Maroon and burgundy are two similar shades of deep red that people often confuse with one another. While they may look identical at first glance, there are some subtle differences between the two colors. Let’s take a closer look at what sets maroon and burgundy apart.
Definitions
Maroon is created by adding brown to red. It’s a rich, deep red color that has a slight brownish tint to it. The first recorded use of “maroon” as a color name in English was in 1789.
Burgundy is also a dark red color, but it has more of a purplish-red tint than maroon. The name comes from the color of Burgundy wine from the Burgundy region of France, which has a reddish-purple hue. “Burgundy” first came into use as a color name in English in 1881.
So in summary:
– Maroon = reddish-brown
– Burgundy = purplish-red
Origins
As mentioned above, burgundy got its name from the red wine produced in the Burgundy region of France. The grapes used to produce the wine gave it a reddish-purple color that inspired the name of the color burgundy.
Maroon originally referred to the color of chestnuts. Its name comes from the French word “marron” meaning chestnut. Over time, the name maroon transferred from the reddish-brown color of chestnuts to other uses.
So burgundy takes its name from wine, while maroon is named after nuts!
Uses
Burgundy and maroon both work well as rich, formal colors. Here are some of the main uses for each shade:
Maroon:
– School colors – Many universities use maroon as an official school color, including the University of Chicago, University of Minnesota, and Harvard University. Maroon exudes a sense of tradition.
– Sports teams – The Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Washington Wizards all use maroon as an official team color. Maroon is bold and dynamic on a uniform.
– Fall fashions – Maroon is a popular color for clothing in autumn since it complements the warm tones of the season.
Burgundy:
– Wine industry – Burgundy is commonly associated with red wine and grapes from the Burgundy region. Wine bottle labels and logos often incorporate burgundy.
– Luxury brands – Burgundy is seen as an elegant, upscale color and is used by brands like Jaguar, Rolex, and Louis Vuitton.
– Weddings – Burgundy is a popular color for wedding decor because of its richness. Bridesmaid dresses are often burgundy.
So while both colors work well in formal settings, maroon leans traditional and burgundy leans luxurious.
Comparing Maroon and Burgundy
Here’s a handy table summarizing the main differences between maroon and burgundy:
| Category | Maroon | Burgundy |
|---|---|---|
| Hue | Reddish-brown | Purplish-red |
| Origin of name | Chestnuts | Burgundy wine |
| Common uses | School colors, sports teams, fall fashions | Wine industry, luxury brands, weddings |
| Vibe | Traditional | Luxurious |
As you can see, while maroon and burgundy are similar, maroon leans brown while burgundy leans purple. They have different origins and are used in different contexts, with maroon feeling traditional and burgundy feeling luxurious.
How to Tell Maroon and Burgundy Apart
Because maroon and burgundy are so similar, it can be tricky to tell them apart at first glance. Here are some tips:
– Compare to a red. Maroon has more brown undertones, while burgundy has more purple.
– View in natural light. The color differences are easier to spot in daylight. Artificial light can distort colors.
– Study the use. Maroon is popular for academia and sports, while you’ll see burgundy in higher-end settings.
– Look at shades. Maroon comes in darker and lighter shades. Burgundy is usually only a dark, rich shade.
– Pay attention to names. If something is labeled “maroon,” it’s likely that reddish-brown color rather than the purplish burgundy.
With practice, your eye will start to catch the subtle differences between the two shades. When in doubt, the context and label can provide clues about whether you’re looking at maroon or burgundy.
Converting Between Maroon and Burgundy
What happens if you need to convert a color in design software from maroon to burgundy or vice versa? Here are some quick conversions:
– RGB values:
– Maroon RGB = 128, 0, 0
– Burgundy RGB = 139, 0, 0
– Hex codes:
– Maroon Hex = #800000
– Burgundy Hex = #8B0000
– CMYK values:
– Maroon CMYK = 0, 100, 100, 50
– Burgundy CMYK = 0, 100, 100, 45
As you can see, the red and blue values are slightly different, but the main differences are in the darkened brown tone of maroon and the purple tone created by more magenta in burgundy. Adjust the shade and undertone accordingly to convert between the colors.
How to Use Maroon and Burgundy Together
Because maroon and burgundy complement each other well, you can use them together to create rich, sophisticated color combinations. Here are some tips:
– Use maroon as an accent color with a burgundy base. For example, burgundy walls with maroon decor accents.
– Pair them with neutrals like black, gray, white, or tan. The neutral backgrounds allow the color shades to pop.
– Use maroon for text on a burgundy background, or vice versa, for an elegant look.
– Incorporate both shades in a pattern, like maroon and burgundy stripes.
– Use maroon for larger design elements and burgundy for detailing, or vice versa.
– Add metallics like gold or silver to glam up maroon and burgundy decor combinations.
With their complementary hues, maroon and burgundy make ideal color companions. Don’t be afraid to use them together to amp up the drama.
Conclusion
Maroon and burgundy are two deep, luxurious reds that are easily confused, but have distinct differences. Maroon runs darker and more brownish-red, while burgundy has a purplish tint. Though subtle, the hue variations give the colors unique identities and aesthetics. Maroon skews traditional, while burgundy has an elegant edge.
So next time you come across a reddish wine shade, check the precise hue, context, and labeling to determine whether it’s maroon or burgundy. Pay attention to the undertones and lighting to identify those subtle clues. With practice, distinguishing maroon from burgundy becomes much easier. So embrace the dramatic beauty of both colors in your wardrobe, designs, or decor.