Burgundy is a deep red wine color that takes its name from the Burgundy wine region in France. The exact shade of burgundy can vary depending on lighting and personal perception, but it is generally characterized by a rich, dark red color that has hints of purple. Burgundy sits between red and purple on the color wheel and can sometimes take on a reddish-brown tint as well. In terms of technical specifications, burgundy’s hex code is #800020 and its RGB values are (128,0,32).
The Origins of the Burgundy Color Name
As mentioned, burgundy takes its name from the Burgundy wine region in eastern France. The wines produced in Burgundy were known for their intense dark red hues, likely due to the higher proportion of grape skin to juice. Over time, the deep red color of these wines became known as “burgundy” and the name was applied beyond the wine world to describe similar shades of dark red.
Fun fact – the color was not always called burgundy. In Medieval times, the color was sometimes referred to as “blood colored” in reference to its resemblance to dried blood. However, the modern use of the term burgundy became prominent in the 17th and 18th centuries as a way to describe the red wines coming from the Burgundy area.
What Makes Burgundy Unique
There are a few key characteristics that set burgundy apart from other shades of red:
– Darkness – Burgundy is very deep and rich compared to bright reds. It often has a brownish undertone.
– Purple tones – While leaning red, burgundy also picks up hints of purple which give it extra depth.
– Vibrancy – Despite being a dark shade, burgundy retains a sense of vibrancy and richness. It is not a “muddy” red.
– Color wheel placement – Sitting between red and purple, burgundy nicely fills in the color spectrum.
Similar Colors and Key Differences
Burgundy is sometimes confused with other deep reds and purples. Here are some shades that are similar to burgundy and how they differ:
| Color | How it Differs from Burgundy |
|---|---|
| Maroon | Maroon is slightly darker and browner. Burgundy has more vibrancy. |
| Oxblood | Oxblood contains more brown. Burgundy leans more reddish-purple. |
| Cordovan | Cordovan is lighter and more greyish-brown compared to burgundy. |
| Bordeaux | Bordeaux is lighter, less vibrant, and more purely red. |
| Eggplant | Eggplant is much darker and more purple-based than burgundy. |
So in summary, burgundy is in the ballpark of these shades but is defined by its deep vibrant red-purple appearance. It stands out as its own distinct color.
Burgundy in Fashion and Decor
Burgundy has long been a popular choice for clothing, accessories, and home decor because of its luxe look. Here are some of the most common uses for burgundy:
Clothing
– Evening gowns and dresses
– Blazers and suits
– Scarves and shawls
– Fall sweaters and cardigans
Shoes and Bags
– Heels and pumps
– Leather handbags
– Wallets and small leather goods
Makeup
– Lipstick
– Nail polish
– Blush
Home Decor
– Throw pillows
– Rugs and carpets
– Curtains and drapes
– Sofas and chairs
Other
– Wine bottles and packaging
– Jewelry gemstones
– Car paint colors
No matter how it’s used, burgundy always conveys elegance, luxury, and sophistication. It has a timeless, classic feel to it.
Burgundy vs Bordeaux in Wine
It’s easy to confuse burgundy and bordeaux since both refer to wines and colors! But there are some notable differences:
Burgundy wine:
– From the Burgundy region of France
– Made with Pinot Noir grapes (red) or Chardonnay grapes (white)
– More delicate, lighter bodied, higher acidity
– Display a wider range of flavors like cherry, earth, spice
Bordeaux wine:
– From the Bordeaux region of France
– Made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc grapes
– Fuller bodied, higher tannins, bolder flavor
– Display notes of cedar, tobacco, blackcurrant
Color differences:
– Burgundy wines have a bright, vivid red-purple color
– Bordeaux wines are deeper red and opaque
So in summary, burgundy wine is lighter while Bordeaux is bolder. And burgundy color is brighter and more purple-tinged compared to Bordeaux’s darker red.
How Lighting Affects Burgundy
The way burgundy is perceived can change quite a bit based on the lighting conditions. Here’s how different light temperatures affect burgundy:
Incandescent/Warm Light:
– Enriches burgundy, making it feel extra cozy and warm
– Brings out the brownish undertones
– Feels elegant and traditional
Natural Daylight:
– Allows burgundy to show its true color
– Balances red and purple tones
– Reads as vibrant and luxurious
Cool White Fluorescent Light:
– Mutes the depth of burgundy somewhat
– Can make it feel slightly flat and lifeless
– Still reads as red-purple but loses dimension
LED/Neutral White Light:
– Fairly accurate to daylight
– Keeps burgundy’s vibrancy intact
– Clean and modern look
So it’s ideal to view burgundy under warm incandescent or natural daylight to see its true versatile color. Cool lighting dulls it down.
Burgundy in Branding and Logos
Burgundy is used in many iconic logos and brand identities, including:
– Harvard University – Deep red burgundy is one of Harvard’s official colors
– University of Minnesota – Their burgundy “U of M” logo is instantly recognizable
– AirBnB – Features a rich burgundy background behind their white logo
– Netflix – Uses burgundy in their logo icon and other branding
– Mozilla Firefox – The fox wraps around a burgundy earth graphic
Burgundy conveys prestige and gravitas for these brands. It stands out boldly and memorably on marketing materials. The color evokes dependability and trustworthiness.
How to Make Burgundy
Want to recreate the burgundy color for a project? Here are some easy ways to mix it:
Paint:
– Mix red and blue paint, adding more red than blue
– Start with a maroon paint and add purple
Frosting/Food Coloring:
– Combine red, blue, and purple dyes
– Start with red and add a touch of blue
Digital/Web Design:
– Use the HEX code #800020
– Use the RGB values 128,0,32
Textiles:
– Look for “burgundy” options when dyeing fabric
– Choose a deep red option with purple undertones
Conclusion
Burgundy is a timeless shade that stands out for its depth and subtle complexity. Its vibrancy and purple undertones give it an elegant, upscale look. Whether sipping a glass of burgundy wine or admiring a burgundy dress, this color reflects sophistication and luxury. Burgundy continues to feel classic yet fresh across industries from fashion to marketing. Its rich character makes burgundy truly a one-of-a-kind color.
