Maroon Color – Explore What Colors Make Maroon in Art

The maroon color is probably the most recognized color for school uniforms, and is the main color for many educational institutions. Unlike most shades of blue that the majority of people love, maroon is a color you either love or hate. So, to get a clearer understanding of the maroon color, we will be looking into things like what colors make maroon and if maroon is a popular décor option.

What Color Is Maroon?

What does maroon look like? Most of us would most probably describe the maroon color as some type of brownish red. This is a close description, as maroon is a combination of brown and red. What colors make maroon? There are quite a few descriptions available from various dictionaries, and they might be described slightly differently in other parts of the world. The list below includes a few of these descriptions.

• Dark, brownish red, or simply a dark red
• Dark-reddish purple
• Brownish crimson
• Burgundy purple or wine color

Even though burgundy has been mentioned, these are two separate colors. If you are looking for colors online, you will notice the differences in the burgundy and maroon color codes. Each color has a separate identifying hex code, and the other color codes available will show the variations in composition. These two colors are often mistaken for each other, however, as we have mentioned, maroon is a blend of red and brown, and is darker than burgundy. 

The colors that make up burgundy are red and purple, which makes burgundy a little brighter, with a purplish undertone. 

Maroon Color: A Brief History

The name maroon we know today originated from the French term marron, which stands for chestnut. The chestnut has the appearance and similar color of a dark reddish brown. The French word is also most often used to describe anything brown in color.

Not only has maroon been a popular school uniform color, but it has also featured in a few sporting teams. For example, The Chicago Maroons, a team that represents the University of Chicago, not only use the color but are named after the maroon color. Maroon is also the color of the Vajrayana Buddhist monks, which includes the Dalai Lama. Passports and other official documents around the world also come in different colors, for example, maroon or reddish passports are used by those who belong to the European Union.

Maroon Color Meaning

 As maroon is more of a shade of red, it can be associated with love, passion, energy, as well as danger, and anger. Although, maroon is not as intense as red, so would not have quite the same effect. The maroon color is also part of fall colors when the leaves on the trees change to a myriad of hues. Many restaurants also use maroon, as it can help to stimulate the appetite. Used inside the home, it can be a color that offers warmth and a touch of sophistication. Since maroon is also the color some Buddhist monks wear, it can also be associated with spirituality. 

Maroon can also be linked to the following. 

• Thoughtfulness
• Responsibility
• Control
• Wisdom
• Warmth
• Confidence
• Strength
• Courage
• Excitement
• Power Creativity

Shades of Maroon

Maroon can often be mistaken for other colors, such as burgundy and even brown. However, the maroon color codes are all different when compared to these colors. You can find many similar colors, some of which are displayed below.

Oxblood

A much darker version of maroon, with brown as well as purplish undertones. You can most probably guess where the name comes from. Blood from an ox will be a shade of red that darkens as it is exposed to the air over time. 

Oxblood was a particularly popular color during the fall and winter fashion seasons of 2012. 

Brown

Brown is amongst the neutral or natural and earthy colors. Maroon has more of a reddish undertone when compared to brown and is more a shade of red than brown. Maroon and brown share similar qualities like warmth, security, and a sense of strength.

Firebrick

This color also belongs to the red family, and if you compare it to maroon, you will notice why these colors are confused with each other. Both can be classified as dark red. 

Maroon appears slightly darker than firebrick. 

Scarlet and Crimson

Scarlet is closer to a pure red color, with orange undertones, and is closely associated with religion and sacrifice. Crimson is a more intense and vibrant red. Both colors can easily be distinguished from the maroon color.

Maroon Color Combinations

Combining colors for application in designs can be easy or difficult, depending on the color combination you choose. Color theory provides the various color combinations that usually work best. These can easily be determined through online websites and tools. However, below are some basic color combinations that you can use for maroon. Try to experiment with different shades and tones, besides the ones provided below.

Since maroon is quite similar to brown, the colors that will always go with maroon include all the neutral or earth-tone colors. These are colors like white, black, gray, brown, tan, and various shades of orange and yellow.

Complementary Maroon Colors

The perfect color for creating contrast is teal, which can be found on opposing ends of the color wheel. You can also try other shades of green, such as seafoam green. To match the intensity of maroon, you could also pair maroon with emerald green.

Analogous Maroon Colors

Colors that are located in the same neighborhood on the color wheel, can be considered analogous. These colors are similar and create a beautifully balanced color combination. 

Other options you can consider within this category include colors like dusty rose or muted orange. 

Monochromatic Maroon Colors

One of the easier color combinations, monochromatic colors are all various tints and shades of maroon. Colors can range from a very dark red to a pale red. Monochromatic colors can help provide a more seamless, layered look.

Triadic Maroon Colors

When searching for color combinations, many of the colors are evenly spaced out on the color wheel and form shapes. The triadic colors are three colors that create a triangle. When designing, you usually have your main color, then your supporting color, and your accent color. 

Other color combinations are in the shape of a square and rectangle, which is also known as a tetradic color combination. 

What Colors Make Maroon Acrylic Paint?

You can blend a maroon color by using all three primary colors. This means using blue, red, and then a little yellow. The proportions of each color might be different, so try various options to see what works. You can start with a 5:1 ratio of blue and red paint respectively and then add in small amounts of yellow to get that brownish undertone maroon has.

You should consider using single pigment paints or primary color paints so that you know what exact colors you are mixing. This is because some red and blue paints might contain other pigments. So, you could inadvertently be mixing more than simply blue and red, which can then create a color that you are not looking for. If you are going to choose a certain type of paint color, always read what it contains on the label. Also, experiment first and create a color chart with all the proportions you are using. You can determine the paint hue by taking a small amount of the maroon and adding a little white. If the white mixture is more violet than red, consider adding a little more yellow. 

Once you have created the maroon color you want, then you can move on and begin painting.

Using Maroon Colors for Interior Design

Maroon is a well-known color and can be used in a variety of ways from clothing to interior design. If you like dark moody colors, then painting your walls maroon can provide this. However, maroon can also work great as an accent color that provides some warmth. An easy way to add maroon is to bring in elements like artwork, cushions, or patterned rugs. This provides warmth and color without becoming too much. You could also add a maroon accent wall together with a lighter more neutral color palette. This creates a focal point, without overpowering the space.

A good maroon color palette includes white and cream, which is both stylish and easy to use. The maroon color can also be the focal point within this color scheme. If you are looking for something with more color, pair maroon with vibrant colors like navy or shades of green. Maroon also pairs beautifully with gold, which adds a more sophisticated and luxurious feel to a space.  Brown and maroon go well when paired, so naturally wooden elements can also elevate the whole look.

Now that you have more insight into the maroon color, you can try it out for yourself. Maroon can help to provide depth and passion, and can be used in many different ways. Maroon is a luxurious and warm color that can be used in fashion, interior design, or product branding to help build a sense of refinement and sophistication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Colors Make Maroon?

Maroon is from the red family of colors. So, what does maroon look like? The maroon color can easily look like brown, but you can describe it as being more of a dark reddish brown. Instead of being brown or red, it is a combination of both colors.

What Is the Meaning of Maroon?

Since maroon is a dark shade of red, it symbolizes passion, energy, and depth. As it is associated with Buddhist monks, it is also considered a color associated with wisdom and spirituality. It is also associated with warmth, courage, and power.

What Colors Go With Maroon?

Maroon works perfectly with white and other lighter, more neutral colors such as cream, brown, and gray. However, maroon also can work with various shades of yellow and red. To add contrast, shades of green and blue should work nicely.