Burgundy vs Maroon – Difference Between Burgundy and Maroon
The difference between burgundy and maroon is that the former combines the shades red (RGB code #FF0000) and purple (#800080), whereas the latter combines red and brown (#964B00). They are both dark shades of red.
At first glance when you are comparing burgundy vs maroon, they can both look exactly the same. In fact, some people mistake these shades for one another, but they actually consist of completely different color combinations.
Today, we are going to look into their specific compositions and outline exactly why they are different so that there is no more confusion about this subject in the future. If you are ready to put this debate to rest once and for all, then simply read on.
Definition of Burgundy – So What Is Burgundy?
We can define burgundy as a dark shade of red featuring a purple tinge.
The difference between burgundy and maroon primarily lies in the secondary color that is combined with red in order to achieve the outcome shade. In this instance, the base red color gets combined with a flat purple shade in order to deliver the final appearance of the color shade we know as burgundy.
The maroon vs burgundy comparison goes far, far deeper than the color combinations used to create them alone though. Everything from their history to their usage association could not be further apart.
The color burgundy originates in a particular region of France where a local vineyard produced wines of a distinct color shade in the 1800s. The color burgundy itself was named after these wines that were produced exclusively in this area of France, specifically named burgundy (hence the name of the shade).
Typically, this shade is associated with high culture and upper-class settings. It often features in locations where there is an abundance of wealth, and this is one of the distinguishing characteristics of this shade in comparison to the color maroon.
Interestingly, burgundy also gets used regularly as the primary color for soft furnishings like curtains, pillows, and quilt covers. On occasion, it gets used to decorate walls and other large surface areas, but due to its strong presence, it is often put to best use sparingly and to imply wealth and high class in a relaxed setting.
Now let’s take a look at the definition of maroon to help separate the burgundy vs maroon debate further.
Definition of Maroon – So What Is Maroon?
We can define maroon as a dark shade of red that sees the base color red mixed with the color brown.
As you already know from reading about the description of burgundy, maroon separates itself due to containing an entirely different secondary color that is mixed with the base red color. That color is a basic brown.
This gives it a slightly earthier appearance compared to the plush purple hued appearance of burgundy. Interestingly, this shade also has French origins, and it was first described in the English language in the late 1700s. The name itself derives from the French word “marron,” which is simply another word for a chestnut. Given the appearance of chestnuts, the shade name certainly makes sense as they feature the same hues.
The difference between maroon and burgundy (other than their origin and composition) largely lies in the settings in which they are used. You already know that burgundy frequently gets used to imply high culture, but maroon has entirely different applications and connotations.
First, a major way that we can separate burgundy color vs maroon color is the way in which they are perceived. Whereas the former is associated with high class and culture, the latter is often associated with bravery and is actually a staple color in lower-class society. This is a major contrast as this means that each shade ultimately carries its own class connotation.
Maroon is also associated with high levels of responsibility and indicates thoughtfulness. On balance, burgundy generally gets associated with high levels of wealth and/or ambition. You could almost describe one (maroon) as being an every person’s color that symbolizes selflessness, whereas the other (burgundy) is the opposite and implies a focus on the needs of oneself primarily.
Another area that separates maroon vs burgundy is that of real-world application. Maroon is a popular interior color for large surface areas like walls and is known to feature regularly as part of logos and even restaurant menus in the public sector. This could not be further from burgundy, which is typically only used in exclusive, private settings to convey personal wealth.
What Is the Main Difference Between Burgundy vs Maroon?
We will now outline the primary difference between maroon and burgundy in a quick reference table that highlights their main contrasting areas.
| Color | Burgundy | Maroon |
| Origin | French, specifically named after the color of a particular wine | French, named after the French word for chestnut |
| Typical uses | To describe the color of soft furnishings, especially pillows, quilts, and curtains in private and/or luxurious settings | To describe the color of walls, uniforms, and everything from restaurant menus to company logos in public and private settings |
| Typical associations | It is usually associated with the wealthy upper classes of society and is used to imply and/or demonstrate wealth. It is a shade with very self-centered connotations. | It is usually associated with bravery, courage, and thoughtfulness. It is a shade with very selfless connotations. |
| Color combinations | Red mixed with purple | Red mixed with brown |
| Gender association | Typically associated with females more than males | Typically associated with both sexes equally |
| Color hexacode | #8000020 | #8000000 |
Anytime you get lost trying to compare the burgundy color vs maroon, please do not hesitate to come back to this quick reference table to refresh yourself on their unique differences.
Burgundy vs Maroon – FAQ
We will now go through the most frequently asked questions about the burgundy color and maroon color to make sure that you have all of the answers you need to understand how these shades differ.
Q: So what is burgundy color, and where does it get used?
A: It is a dark shade of red that combines a red base color with the color purple. It is typically used in luxurious settings (especially for soft furnishings) to indicate wealth and ambition.
Q: What is maroon the color, and where does it get used?
A: The color maroon consists of the base color red combined with the color brown. It is typically used as part of everything from uniforms to restaurant menus and is often associated with bravery and thoughtfulness.
Q: So, is maroon red, and what colors work well with it?
A: Maroon is a shade of red, and it works very well with the following shades.
- Pink
- Brown
- Gray
- Blue
- Teal
- White
Any clothing or decoration that features these shades will work well with maroon.
Q: Which colors work well with burgundy?
A: To get the most out of burgundy, combine the following shades with it.
- Blue
- Black
- White
- Gray
- Turquoise
Any clothing or decoration that features these shades will work well with burgundy.
Q: Is burgundy the same as bordeaux?
A: The color shade bordeaux is very similar to burgundy, but it has a slightly lighter reddish hue.
Q: Why is burgundy known as the blood color?
A: Burgundy is associated with blood because it is virtually identical in appearance to the color shade of blood.
So What Is the Difference Between Maroon and Burgundy? – Conclusion
Finally, you should now be able to effectively summarize the distinct difference between these two shades of red. Even though they are both sub-shades of one color, their unique composition really sets them apart from one another.
Just remember that maroon is red mixed with brown, whereas burgundy is red mixed with purple. This is the most vital and basic way to set the two apart.
If you ever need a quick summary of the differences between them again, simply take a look at our reference table, which will help to refresh your memory in no time at all.
