Making burgundy requires combining deep red with controlled brown and subtle blue undertones. Burgundy is a dark red–wine shade that sits between crimson and maroon, characterized by richness and muted depth rather than brightness.
This guide explains how to make burgundy in paint using structured mixing ratios, how to adjust warmth and depth, and how burgundy behaves in digital RGB and CMYK systems.
How to Make Burgundy in Paint
Method 1: Red + Brown (Stable Formula)
Approximate starting ratio:
- 70% deep red
- 20% dark brown
- 10% blue (optional, for depth adjustment)
This ratio creates a balanced burgundy base. Adjust gradually depending on pigment strength and brand intensity.
Method 2: Red + Blue + Small Yellow (Controlled Blend)
Approximate starting ratio:
- 60% red
- 30% blue
- 10% yellow (to mute brightness)
This method allows finer control of undertones. Increasing blue shifts toward plum. Increasing red shifts toward wine red.
How to Adjust Burgundy Tone
- Warmer burgundy: Increase red by 5–10%.
- Cooler burgundy: Increase blue slightly.
- Deeper burgundy: Add 5% black or dark brown.
- Lighter burgundy: Add white gradually (creates dusty rose variants).
Common Burgundy Mixing Mistakes
- Using bright red instead of deep red
- Adding too much blue too quickly
- Overusing black (creates flat tone)
- Ignoring pigment bias differences
Digital Burgundy (RGB)
In RGB systems, burgundy is created by reducing brightness of red and increasing blue slightly.
- Example HEX: #800020
- Example RGB: 128, 0, 32
Adjust saturation carefully to avoid shifting into magenta.
CMYK Burgundy
Approximate CMYK starting formula:
- C: 20%
- M: 100%
- Y: 60%
- K: 40%
Adjust black ink carefully to maintain richness without flattening the tone.
Related Shades
Burgundy Mixing FAQ
What colors make burgundy?
Deep red mixed with brown or a red–blue base with slight yellow neutralization creates burgundy.
Is burgundy more red or purple?
Burgundy is red-dominant with subtle purple undertones.
How do I darken burgundy?
Add small amounts of dark brown or black.
Why does my burgundy look purple?
You may have added too much blue relative to red.
What colors make burgundy?
Burgundy is made by combining red with brown and a small amount of purple. The brown deepens the red while the purple adjusts undertone balance.
What two colors make burgundy?
If using only two colors, mix red with brown. This creates a simplified burgundy tone. For more precision, add a small amount of purple.
How do you make burgundy darker?
To darken burgundy, add a small amount of black or increase the brown ratio gradually. Avoid adding too much black at once to prevent dullness.
Continue Exploring Color Mixing
For the full cultural meaning, symbolism, and design use of this shade, see our detailed Burgundy color meaning page.
Burgundy is built on deep red structure and brown-based depth.
For the full cultural meaning and symbolism, see our Burgundy color meaning guide.
- How to Mix Brown — the main depth foundation
- How to Mix Purple — undertone control
- How to Make Maroon — earthier red-brown variant
- How to Mix Black — deepening without flattening
Return to the full Color Mixing Hub to explore all structured mixing guides.