Matching colors can be tricky, especially when it comes to more unique color combinations like burgundy and sage green. As an interior designer, I’m often asked if these two colors work well together in home decor and fashion. Here’s a quick overview of whether burgundy and sage green are generally considered to match, some tips for styling them together successfully, and examples of burgundy and sage green color schemes.
The Short Answer
In short, yes, burgundy and sage green can look beautiful when paired correctly. These two colors are richly complex, highly pigmented, and sit near opposite sides of the color wheel. This type of complementary color scheme creates a bold, dramatic effect. However, the colors also share an earthy quality that helps tie them together. With the right balance, burgundy and sage green offer a sophisticated, elegant color combination.
Color Theory Principles
According to basic color theory, colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel tend to complement each other when paired. This is because they share little in common visually, which creates maximum contrast and pop. Burgundy sits on the warm, red-purple side of the color wheel, while sage green has a cool, blue-green undertone. Technically, burgundy is a reddish shade of purple, while sage green is a bluish-grayish shade of green. These differences allow them to stand out from each other.
At the same time, burgundy and sage green have a few similarities that allow them to blend well. Both are derived from nature – burgundy from red wine, and sage green from sage leaves. They are rich, low-saturation colors that convey a sense of depth. When combined thoughtfully, the result is a bold yet soothing color palette.
Tips for Styling Burgundy and Sage Green
Here are some top tips for combining burgundy and sage green stylishly:
- Use one color as the dominant shade and the other as the accent. For example, sage green walls with burgundy decor accents.
- Layer different textures like velvet, linen, and wool in the two colors.
- Add a neutral base like cream or tan to balance the bold shades.
- Incorporate metallics like bronze, pewter, gold for a bit of shine.
- Repeat the color pairing through patterns and prints.
- Use sage green lighting and burgundy rugs to tie a space together.
- Echo the colors with flowers and plants, like green ferns and burgundy peonies.
Home Decor Color Schemes
In home decor, burgundy and sage green work beautifully together in a variety of combinations:
| Color Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| Sage green walls, burgundy furniture | A bold yet elegant living room combo |
| Burgundy sofa, sage green throw pillows | A rich, inviting seating area |
| Sage green kitchen, burgundy bar stools | A earthy, welcoming kitchen |
| Burgundy rug, sage green curtains | A stylish, eclectic bedroom |
Other popular options include using sage green as the main wall color in a room and incorporating burgundy through art, throws, candles and other accents. Or, making burgundy the dominant shade on upholstered furniture and bringing in sage green with vases, table lamps and other decorative pieces. Use a neutral tan or cream on key pieces like sofas, armchairs and ottomans to prevent the colors from competing too much.
Fashion Color Palettes
Burgundy and sage green offer many chic possibilities in fashion as well:
- A burgundy dress with sage green heels or handbag
- A sage green blouse with a burgundy pencil skirt
- Burgundy jeans with a sage green sweater
- A burgundy jacket with a sage green scarf
This color pairing works nicely for fall and winter, when richer jewel tones are common. Try wearing one as a bold pop of color with more neutral blacks, browns or whites. Or go for head-to-toe burgundy and sage green by mixing pieces in both shades. Add metallics like gold jewelry or sequins to make the earthy colors shine.
Makeup Looks
For makeup, combine a burgundy lip with sage green eyeshadow for a bold but wearable beauty look. Or, sweep burgundy shadow across the lids with a sage green liner on top. Sage green nail polish will pop against fingers adorned with burgundy cocktail rings.
Botanical Color Scheme
In nature, burgundy and sage green appear together in many forms. Think of:
- Burgundy roses mixed with sage green ferns
- Deep burgundy peonies and pale sage hydrangeas
- Sage green foliage and burgundy berries
Bring these botanical inspirations indoors by displaying fresh flower arrangements, potted plants and wreaths in the two colors. Or echo the palette with upholstery prints, area rugs, tableware and other decor featuring leaves, vines, blooms or berries in shades of burgundy and sage.
Tone and Shade Variations
Keep in mind there are countless variations of burgundy ranging from red wine to marsala to oxblood. Lighter burgundy shades have more red in them, while darker shades appear almost brown or purple. Sage green also ranges from a soft silvery green to a vivid emerald depending on how much gray or yellow is present.
Some pairings, like a pale burgundy with muted sage, will be more subtle. Other combinations, like a deep oxblood burgundy and bright sage green, make a bolder statement. Consider the look and mood you want to achieve. In some cases, choosing two different tones of the same color can create a sophisticated ombre effect.
Complementary Color Palettes
Burgundy and sage green pair beautifully together because they sit opposite each other on the color wheel. But they also combine well with other complementary color schemes:
- Burgundy and mint: The cool green mint livens up the deep burgundy in fun, vibrant combos.
- Sage green and navy: Earthy sage grounds the rich blue navy in natural appeal.
- Burgundy and mustard: Mustard pulls out the warm undertones of burgundy for fall flair.
- Sage green and peach: Soft peach lightens up sage green for springtime style.
Experiment by bringing in different color accents and seeing what you like best. The important thing is maintaining balance between warm and cool tones.
Conclusion
Though very different colors, burgundy and sage green can make for beautiful, complementary combinations with the right styling. Their shared earthy qualities help tie them together, while their differences on the color wheel create dramatic contrast. Use one color as the dominant shade and the other as accents for best results. With creativity and style, burgundy and sage green can be blended into elegantly eclectic palettes that are ideal for fall and winter interiors, clothing, makeup, and more.
