Meaning of the Color Maroon and Its Symbolism (+70 Colors)

Here’s what to know about the meaning of the color maroon, different color combinations, and more than 70 maroon colors to inspire you in your next design project.

But what color is maroon? Maroon is a dark brownish red reminiscent of the nut color of the chestnut tree. In addition, maroon is a sophisticated color representing strength, intensity, passion, ambition, and vitality.

In today’s article, we will discuss the color maroon and everything related to it: 

• What color is maroon?
• The meaning of maroon, its symbolism, and history
• Physical effects
• What mixes can you use to create maroon?
• What colors go with maroon?
• What are the most similar colors to maroon?

Let’s get started!

What Color is Maroon?

Maroon is a dark brownish-red color that can be made by mixing red and brown. Its name derives from the French word for chestnut, “maroon.” The maroon color hex code is #800000.

Although it is a dark shade of red, maroon can sometimes look like a shade of brown because of its dark red hue.

Even though it looks reddish-brown, maroon is a dark brownish-red color.

As a shade of red, maroon is very similar to dark colors of the same family, such as firebrick, dark red, scarlet, or crimson.

Burgundy vs. Maroon

Burgundy and maroon both share a red base hue, but burgundy has a purplish tinge, while maroon has brown undertones.

The main difference between burgundy and maroon is that burgundy is a blend of red and purple. In contrast, maroon is a mixture of red and brown. Thus, maroon is a dark brownish-red, while burgundy is a deep reddish-brown.

Maroon is derived from French marron, which means “chestnut,” while burgundy is named after the color of wine that comes from the eastern French region of the same name. Here they grow a grape variety called pinot noir, which gives the wine its burgundy color.

But wine is another similar shade, which is often confused with brown. However, while brown has a brownish undertone, wine has strong purple undertones.

What Colors Make Maroon?

Mix red and brown to create maroon. If you want to make maroon using only primary colors, mix red and blue together.

Maroon paint can be created by mixing Carmine red and Cobalt blue. For example, mix one-part blue into a five parts red base. Then, add a small amount of yellow to get a brownish tinge as the shade darkens.

Maroon Color Meaning

Have you ever wondered what the meaning of maroon is?

The color maroon represents passion, love, intensity, strength, and energy. Maroon also represents meanings of ambition, sophistication, seriousness, vigor, and responsibility.

According to color psychology, maroon is associated with thoughtfulness, control, confidence, and responsibility. In addition, as a dark red, it can boost your energy levels by increasing excitement and blood pressure. ^[1]

Maroon, a combination of brown and red, mixes the courage and strength of red with the warmth and stability of brown. Moreover, it brings something of the earthy elements of brown.

The color meaning of maroon relates to things that are intense and powerful. Furthermore, as a shade of red, maroon evokes feelings of courage, ambition, passionate love, and strength.

Maroon is associated with some of the most important holidays, including Christmas and Thanksgiving. This intense color is even associated with Valentine’s Day.

Additionally, maroon with a brownish tinge highlights masculine qualities. That’s why men so love it.

Maroon has a sensual and seductive side as well as a strong and capable side.

On the other hand, maroon can symbolize anger, rage, and danger. Furthermore, it can be perceived as moody or arrogant. 

Also, maroon can make you prone to mood swings. This means it is not brown enough to provide the desired emotional stability.

Maroon means: intensity, ambition, passion, confidence
Effects of maroon: stimulates, energizes, encourages, inspires
Positive traits: strong, exciting, confident, responsible
Negative traits: arrogant, moody, unpredictable, dominant

Maroon Color Symbolism in Different Cultures

• In African cultures, maroon is associated with spirituality and healing.
• In Chinese cultures, maroon is closely linked to Buddhism and is associated with wisdom and spirituality. Moreover, Buddhist monks and nuns wear maroon as part of their traditional robes.
• In Western cultures, maroon is associated with luxury and sophistication. It’s the color that makes you think of autumn.

Physical Effects of Maroon Color

Increase appetite: Maroon, a warm-toned red, stimulates many senses, leading to an increased appetite. That’s why it is used as decor by many restaurant chains. It also enhances the attractiveness and visual impression of the consumer. ^[2]

Raise blood pressure: Maroon increases blood pressure and pulse rate as a dark red shade. Thus, it boosts adrenaline levels giving you a sense of excitement. Moreover, it has the opposite effect of the color blue.

What Colors Go with Maroon?

Because maroon sits opposite to teal on the color wheel, it’s a natural complement to maroon. Likewise, since maroon and teal are complementary colors, it is natural that they create color harmony.

But teal isn’t the only color to go with maroon.

The colors that go with maroon include:

• Beige
• Brown
• Light blue
• Purple
• Emerald green
• Gold
• Shades of gray
• White
• Vibrant reds

Dusty rose (a light grayish-red) and nude (a mix of brown and white) are also colors that match maroon.

Moreover, maroon goes well with soft browns, cool grays, and pale shades of orange (peach).

Maroon Colors

The most similar maroon colors include burgundy, firebrick, salami, dark red, roasted pepper, brick red, oxblood, plum, or burgundy.

However, some maroon colors have stronger brown tones, while others have a hint of purple.

Maroon colors with purple undertones include burgundy, dark red, sanguine, merguez, plum cheese, macabre, and lifeline. On the other hand, shades of maroon with brown undertones include plum, salami, sacrifice, roasted pepper, and minotaurus.

Whatever color of maroon you’re looking for, here’s a visual list of over 70 shades. There are plenty of colors to inspire you, whether you’re painting or working on a design project.

Shades of Maroon

Maroon
Hex #800000
RGB 128, 0, 0
CMYK 0, 100, 100, 50

Burgundy
Hex #800020
RGB 128, 0, 32
CMYK 0, 100, 75, 50

Salami
Hex #820000
RGB 130, 0, 0
CMYK 0, 100, 100, 49

Dark Red
Hex #840000
RGB 132, 0, 0
CMYK 0, 100, 100, 48

Sacrifice Altar
Hex #850101
RGB 133, 1, 1
CMYK 0, 99, 99, 48

Red Reign
Hex #800707
RGB 128, 7, 7
CMYK 0, 95, 95, 50

Kiss of a Vampire
Hex #8A0009
RGB 138, 0, 9
CMYK 0, 100, 93, 46

Roasted Pepper
Hex #890A01
RGB 137, 10, 1
CMYK 0, 93, 99, 46

Liquorice Red
Hex #740900
RGB 116, 9, 0
CMYK 0, 92, 100, 55

Indian Red
Hex #850E04
RGB 133, 14, 4
CMYK 0, 89, 97, 48

Scoville Highness
Hex #900405
RGB 144, 4, 5
CMYK 0, 97, 97, 44

Red Devil
Hex #860111
RGB 134, 1, 17
CMYK 0, 99, 87, 47

Bloodthirsty
Hex #880011
RGB 136, 0, 17
CMYK 0, 100, 88, 47

Blood Brother
Hex #770011
RGB 119, 0, 17
CMYK 0, 100, 86, 53

Sneaky Devil
Hex #840014
RGB 132, 0, 20
CMYK 0, 100, 85, 48

Secret Scarlet
Hex #7A0E0E
RGB 122, 14, 14
CMYK 0, 89, 89, 52

Brick Red
Hex #8F1402
RGB 143, 20, 2
CMYK 0, 86, 99, 44

Netherworld
Hex #881111
RGB 136, 17, 17
CMYK 0, 88, 88, 47

Cayenne
Hex #941100
RGB 148, 17, 0
CMYK 0, 89, 100, 42

Jack and Coke
Hex #920F0E
RGB 146, 15, 14
CMYK 0, 90, 90, 43

Obscure Ogre
Hex #771908
RGB 119, 25, 8
CMYK 0, 79, 93, 53

Rosewood
Hex #65000B
RGB 101, 0, 11
CMYK 0, 100, 89, 60

Shades of Ruby
Hex #9C0009
RGB 156, 0, 9
CMYK 0, 100, 94, 39

Festive Bordeaux
Hex #6E0F12
RGB 110, 15, 18
CMYK 0, 86, 84, 57

Sanguine
Hex #6C110E
RGB 108, 17, 14
CMYK 0, 84, 87, 58

Cacodemon Red
Hex #9F0000
RGB 159, 0, 0
CMYK 0, 100, 100, 38

Darkest Dungeon
Hex #660011
RGB 102, 0, 17
CMYK 0, 100, 83, 60

Oxblood
Hex #800020
RGB 128, 0, 32
CMYK 0, 100, 75, 50

Spikey Red
Hex #600000
RGB 96, 0, 0
CMYK 0, 100, 100, 62

Vampire Hunter
Hex #610507
RGB 97, 5, 7
CMYK 0, 95, 93, 62

Carnivore
Hex #991111
RGB 153, 17, 17
CMYK 0, 89, 89, 40

Emergency
Hex #911911
RGB 145, 25, 17
CMYK 0, 83, 88, 43

Evil Forces
Hex #770022
RGB 119, 0, 34
CMYK 0, 100, 71, 53

Vampire Fiction
Hex #9B0F11
RGB 155, 15, 17
CMYK 0, 90, 89, 39

Gory Red
Hex #A30800
RGB 163, 8, 0
CMYK 0, 95, 100, 36

Sacred Scarlet
Hex #950C1B
RGB 149, 12, 27
CMYK 0, 92, 82, 42

Prune
Hex #701C11
RGB 112, 28, 17
CMYK 0, 75, 85, 56

Cherry Picking
Hex #620B15
RGB 98, 11, 21
CMYK 0, 89, 79, 62

Minotaurus Brown
Hex #882211
RGB 136, 34, 17
CMYK 0, 75, 88, 47

Heavy Heart
Hex #771122
RGB 119, 17, 34
CMYK 0, 86, 71, 53

Bleeding Crimson
Hex #9B1414
RGB 155, 20, 20
CMYK 0, 87, 87, 39

Heavy Red
Hex #9E1212
RGB 158, 18, 18
CMYK 0, 89, 89, 38

Dear Darling
Hex #A30112
RGB 163, 1, 18
CMYK 0, 99, 89, 36

Xmas Candy
Hex #990020
RGB 153, 0, 32
CMYK 0, 100, 79, 40

Drip Coffee
Hex #7A280A
RGB 122, 40, 10
CMYK 0, 67, 92, 52

Noble Red
Hex #92181D
RGB 146, 24, 29
CMYK 0, 84, 80, 43

Chestnut
Hex #742802
RGB 116, 40, 2
CMYK 0, 66, 98, 55

Roastery
Hex #692302
RGB 105, 35, 2
CMYK 0, 67, 98, 59

Heartbeat
Hex #AA0000
RGB 170, 0, 0
CMYK 0, 100, 100, 33

Succubus
Hex #990022
RGB 153, 0, 34
CMYK 0, 100, 78, 40

Socialist
Hex #921A1C
RGB 146, 26, 28
CMYK 0, 82, 81, 43

Merguez
Hex #650021
RGB 101, 0, 33
CMYK 0, 100, 67, 60

Kid Icarus
Hex #A81000
RGB 168, 16, 0
CMYK 0, 90, 100, 34

Bordeaux
Hex #7B002C
RGB 123, 0, 44
CMYK 0, 100, 64, 52

Caponata
Hex #822A10
RGB 130, 42, 16
CMYK 0, 68, 88, 49

Chorizo
Hex #AA0011
RGB 170, 0, 17
CMYK 0, 100, 90, 33

Romantic Thriller
Hex #A2101B
RGB 162, 16, 27
CMYK 0, 90, 83, 36

Burnt Red
Hex #9F2305
RGB 159, 35, 5
CMYK 0, 78, 97, 38

Plum Cheese
Hex #670728
RGB 103, 7, 40
CMYK 0, 93, 61, 60

Büchel Cherry
Hex #AA1111
RGB 170, 17, 17
CMYK 0, 90, 90, 33

Kobe
Hex #882D17
RGB 136, 45, 23
CMYK 0, 67, 83, 47

Macabre
Hex #880033
RGB 136, 0, 51
CMYK 0, 100, 63, 47

Hot Fudge
Hex #5E2912
RGB 94, 41, 18
CMYK 0, 56, 81, 63

Ecstatic Red
Hex #AA1122
RGB 170, 17, 34
CMYK 0, 90, 80, 33

Chocoholic
Hex #993300
RGB 153, 51, 0
CMYK 0, 67, 100, 40

Lifeline
Hex #990033
RGB 153, 0, 51
CMYK 0, 100, 67, 40

Ketchup Later
Hex #A91C1C
RGB 169, 28, 28
CMYK 0, 83, 83, 34

Petal of a Dying Rose
Hex #9F0630
RGB 159, 6, 48
CMYK 0, 96, 70, 38

Salsa Picante
Hex #AB250B
RGB 171, 37, 11
CMYK 0, 78, 94, 33

Blood Rush
Hex #AA2222
RGB 170, 34, 34
CMYK 0, 80, 80, 33

Red Menace
Hex #AA2121
RGB 170, 33, 33
CMYK 0, 81, 81, 33

Blood Rush
Hex #AA2222
RGB 170, 34, 34
CMYK 0, 80, 80, 33

Haute Couture
Hex #A0252A
RGB 160, 37, 42
CMYK 0, 77, 74, 37

Samba
Hex #A2242F
RGB 162, 36, 47
CMYK 0, 78, 71, 36

Kirsch
Hex #B2132B
RGB 178, 19, 43
CMYK 0, 89, 76, 30

Christmas Red
Hex #B01B2E
RGB 176, 27, 46
CMYK 0, 85, 74, 31

History of Maroon

Although “maroon” has existed in English since the 16th century, it only became associated with the color in 1789.

Maroon comes from the French word “maroon,” which means chestnut. This is also derived from the Italian “marrone,” which refers to the savory chestnut’s color. So basically, the word “maroon” refers to the reddish-brown color of the chestnut tree’s seeds.

Maroon could also be derived from the French word “marron,” which meant “fugitive,” referring to the West Indian Africans of the 16th century. The word is also thought to be derived from the Spanish word “cimarrón,” which means “wild.”

This term applied to domesticated cattle that had escaped vast swaths of land.

“Marron” was also used in French to describe New World enslaved people who escaped from Portuguese or Spanish captors.

The term “maroon” was also associated with becoming lost or separated. This meaning is mentioned in the 17th-century journal of English explorer William Dampier: “I was marooned or lost.”

However, “maroon” was used in English in 1789, meaning “dark red.”

Facts About the Color Maroon

1. The term “brown” first appeared in English in 1789, referring to dark red.
2. Maroon is associated with stability, strength, and groundedness in color psychology.
3. The flag of Qatar features a maroon-colored band, representing the country’s bloodshed during the early days of its independence.
4. Brown is a popular color among schools and universities in the United States. It is a kind of school color for many of them.
5. Food and beverage companies often use maroon colors for branding, particularly for products like wine, chocolate, and coffee.
6. The US Army’s Special Forces wear a maroon beret. This beret was first authorized for wear by the Special Forces in 1953 and has since become a symbol of the elite unit. The origin of the maroon beret dates back to the British Army’s airborne forces, which wore the beret as a symbol of their privileged status.

Maroon Color Palettes

Nude, tan, beige, pale purple, champagne pink, slate gray, light blue, and emerald green are all good colors to pair with maroon. Here are some maroon color palettes to get you started.

Maroon and purple

Some maroon colors have a slight purple undertone. Furthermore, because maroon and purple are both dark and bright colors, they complement one another. You can use the 60-30-10 rule to avoid being overwhelmed.

Maroon and light blue

Maroon, as a rich dark color, blends well with cooler or lighter shades of blue and bluish grays.

Maroon and emerald green

Even though maroon and emerald green are such contrasting colors, they work well together to create a well-balanced design. Maroon also looks good with pale greens.

Last Words on Maroon Color

Maroon is a lovely mix of red and brown, associated with ambition, confidence, passionate love, and strength. This dark brownish-red is a stimulating and energizing color that evokes vitality.

As shown, this color can be created using two distinct mixtures.

To make maroon paint, mix one-part blue into a five-part dark red base (such as Alizarin), and add a touch of yellow when darkened. If you have brown paint, mix brown into a red base.

F.A.Q.