6 tips to make burgundy work in low-light rooms, according to experts
Burgundy is the shade du jour. This rich reddish-brown shade is a prominent colour across interiors, adding depth and opulence to any space. A luxurious twist on earthy tones, burgundy evokes warmth and luxury, perfect for creating cocooning and inviting living spaces.
It's a daring colour, but even dark rooms with limited natural light can embrace this hue. Experts say it's all about thoughtful placement, clever colour combinations, and creativity. Here are seven expert-backed tips to make burgundy shine in low-light spaces.
1. Place burgundy near natural light sources
'In north-facing rooms with limited natural light, it's essential to use burgundy thoughtfully to avoid making the space feel darker or smaller than reality,' says Cassandra Leisz, creative director at Ruggable. ‘Consider placing it near a natural light source, such as a window or door, to balance the light intake. This ensures the darker hue doesn’t overwhelm the space and draws the eye to its most characterful features.'
2. Choose burgundy with warm undertones
Lucy Steele, paint & interiors expert at Valspar Paint, highlights the importance of selecting the right shade of burgundy. ‘Opt for a burgundy with a warmer undertone,’ she says. 'Colours like Wine Cask and Pomegranate Seeds are ideal. This will make the room feel more inviting and vibrant even though it’s a darker colour.’
3. Choose the right colour pairings
Using burgundy on your walls? Balance it with complementary neutrals to avoid overwhelming the space. 'Pairing burgundy with lighter tones like soft cream or pale grey helps to offset its depth, creating an airy feel despite the richness of the colour,' says Cassandra.
Even on a smaller scale, 'painting a feature wall in burgundy, with surrounding walls in shades like Faded Damson (for burgundies that lean more red) or Scent Bottle, can brighten a room while tying the undertones together,' explains Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux.
Lucy suggests embracing more creative colour pairings, such as a dusky pink ceiling or light blue accent wall. 'Burgundy works beautifully with light shades that aren’t just brilliant white, adding depth and character to the room.' And pairing burgundy with metallics can be equally impactful. 'Brighter accent colours or vibrant metals can add dimension and keep the room from feeling too heavy,’ Lucy continues. 'Metallics, like gold or brass, adds visual interest and makes burgundy feel lively and layered.'
4. Layer your lighting
Lighting is crucial for making burgundy work in darker spaces. Lucy suggests layering soft, warm lighting throughout the room: ‘Think about layering lamps with softer, yellow bulbs at different heights and angles. This creates a diffusion of light that allows your beautiful wall colour to glow.’
5. Reflect light
Adding mirrors or reflective surfaces is another smart way to maximise light. Marianne agrees: 'A dimly lit room will instantly feel brighter with reflective surfaces like mirrors or candle holders. Even burgundy paints with a slight sheen, such as Dulux Soft Sheen, can help bounce light around the space.'
Dulux Paint Mixing Soft Sheen - Finest Burgundy
6. Incorporate textures for cosiness
When in doubt, start small by introducing burgundy as an accent colour. 'Small, dimly-lit rooms can benefit from burgundy's cosiness through prints, furnishings, or painted features that include other colours,’ says Marianne.
Traditional oriental rugs, which combine burgundy with greens and neutrals, are a great example of how to use the shade without letting it dominate, and layering soft, tactile furnishings will up the cosiness factor of a room's aesthetic. ‘Think boucle furniture, fluffy throws, and marshmallow-y cushions,’ says Marianne. ‘Leaning into the comforting side of a burgundy room helps separate it from the rest of the home, creating a dedicated zone for cosying up.’
Lucy agrees, emphasising the importance of soft materials. 'Focus on furnishings with plush rugs and fluffy textures to create the ideal cocooning effect. This works particularly well in living rooms, making the space look both opulent and inviting.'
Follow House Beautiful on TikTok and Instagram.
You Might Also Like
