What Color Goes With Maroon? 15 Designer-Approved Palettes That Transform Any Space

Maroon is one of interior design's most sophisticated colors—a rich, wine-inspired hue that brings depth, warmth, and luxury to any space. But pairing maroon can feel intimidating. Too many dark colors and your room becomes a cave. Too many bright colors and the elegance disappears. The secret lies in understanding which colors naturally harmonize with maroon's complex undertones.

Whether you're planning a dramatic accent wall, selecting furniture, or choosing textiles, these 15 designer-approved color palettes will help you create stunning combinations that enhance maroon's natural beauty while maintaining perfect balance in your space.

Understanding Maroon: The Foundation of Great Color Combinations#

Before diving into specific palettes, it's essential to understand what makes maroon unique. Maroon sits between red and brown on the color wheel, containing warm undertones of orange and hints of purple. This complexity is both maroon's strength and its challenge—it can appear warm or cool depending on the surrounding colors and lighting conditions.

The Science Behind Maroon #

Maroon's hex code (#800000) reveals its composition: heavy on red with minimal green and blue components. This creates a color that:

• Absorbs significant amounts of light, making spaces feel intimate and cozy
• Contains both warm and cool undertones, allowing flexibility in pairing
• Evokes feelings of luxury and sophistication, similar to fine wine or rich velvet
• Changes appearance dramatically under different lighting conditions

Why Maroon Pairing Matters #

Getting maroon combinations right affects more than just aesthetics:

• Visual balance: Prevents rooms from feeling too dark or overwhelming
• Emotional impact: Creates the right mood for your space's intended purpose
• Lighting interaction: Ensures colors work under both natural and artificial light
• Timeless appeal: Builds color schemes that won't feel dated in a few years

15 Designer-Approved Maroon Color Palettes#

1. Classic Elegance: Maroon + Cream + Gold #

This timeless combination channels old-world luxury with modern sophistication.

Why it works:

• Cream provides the perfect light contrast to maroon's depth
• Gold accents add warmth and prevent the palette from feeling flat
• The combination creates natural visual hierarchy

Best applications:

• Living rooms with traditional or transitional styling
• Dining rooms designed for formal entertaining
• Master bedrooms seeking a luxurious retreat feel

Implementation tips:

• Use maroon for accent walls or major upholstery pieces
• Apply cream to walls and larger furniture pieces
• Incorporate gold through lighting, picture frames, and decorative accessories
• Add texture through velvet, silk, and metallic finishes

2. Modern Drama: Maroon + Charcoal + White #

A contemporary palette that balances maroon's richness with sleek sophistication.

Why it works:

• Charcoal anchors the palette without competing with maroon
• White creates breathing room and prevents visual heaviness
• The trio feels both dramatic and liveable

Best applications:

• Modern living spaces with clean lines
• Home offices needing both energy and focus
• Bachelor pads or sophisticated studio apartments

Implementation strategy:

• Feature maroon in artwork, throw pillows, or statement furniture
• Use charcoal for larger pieces like sofas or accent walls
• Apply white to walls and larger surfaces for balance
• Include black and stainless steel accents for modern edge

3. Warm Sophistication: Maroon + Tan + Forest Green #

This earthy combination brings outdoor warmth inside while maintaining elegance.

Color psychology:

• Tan adds warmth without competing for attention
• Forest green provides natural balance and freshness
• Together they create a grounding, comfortable atmosphere

Perfect for:

• Dens and family rooms focused on comfort
• Home libraries or reading nooks
• Rustic or cabin-style interiors

Styling approach:

• Use maroon for upholstery and textile accents
• Apply tan to walls or larger neutral pieces
• Incorporate forest green through plants, artwork, or accent furniture
• Add natural textures like leather, wood, and woven fabrics

4. Romantic Luxury: Maroon + Blush Pink + Champagne #

An unexpectedly sophisticated palette that balances masculine maroon with feminine softness.

Design theory:

• Blush pink softens maroon's intensity without losing sophistication
• Champagne adds metallic warmth and luxury appeal
• The combination feels both romantic and refined

Ideal settings:

• Master bedrooms with romantic styling
• Powder rooms designed to impress
• Boutique-style walk-in closets

Execution details:

• Feature maroon in textiles like bedding or window treatments
• Use blush pink for walls or delicate furniture pieces
• Include champagne in lighting fixtures, mirrors, and hardware
• Layer different textures to prevent the palette from feeling flat

5. Bold Contrast: Maroon + Sage Green + Ivory #

This nature-inspired combination creates visual interest through complementary contrast.

Color science:

• Sage green sits opposite maroon on the color wheel, creating natural harmony
• Ivory provides a softer alternative to stark white
• The palette feels both grounded and fresh

Applications:

• Kitchens with traditional or farmhouse styling
• Living rooms with botanical themes
• Guest bedrooms designed for tranquility

Professional tips:

• Balance the bold contrast with plenty of ivory to prevent overwhelming
• Use maroon sparingly as accent color in art or textiles
• Feature sage green in larger doses through furniture or walls
• Include natural elements like wood and stone for cohesion

6. Urban Chic: Maroon + Slate Blue + Silver #

A sophisticated city palette that balances warm maroon with cool contemporary tones.

Why this works:

• Slate blue provides cool balance without jarring contrast
• Silver adds modern metallic appeal
• The combination feels both current and timeless

Best spaces:

• Contemporary condos or lofts
• Modern dining rooms
• Sleek home office spaces

Implementation:

• Use maroon for statement pieces like artwork or accent chairs
• Apply slate blue to walls or larger upholstery
• Include silver through lighting, hardware, and decorative objects
• Add glass and metal textures for urban sophistication

7. Earthy Richness: Maroon + Burnt Orange + Camel #

A warm, inviting palette inspired by autumn's natural beauty.

Natural harmony:

• All colors exist in nature's fall palette
• Creates cozy, welcoming atmosphere
• Feels both sophisticated and comfortable

Perfect applications:

• Family rooms focused on comfort
• Mountain or cabin-style homes
• Spaces designed for entertaining

Styling strategy:

• Feature maroon in textiles and artwork
• Use burnt orange for accent pieces and seasonal touches
• Apply camel to larger furniture pieces
• Include natural textures like leather, wool, and wood

8. Coastal Elegance: Maroon + Navy + Seafoam #

An unexpected coastal combination that brings sophistication to beach-house style.

Design innovation:

• Navy provides deep, rich contrast to maroon
• Seafoam prevents the palette from becoming too dark
• Creates unique coastal luxury aesthetic

Ideal for:

• Coastal homes seeking sophistication
• Nautical-themed spaces with grown-up appeal
• Rooms with water views

Execution approach:

• Use maroon and navy in equal balance
• Add seafoam through accessories and artwork
• Include rope, linen, and weathered wood textures
• Feature maritime-inspired lighting and hardware

9. Vintage Glamour: Maroon + Dusty Rose + Antique Brass #

A palette inspired by 1920s glamour with modern sensibility.

Historical appeal:

• Evokes Art Deco elegance
• Balances rich depth with feminine softness
• Creates timeless sophisticated atmosphere

Best settings:

• Vintage-inspired bedrooms
• Elegant powder rooms
• Sophisticated sitting areas

Professional styling:

• Feature maroon in velvet upholstery or dramatic window treatments
• Use dusty rose for walls or delicate furniture
• Include antique brass in lighting and decorative objects
• Add mirrors and crystal elements for glamour

10. Contemporary Warmth: Maroon + Warm Gray + Copper #

A modern palette that maintains warmth while feeling current and sophisticated.

Modern appeal:

• Warm gray provides neutral foundation
• Copper adds contemporary metallic interest
• Maroon brings necessary warmth and personality

Applications:

• Modern kitchens with warm appeal
• Contemporary living spaces
• Transitional dining rooms

Implementation details:

• Use warm gray as primary neutral
• Feature maroon in artwork and accent pieces
• Include copper through lighting, hardware, and decorative elements
• Add concrete and wood textures for modern contrast

11. Garden Inspiration: Maroon + Moss Green + Cream #

Nature-inspired palette that brings outdoor serenity inside.

Natural balance:

• Moss green provides organic freshness
• Cream prevents the palette from becoming too dark
• Creates peaceful, grounding atmosphere

Perfect for:

• Sunrooms and garden rooms
• Bedrooms seeking tranquil retreat
• Dining rooms with natural views

Styling approach:

• Feature maroon through textiles and artwork
• Use moss green for walls or major furniture pieces
• Apply cream to create light and breathing room
• Include natural elements like plants, wicker, and natural stone

12. Jewel Tone Drama: Maroon + Deep Teal + Gold #

A rich, luxurious palette inspired by precious gemstones.

Luxury appeal:

• Deep teal creates stunning contrast with maroon
• Gold adds necessary warmth and richness
• Evokes feelings of opulence and sophistication

Best applications:

• Formal dining rooms
• Luxury master bedrooms
• Sophisticated home libraries

Execution strategy:

• Balance maroon and teal in equal proportions
• Use gold as accent color throughout
• Include rich textures like silk, velvet, and marble
• Feature dramatic lighting for jewel-tone enhancement

13. Rustic Modern: Maroon + Charcoal + Natural Wood #

Industrial meets rustic in this grounded, masculine palette.

Design philosophy:

• Charcoal provides urban sophistication
• Natural wood adds warmth and organic appeal
• Maroon bridges industrial and rustic elements

Ideal settings:

• Loft-style living spaces
• Modern cabin interiors
• Industrial-inspired dining rooms

Professional tips:

• Feature different wood tones for visual interest
• Use charcoal for major furniture pieces
• Include maroon through textiles and artwork
• Add metal elements like iron and steel for industrial appeal

14. Monochromatic Elegance: Maroon + Burgundy + Rose Gold #

A sophisticated monochromatic approach with metallic accent.

Color theory:

• Uses different values of the same color family
• Creates depth without jarring contrast
• Rose gold prevents the palette from feeling flat

Applications:

• Elegant bedrooms
• Sophisticated sitting areas
• Luxury powder rooms

Implementation:

• Layer different shades and textures of red-brown family
• Use rose gold sparingly as accent metal
• Include various textures to create visual interest
• Feature dramatic lighting to enhance depth

15. Fresh Contemporary: Maroon + Sage + Warm White #

A clean, fresh approach that maintains maroon's sophistication.

Modern freshness:

• Sage provides cool, fresh contrast
• Warm white prevents sterility
• Creates balanced, liveable sophistication

Perfect for:

• Modern farmhouse kitchens
• Fresh, updated living spaces
• Contemporary bedrooms

Styling details:

• Use warm white as primary color
• Feature maroon in statement pieces
• Include sage through plants and natural elements
• Add natural textures like linen and wood

How to Choose the Right Maroon Palette for Your Space#

Consider Your Room's Purpose #

High-Energy Spaces: For kitchens, home offices, or workout rooms, choose palettes with brighter contrast colors like sage green, warm white, or seafoam that prevent maroon from creating too much visual weight.

Relaxing Spaces: Bedrooms and reading nooks benefit from softer combinations like maroon with cream, dusty rose, or warm gray that create cozy, intimate atmospheres.

Entertaining Spaces: Dining rooms and living rooms can handle more dramatic combinations like maroon with navy, deep teal, or charcoal that create sophisticated conversation starters.

Evaluate Your Lighting Conditions #

Natural Light: Rooms with abundant natural light can handle darker, richer palettes without feeling cave-like. Consider combinations with multiple deep colors.

Artificial Light: Spaces dependent on artificial lighting need lighter contrast colors to prevent feeling too dark. Include plenty of whites, creams, or light neutrals.

Direction Matters:

• North-facing rooms: Need warmer palettes to counteract cool natural light
• South-facing rooms: Can handle cooler combinations without feeling cold
• East/West-facing rooms: Consider how changing light throughout the day affects your chosen palette

Think About Existing Elements #

Fixed Features: Consider flooring, built-ins, and architectural details that can't be easily changed. Your maroon palette should complement these existing elements.

Investment Pieces: Large furniture pieces and major textiles should be considered when selecting your palette. Work with what you have or plan to replace.

Metal Finishes: Existing hardware, lighting fixtures, and plumbing fixtures should coordinate with your chosen metallic accents.

Professional Implementation Strategies#

The 60-30-10 Rule for Maroon Palettes #

60% - Dominant Neutral: Use your lightest color (cream, white, warm gray) for walls and largest furniture pieces.

30% - Supporting Color: Apply your medium tone (sage, dusty rose, charcoal) for major upholstery, window treatments, or accent walls.

10% - Accent Color: Feature maroon through artwork, pillows, throws, and decorative accessories for maximum impact without overwhelming.

Testing Your Palette #

Sample Boards: Create physical sample boards with fabric swatches, paint samples, and material samples to see how colors interact in different lighting.

Digital Visualization: Use AI room design tools to test your color combinations virtually before committing to purchases.

Gradual Implementation: Start with easily changeable elements like pillows and artwork before committing to paint or major furniture pieces.

Working with Existing Maroon Elements #

Maroon Furniture: If you already have maroon furniture, use it as your starting point and build complementary palettes around it.

Maroon Accents: Existing maroon elements can be enhanced with thoughtful color additions that amplify their sophistication.

Maroon Architecture: Homes with maroon brick or architectural details need palettes that complement rather than compete with these fixed elements.

Room-Specific Applications#

Living Rooms #

Comfortable Elegance: Combine maroon with warm neutrals and natural textures for spaces designed for daily relaxation and entertainment.

Sophisticated Drama: Use maroon with deeper contrasts and metallic accents for formal living rooms focused on impressive styling.

Bedrooms #

Romantic Retreat: Pair maroon with soft pinks, creams, and metallics for intimate, luxurious sleeping spaces.

Masculine Sophistication: Combine maroon with charcoals, navies, and natural woods for refined masculine appeal.

Dining Rooms #

Formal Elegance: Rich combinations with deep teals, golds, and jewel tones create perfect settings for entertaining.

Casual Sophistication: Lighter combinations with sage greens and warm whites maintain elegance while feeling approachable.

Home Offices #

Productive Luxury: Combine maroon with warm grays and metallic accents for spaces that feel both professional and inspiring.

Creative Energy: Pair maroon with unexpected colors like sage or seafoam for offices that stimulate creativity.

Common Maroon Color Mistakes to Avoid#

Too Much Darkness #

The Problem: Combining maroon with too many dark colors creates spaces that feel cave-like and depressing.

The Solution: Always include adequate light colors and ensure good lighting design to prevent visual heaviness.

Clashing Undertones #

The Problem: Mixing warm maroon with colors that have distinctly cool undertones can create visual discord.

The Solution: Pay attention to undertones when selecting companion colors. Test combinations in your space's actual lighting.

Overwhelming Intensity #

The Problem: Using maroon in too large quantities can overwhelm spaces and dominate other design elements.

The Solution: Treat maroon as an accent color in most applications, using it strategically for maximum impact.

Ignoring Metallics #

The Problem: Neglecting to include appropriate metallic accents can leave maroon palettes feeling flat and unfinished.

The Solution: Every maroon palette benefits from thoughtfully chosen metallic elements that add warmth and sophistication.

Seasonal Considerations#

Spring Freshness #

Update maroon palettes for spring by:

• Adding fresh green plants and botanicals
• Including lighter textiles like linen and cotton
• Featuring white or cream flowers and accessories
• Opening spaces to natural light and air flow

Summer Elegance #

Make maroon work in summer by:

• Balancing with plenty of white and light colors
• Using natural textures like rattan and jute
• Including cooling elements like plants and water features
• Choosing breathable fabrics and open window treatments

Autumn Richness #

Enhance maroon for fall through:

• Adding complementary autumn colors like burnt orange and gold
• Including seasonal textures like wool and velvet
• Featuring natural elements like wood and stone
• Creating cozy lighting with warm temperature bulbs

Winter Sophistication #

Perfect maroon for winter by:

• Adding luxurious textures like fur and heavy velvet
• Including warm metallic accents like copper and gold
• Creating intimate lighting with candles and warm lamps
• Featuring rich, deep companion colors

Future-Proofing Your Maroon Palette#

Timeless Combinations #

Some maroon color combinations remain stylish across decades:

• Maroon + cream + gold for classic elegance
• Maroon + white + natural wood for clean sophistication
• Maroon + sage + warm neutrals for balanced appeal

Trend-Resistant Strategies #

Focus on Quality: Invest in high-quality pieces in classic maroon combinations while using trendy elements in easily changeable accessories.

Neutral Foundations: Build your palette on neutral foundations that can accommodate changing accent colors over time.

Natural Elements: Include natural materials and colors that never go out of style, like wood, stone, and plants.

Adaptation Strategies #

Seasonal Updates: Design your maroon palette to accommodate seasonal changes through easily swapped textiles and accessories.

Trend Integration: Choose base maroon combinations that can incorporate trending colors through small additions rather than major changes.

Conclusion#

Maroon is one of interior design's most sophisticated colors, capable of creating spaces that feel both luxurious and comfortable, dramatic and liveable. The key to successful maroon color combinations lies in understanding the color's complex nature and choosing companion colors that enhance rather than compete with its natural beauty.

Whether you prefer the classic elegance of maroon with cream and gold, the contemporary appeal of maroon with warm gray and copper, or the dramatic sophistication of maroon with deep teal and gold, these 15 designer-approved palettes provide frameworks for creating stunning spaces that stand the test of time.

Remember that successful color combination is about more than just choosing pretty colors—it's about creating environments that support your lifestyle, enhance your daily experiences, and express your personal style. Start with these professional palettes as inspiration, then adapt them to your specific needs, lighting conditions, and existing elements.

The most important aspect of working with maroon is confidence. This rich, sophisticated color rewards bold choices and thoughtful implementation. Trust your instincts, test your combinations thoroughly, and don't be afraid to make the dramatic design choices that maroon naturally inspires.

Ready to transform your space with sophisticated maroon color combinations? Try Room Enhance AI now and visualize these professional palettes in your own rooms before making any commitments. Our AI technology can help you see exactly how these color combinations will look in your space, ensuring perfect results every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions#

Q: Can maroon work in small spaces? A: Yes, but use it sparingly as an accent color paired with plenty of light colors like cream or warm white to prevent the space from feeling cramped.

Q: What's the difference between maroon and burgundy in design? A: Maroon typically has more brown undertones while burgundy leans more toward purple. Both work with similar color palettes, but maroon pairs better with earth tones while burgundy works well with jewel tones.

Q: Should I use warm or cool metals with maroon? A: Warm metals like gold, brass, and copper typically work best with maroon's warm undertones, though cool metals can work in contemporary settings.

Q: Can I mix maroon with other bold colors? A: Yes, but balance is key. Use one bold color as the dominant accent and the other more sparingly, always with plenty of neutral colors to prevent overwhelming.

Q: How do I make maroon work in a modern space? A: Pair maroon with clean whites, warm grays, and contemporary metals like stainless steel or brushed nickel. Use it in sleek furniture pieces or modern artwork rather than traditional applications.