Burgundy is a dark red wine color that takes its name from the Burgundy wine region in France. However, there is often confusion over whether burgundy should be classified as a shade of red or as a shade of maroon. This article will examine the technical definitions of red and maroon colors, look at how burgundy fits into color modeling systems like RYB and RGB, and explore how burgundy is described and marketed by the fashion and design industries. Quick answer: Burgundy contains more blue than maroon and is considered a shade of red rather than maroon by color experts. However, in common usage burgundy is sometimes referred to as a maroon shade.
Defining red and maroon
In basic color theory, red, yellow and blue are the three primary colors. Mixing two primary colors creates the secondary colors of orange, green and purple. Maroon is made by mixing red and purple pigments. Maroon sits between red and purple on the color wheel.
True maroon contains a large amount of purple or blue tones. It has less yellow and orange undertones than red. Maroon is much darker than basic red.
The HEX code for maroon is #800000. The RGB values are 128,0,0. The CMYK values are 0, 100, 100, 50.
True red is made with only the red pigment. It contains no hints of purple or blue. The HEX code for red is #FF0000. The RGB values are 255,0,0. The CMYK values are 0, 100, 100, 0.
So in technical terms, maroon has more blue tones than red. Burgundy contains a small amount of blue, putting it closer to red than maroon on the color spectrum.
Burgundy in color models
The most common color models that represent burgundy are:
RYB
In the traditional RYB color model, primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Burgundy is made by mixing red and blue. The RYB model was used historically by artists. Modern color theory uses the RGB model.
RGB
In the RGB color model used for computer screens and TVs, the primary colors are red, green and blue. The RGB values for burgundy are:
R: 128-140
G: 0
B: 32-50
This means burgundy contains a small amount of blue, but not as much as true maroon (RGB 128,0,0).
CMYK
In the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model used for printing, the values for burgundy are:
C: 30%
M: 100%
Y: 60%
K: 25%
Again, burgundy has less blue/magenta than true maroon (CMYK 0, 100, 100, 50).
Pantone
In the Pantone Matching System for commercial printing, burgundy has its own unique number: PMS 187. The closest Pantone Maroon is 201.
So in color models like RYB, RGB and CMYK, burgundy consistently has more red and less blue than maroon. This suggests it should be classified as a shade of red rather than maroon.
Burgundy vs maroon in fashion and design
In the fashion and interior design industries, burgundy and maroon are sometimes used interchangeably. But there are also subtle differences.
Clothing
In clothing, burgundy tends to have a brighter, more vibrant look. Maroon clothes appear darker and slightly more formal:
| Burgundy clothing | Maroon clothing |
| – Brighter, more vibrant red | – Darker, more formal red |
| – Associated with autumn | – Associated with winter |
| – Used in casual wear | – Used in formalwear |
Home decor
In home decor, burgundy is seen as a traditional, classic color. Maroon is used to create a masculine, elegant look:
| Burgundy decor | Maroon decor |
| – Traditional, classic color | – Masculine, elegant color |
| – Used in formal living spaces | – Used in libraries, studies |
| – Works well with gold accents | – Works well with leather furniture |
So while the two colors are sometimes interchangeable in fashion and design, burgundy is usually seen as brighter and more versatile.
How burgundy is described
There are a few key ways that burgundy is commonly described that emphasize its red characteristics:
– A dark shade of red
– Deep red
– Rich red
– Wine red
While burgundy can sometimes take on a slight purple/maroon tint depending on lighting and fabric, it is predominately described as a deep, rich red rather than strictly a maroon.
How burgundy is marketed
Looking at how burgundy is marketed also suggests it is viewed as red rather than maroon:
– Burgundy hair color – marketed as an alternative to red hair dye
– Burgundy nail polish – described as the perfect deep red polish
– Burgundy shoes – marketed as a stylish oxblood or wine red color
– Burgundy cars – showcased as luxury deep red vehicles
If burgundy was considered a true maroon, it would more often be described as a purple or eggplant shade rather than a red shade. But in most marketing contexts, burgundy is positioned as a sophisticated, intense red.
Conclusion
Based on an analysis of color theory, color models, industry usage and common descriptions, burgundy is predominately considered a dark shade of red rather than a true maroon color. While it sometimes overlaps with maroon, burgundy contains less blue/purple and more red undertones. Burgundy sits between basic red and purple on the color wheel. So technically and stylistically, burgundy is classified as a deep, rich red.
References
[1] Kuehni, R. (2017). _Color: An Introduction to Practice and Principles_. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.
[2] Sloane, P. (1991). _The Visual Nature of Color_. New York: Design Press.
[3] Brill, T. (2016, October 17). _Demystifying Color: Red vs Burgundy vs Maroon_. Colormatters. Retrieved from https://www.colormatters.com
[4] Pantone Formula Guide, accessed February 2021. https://www.pantone.com/
[5] Estes, A. (2018). _This is the Difference Between Burgundy and Maroon_. MYDOMaine. Retrieved from https://www.mydomaine.com/
[6] Gibson, C. (2020). _Burgundy vs. Maroon: What’s the Difference?_. BlissandChip. Retrieved from https://blissandchip.com/
