Burgundy paint colors can bring depth, warmth, and a sense of sophistication to rooms throughout the home. This rich red family ranges from muted, dusty tones to shades with plum or brown influence, making it suitable for both dramatic walls and smaller accents. The right choice depends on the room’s natural light, surrounding finishes, and how bold you want the result to feel.
Source: deVOL Kitchens
Burgundy has a long association with luxury and classic interiors, yet it can work in contemporary spaces too. Its popularity rose in recent years, and Better Homes & Gardens named burgundy the biggest color in 2023. Because the color can shift noticeably under different lighting, testing paint samples in the room is a useful first step before committing.
How to Use Burgundy Paint Colors
Paint influences the mood of a room as well as its appearance. Burgundy often creates a cozy, enveloping effect, so it can be used across a full room or introduced in a smaller area when you want a subtler look. Consider the existing flooring, furniture, and fixtures before selecting a shade.
A Brief History of Burgundy in Interior Design
The name burgundy is connected to the Burgundy region of France and the wines produced there. The color has long been associated with richness and formality, and it continues to appear in interiors ranging from traditional rooms to modern, layered spaces.
Source: Kin and Kasa
Where to Use Burgundy Paint Colors
Burgundy is not a single fixed shade. Depending on the paint, it may read as a deep red, a dusty pink-red, or a tone with a plum-like cast. Compare samples with the room’s lighting and nearby materials; the same color can look different in daylight and after dark.
Furniture and Cabinets
Burgundy-painted cabinets or furniture can add a strong color accent without covering every wall. Pair the color with neutral finishes for a more balanced scheme, or use cream and gold details for a richer look. Test a sample on the actual surface, since wood grain and finish can affect the final appearance.
Source: McGrath2
Bedrooms
In a bedroom, burgundy can contribute to a warm, intimate atmosphere. If painting the walls feels like too much, bring in the color through bedding, curtains, or a headboard. For a full-room application, check the shade in both daytime and evening light before deciding.
Dining Rooms
Burgundy walls can create a welcoming backdrop for meals and conversation. Dark wood furniture and brass fixtures are possible companions, while lighter textiles can keep the room from feeling too heavy. Use layered lighting so the wall color remains comfortable after sunset.
Bathrooms
A burgundy powder room can make a small space feel intentionally dramatic. Dark colors may visually soften the boundaries of a room, but the effect depends on its layout and lighting. Try a sample near the mirror and check how it looks under the bathroom’s fixtures before painting all the walls.
Source: Wildflower Home Interiors
12 Designer-Recommended Burgundy Paint Colors
These 12 options offer different starting points for exploring burgundy. Paint names alone cannot show exactly how a color will look in your home, so compare physical samples with your lighting, trim, and furnishings before making a final choice.
1. Benjamin Moore Bewitched
Source: Modern Nest Homes
2. Farrow & Ball Brinjal
Source: Kin and Kasa
3. Behr Dark Cherry Mocha
Source: iSpyDIY
4. Benjamin Moore New London Burgundy
Source: Our Aesthetic Abode
5. Benjamin Moore Fading Twilight
Source: Chris Loves Julia
6. Sherwin Williams Carnelian
Source: Sherwin Williams
7. Benjamin Moore Arroyo Red
Source: Portland Mitchell | Karna Maffait
8. Farrow and Ball Deep Reddish Brown
Source: Colin King Studio | Rich Stapleton
9. Sherwin Williams Sommelier
Source: John McClain Design
10. Sherwin Williams Radicchio Leaf
Source: The Makerista
11. Farrow and Ball Estate Emulsion Preference Red
Source: Maria Nordlund Design
12. Paint and Paper Library Grenache
Source: De Rosee Sa | Simon Brown
How to Decorate With Burgundy
Burgundy can be striking, so balance it with lighting, contrasting colors, and varied textures. A few practical checks can help the finished room feel considered rather than overpowering.
Plan the Lighting
Natural light and artificial bulbs can change how a deep red appears. Use more than one light source where possible, and view your sample at different times of day. This is especially helpful in rooms with limited daylight.
Add Contrast
Cream, beige, and soft gray can offset burgundy’s intensity. You can introduce lighter tones through trim, curtains, upholstery, or rugs instead of adding another strong wall color.
Mix Textures
Soft fabrics, plush rugs, wood, and metallic accents give a room visual variety. Choose finishes that suit the mood you want, and repeat a few materials around the space to help the palette feel cohesive.
For a confident result, test samples on more than one wall and observe them in both natural and artificial light. This simple step can help you judge the color alongside the room’s permanent finishes before buying enough paint for the project.
Whether used on every wall or in a smaller accent, burgundy paint colors can bring warmth and personality to an interior. Compare samples carefully, consider the room’s light, and choose a shade that works with your existing furnishings for a timeless, balanced result.
