Quick answers
Burgundy and blue can definitely go well together if paired correctly. While they are very different colors, they are considered complementary colors on the color wheel, meaning they are directly opposite each other. This contrast of a warm, deep red like burgundy and a cool, light blue creates visual interest and vibrancy.
When combining burgundy and blue, it’s important to ensure there is enough contrast between the shades you choose. Darker, richer shades of burgundy tend to pair better with lighter tints of blue. Going for a strong contrast creates a striking, bold look. Choosing burgundy and blue shades that are too similar in depth of color can make the combination seem muddy.
It’s also best to use burgundy and blue together in balanced proportions. Use one as a dominant color and the other as an accent. Avoid pairing equally sized or 50/50 combinations of burgundy and blue as this tends to look disjointed.
Overall, with the right shades and balance, burgundy and blue can complement each other beautifully. The pairing works well in everything from fashion and interior design to graphic design and event decor.
The color wheel
To understand if two colors work well together, it helps to look at the color wheel. The color wheel displays colors in relation to each other and can guide which color combinations create harmony or contrast.
On the standard color wheel, burgundy is a shade of red, which sits opposite blue on the wheel. Red and blue are considered complementary colors. This means they are directly across from each other and create very high contrast when combined.
Complementary colors like red and blue are vibrant pairings. Being opposites on the wheel, they create a striking visual contrast that draws the eye. This dynamic is why complementary color combinations are go-to palette choices for everything from graphic design to paint colors.
While pure red and pure blue are complementary, burgundy and blue work similarly. Burgundy is a darker, richer shade of red, sometimes mixed with a little purple. It maintains that bold, lively contrast against shades of blue.
Choosing the right shades
Though burgundy and blue complement each other, the specific shades chosen still matter.
Burgundy has depth and richness as a reddish purple. It looks best with lighter tints of blue rather than dark or bright blues. Royal blue, azure, powder blue and baby blue all make good pairings. Dark navy blue can sometimes be too bold against burgundy, while bright blues like turquoise may clash.
The depth of the burgundy matters too. Deeper, richer burgundies provide enough contrast against lighter blues. But pale burgundy shades can look washed out or dull against anything too light and bright.
For the most pleasing combination, go for a deep wine, oxblood or maroon-toned burgundy with a soft sky blue, pale azure or pastel blue. This creates vivid contrast without being overly bold or loud.
| Burgundy Shade | Good Blue Pairings | Not Recommended Blue Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Deep oxblood burgundy | Baby blue, sky blue, powder blue | Royal blue, turquoise |
| Rich maroon burgundy | Pale azure, robin’s egg blue | Navy blue, cobalt blue |
| Dark wine burgundy | Periwinkle, ice blue | Bright primary blue |
Proportions and balance
The way burgundy and blue are balanced also affects how well they work together. Equal proportions of the two colors tend to look disjointed. The colors compete for attention rather than complementing each other.
It’s best to choose one color as dominant and use the other sparingly as an accent. For example, a rich burgundy sweater with a blue scarf creates a nice visual dynamic. The pops of blue draw the eye while the burgundy remains the main color.
Using one color in larger quantities like clothing and the other in smaller accents like buttons or piping is an easy way to balance them. Having burgundy walls with blue decor pieces is another great combo.
When pairing burgundy and blue, aim for about a 75/25 split. Keep one color clearly dominant and the contrast will be eye-catching but not jarring. Think deep burgundy table linens with pale blue napkins or a blue jacket over a maroon dress.
Outfit combinations
Burgundy and blue can pair beautifully in fashion and outfit combinations. Here are some ideas:
Burgundy pants or skirt with a blue top
A rich burgundy bottom with a light blue flowing blouse or structured button-up creates a go-to work outfit. It’s professional with a subtle color pop. For women, wearing a navy pencil skirt with a silky burgundy cami is also a great option.
Blue jeans with maroon sweater or shirt
This casual combination works well for both men and women. A cozy maroon sweater with dark wash jeans makes a relaxed winter outfit. In summer, lighter wash denim shorts or jeans with a short sleeved maroon button-up or polo keeps the combo wearable in warmer weather.
Burgundy dress with blue jacket or cardigan
Whether it’s a cocktail dress or sundress, adding a navy blazer, jean jacket or cardigan provides a nice blue accent. For women, a flowy chambray shirt over a burgundy tank dress also looks great.
Blue tie with burgundy shirt
On a man, wearing a burgundy button-up shirt with a navy and silver diagonal striped tie polishes up any suit. For black tie events, a dark maroon velvet blazer with a blue silk necktie makes a striking pairing.
Burgundy t-shirt with blue jeans
This ultra casual look works well for running errands or going to a ballgame. Pairing a heathered wine-colored tee with straight leg medium wash denim jeans creates an effortless weekend outfit for any guy.
Home decor combinations
Beyond fashion, burgundy and blue combine beautifully throughout home decor. Here are some stylish ways to use them together:
Burgundy walls with blue decor
Painting an accent wall or entire room in a rich cabernet or crimson burgundy makes a bold statement. Add in decor like royal blue throw pillows, a teal quilt, or a dark indigo area rug for complementary pops of color. Navy blue curtains also make the burgundy walls really stand out.
Blue couch with burgundy pillows and throws
For a living room, go for a large piece like a sofa or sectional in navy or slate blue. Layer on accent pillows and blankets in burgundy tones. This keeps the blue as the anchor while the burgundy accents tie in warmth.
Burgundy kitchen cabinets with blue island or backsplash
Using deep red-brown cabinets creates drama in the kitchen. Contrast with lighter blue on the kitchen island base or backsplash tiles. Stick to pale sky blue hues to avoid looking too patriotic.
Blue bedroom walls with burgundy bedding
Sleep soundly in a blue calm bedroom covered in cozy burgundy bedding. Try periwinkle or cloud blue walls over a cherry-stained bed frame and maroon euro shams for a peaceful vibe. Add in burgundy curtains for extra drama.
Graphic design palettes
Burgundy and blue color combinations translate seamlessly to graphic design as well:
Burgundy logo or headings with blue copy
Using a deep burgundy for all typographic logo designs and headers overtop cool blue page copy makes for high contrast. This bold dynamic captures attention while being easy to read.
Blue backgrounds with burgundy buttons or bullets
On websites, app screens or brochure designs, light blue backgrounds work nicely with burgundy buttons, icons or bullet points. This makes the clickable or highlighted elements really stand out.
Burgundy borders or frames with blue images
Framing photos, illustrations or graphics in maroon borders over sky blue backgrounds helps each element stand out distinctly. The burgundy frames them cleanly while the blue backgrounds offset them.
Blue headlines and captions over burgundy backgrounds
Flipping the contrast also works well. Light blue titles, callouts or captions pop when layered over rich burgundy backgrounds. This color combo infuses warmth and energy into any page or poster layout.
Event decor combinations
Burgundy and blue pair beautifully for weddings, parties, and any special event decor. Some gorgeous ways to incorporate them include:
Blue table runners with burgundy napkins
Lengths of azure blue cloth running down tables instantly dress them up. Pair them with folded maroon linen napkins for a rich complementary color pairing.
Burgundy tablecloths with blue centerpieces
Opt for deep red tablecloths to create an elegant base for icy blue floral centerpieces or cylinder vases. Candles in alternating colors also adds nice contrast.
Blue uplighting with burgundy linens
Use pale blue uplighting to create an ethereal ambiance. Combine it with table linens in oxblood burgundy for a luxe, vibrant look. Extend the colors to chair sashes.
Burgundy bridesmaid dresses with blue flowers
Set your bridal party apart in beautiful wine-hued midi or maxi dresses. Have them carry bouquets of hydrangeas or orchids in various light blue shades for a stunning complementary pairing.
Conclusion
Though very different colors, burgundy and blue can make for beautiful pairings with the right shades and balance. Choosing a deeper burgundy and lighter blue creates visual contrast and interest. Using one color dominantly with the other as accent prevents them from competing. With good proportions, burgundy and blue enhance each other beautifully in any design from fashion to decor and graphic designs. Their complementary nature on the color wheel means they will always make for an eye-catching combination.
