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Maroon Color: Everything to Know About the Color Maroon

  • Writer: The Finest Writer
    The Finest Writer
  • Apr 15
  • 6 min read
Abstract image with maroon hues, featuring various circles and lines. The text "The Color Maroon" is centered in bold white font.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the rich and captivating color maroon! In this article, we will take you on a journey through the intriguing world of maroon, exploring its origins, meaning, symbolism, and diverse applications. Known for its deep, reddish-brown hue, maroon holds a timeless allure that has captured the hearts of artists, designers, and enthusiasts alike. Join us as we delve into the depths of maroon, unraveling its secrets and uncovering its significance in various aspects of our lives. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next creative project or simply curious about this powerful hue, this article is your ultimate resource to unlock everything there is to know about the color maroon.



What Color is Maroon?

Red metallic card with intricate floral and circular patterns on a red background, featuring a central circle design and geometric lines.

Maroon is a dark, reddish-brown color in the spectrum between red and brown. It is often described as a deep, wine-like hue, with a subtle richness that evokes a sense of warmth and elegance. Maroon is known for its bold and sophisticated appearance, resembling the color of aged red wine or autumn leaves. It combines the passionate qualities of red with the grounded nature of brown, creating a unique and striking shade that stands out in various contexts.


How to Make Maroon?

Abstract art in red hues with swirling waves, leaves, and geometric shapes. The background features grid patterns and circular gradients.

You can use different color models, such as RGB, CMYK, and HEX, to create the color maroon.


Here are the values and codes for maroon in various formats:


Maroon RGB Values

  • Red: 128

  • Green: 0

  • Blue: 0


Maroon HEX Color Code

The HEX code for maroon is #800000.


Maroon CMYK Code

  • Cyan: 0%

  • Magenta: 100%

  • Yellow: 100%

  • Black: 50%


Maroon Web Safe Color

In the web-safe color palette, the closest approximation for maroon is #990000.


Paint Mixing to Create Maroon

If you want to create maroon with physical paint, you can start with a base of red and add small amounts of blue and brown until you achieve the desired maroon shade. Experimenting with different proportions will help you achieve the precise hue you want.


Maroon Light and Perception

Maroon results from how our eyes perceive specific wavelengths of light. It falls between red and brown on the visible spectrum and can vary in appearance depending on lighting conditions and surrounding colors.

Maroon is a versatile, bold color used in various design, fashion, and artistic applications. Whether designing a website, painting a room, or creating artwork, these color values and codes will help you incorporate the striking essence of maroon into your projects.


What Colors Match Maroon?

Circular and rectangular patterns in earthy reds and oranges with floral and leaf motifs on red background. Text on color swatches.

Maroon is a versatile color that can be paired with several complementary and harmonious colors to create visually appealing combinations. Here are some color schemes that work well with maroon:


Maroon and White


The combination of maroon and white creates a clean and elegant look. White provides a crisp backdrop that allows maroon to stand out and adds a sense of balance and brightness to the overall palette.


Maroon and Gold


Maroon paired with gold evokes a sense of luxury and opulence. The warm tones of gold complement the richness of maroon, resulting in a regal and sophisticated color scheme.


Maroon and Navy Blue


The combination of maroon and navy blue creates a bold and timeless color scheme. The deep tones of navy blue enhance the richness of maroon, resulting in a balanced and striking palette.


Maroon and Gray


Maroon and gray form a modern and understated duo. The neutral tones of gray complement the boldness of maroon, creating a sophisticated and harmonious color scheme.


Maroon and Pink


The combination of maroon and pink creates a romantic and warm color scheme—the softness of pink balances the intensity of maroon, resulting in a visually appealing and inviting palette.


These are just a few examples of colors that work well with maroon. Don't be afraid to experiment and explore combinations to find the perfect match for your project or personal style.


What is Maroon’s Complementary Color?

Colorful circular chart with red to teal segments in an ornate brown and teal swirling pattern border, creating a vintage aesthetic.

The complementary color of maroon is a shade of teal or blue-green. In the traditional color wheel, maroon, a combination of red and brown, sits opposite the green-blue spectrum. Teal or blue-green, being cool shades, are considered its complementary colors. When maroon and teal or blue-green are placed together, they create a strong visual contrast that can be visually striking and harmonious.


What Colors are Similar to Maroon?

Red circular collage of geometric shapes, flowers, and leaves on a textured background. The center features a large color wheel.

Colors that are similar to maroon can be found within the red-brown spectrum. Here are some colors that share similarities with maroon:


Burgundy: Burgundy is a deep red color that closely resembles maroon. It shares the same richness and boldness, making it a great alternative to maroon.


Wine Red: Wine red is another color similar to maroon. It is a dark, rich shade of red, often associated with the color of red wine. While it is slightly more red than maroon, it carries the same deep and luxurious qualities.


Chestnut: Chestnut is a warm, reddish-brown color similar to maroon but with a more brownish tone. It retains the same earthy and grounded qualities as maroon.


Crimson: Crimson is a deep red color similar to maroon but with a more vibrant and intense tone. It carries the same passion and boldness as maroon.


Mahogany: Mahogany is a dark, reddish-brown color similar to maroon but with a more brownish and wood-like tone. It retains the same warmth and richness as maroon.


These colors are closely related to maroon and can be combined or used as alternatives to create a harmonious color palette.


What Does Maroon Symbolize?

Abstract profile with intricate floral and geometric patterns in red hues on a beige background. Floral motifs and circular designs.

Maroon symbolizes various meanings and conveys different emotions depending on the context. Here are some common symbolisms associated with maroon:


Power and Strength: Maroon is often associated with power, strength, and determination. Its deep and bold appearance conveys a sense of authority and confidence.


Passion and Love: Maroon is linked to passion, love, and desire. Its rich and warm tones evoke feelings of intensity and deep emotional connection.


Elegance and Sophistication: Maroon is an elegant and sophisticated color, often associated with luxury and refinement. Its deep and rich appearance adds a touch of class and sophistication to various contexts.


Warmth and Comfort: Maroon is often associated with warmth and comfort. Its earthy and grounded tones evoke feelings of coziness and security.


Tradition and Heritage: Maroon is a color often linked to tradition and heritage. It carries a sense of history and timelessness, usually associated with classic and vintage aesthetics.


Creativity and Individuality: Maroon is a unique color that stands out and captures attention. It is often associated with creativity, individuality, and self-expression.


It's important to note that color symbolism can vary across cultures and personal interpretations. The meanings associated with maroon can be influenced by personal experiences, cultural beliefs, and the specific context in which it is used.


The History of Maroon

Illustration with a queen, Egyptian figure, brown objects, chair, suit, window, easel, and open book with "MARRON" text, all in reddish hues.

The history of maroon as a color can be traced back to ancient times. Here are some key points in the history of maroon:


Origins of the Word: The word "maroon" is derived from the French word "marron," which means "chestnut." The color maroon was named after the chestnut fruit due to its similar reddish-brown hue.


Use in Ancient Civilizations: Maroon pigments were used in various ancient civilizations, including Egypt and Rome. Color was often associated with power and status and was used in clothing, jewelry, and artwork.


The Middle Ages and Renaissance: Maroon was a popular color in fashion and art during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It was often used in royalty and the church garments, symbolizing wealth, power, and piety.


The 19th and 20th Centuries: In the 19th and 20th centuries, maroon continued to be a popular color in fashion, interior design, and art. Its rich and bold appearance made it a favorite for formal attire, upholstery, and decorative arts.


Modern Usage: In the 20th century, maroon became a recognized color in art and design. Its profound and striking appearance captured the attention of artists and designers, leading to its incorporation in various creative disciplines, including painting, fashion, and graphic design.


Today, maroon continues to be a popular and versatile color used in various applications, from interior design and fashion to branding and digital media. Its bold and dynamic qualities have made it a favorite among artists, designers, and individuals seeking a color that exudes power and elegance.


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