Matching colors can be a tricky task for many people. With so many hues and shades to choose from, it’s not always easy to tell if two colors will work well together. Two colors that often cause confusion are burgundy and burnt orange. So does burgundy actually match burnt orange?
The Basics of Color Theory
Before diving into whether burgundy and burnt orange pair well, it’s helpful to understand some color theory basics. The main principles of color theory include:
- Complementary colors – Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like red and green or blue and orange.
- Analogous colors – Colors next to each other on the color wheel, like blue, blue-green, and green.
- Triadic colors – Colors evenly spaced around the color wheel, like red, yellow, and blue.
- Monochromatic colors – Different shades, tints, and tones of one color, like light blue, navy, and baby blue.
In general, colors near each other on the color wheel tend to match well, while colors opposite each other provide more contrast. However, there are no hard and fast rules, as each individual shade can alter a color’s appearance significantly.
The Undertones of Burgundy and Burnt Orange
To understand if burgundy and burnt orange pair well, looking at their undertones is key. Undertone refers to the subtle hints of color that exist beneath the surface of the main color.
Burgundy has a cool, bluish undertone that gives it a rich, wine-like appearance. Meanwhile, burnt orange has both warm yellow and red undertones. These opposing undertones can make matching these shades tricky.
The Effect of Color Temperature
In addition to undertone, color temperature also impacts how colors coordinate. Color temperature refers to how warm or cool a color appears.
Burgundy has a cool color temperature, as its blue undertones give it a chilled, elegant feel. On the flip side, burnt orange has a fiery, warm color temperature reminiscent of autumn leaves or a sunset.
In most cases, colors with vastly different temperatures do not pair as seamlessly as colors with similar temperatures. But there are always exceptions with creative pairings.
Considering Contrast Levels
The contrast between colors heavily influences how coordinated a color scheme looks. Contrast refers to the difference in lightness between two colors. High contrast creates a bold, eye-catching combination. Low contrast has a more subtle, refined appearance.
Burgundy and burnt orange have very similar depth and saturation. They also have a lower contrast between their respective lightness levels. This can make them prone to clashing instead of complementing each other.
The Impact of Context and Personal Preference
While color theory provides helpful guidelines, the context for color pairings also matters. A combination suitable for a formal event may not translate to a children’s room. Personal preferences are important too. Some people love bold color schemes, while others prefer muted, analogous palettes.
For burgundy and burnt orange specifically, the context can determine if they enhance or overpower each other. Small pops of burnt orange may stand out beautifully against a burgundy backdrop. But a whole room decked out in both shades could feel overwhelming.
Tips for Combining Burgundy and Burnt Orange
If you want to sport burgundy and burnt orange together, here are some tips:
- Use one as an accent – Keep one color dominant and use the other sparingly for pops of contrast.
- Separate with neutrals – Break up the colors with creams, whites, or grays to ease the transition.
- Match tones – Opt for an orangey burgundy and burgundy-tinted orange for cohesion.
- Add texture – Use different textures like velvet and linen to define the colors.
- Highlight with metallics – Brushed gold, rose gold, and copper can bridge the colors.
Example Pairings with Burgundy and Burnt Orange
Some examples of burgundy and burnt orange working harmoniously include:
- A burnt orange throw blanket on a burgundy leather sofa.
- A burgundy velvet sofa with burnt orange throw pillows.
- A marble table with a burgundy table runner and burnt orange napkins/place settings.
- Burnt orange curtains paired with a burgundy area rug.
- A floral centerpiece with burgundy roses and orange lilies.
In these pairings, one color takes dominance over the other. The accent color provides a nice pop without becoming overwhelming. Neutrals like gray marble or cream also help separate the two shades.
Conclusion
So does burgundy match burnt orange? When paired intentionally, these shades can complement each other beautifully. But haphazardly combining large amounts of both colors often ends up clashing. By following color theory principles and using one shade as an accent, burnt orange and burgundy can liven up any room or outfit with their bold, sophisticated flair.
