The burgundy color family encompasses a range of deep reds and purples that get their name from the wine producing region of Burgundy in France. Burgundy wines were known for their rich, dark red hues which led to the name being associated with similar colors. There are many shades that fall under the burgundy umbrella, from lighter reds to very deep purples and maroons. In this article, we will explore the different colors that are considered part of the burgundy family.
Characteristics of Burgundy Colors
The main characteristics of burgundy colors are:
– Deep, rich red hues that may have hints of purple or brown tones
– Darker and more saturated than typical reds
– Often associated with wine, royalty, autumn leaves, ripe fruits like cherries or plums
– Considered elegant, luxurious, and sophisticated
– Works well as an accent color and for fall/winter color palettes
True burgundy colors are created by mixing red and blue, resulting in the deep red-purples. The amount of blue added determines how purple the final shade will be. Small amounts create a red-purple, while more blue takes it towards a raspberry or plum shade.
Burgundy colors are known for being bold yet versatile. They work well in both warm and cool color schemes. The depth of the color allows it to stand out without being overpowering. Burgundy adds a touch of luxury and sophistication without seeming stuffy.
Specific Shades in the Burgundy Family
There are many specific shades that fall under the burgundy family umbrella. Here are some of the most common:
Burgundy
This is the original shade that gives the color family its name. Burgundy sits between a red and purple, leaning slightly more towards red. It’s a deep ruby shade. Burgundy is sometimes called wine or oxblood as well.
HEX Code: #800020
RGB: 128, 0, 32
CMYK: 0, 100, 75, 50
Cordovan
Cordovan is slightly lighter and redder than burgundy. It’s a rich cranberry or cherry shade. Cordovan was originally a color named after the horse leather produced in Cordova, Spain which had these warm red-browns.
HEX Code: #893F45
RGB: 137, 63, 69
CMYK: 0, 54, 50, 46
Maroon
Maroon sits on the darker, purple end of the burgundy family. It’s a deep reddish-brown with more brown undertones than burgundy. Maroon gets its name from the French word for chestnut.
HEX Code: #800000
RGB: 128, 0, 0
CMYK: 0, 100, 100, 50
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is named after the famous wine region in France. It’s a deep red wine color leaning slightly towards purple. Bordeaux is very similar to burgundy but slightly darker.
HEX Code: #670d2f
RGB: 103, 13, 47
CMYK: 0, 87, 54, 60
Ruby
Ruby is the lightest shade in the burgundy family. It’s a soft, warm red color, often with a slightly pinkish hue. The name comes from the ruby gemstone.
HEX Code: #9b111e
RGB: 155, 17, 30
CMYK: 0, 89, 81, 39
Garnet
Garnet is a rich, jewel-toned reddish shade named after the garnet gemstone. It falls between burgundy and maroon with a bit of a brownish tint.
HEX Code: #771828
RGB: 119, 24, 40
CMYK: 0, 80, 67, 53
Sangria
Sangria is a purplish-red color inspired by the wine punch of the same name. It has hints of purple and berry tones that give it vibrancy.
HEX Code: #92000a
RGB: 146, 0, 10
CMYK: 0, 100, 93, 43
| Color | HEX Code | RGB Values | CMYK Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgundy | #800020 | 128, 0, 32 | 0, 100, 75, 50 |
| Cordovan | #893F45 | 137, 63, 69 | 0, 54, 50, 46 |
| Maroon | #800000 | 128, 0, 0 | 0, 100, 100, 50 |
| Bordeaux | #670d2f | 103, 13, 47 | 0, 87, 54, 60 |
| Ruby | #9b111e | 155, 17, 30 | 0, 89, 81, 39 |
| Garnet | #771828 | 119, 24, 40 | 0, 80, 67, 53 |
| Sangria | #92000a | 146, 0, 10 | 0, 100, 93, 43 |
Uses of Burgundy Color Family
The burgundy color family has many uses throughout design and fashion. Here are some of the most common:
Interiors
– Accent walls or feature walls
– Dining room walls to create an elegant feel
– Rich carpets, curtains, or furniture upholstery
– As an accent in rooms with gray or neutral palettes
Fashion
– Winter coats and jackets
– Formal dresses and gowns
– Sweaters, scarves, and hats
– Shoes and bags
– Jewelry such as garnet or ruby
Cosmetics
– Lipsticks and lip liners
– Eye shadows
– Nail polishes
– Blush
Branding
– Used in luxury, sophisticated brands
– Companies selling wine, chocolate, coffee, etc
– Financial services
– Travel and hospitality
Food
– On packaging for wine, juices, coffee
– Dark berries like blackberries or cherries
– Chocolate, truffles, cocoa
– Hearty stews and braises
Color Palettes with Burgundy
Burgundy colors pair well with both warm and cool shades. Here are some examples of palettes featuring burgundy colors:
With neutrals
Burgundy works nicely with creams, grays, and browns. It provides a pop of color against neutral backdrops.
– Burgundy, beige, cream, tan, light brown
With other jewel tones
Pairing burgundy with emerald greens, sapphire blues, or gold tones creates an elegant, upscale look.
– Burgundy, emerald green, gold
– Maroon, navy blue, plum
Monochromatic
Use different shades of burgundy together for a sophisticated monochromatic palette.
– Burgundy, cordovan, ruby, garnet
With pastels
Lighter shades like mauve, lavender, pink, or sage green offset and accentuate the depth of burgundy.
– Burgundy, mauve, pale pink
For fall/winter
Burgundy is perfect for rich, cozy fall and winter color schemes. Pair with oranges, browns, slate blues.
– Maroon, burnt orange, taupe
Conclusion
The burgundy color family encompasses a wide range of deep, luxurious red-purple shades. From the original burgundy to ruby, garnet, sangria, and more, these colors are elegant yet versatile for use in fashion, interior design, cosmetics, and branding. Burgundy can be paired neutrally, with other rich colors, pastels, or as part of a fall-inspired palette. Its sophistication and richness make it a go-to color for creating a luxe look. Next time you’re looking to add a touch of elegance, reach for a shade in the diverse burgundy family.
