Maroon is a rich, deep red color that can make a bold statement in any design. However, picking the right colors to pair with maroon can be tricky. The wrong color combinations can clash or look garish, while the right ones can really make the maroon pop. So what colors actually go well with maroon? Here’s an in-depth look at the best color pairs.
Gold
Gold is a gorgeous complement to maroon. The pairing has an elegant, sophisticated look. Maroon brings depth, while gold adds warmth and brightness. Together they create a luxurious vibe. Gold enhances the richness of the maroon without dampening its impact. This color duo looks fantastic in formal settings like weddings or upscale restaurants. Try maroon walls with gold accents or maroon table linens with gold dishes.
Ivory
Another creamy, warm neutral that complements maroon beautifully is ivory. The soft ivory lightens up the bold maroon in a more understated way than bright white would. It also adds a subtle vintage touch to maroon. Ivory with maroon can create a romantic, timeless look for wedding decor, bridal attire, or formal events. The two colors pair nicely on everything from invitations to cakes.
Olive Green
For a more unexpected, earthy combination try pairing maroon with olive green. The two colors have a rustic, organic feel that’s perfect for fall. Olive green has enough contrast from maroon to stand out, but still blends nicely. Use maroon and olive together when designing invitations, tablescapes, home decor, or fashion looks for autumn. Olive green draws out the woodsy tones in maroon.
Navy Blue
Maroon teams up gorgeously with navy blue. The classic color pairing has an elegant, nautical vibe. Navy enhances the richness of maroon while punctuating it with a bold shot of contrasting color. Use maroon and navy together for preppy, chic outfits. The duo also works well in rustic, hunting-lodge inspired decor. Navy gives maroon an edgy boost so it doesn’t feel overly stuffy or formal.
Cream
For a more delicate, feminine look try pairing maroon with cream. The light, dreamy cream neutralizes the bold drama of the maroon. This color combination has romantic Victorian or French country vibes. Use maroon and cream together on wedding cakes, invitations, home accents, clothing, or tableware. Cream tempers maroon’s dark intensity for a softer aesthetic.
Forest Green
Deep forest green is another lush, nature-inspired color that complements maroon beautifully. The pairing feels richly organic and a little exotic. Forest green has enough brightness to contrast with maroon without clashing. This duo looks great in bohemian living rooms or bedrooms, especially with wooden furniture and houseplants. Use maroon and forest green as accent colors on upholstery, pillows, rugs and other home decor.
Mauve
Pairing maroon with mauve creates a pretty, romantic, and totally trendy blush and berry color scheme. The two shades have very similar undertones which helps them tie together seamlessly. But mauve is much softer and more delicate looking next to the bold intensity of maroon. Try combining maroon and mauve for bridesmaids dresses, invitations, live flower arrangements or paper floral backdrops.
Teal
For a punchy, unexpected color combination, try pairing maroon with a vibrant teal. The mix of rich red and bright blue-green really pops. Despite seeming like opposites, the two colors actually work surprisingly well together. Maroon gives teal a sophisticated depth, while teal keeps maroon from feeling murky. Use this daring color duo together when designing lively graphic prints. It also works for party decorations or bold accents in a teen’s or kid’s bedroom.
Plum
Pairing maroon with a lighter, brighter purple like plum creates a pretty complementary color scheme. The lighter purple provides enough contrast from maroon to make both colors pop. But the undertones are similar enough that the pairing feels cohesive, not clashing. Try combining maroon and plum on wedding color palettes, birthday party decorations, Easter accents, or fall home decor arrangements.
Sage Green
For an alternative to olive green, try pairing maroon with fresh sage green. This color combination feels crisp, earthy and soothing. The mellow green tone in sage green balances out the intensity of maroon, while still providing vibrant contrast. Sage green with maroon is a great palette for dining rooms, reading nooks, or anywhere you want to cultivate coziness and calm. Use it on table linens, area rugs, curtains pillows and other home decor.
Blush Pink
Pairing maroon with a delicate blush pink creates a sweet, romantic look. The bold red undertones of maroon mix beautifully with rosy pink. Together the two colors create a pretty pan-toned palette for weddings or spring and summer events. Try light pink table linens with maroon floral centerpieces. Blush pink dresses with maroon sashes are also gorgeous. This color combo works well for cakes, invitations, balloons and decorations too.
Emerald Green
For a colorful Christmas combination, try pairing maroon with rich emerald green. Maroon represents the berries and holly of the season, while emerald evokes pine trees, wreaths and garlands. Together these two bold, festive colors really celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Use them when designing holiday invitations, tablescapes, gift wrap, clothing and more. Emerald green and maroon make a beautiful pairing for tree ornaments and decorations too.
Rose Gold
Warm metallic rose gold is another great match for maroon. The red undertones in rose gold pick up the richness of maroon beautifully. While the metallic sheen adds vibrant interest. This color pairing has an elegant, glamorous feel that’s perfect for formal events and holidays. Try maroon gowns with rose gold jewelry and accessories. Use the colors together to create opulent Christmas or New Year’s decor too. Rose gold flatters maroon better than stark silver or gold.
Terracotta
For a laidback earthy look try pairing maroon with natural terracotta orange. The brownish rusty orange tone of terracotta picks up the subtle earthy undertones of maroon. But it has enough brightness to contrast nicely too. This color combination is perfect for bohemian, eclectic home decor and fashions. Use maroon and terracotta to create a cozy fall palette on pillows, blankets, tableware and rustic wood furniture.
Light Gray
One of the most versatile neutrals that pairs beautifully with maroon is light gray. The muted, hazy tone of light gray creates an elegant contrast against the bold intensity of maroon. Light gray enhances maroon without competing with it. Use this sophisticated color combo for office decor, menswear, and formal events. Try light gray ties and pocket squares with maroon suits.
Coral
Vibrant orangey coral paired with maroon makes for a lively, energetic color scheme. The bold red undertones in both colors tie them together nicely. But coral has a playful brightness that livens up brooding maroon. This unexpected pairing works well for kids designs, whimsical decor and tropical themes. Use maroon and coral together on prints, nursery decor, stationery, summer tablescapes and more.
Mint Green
Maroon also pairs beautifully with a light, cool green like mint. The contrast between rich maroon and crisp mint green is eye-catching. Mint makes an elegant counterpoint to the depth of maroon, giving designs a clean and sophisticated look. This color combination works nicely for upscale events, luxe decor and stylish fashions. Try mint chairs or tablecloths with maroon walls or centerpieces.
Maroon Color Pairing Principles
When combining colors with such a bold, dominant shade like maroon use these basic principles:
- Add warmth – Pairing maroon with warm hues like gold, ivory, cream, terracotta, blush pink, mauve and sage green helps tie the colors together seamlessly and creates cohesive, integrated palettes.
- Inject brightness – Lively colors like coral, teal, emerald, mint and plum provide enough contrast for both colors to really pop.
- Temper intensity – Soft neutrals like cream, ivory, light gray help relax the drama of maroon for a more delicate look.
- Complement undertones – Choose colors with similar red or earthy undertones like rose gold, navy, olive and forest green to accentuate maroon elegantly.
- Create contrast – Pairing bold maroon with pale neutrals like ivory, cream and light gray draws maximum attention to the depth of the maroon hue.
Maroon Color Combinations
Here are 10 examples of foolproof maroon color palettes to inspire your own designs:
1. Maroon and Gold
Sophisticated and elegant, this rich color pairing is ideal for formal events and glamorous spaces.
2. Maroon and Ivory
A creamy ivory backdrop allows the maroon details to really stand out while giving the scheme a vintage vibe.
3. Maroon and Olive Green
Earthy and organic, this unexpected combination is perfect for cozy, rustic fall designs.
4. Maroon and Navy
Nautical navy gives a bold boost of contrast to brooding maroon for a striking, smart look.
5. Maroon and Blush Pink
Pretty in pink, this feminine and romantic color pair is perfect for weddings and spring events.
6. Maroon and Emerald Green
Deep, festive and opulent, this Christmas combo celebrates the holiday season in style.
7. Maroon and Rose Gold
Luxe rose gold metals pair perfectly with maroon for glamorous holiday occasions.
8. Maroon and Terracotta
Relaxed and earthy, this combination brings out maroon’s organic side in boho spaces.
9. Maroon and Light Gray
Crisp, refined light gray creates an elegant neutral backdrop for bold maroon accents.
10. Maroon and Mint Green
The contrast between cool mint and maroon depth makes for a color combo that really pops.
Creative Ways to Use Maroon
Ready to add maroon into your own designs? Here are some creative ways to stylishly incorporate this dramatic shade:
- Paint one accent wall in a maroon hue to instantly amp up any space.
- Use maroon table linens mixed with gold flatware for elegant dinner parties.
- Choose maroon bridesmaid dresses paired with cream floral bouquets.
- Add maroon pillows to a sage green sofa for a pop of contrast.
- Style maroon trousers with a navy blazer and tie for a sharp menswear look.
- Hang maroon drapes against light gray walls to create a cozy reading nook.
- Wrap Christmas gifts in maroon paper tied with emerald green ribbon.
- Make a bold statement with maroon front door against white siding.
- Mix white pumpkins and terracotta pots filled with flowers on steps.
- Create fun, lively kids designs using maroon and coral together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does maroon go with red?
Maroon and true red can look a little matchy-matchy paired right next to each other since they are so close in hue. It’s best to separate them with lighter colors in between to create some contrast. But they can work well together asaccent colors in an overall palette of lighter neutrals.
Is maroon a warm or cool color?
Maroon is decidedly a warm color, with strong red and brown undertones. It sits next to warm hues like red, burgundy, mahogany and brick on any color wheel. Maroon’s warm undertone means it generally pairs better with other warm colors instead of cool tones.
What colors make maroon pop?
Because maroon has such rich, dark intensity, the colors that make it pop most are light, bright accents. Soft creams, warm metallics like gold and rose gold, and vivid tones like teal, pink, mint and coral create maximum contrast against maroon for eye-catching appeal.
Is maroon a fall color?
Maroon has strong associations with fall and winter because of its earthy red undertones. It evokes fall foliage, berries and winter holiday hues. Maroon is considered a staple fall and winter color for home decor, clothing, and events during the cooler months.
Is maroon a good color for a room?
Because it’s such an intense, dramatic hue, maroon is most impactful when used sparingly in rooms. Painting an entire room maroon can feel heavy and overwhelming. But using maroon as an accent wall or on furniture and decor pops against lighter walls and provides just enough bold richness.
Conclusion
Finding colors that complement maroon beautifully comes down to balancing its boldness. Warm earth tones and soft neutrals temper maroon’s drama for a more delicate look. While bright, vivid hues inject vibrant contrast so maroon really stands out. Use cool colors like navy and emerald to play up maroon’s sophistication. Or try pairing with cream, gold, ivory and rose gold for elegance. With so many options, you can easily create stylish, pulled-together palettes using this rich shade.
