Is burgundy a warm or cool color? What colors to mix to make burgundy?

Exploring the Rich Hues of Burgundy: Purple Burgundy, Warm or Cool Tones, and Mixing Tips

Burgundy is a sophisticated color that falls somewhere between red, purple, and brown. Known for its rich and bold hue, burgundy is a favorite in fashion, interior design, and even makeup.

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If you’ve ever wondered about its color temperature, its variants like “purple burgundy,” or the perfect way to mix colors to create it, this guide will help you navigate the nuances of this luxurious shade.

What Is Burgundy?

Burgundy, named after the famous Burgundy wine from France, is a deep reddish-purple hue. It lies between red and violet, leaning slightly toward brown, which gives it a grounding and earthy quality. Because of its dark tones and richness, burgundy can feel both classic and edgy, often exuding a sense of power, elegance, and warmth.

Purple Burgundy: A Unique Take on a Classic Shade

“Purple burgundy” is a term often used to describe a variant of burgundy that has more purple undertones. While classic burgundy is primarily a mix of red and brown, purple burgundy has a stronger infusion of blue, pushing it closer to a darker violet.

This slight variation can make it seem cooler and can affect how it appears in different lighting and how it pairs with other colors.

In fashion and design, purple burgundy can add a touch of modernity to classic burgundy. This cooler variant can harmonize well with blues, silvers, and other cool tones.

When pairing it in an outfit or a room, purple burgundy creates a sophisticated look that still has a bold edge. Purple burgundy works well in both cooler winter months, giving depth and richness, and warmer seasons, adding an element of chic elegance.

Is Burgundy a Warm or Cool Color?

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Burgundy can be somewhat ambiguous in terms of color temperature. Here’s why:

1. Primary Influence: Burgundy primarily derives from red, which is inherently a warm color. This gives it a warm base.
2. Undertones: The brown undertones in classic burgundy are also warm, reinforcing its warmth.
3. Cool Undertones: Some burgundy shades, especially those leaning toward purple or violet, can have cool undertones. For instance, purple burgundy, with its hint of blue, can make the color feel cooler, especially when placed next to cooler tones like blue or grey.

So, while burgundy is generally considered a warm color due to its red and brown components, variations like purple burgundy bring cooler tones into the mix. This flexibility allows burgundy to complement both warm and cool palettes, depending on the context.

Mixing Colors to Make Burgundy

If you’re into painting or want to create the perfect burgundy shade digitally, knowing how to mix the color is invaluable. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Start with Red: The foundation of burgundy is red. A vibrant, true red (such as cadmium red in painting) will provide the best base.
2. Add a Touch of Blue: Adding blue will deepen the red into a purplish hue. The type of blue matters — opt for a cooler blue like ultramarine for a purple effect, or cobalt blue if you want a cooler burgundy.
3. Introduce a Small Amount of Brown: Brown adds warmth and depth, grounding the color. A very small amount of brown or even black will work to darken and mute the red-blue mixture, creating a more complex and earthy tone.
4. Adjust According to Your Preference:

• For purple burgundy, add slightly more blue to give a cooler tone.
• For a warmer burgundy, you can increase the amount of red or brown.
• To create lighter shades, add white, though it can alter the richness of the hue. Use carefully!

Ratios for Mixing Burgundy

A typical starting ratio could be:

• 60% red
• 30% blue
• 10% brown

Adjust from here to achieve the desired depth and hue. This formula can be applied whether you’re using acrylic, oil, watercolor, or even working in digital color spaces.

Complementary Colors for Burgundy and Purple Burgundy

Burgundy and purple burgundy pair well with several colors. Here are some popular combinations:

1. Neutral Tones: Beige, grey, and cream allow burgundy to stand out as the focal color, bringing a sense of balance to the intensity of burgundy. The warm undertones of beige and cream enhance burgundy’s richness, while grey tones can cool it down slightly.
2. Metallic Accents: Gold, bronze, and copper go beautifully with burgundy, adding warmth and a hint of luxury. Purple burgundy can work well with silver for a cooler, more modern look.
3. Contrasting Colors:

• Green: Green, particularly olive or emerald, contrasts with burgundy on the color wheel, creating a natural and harmonious look.
• Navy and Deep Blues: For a moody, rich combination, pair burgundy with navy. This pairing is elegant and works particularly well in formal settings or during the winter season.
• Teal: Teal’s blend of blue and green can provide a surprising yet sophisticated contrast with burgundy, adding a fresh, modern touch.

4. Monochromatic Burgundy Palette: Layering different shades of burgundy with touches of lighter pinks and deep reds creates a luxurious and cohesive look, whether in clothing, makeup, or home décor.

Burgundy in Fashion, Décor, and Makeup

Fashion

Burgundy is a go-to color for fall and winter wardrobes. In fashion, burgundy adds an element of depth and sophistication to basics like coats, sweaters, and accessories. It’s versatile enough to be styled with neutrals or other rich colors. Burgundy leather accessories or shoes are also timeless staples, adding a warm, elegant twist to any outfit.

Interior Décor

In interior design, burgundy brings warmth and depth to spaces. As an accent color, burgundy can transform a neutral room by adding a sense of coziness and elegance. Try burgundy in throws, pillows, or rugs for a seasonal update, or consider a feature wall in a rich purple burgundy for a more dramatic statement.

Makeup

Burgundy makeup, from lipsticks to eyeshadows, is universally flattering. Burgundy shades work well on a variety of skin tones, and can be dialed up or down to suit different looks — from bold, dramatic lips to soft, smokey eyes. Purple burgundy is especially beautiful in eyeshadows, complementing both warm and cool undertones.

Final Thoughts: Is Burgundy Right for You?

Burgundy’s depth and adaptability make it a powerful color for a variety of uses. Whether you’re looking to add elegance to your wardrobe, warmth to your home, or a bold pop in makeup, burgundy and its purple-tinged variations can be tailored to fit your needs. While the color is inherently warm, its variations can play to either warm or cool palettes, making it versatile and timeless.

When mixing colors to achieve the perfect shade, a combination of red, blue, and brown will get you the classic burgundy hue, while adjusting the blue-to-red ratio can create unique shades like purple burgundy. With its rich undertones and versatility, burgundy can add sophistication and personality wherever it’s used. So, whether you’re wearing it, painting it, or decorating with it, this color has something to offer everyone.