Maroon
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Color Values
Color Meaning
Maroon represents strength, courage, and passion. It's associated with confidence, power, and controlled energy. Maroon is a deep, rich red that feels grounded.
Learn more on WikipediaFrequently Asked Questions About Maroon
What two colors make maroon?
Maroon is made by mixing red with a small amount of brown or black. A typical formula is mixing red with blue and yellow to create brown, then mixing that with more red.
What's the difference between maroon and burgundy?
Maroon is a dark brownish-red, while burgundy is a dark purplish-red. Maroon has brown undertones, while burgundy has purple undertones from added blue.
How do you make light maroon?
Light maroon is made by mixing maroon with white, or by mixing red with a tiny amount of brown or black and white. The result is a soft, muted red-brown.
The History of Maroon
Maroon derives from the French 'marron' (chestnut), and the color has been associated with chestnuts and deep red-brown tones since at least the 17th century. The rich brownish-crimson was achieved historically through combinations of red and brown dyes — madder root combined with iron mordants produced characteristic maroon tones. In academic and institutional settings, maroon became deeply embedded as a school and university color: numerous American universities (including Texas A&M, Boston University, and the University of Chicago) adopted maroon as a primary color in the late 19th century, associating it with tradition, dignity, and intellectual seriousness. Maroon also became the standard color for academic regalia in many traditions. The word 'maroon' entered English describing the color from the 18th century.
Cultural Significance
Maroon carries strong institutional associations with academia, tradition, and sports. In the United States, maroon is one of the most common school colors, second perhaps only to royal blue, and it conveys stability and heritage. In Wales, maroon is the traditional color associated with the Welsh Dragon's reddish hue and is used in Welsh cultural contexts. In the Sikh tradition, maroon represents warrior courage and is part of the Khalsa identity. In fashion, maroon is associated with mature, sophisticated style — it is a common choice for autumn-winter collections because it evokes fallen leaves, red wine, and cozy warmth. Maroon is also the awareness ribbon color for colorectal cancer and brain aneurysm awareness. In Australia, maroon is strongly identified with Queensland and the State of Origin rivalry.
Color Psychology
Maroon is psychologically grounding and authoritative — it carries the physical intensity of red but deeply muted by brown, creating a color of controlled passion and quiet confidence. Unlike bright red's urgency or pink's playfulness, maroon communicates gravitas, experience, and serious purpose. It evokes the warmth of aged wood, red wine, and autumn leaves. Research in institutional design shows maroon environments foster perceptions of tradition, trustworthiness, and excellence. In consumer research, maroon packaging is associated with premium, mature products — wine labels, leather goods, and heritage brands frequently employ maroon for this reason. Maroon is perceived as masculine but also deeply romantic — a complex dual quality shared with burgundy.
Design Tips for Maroon
Maroon is a sophisticated choice that instantly elevates design work. Pair it with cream or off-white (#FFF8F0) for a classic, heritage feel — this combination is timeless in academic and institutional branding. Maroon and gold is the quintessential 'traditional excellence' palette, widely used in academic and luxury contexts. For modern applications, combine maroon (#7F1D1D–#991B1B) with blush pink and warm gray for a refined editorial aesthetic. In interior design, maroon accent walls with natural wood, deep leather, and gold fixtures create a classic library-study atmosphere. Accessibility note: dark maroons (#7F1D1D) have excellent contrast on white and can substitute for pure black in colored-text applications. Avoid using maroon with orange-reds — the similarity muddles the palette; instead create contrast with navy, hunter green, or cream.