emotions depending on the context. Here are some common symbolisms associated with burgundy:


Power and Strength: Burgundy is often associated with power, strength, and determination. Its deep and bold appearance conveys a sense of authority and confidence.


Sophistication and Elegance: Burgundy is also linked to sophistication and elegance. Its rich and luxurious tones evoke feelings of luxury and refinement, often associated with high-end fashion and design.


Passion and Love: Burgundy is seen as a color of passion, love, and desire. Its warm and inviting tones evoke feelings of intensity and deep emotional connection.


Warmth and Comfort: Burgundy is often associated with warmth and comfort. Its deep, earthy tones evoke feelings of coziness and security, making it a popular choice for autumnal designs and home decor.


Tradition and Heritage: Burgundy is a color that is often linked to tradition and heritage. It carries a sense of history and timelessness, often associated with vintage aesthetics and classic styles.


Creativity and Individuality: Burgundy is a unique color that stands out and captures attention. It is often associated with creativity, individuality, and self-expression.


It's important to note that color symbolism can vary across cultures and personal interpretations. The meanings associated with burgundy can be influenced by personal experiences, cultural beliefs, and the specific context in which it is used.


The History of Burgundy

Two women in medieval dresses, one holding a wine glass, stand against a floral-patterned background. Wine bottle and portrait nearby.

The history of burgundy as a color is rich and storied, with connections to wine, fashion, and art. Here are some key points in the history of burgundy:


The Origins of the Name: The color burgundy is named after the Burgundy wine produced in the Burgundy region of France. The deep, red color of the wine inspired the use of the name to describe this rich, dark red hue.


Burgundy in Medieval and Renaissance Fashion: During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, burgundy was a popular color in European fashion, particularly among the nobility and the wealthy. Its rich and luxurious appearance made it a symbol of power, wealth, and sophistication.


Burgundy in Art and Design: Burgundy has been a favored color in art and design for centuries, used to convey depth, richness, and emotional intensity. It was often used in portraits, religious paintings, and decorative arts to symbolize luxury, power, and refinement.


The 19th and 20th Centuries: In the 19th and 20th centuries, burgundy continued to be a popular color in fashion, interior design, and art. Its warm and inviting appearance made it a favorite for autumnal fashion, classic home decor, and vintage aesthetics.


Modern Usage: In the 20th century, burgundy became a recognized color within the art and design world. Its deep and vibrant appearance captured the attention of artists and designers, leading to its incorporation in various creative disciplines, including painting, fashion, and graphic design.


Today, burgundy continues to be a popular and versatile color used in various applications, from interior design and fashion to branding and digital media. Its rich and dynamic qualities have made it a favorite among artists, designers, and individuals seeking a color that exudes both elegance and warmth.



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