Burgundy is a rich, dark red color that is quite versatile and can work with many different design palettes. When choosing an accent color to go with burgundy, there are a few key things to consider. The accent color should provide enough contrast from the burgundy without clashing too much. Accent colors are meant to highlight and draw attention to certain elements, so you want something that complements the burgundy while still standing out.
Some popular accent color choices for burgundy include shades of blue, green, yellow, pink and purple. However, the exact shade you choose will depend on the particular hue of the burgundy you are working with as well as the overall mood and aesthetic you want to achieve. Lighter tints of these colors tend to look more elegant and sophisticated, while deeper shades create a bolder, more vibrant look.
Complementary Colors
When selecting an accent color for burgundy, one of the easiest methods is to look at colors that are complementary on the color wheel. These color combinations create a striking contrast that draws the eye. Some examples of complementary colors that work well with burgundy include:
Teal: The cool blue-green shade of teal makes a vibrant pairing with warm, earthy burgundy. This combo evokes a bold, dynamic energy.
Yellow: Cheery, sunshine yellow delivers a major pop of contrast against dark burgundy. This scheme is fun and lively.
Periwinkle: Soft, lavender-blue periwinkle has just enough punch to stand out against burgundy without overwhelming it. This look is romantic and feminine.
Lime green: The electric brightness of lime green sets off a rich burgundy in an exhilarating way. This scheme makes a bold, youthful statement.
Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, meaning they share similar undertones. Using an analogous color scheme creates a harmonious, integrated look. Here are some examples of analogous accent colors for burgundy:
Plum: Pairing burgundy with a deeper shade of violet-red plum gives a monochromatic effect. This elegant combo is perfect for formal occasions.
Terracotta: Earthy, rusty-orange terracotta has a subtle complementary relationship with burgundy. This scheme has a natural, grounded look.
Magenta: The vibrant reddish-pink of magenta packs a punch yet has enough purple undertone to work with burgundy. This look is bold and energetic.
Maroon: For a more subtle look, pair burgundy with its darker, richer cousin maroon. This sophisticated scheme exudes luxury.
Triadic Colors
A triadic color scheme uses three colors that are equally spaced around the color wheel. The dynamic contrast creates visual interest. Triadic accent colors for burgundy include:
Chartreuse: The vivid yellow-green of chartreuse energizes burgundy in an invigorating way. This combo is bold and lively.
Cyan: Cool blue-green cyan contrast elegantly against burgundy’s warmth. This look is clean and refreshing.
Magenta: As a complement to burgundy, magenta also works well in a triadic scheme, upping the voltage even more. This is a fun, high-energy combo.
Amber: The warm glow of amber accentuates the wine hue of burgundy. This scheme feels rich and luxurious.
Split Complementary Colors
The split complementary approach uses a color on either side of the complementary color for contrast with more subtlety. Examples include:
Lime green and periwinkle: These cool accents bring out burgundy’s elegant warmth. This scheme has refined contrast.
Peach and sea green: The lively vibrancy of peach and sea green pops against somber burgundy. This is a fresh, fruity combo.
Sky blue and pumpkin: The crisp brightness of sky blue complements the earthy richness of pumpkin and burgundy. This look is cozy yet airy.
Lavender and ochre: Soft lavender and earthy ochre provide an elegant contrast on either side of burgundy. This scheme is romantic with a natural feel.
Shades of Blue
From pale to navy, shades of blue make classic accent colors for pairing with burgundy. Specific hues to try include:
Powder blue: This pastel blue reads as a neutral but provides subtle contrast to burgundy. The look is soft and elegant.
Robin’s egg blue: Slightly brighter than powder blue, this cheerful hue gives burgundy a spring-like feel. It’s fresh yet understated.
Cornflower blue: This medium-depth sky blue works well with darker burgundies. The combo feels traditional yet timeless.
Royal blue: The richness of royal blue accentuates burgundy’s wine hue, creating a dignified, formal aesthetic.
Navy blue: Against burgundy, deep navy takes on a brighter, more vibrant effect. This bold classic combo exudes richness.
Shades of Green
Green offers both lively brightness as well as earthy richness to contrast with burgundy:
Mint: Crisp and cool, mint green accent provides fresh contrast and lights up the mood of any burgundy shade.
Lime green: The electric zing of lime green makes for an energetic, youthful accent color to pair with burgundy.
Hunter green: Deep and earthy, the ruggedness of hunter green defines burgundy’s richness. This combo feels grounded and natural.
Emerald green: On the jewel-toned end of the green spectrum, emerald sophisticates burgundy with a sense of luxury.
Avocado: With golden, olive undertones, the mellowness of avocado green softens and complements burgundy’s boldness.
Warm Neutrals
Earthy neutrals can provide subtle, elegant contrast as accent colors with burgundy:
Mushroom: The soft, dusty taupe of mushroom has a hazy, soothing effect against burgundy. This combo feels cozy and relaxed.
Beige: As a lighter neutral, beige adds a pleasantly understated contrast, allowing burgundy to take center stage.
Khaki: With warm green-brown tones, khaki accentuates the red undertones of burgundy in an organic way.
Dark brown: Against burgundy, rich chocolate or coffee brown takes on a more defined, noticeable hue. This look is bold, mature and elegant.
Metallic Accents
Metallic accents can add shine and luminosity when paired with burgundy:
Rose gold: The stylish warmth of rose gold complements burgundy beautifully, creating an elegant, feminine look.
Antique brass: The muted, weathered yellow of antique brass adds earthy contrast and a vintage flair next to burgundy.
Pewter: Cool and silvery, pewter sets off burgundy in a sophisticated, refined way.
Mercury glass: With its subtle sparkle and silvery sheen, mercury glass looks celebratory and luxe paired with burgundy’s richness.
Pastels
Using a pastel version of any accent hue mutes the contrast in a soft, elegant way. Some examples include:
Lavender: Subtle and romantic, airy lavender sets off burgundy with a delicate charm.
Powder pink: Gentle powder pink keeps the combo light on its feet but still interesting.
Butter yellow: The approachable cheerfulness of butter yellow suits burgundy’s mellowness.
Seafoam green: Hazy, subdued seafoam has enough vibrancy to contrast burgundy in a soothing way.
Deep, Saturated Hues
On the other end of the spectrum, amping up the saturation of an accent hue boosts contrast for major impact. Examples include:
Crimson: Going bold with super-saturated crimson red makes burgundy pop even more. This combo is unapologetically vibrant.
Electric teal: The neon brightness of electric teal clashes excitingly with burgundy’s darkness. This scheme screams fun.
Acid green: Fluorescent acid green complement burgundy in the most energizing way. This look is young, bold, cutting edge.
Royal purple: Jewel-toned royal purple accentuates burgundy’s wine undertones. Together this palette oozes opulence.
Burgundy Accent Colors for Various Color Schemes
| Color Scheme | Accent Color Options |
|---|---|
| Monochromatic | Plum, maroon, rust, brick red |
| Complementary | Teal, yellow, lime green, periwinkle |
| Split Complementary | Orange + blue green, peach + sea green, lime + purple |
| Analogous | Magenta, red-violet, brick red, maroon |
| Triadic | Magenta, cyan, chartreuse |
| Tetradic | Burgundy + red-orange + cyan + lime |
| Warm Neutrals | Camel, beige, tan, sand, khaki |
| Cool Neutrals | Taupe, dove gray, silver |
| Pastels | Lilac, peach, sky blue, mint |
| Saturated Hues | Fuschia, emerald, cobalt, gold |
Tips for Combining Burgundy with Accent Colors
When pairing burgundy with accent colors, keep these tips in mind for a cohesive, polished look:
– Stick to a simple color scheme of 1-3 accent hues for clarity. Too many colors compete.
– Balance light and dark values. Pairing burgundy with too many other dark shades can look heavy.
– Consider tone and mood. Bright accent colors feel energetic, while muted and neutral accents are more soothing.
– Match color saturation levels. Pairing a muted burgundy with a neon accent, for example, looks disjointed.
– Repeat your accent shades throughout a space for flow. Use accent colors in artwork, pillows, throws, etc.
– Limit accents to smaller touches so burgundy still feels like the star. Too much accent color overwhelms.
– Accent with metallics in finishes like bronze and antique brass to add richness without competing.
How to Use an Accent Color
Now that you’ve selected the perfect accent hue for your burgundy palette, how do you effectively work it into a space or outfit? Here are some tips:
– Use accents in artwork, pillows, rugs and other detachable pieces that can easily be swapped if you want to change up your look.
– Paint or wallpaper one focal wall in an accent color to create a dramatic effect.
– Add accent furnishings like chairs or side tables in your accent color.
– Dress tabletops with accent-colored table runners, placemats, dishes or centerpieces.
– Fold accent-hued napkins or add a small bouquet of accent flowers for a pop of color.
– Incorporate your accent color into window treatments with drapery tie-backs, trim or top valances.
– Anchor your accent color in an entryway rug or front door mat.
– Showcase accent colors in textiles like blankets and pillows.
– Wear a scarf, handbag, shoes or belt in an accent color paired with a burgundy outfit.
– Add a bright accent nail color or lipstick for a punch of color.
Examples of Burgundy with Popular Accent Colors
Here are some specific examples of pairings between different shades of burgundy and popular accent colors:
Burgundy + Navy: Rich, deep navy accentuates the sophistication of burgundy. This classic color combo exudes elegance.
Oxblood + Robin Egg Blue: The greenish tint of robin egg blue looks fresh next to reddish oxblood burgundy. This scheme feels cheerful and lively.
Marsala Burgundy + Blush Pink: Blush pink has just enough punch to stand out against Marsala, Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year. The look is stylish and feminine.
Red Burgundy + Butter Yellow: Buttery yellow reads as a warm neutral but provides the perfect subtle pop of contrast next to true, red-based burgundy.
Plum Burgundy + Lime Green: Vibrant lime green kicks plum burgundy into high gear. This fun scheme is playful yet still sophisticated.
Bordeaux + Antique Brass: Bordeaux’s red-brown tones coordinate beautifully with the weathered warmth of antique brass accents.
Conclusion
With its deep, wine-like hue and understated richness, burgundy serves as a versatile base for many color palettes. From eye-catching brights to earthy neutrals, the accent colors you pair with burgundy make a statement and determine the overall mood of your space. Following basic color theory helps point you toward accent hues that naturally complement burgundy. Keep the look cohesive by limiting your palette, balancing contrast and repeating accents throughout the area. With the right accent color, you can showcase burgundy’s timeless elegance and sophistication.
