Burgundy is having a moment, but unlike some colour trends it’s surprisingly easy to live with. Sitting somewhere between red, brown and purple, it can be dramatic or understated depending on what you put around it.
September always makes me want to change things at home. I’m not necessarily thinking anything drastic – more a shift away from summer and towards rooms that feel a little warmer, richer and more interesting. And this year, there’s one colour I keep noticing everywhere. Burgundy is back and its latest incarnation is less nineties’ hotel carpet and more deep merlot, oxblood and dark cherry – and it’s appearing on everything from sofas and kitchens to lamps, cushions and glassware. It has the warmth of red without shouting so loudly about it, and enough brown or purple in it to work with colours many of us already have at home. The question, then, is how far do you want to go?
START SMALL
If your home is currently fairly neutral, you don’t need to reach for the paintbrush. A burgundy lamp, small side table, cushions, vase or throw can be enough to wake up a room, particularly as we head into autumn. The trick is to avoid leaving one lonely burgundy object stranded in the middle of everything else. Repeat the colour somewhere else – perhaps in a pattern, a piece of artwork or even a small accessory on the other side of the room – and suddenly it looks as though you meant it. It’s also an easy way to try a colour you’re not quite ready to commit to. Live with the cushion before you buy the sofa.
SHOP THE LOOK: Small Side Table – Dunhelm | Chenille Throw – Very | Dark Orchid Candle – Primark | Ribbed Floor Lamp – Dunhelm | Artificial Ruscus Arrangement in Resin Pot – M&S | Habitat Side Table – Argos | Abstract Strokes Artwork – Akua Home | Gloss Pendant Shade – Dunhelm | Floral Pattern Cushion Cover – Dunhelm | Salamanca Cushion in Burgundy Tuscany – BoConcept
MAKE A STATEMENT
Ready to move beyond accessories? Burgundy works brilliantly on the pieces that naturally anchor a room – a sofa or armchair, rug, curtains, headboard or occasional table. Texture makes a difference here. Velvet gives burgundy depth and catches the light beautifully, while wool makes it feel softer and more relaxed. Glossy lacquer takes it somewhere else entirely – sharper, smarter and more contemporary. And don’t assume a burgundy statement piece requires an otherwise beige room. In fact, some of the most interesting schemes happen when you treat it almost as a neutral and allow other colours to join in.
SHOP THE LOOK: Storage Desk – Dunhelm | Red Reeded Glass Wall Cabinet – B&Q | Velvet Curved Modular Four-Seater Chaise Corner Sofa (and main image) – Furniture123 | Etching Park Wallpaper – Rebel Walls | Velvet Armchair – FurnitureBox | Eight-Piece Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set – Next | Velvet Upholstered Panel Bed Frame – BedKingdom | Soft Washable Traditional Burgundy Rug – Kukoon | Metal Curved Side Table – H&M
GO ALL IN
Now we’re talking. A whole burgundy room sounds like a brave move, but dark colours can be fabulous in the right space. A small downstairs loo, dining room or snug is often a much better candidate than people imagine. Rather than trying to make a naturally dark room look bigger and brighter, you can work with it and create something dramatic instead. And remember that the finish matters too. A deep matt wall will feel soft and enveloping; the same colour in gloss on a cupboard, door or piece of furniture suddenly feels much more polished. Whatever you choose, test the paint first. Burgundy is not one single shade – some lean red, others brown, berry or purple – and natural and artificial light can change them enormously.
SHOP THE LOOK: Dulux Heritage Florentine Red – Wilko | No297 Preference Red – Farrow & Ball | Audrey – Knuckles
So WHAT GOES WITH BURGUNDY?
PALE BLUE: This might be my favourite – putting a cool, powdery blue next to such a rich red shouldn’t work, but it immediately makes burgundy feel fresher and less traditional. Add warm wood and cream and you’ve got a combination that can work all year round.
OLIVE GREEN: Two strong colours that are very happy sharing a room. Keep the green muted rather than bright and bring in plenty of natural wood, linen and perhaps a little aged brass..
BLUSH PINK: Pink and burgundy sit close enough together to feel comfortable, but the difference in depth makes the combination interesting. The pink softens the burgundy; the burgundy stops the pink becoming too sweet. Try plaster pink walls with a burgundy chair or sofa.
CHOCOLATE BROWN: Brown has well and truly escaped its decades in interiors exile, which is excellent news for burgundy. Put the two together with walnut, dark timber and warm cream and you get a room that feels rich and layered rather than overly colourful.
CREAM: The easiest place to begin. Cream gives burgundy some breathing room without creating the hard contrast you can get with brilliant white. If your room is already predominantly neutral, one substantial piece in burgundy could be all it needs.
AND DON’T FORGET THE METALS: Brass and burgundy are old friends for a reason. A brass lamp, picture frame, mirror or cabinet handle picks up the warmth in the colour beautifully. For something a little less traditional, try chrome or brushed steel instead.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO BURGUNDY
Burgundy is making a similar play in this season’s fashion trends. Discover our A26 favourites here.
