Burgundy, a rich and sophisticated hue, has long been a favoured choice for walls by interior designers. This deep, warm colour not only adds an air of luxury, but also provides a versatile backdrop for various design styles and palettes.
The colour burgundy has a rich history in design, art, and culture, marked by its deep, red hue that signifies sophistication, luxury, and depth.
Origins and Historical Significance
1. Early Use: The use of burgundy, named after the Burgundy wine from the Burgundy region in France, dates back centuries. This deep red colour was initially derived from natural dyes and was often associated with wealth and status due to the cost of the dyes.
2. Renaissance Period: During the Renaissance, burgundy gained prominence in fashion and art. It was a popular choice for clothing among the nobility and was often seen in portraits and tapestries of the time.
3. Victorian Era: In the Victorian era, burgundy became a symbol of opulence and power. It was commonly used in interior design, often in the form of rich, heavy fabrics and wall coverings, reflecting the period’s preference for deep, intense colours.Modern Use in Design
1. 20th Century: In the 20th century, burgundy maintained its association with luxury but began to be used more broadly. In the mid-century, it was popular in both fashion and interiors, reflecting a move towards bolder, richer colours.
2. Contemporary Design: Today, burgundy is seen as a versatile colour by interior designers. It’s used to create a sense of depth and warmth in a space and is often paired with lighter hues for a modern, sophisticated look.Symbolism and Cultural Significance
• Symbolism: Burgundy has long been associated with wealth, power, and prestige. It’s also linked to sophistication and seriousness, making it a popular choice in formal settings.
• Cultural Impact: The colour has been a staple in various cultural garments, such as traditional Asian clothing, and has been a significant colour in religious and royal attire.Burgundy in Art and Fashion
• Art: In art, burgundy has been used by artists to convey depth, emotion, and richness. It’s often found in classical paintings and modern art alike.
• Fashion: In fashion, burgundy remains a staple for its elegance and versatility, appearing in everything from evening wear to casual attire.The Allure of Burgundy in Interiors
Burgundy walls, with its blend of red and purple tones, exudes a sense of warmth and depth, making it an excellent choice for creating a focal point in any room. This colour, often associated with luxury and sophistication, can transform an ordinary space into one of elegance and style which is beautifully displayed in the kitchen below.
Farrow & Balls Preference Red No.297 is on the walls, and creates a warm and sophisticated ambiance. The deep, rich hue of the burgundy adds depth to the space, making it feel more intimate and inviting.
The colour choice is bold, yet it’s balanced by the neutral colours of the cabinetry and ceiling, which are painted in softer, muted tones. This allows the burgundy to stand out as a statement colour without overwhelming the room. The use of wood panelling on the freestanding kitchen island, introduces a natural element that complements the burgundy, adding to the organic warmth of the space. The overall design leverages the strong character of the colour to give the kitchen a modern yet timeless look, enhancing the room’s architectural features and creating a striking visual impact.
Image: Farrow & Ball
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In this dining room, the burgundy wall paint is employed to create a feeling of warmth and richness, it helps to evokes a sense of history and formality. A sophisticated backdrop is created, that highlights the room’s features, such as the sideboard and the dining table. The colour is deep and evocative, contrasting beautifully with the white accents from the ceiling and the dining room pendant light which in turn provides a contemporary touch to the space.
Burgundy walls can make a room feel more enclosed and cosy, which is ideal for spaces meant for gatherings and meals, as it can encourage people to sit down and linger. The overall effect is one of elegance, comfort, and a touch of drama, which is balanced by the room’s natural light and the reflective surfaces.
Image: Farrow & Ball
Shop Farrow & Balls Preference Red
Incarnadine from Farrow & Ball, a deep and saturated red, known for its warmth and depth, features in this dining setting. It provides a rich, traditional backdrop that works beautifully with the wood tones of the dining table, and the patterned floor rug.
The colour choice in this dining room is bold and dramatic. It’s a classic shade that can transform the space into a more intimate and enclosed area, suitable for long dinners and engaging conversations. The natural light from the windows brings out the vibrancy of the colour, highlighting the paint’s lush, pigmented quality. It also contrasts well with the white ceiling and skirting, which helps to balance the depth of the wall colour.
In a dining room by @Dr Rooster, with traditional furnishings and a warm, rich colour on the walls, the atmosphere is likely to be cosy and welcoming. The space feels current, yet timeless. This hue would also work well to highlight art pieces or mirrors, as its deep base provides a striking contrast to metallic or lighter frames.
In this room, Farrow & Ball’s Incarnadine is a bold choice that imbues the space with a sense of drama and history. This rich, deep maroon colour is reminiscent of a traditional drawing room or library, and serves as a strong backdrop for the antique and vintage decor. The room’s overall aesthetic is one of layered sophistication, with the wall paint’s saturated hue enhancing the ornate details of the furniture and the gilt accessories.
The texture of the paint complements the patina of the aged furniture, particularly the distressed green chest of drawers and the cushion on the chair, which also features red tones. The wall art, with its muted colours and classical scene, stands out against the intensity of the wall colour, creating a focal point that immediately draws the eye. The use of Incarnadine here showcases how a powerful colour can anchor a room filled with eclectic items, giving each piece a context and a warmth that unites disparate elements into a cohesive space.
Using Incarnadine for a wall colour is a statement choice that would typically be paired with neutral or complementary colours to avoid overwhelming the senses. It’s especially effective in rooms that benefit from a feeling of warmth and enclosure, such as dining rooms or reading nooks.
Below the rooms burgundy wall is calmed with the simplicity of the furnishings—the neutral sofa, the unadorned side table, and the minimal decor—ensuring that the space doesn’t feel overwhelming. The light-coloured flooring and the sofa contrast with the burgundy, making the wall appear even more vibrant and the space more open.
The addition of greenery through plants introduces a natural element that complements the warmth of the burgundy. The use of pillows on the sofa that match the wall colour ties the room together, while the white vase and flowers provide a visual break, adding to the room’s modern and clean aesthetic.
The solid expanse of the burgundy wall, provides a perfect opportunity to introduce a patterned accent chair, which would add a layer of complexity and interest to the room. The pattern on the chair could include hints of burgundy to tie it in with the wall, while introducing additional colours that complement the overall palette of the space. This would create a focal point and add a touch of personality, breaking up the solid colour and giving the eye multiple points of interest to engage with. The texture or pattern of the chair would also provide a contrast against the smooth, matte finish of the wall, adding depth and character to the design.
Complementary Colours for Burgundy Paint for Walls
To enhance the richness of burgundy, pairing it with complementary colours is key.
1. Neutrals: Light neutrals like beige, cream, or light grey can balance the intensity of burgundy, offering a softer, more refined look. These combinations work well in bedrooms and living rooms where a soothing palette is desired.
2. Bold Contrasts: For a more dramatic effect, pair burgundy with bold colours like navy blue, forest green, or even a vibrant gold. These pairings are perfect for creating a statement in spaces like dining rooms or home offices.
3. Metallic Accents: Incorporating metallics such as gold, brass, or copper can enhance the luxurious feel of a burgundy room. Metallic light fixtures, picture frames, or decorative elements can add a touch of glamour.Textures and Materials to Complement Burgundy Walls
The texture also plays a significant role in complementing burgundy walls. Consider using different fabrics and materials to add depth and interest:
• Velvet and Silk: These fabrics can accentuate the richness of burgundy, ideal for cushions, curtains, or upholstery.
• Wood: Natural wood tones, especially darker ones, complement burgundy paint on walls beautifully, adding a natural, grounding element to the room.Lighting Considerations
Proper lighting is crucial in rooms with burgundy walls. Ambient lighting can soften the overall effect, while accent lighting can highlight specific areas or home decor elements, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Burgundy walls can transform a space, adding depth and sophistication. By choosing the right complementary colours, textures, and lighting, you can create a room that is both luxurious and welcoming. Whether in a bedroom, living room, or dining area, burgundy can make a bold statement and create an ambiance of elegance and style.
Incorporate this timeless hue in your next interior project and watch as it brings a touch of luxury and character to your space.
The room above showcases a sophisticated blend of contemporary design elements with the rich backdrop of burgundy paint. The burgundy walls provide a deep, warm hue that brings a sense of luxury and intimacy to the space. This colour choice is daring yet elegant and serves as a perfect canvas for the more neutral-toned furniture.
Create the Look
Furniture and Textures:
• The furniture features clean, modern lines with soft, neutral fabrics that create a calm balance against the burgundy.
• The wooden elements, seen in the sideboard and coffee table, have a mid-century modern feel and add a touch of organic warmth.
• The rattan detail on the sideboard doors introduces texture and a slight bohemian touch, which contrasts nicely with the smooth walls.Natural Elements:
• The large green plant is a vibrant addition, its lush leaves standing out against the burgundy, injecting life and freshness into the room.
• The natural light from the window highlights the wall’s colour variation and texture, enhancing the space’s overall ambiance.Accessories and Decor:
• Minimalist decor items in muted colours, such as the small sculptures and vases, provide visual interest without competing with the wall colour.
• The geometric patterns on the cushions introduce a subtle complexity to the decor, adding an element of modern sophistication.Colour Palette and Lighting:
• The colour palette is restrained, with the burgundy walls energised by the light-coloured furniture and wooden tones, creating a balanced and inviting space.
• The room’s lighting appears to be natural and soft, which is ideal for emphasising the richness of the burgundy paint and creating a serene atmosphere.Overall Effect:
• The decoration in this room, with its focus on neutral tones and natural textures, complements the burgundy walls by allowing them to stand out without overpowering the space.
• This design approach makes the room feel modern, chic, and cohesive, proving that burgundy can be both a bold statement and a harmonious part of a well-considered design palette.
This image showcases the dramatic and bold use of burgundy paint in a dining room, highlighting its ability to create a mood that is both intimate and vibrant. The walls are bathed in a deep shade of burgundy, which adds a layer of warmth and sophistication to the room. This colour choice is daring yet inviting, making the space feel grounded and cohesive.
The choice of round dining table and dining chairs in similar hues of red and burgundy maintains a monochromatic theme, which is both modern and stylish. This technique allows for the seamless integration of different elements within the room, while the reflective surfaces of the furniture add a subtle interplay of light and shadow that enhances the richness of the wall colour.
Taking centre stage in this design narrative is the pendant light. Its unique texture and organic form contrast with the uniform colour of the walls, drawing the eye upwards and adding a focal point to the space. The light fixtures, with their sculptural quality and off-white colour, provide a soft visual break from the intensity of the burgundy walls, offering balance and a contemporary touch. The lights not only serve a functional purpose but also act as pieces of art, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the room.
The inclusion of natural elements, like the view of the forest outside and the indoor plants, introduces a fresh and organic aspect that juxtaposes with the interior’s deep colours. This design decision to include natural views and greenery brings a sense of life and connects the indoors with the outdoors, adding depth to the room. The pendant lights with their soft glow complement this connection by creating a serene ambiance, ensuring the space doesn’t feel too saturated with the bold burgundy. They act as a visual softener, their gentle illumination enhancing the welcoming atmosphere that the burgundy walls establish. Overall, the room is a masterclass in using a powerful colour to its full potential, carefully balanced with well-chosen lighting and natural touches to create a cohesive and inviting interior.
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Decorating with Empire Red – a Bold Burgundy Shade
Introducing a bold colour like Empire Red by Rust-Oleum can transform a room from mundane to magnificent. This deep, bold red wall paint, suitable for both walls and ceilings, belongs to the red colour group and is part of the Bold & Vibrant collection, with a matt finish that provides a sophisticated non-reflective surface.
Creating a Focal Point
The featured Empire Red wall in the image serves as a stunning focal point, drawing the eye and instantly warming up the space. Its matte finish absorbs light, allowing for a depth of colour that adds character to the room.
Balancing with Neutrals
As seen in the photograph, the rich intensity of the burgundy wall is expertly balanced with neutral tones. The soft beige of the sofa and the white fireplace and mantlepiece ensure the space remains open and airy, preventing the strong colour from overwhelming the living room.
Texture and Accessories
Textural contrast is key when decorating with such a vibrant colour . The plush cushions add a tactile element that contrasts with the matte paint. Natural wood elements, like the coffee table and logs by the fireplace, introduce an organic touch that complements the burgundy, while the greenery brings life and freshness, creating a harmonious balance.
Decorating with Rust-Oleum’s Empire Red paint requires a keen eye for balance. It’s about creating a statement without sacrificing the room’s overall harmony. When paired with the right decor, it can turn a simple room into a statement of design confidence, showcasing how a bold colour choice can work seamlessly with the decor to create a space that’s both striking and inviting.
The paint choices for the walls in these images below showcase two rich and deep burgundy hues by Rustoleum, specifically “Soho” on the left and “Firebrick” on the right. These shades are a bold choice that can infuse a room with warmth and drama.
“Soho” is a vivid burgundy with a brighter undertone that seems to bring an energetic yet sophisticated touch to the space. It’s a colour that could work well in a creative space or an area where you’d want to stimulate conversation and energy. The way it’s been paired with lighter furniture and natural textures balances its intensity, preventing it from overwhelming the room.
“Fire Brick” has a more subdued, earthy quality, suggestive of the natural brick it’s named after. This tone might be chosen for its more traditional and grounded feel, making it suitable for spaces where you want to encourage comfort and reflection. The choice of complementary natural and neutral accents like the rattan chair and the beige table reinforces a sense of calm and ties the modern space back to traditional roots.
Both these shades are a testament to how deep, rich colours can create ambiance and character in a room. They demonstrate versatility in that they can be adapted to different styles and preferences, from modern to traditional. The use of burgundy on the walls can also serve as a backdrop for wall art, accessories, and furniture, allowing these elements to stand out or blend in, depending on the chosen home décor.
FAQ’s
What is the Most Popular Paint Colour for Walls?
For 2024 in the UK, Farrow & Ball is focusing on rich, nurturing clay tones as part of their trend predictions. These colours are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a comforting and cosy ambiance that many are seeking in their homes. This trend aligns well with a broader interest in creating warm, inviting spaces, particularly with ultra-matt finishes that enhance the depth and richness of these tones​ (Farrow & Ball)​.
Rust-Oleum is also embracing luxurious, deep colours such as “Chocolate Cherry.” This rich, velvety tone adds warmth and sophistication, making it ideal for creating an inviting atmosphere that also exudes elegance. Such deep hues are versatile and can be incorporated into various design styles, from traditional to modern, enhancing the space with a sense of luxury and comfort​ (Wallsauce Photo Wallpaper Murals)​.
These colour trends reflect a shift towards more emotionally comforting and visually rich environments by interior designers for the upcoming year.