When it comes to deep, intense shades of burgundy, there are a few key factors to consider. The depth and richness of a burgundy color depends on its hue, chroma, and value. By adjusting these elements, we can create burgundy colors that range from bright and vivid to extremely dark and saturated. In this article, we’ll explore what makes a burgundy color truly deep and intense and look at some of the deepest burgundy shades that exist. We’ll also provide some useful tips on how to incorporate these dramatic hues into your designs. Whether you’re a graphic designer looking for a striking accent color or an interior decorator searching for a moody, elegant shade, read on to uncover the depths of deep burgundy!
Understanding Color Terminology
To understand what makes a burgundy color deep and intense, it’s helpful to first review some key color terminology:
Hue – The pigment or base color on the color wheel. Burgundy hues range from reddish-purple to more brownish-maroon.
Chroma/Saturation – The intensity or purity of a color. Higher chroma colors are more saturated and vivid.
Value/Brightness – How light or dark a color is. Burgundy can range from lighter reddish hues to extremely dark shades.
In general, deep intense burgundy colors have a very dark value along with higher chroma. This creates a bold, dramatic effect. Now let’s explore some specific deep burgundy shades.
Deep Burgundy Color Names
Here are some classic named burgundy shades that exemplify a rich, deep look:
Oxblood – A very dark reddish burgundy named after the color of real oxidized blood. It has a high amount of brown for a subtle maroon look.
Cordovan – A neutral dark burgundy with brownish undertones, inspired by the color of horse’s coats.
Merlot – A popular deep reddish purple burgundy, named after the red wine. It pops against both warm and cool colors.
Bordeaux – A French take on burgundy, Bordeaux is a very deep red wine color that can appear almost black.
| Color Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Oxblood | #4A0030 |
| Cordovan | #893F45 |
| Merlot | #722F37 |
| Bordeaux | #411F1F |
As you can see from the table above, these deep burgundy shades have very low lightness values, creating their dark intensity. But they still retain a vivid reddish/purplish chroma.
Alternative Color Systems
Beyond basic color names, some alternative color systems can help us quantify and specify exactly how dark and saturated a burgundy color is. Two options are Pantone Matching System (PMS) codes and CMYK percentages.
Pantone provides specific numbered formulas and swatches for achieving precise shades across mediums. Here are some ultra deep burgundy choices:
– PMS 232 C
– PMS 214 C
– PMS 1976 C
– PMS 2028 C
Meanwhile, CMYK codes define the mix of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black used to print a color. Very dark burgundies have high amounts of magenta and black pigment. Some examples are:
– CMYK: 30, 100, 60, 70
– CMYK: 40, 100, 50, 90
– CMYK: 15, 75, 30, 95
As you adjust the CMYK values to add more magenta and black ink, the burgundy gets increasingly richer and darker.
How Lighting Affects Burgundy
It’s worth noting that the lighting conditions in which a burgundy color is viewed can impact how dark it appears. Direct sunlight versus indoor lighting can dramatically alter perceived depth and saturation.
Burgundy may need to be adjusted to be slightly lighter in value to compensate for dim indoor lighting. Meanwhile, sunlight naturally enhances vibrancy, so an extremely dark burgundy risks appearing flat or washed-out outside.
Test your colors in multiple lighting conditions to make sure your deep burgundy reads right across environments. Soft lighting is usually most flattering for rich, dramatic burgundy shades.
Using Burgundy as an Accent Color
When working with very dark, saturated burgundy colors, a little goes a long way. Burgundy works best when paired with lighter neutrals and used as an accent color. Here are some tips:
– Add a burgundy throw pillow or rug to a neutral room for a pop of color.
– Use deep burgundy for graphic elements like logos, headings, or borders.
– Burgundy pairs nicely with camel, beige, light grey, and off-white.
– Contrast with light cool tones like powder blue, sage green, or lavender.
– For drama, paint one wall burgundy and keep other walls neutral.
– Metallic accents in brass, gold, and copper complement burgundy’s richness.
Keeping burgundy to smaller accents prevents it from feeling too overpowering. But it allows the shade to add stylish depth and sophistication.
Best Uses for Deep Burgundy
Here are some of the most fitting uses for deep, moody burgundy colors:
Formal Events – Burgundy tablecloths or flower arrangements feel refined at weddings, dinners, etc.
Room Accents – As mentioned, burgundy works nicely on feature walls, pillows, rugs, curtains.
Academic Interiors – Deep burgundy feels collegiate when used in libraries, offices, lecture halls.
Restaurant Interiors – Burgundy conveys dining sophistication, especially in formal hotel restaurants.
Packaging – Darker burgundy shades distinguish luxury packaging for wines, chocolates, perfumes, etc.
Logos – Burgundy communicates tradition, credibility, and exclusivity as part of a company logo.
So if you want to convey timelessness, credibility, and luxury, deep intense burgundy is a perfect color choice. Use it strategically as an accent, and you’re sure to add an air of refined elegance.
Pushing Burgundy to the Limit
Now that we’ve covered some of the darkest, most saturated burgundies, let’s push the shade to its absolute limits. Here are a few of the deepest, most intense burgundies possible:
Fatal Burgundy
Also called very dark burgundy, this is about as dark as burgundy can get while still retaining a reddish hue.
– Hex: #2D0012
– CMYK: 40, 100, 40, 90
Rich Black
Right on the border between deep burgundy and true black. Adds just a touch of purple for a warmer black.
– Hex: #000B1D
– CMYK: 75, 68, 67, 90
Russian Violet
An extremely dark purple, so saturated it appears black with just a hint of reddish undertone.
– Hex: #20002D
– CMYK: 83, 90, 0, 65
Use these shades sparingly, but they ensure you’ll get the most extreme deep burgundy possible. You can’t push much further before losing burgundy’s signature purple-red essence.
Conclusion
While vivid light burgundies have their place, deep dark burgundies convey elegance and gravitas like no other. Whether you opt for an oxblood, merlot, or fatal burgundy, adjust the hue, chroma, and value to find your perfect depth. Use Pantone or CMYK codes to dial in an ideal rich, intense burgundy. Just take care when illuminating the shade. And stick to small accent uses to let burgundy’s darkness shine. With the right approach, this moody red-purple can elevate any design, delivering timeless sophistication.
