Maroon is a rich, deep red colour that has a brownish-red hue. It sits between red and brown on the colour wheel and is considered a tertiary colour. Maroon gets its name from the French word “marron” which means chestnut.
The Origins of the Colour Maroon
The first recorded use of “maroon” as a colour name in English was in 1789. However, the colour itself has been around for much longer. During the 17th and 18th centuries, maroon was commonly associated with the uniforms of European nobility and military leaders. It was seen as a prestigious, elegant colour at the time.
In the early 19th century, maroon became the distinctive colour of elite university sporting teams at Oxford, Cambridge and other old, established universities in the UK. Later, as more universities were established in the US, maroon was adopted there too for varsity sports teams.
What Makes Maroon Different from Other Reds
Maroon sits between the primary colour red and the tertiary colour brown on the colour wheel. This means it is made by combining red and brown pigments together. The higher proportion of brown makes maroon darker and more muted than pure red.
Here’s a look at how maroon is different from some other popular shades of red:
| Red Shade | Hex Code | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlet | #FF2400 | Bright, clear, slightly bluish red |
| Crimson | #DC143C | Deep, rich slightly purplish red |
| Ruby | #E0115F | Vivid, bluish red |
| Maroon | #800000 | Deep red with brownish undertone |
As you can see, maroon is darker and browner compared to bright reds like scarlet. It also lacks the bluish undertone of rubies and crimsons. The muted brownish tone is what defines maroon.
Shades and Variations of Maroon
There are many shades of maroon ranging from slightly reddish browns to more deeply saturated reds. Here are some of the most popular maroon shades and their uses:
| Maroon Variation | Hex Code | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Rich maroon | #B03060 | Traditional maroon shade popular in fashion, textiles, sports teams |
| Dark red | #8B0000 | Slightly deeper, sometimes considered a shade of maroon |
| Cordovan | #893F45 | Greyish reddish-brown, used in leathergoods |
| Burgundy | #800020 | Popular for wine colours, feminine fashion |
There are also lighter, more muted variations of maroon that verge closer to brown. These include shades like chestnut, russet, and copper red.
Maroon in Fashion and Decor
Maroon has long been a staple colour for fall fashion. Deeper, warmer hues like maroon flatter most complexions and align with seasonal autumnal colour palettes. Maroon clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories are perennial favourites for the cooler months.
In interior design and decor, maroon works well in traditional, vintage, rustic, or farmhouse styles. It brings a sense of warmth and cosiness to living spaces. Maroon can be used in anything from throw pillows and rugs to furniture and accent walls.
Here are some popular ways maroon is used in fashion and home decor:
| Area of Use | Examples |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Sweaters, coats, dresses, skirts, scarves |
| Shoes | Boots, heels, loafers |
| Bags | Totes, satchels, briefcases |
| Home Decor | Rugs, throws, pillows, wallpaper, furniture |
Maroon works well for plush fabrics like velvet, corduroy, wool and leather. It also suits matte, muted, or earthy textures. Maroon can be dressed up for evening glamour or pared down for casual chic.
Complementary Colours for Maroon
Certain shades look particularly pleasing alongside maroon. These complementary colours make ideal accents for fashion or interior schemes featuring maroon.
Here are some of maroon’s best colour pairings:
| Complementary Colour | Description |
|---|---|
| Cream | Cream has a warm undertone that works with maroon’s red-brown hue |
| Gold | Metallic gold has both warmth and richness that matches well with maroon |
| Navy | The depth of navy blue offsets and enhances maroon |
| Grey | Charcoal, steel and slate greys look smart and modern with maroon |
Maroon also pairs well with shades like camel, beige, olive green, moss green, mustard yellow and burnt orange. Combining maroon with neutrals and earth tones creates a warm, grounded look.
The Psychology of the Colour Maroon
Colours are known to have a psychological impact on people. Maroon evokes certain feelings, moods and associations because of its earthy qualities. Here’s an overview of the colour psychology of maroon:
- Authority – The rich, deep shade of maroon conveys authority, leadership and confidence. This is why it was chosen for nobility and officials.
- Masculinity – Despite its use in women’s fashion, maroon is considered a masculine colour, likely due to its official and uniform history.
- Sophistication – Maroon has an air of luxury and elegance, without being overpowering.
- Intensity – The darkness of the shade has a heightened intensity about it compared to bright reds.
- Romance – Maroon is thought to stir passionate emotions thanks to its romantic associations with red.
- Vintage – Maroon has an old-fashioned, vintage vibe. It reminds people of a bygone era.
Overall, maroon is seen as traditional, nostalgic, elegant and evocative. It’s a versatile colour that can be adapted to many different moods and styles.
Key Facts and Statistics About Maroon
Here are some interesting facts and stats about maroon to summarize everything we’ve covered:
- Hex code: #800000
- RGB values: 128, 0, 0
- CMYK values: 0, 100, 100, 50
- Considered a tertiary as well as a neutral colour
- Originally associated with European nobility and military uniforms
- Used since the 1920s for university sports teams
- Symbol of sacrifice and courage for the French resistance in WWII
- Represents Christmas in parts of the Philippines
- Primary colour of Harvard University
- 4th most popular car colour in North America
Conclusion
Maroon is a timeless, versatile colour with a rich history. Its muted, earthy red hue sets it apart from brighter reds and gives it a sophisticated edge. Maroon works for many applications from fashion to home decor. With its appealing colour psychology, maroon will likely remain a staple shade for years to come.