I’ll admit, when we first moved into our 1915 craftsman bungalow, I was hesitant about the existing rich, velvety burgundy carpeting that blanketed our living and dining rooms.
Was it too dark?
Too intense?
Would it make the spaces feel like gloomy, formal mausoleums rather than fresh, inviting rooms we could relax in?
But as I lived with the burgundy carpet, its striking sophistication grew on me and I realized just how easily it could shift from brooding batcave to glamorous gallery depending on what we paired with it.
The burgundy carpet was a blank canvas just waiting for the right artistry.
The only dilemma was figuring out exactly which paint hues could make the burgundy carpeting sing…rather than sink into somber darkness.
Here’s what I’ve found out:
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Soft Gray
A light warm gray is a failsafe option for making burgundy carpet sing.
The gray brings out the subtle highlights in the carpet’s texture without competing.
Be sure to stick with a gray that has beige or taupe undertones to coordinate with the carpet’s red-brown base.
Cool-toned grays will clash.
Go for a matte finish to keep the look softly elegant.
Gray allows you to change up accessories and art to create totally different vibes from traditional to modern.
Look for a gray with just a hint of greige or taupe to warm it up while still keeping it light.
Too much brown will make the gray feel drab and muddy, while too much beige can appear dingy.
The perfect greige will read as a very soft dove gray that plays up burgundy’s peachy undertones.
Use multiple coats for full coverage and opt for an eggshell or matte finish to downplay any imperfections in walls.
Cool grays with even a hint of blue or green will make burgundy carpet appear more purple and can create an oddly retro look.
So stick with a gray that leans decidedly beige or taupe but remains very pale and light.
Pair your soft gray walls with metallic accents in brass or gold for an elegant feel.
Creamy ivory furnishings and linens prevent the gray from feeling too stark.
For a cozier family room, try warm wood flooring and a piled white sheepskin rug along with the gray and burgundy combo.
Crisp White
For a bright, open look, white walls above burgundy carpet create striking contrast.
The bold white really accentuates the carpet’s rich color and adds light to balance the cozy warmth.
Use white in smaller spaces to make them appear larger too.
Simply framed artwork or photographs pop against the clean white backdrop.
For texture, add architectural trim details and furnishings in natural wood tones.
White is a versatile base for any style from modern farmhouse to elegant transitional.
Stick with a true white without yellow or blue undertones for maximum contrast with the warm burgundy carpet.
A semi-gloss sheen adds vibrancy and makes the white appear even crisper and brighter.
Multiple thin coats ensures full coverage and true white results.
Using white on the ceiling as well will make the room feel larger and airy.
Add navy blue and brass accents for a classic nautical vibe alongside the white and burgundy.
For a transitional look, pair white walls with a large piece of abstract art and midcentury teak sideboard.
White showcases the beauty of the burgundy carpet wonderfully while allowing you to constantly update the look.
Navy Blue
Looking to create an upscale, glamorous look?
Navy blue walls will intensify the sumptuous feel of burgundy carpet beautifully.
The deep blue hue plays up the red tones in a bold, saturated way.
Keep the look refined by selecting a darker navy with subtle purple undertones.
Use gloss or soft sheen paint for dimension.
Navy also allows you to layer in metallics for serious sophistication.
Stick with golds and champagnes to complement both the blue walls and burgundy carpet.
Navy and burgundy together exude posh elegance.
For a cohesive custom look, paint both upper and lower walls navy blue.
Using navy on the ceiling as well enhances the enveloping effect.
Be sure to apply at least three coats for solid, intense navy coverage with no peaking white or brown.
Pair navy walls with oil-rubbed bronze sconces and hardware for a glam look.
Ivory linen upholstered headboards and chairs prevent the navy and burgundy combo from feeling too dark.
Navy takes a bedroom from basic to boldly elegant and luxe when combined with burgundy carpet.
Chocolate Brown
Don’t be afraid to go darker for dramatic impact.
A rich chocolate brown on walls will make burgundy carpet pop gorgeously.
Deep, dark walls work well to anchor rooms with burgundy carpet.
The brown adds a cozy, enveloping feel while the carpet injects energy.
Matte or eggshell brown paint helps keep the look feeling grounded rather than too intense.
Go for darker, moody brown tones with grey undertones rather than orangey browns.
Warm metallics, wood accents and creamy neutrals balance the bold, dark combo beautifully.
When using deep chocolate brown, paint the walls in all four directions to create an intimate, cocoon-like space.
Using the same chocolate brown on the ceiling enhances the enveloping, womb-like effect.
Be sure to use flat or matte paint for rich color without being too shiny or slick.
Pair chocolate walls with metallic pewter or bronze lighting and hardware for an elegant mix.
Creamy off-white linens and textured throw blankets prevent the space from feeling too dark and dramatic.
Chocolate brown walls intensely accentuate the depth and dimension of burgundy carpeting.
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Forest Green
For a bold, nature-inspired look, deep forest green is a stunning match for burgundy carpet.
The mix suggests an autumnal palette that feels earthy and organic.
Dark green hues from pine to emerald will all coordinate beautifully with burgundy carpet, so choose your favorite rich shade.
Use a soft sheen paint to add subtle dimension.
Pair green walls with natural elements like wood beams, stone accents and leafy plants for a rustic yet refined vibe.
Green and burgundy infuse any space with cozy, elemental charm.
Paint the green on all four walls and even the ceiling for fully immersive earthy richness.
Avoid going too minty or teal with the green which moves away from complementing the burgundy undertones.
Stick to true deeper forest and emerald greens for the most pleasing pairing.
Soften the bold green walls with linen draperies and woven jute rugs underfoot.
Rough-hewn wood furnishings and iron accents enhance the organic charm of green and burgundy together.
The colors evoke the moody mystery of being deep in the forest on a fall day.
Blush Pink
Not just for little girls’ rooms!
When done right, blush or rose pink can actually be quite sophisticated with burgundy carpet.
Stick with muted, dusty shades rather than intense hot pink which can look jarring.
Matte pink walls will downplay the sweetness, while allowing the vibrant carpet to take center stage.
Pair pink walls with dark wood trim and antique-style furnishings and lighting for a glamorous “old world” look.
For a more modern mood, mix in glossy black accents and sleek metallics with the pink and burgundy combo.
The key is keeping pink soft and subtle to complement, not compete with, rich burgundy carpet.
Look for a pink with grayish undertones closer to mauve than bubblegum.
Too much orange will clash with the carpet’s red tones, so avoid coral or peach shades.
Use multiple thin coats for solid coverage, as pink can risk looking patchy.
Pair with black iron beds and chandeliers along with glossy white trim for chic contrast.
The pink and burgundy scheme creates a glamorously moody, intimate bedroom retreat.
Lavender Purple
Vibrant purple is having a decor moment, and it pairs beautifully with burgundy carpet for a bold, vibrant look.
From romantic soft lilacs to deep dramatic jewel tones, purple tones make burgundy carpeting feel rich and regal.
Stick with grayish or bluish undertones of purple rather than orangey hues.
Eggshell or satin finish paint prevents the look from feeling too intense.
Lavender and burgundy together create a moody, exotic vibe perfect for personal sanctuaries or bedrooms.
Just take care not to overwhelm with too much purple.
Use it strategically on an accent wall or in doses through artwork and decor.
Select a muted purple like wisteria, avoiding anything too grape or plum which risks clashing with the warm burgundy tones.
Paint just one or two accent walls purple for maximum saturated impact.
Pair with metallic pewter fixtures and cool gray linens to allow the purple to shine.
Floating walnut shelves provide warmth against the moody purple and burgundy palette.
Sage Green
For an earthy, soothing ambiance, try walls in muted sage green with burgundy carpet underfoot.
The mix of green and burgundy suggests fall foliage and feels grounded, natural and harmonious.
Subdued sage greens work best to relax and refine burgundy’s intensity.
Soft matte paint prevents the look from feeling too heavy.
Wood trim and natural fiber rugs complete the organic vibe.
Sage green and burgundy strikes the perfect balance between bold and calm, crisp and cozy.
It’s an ideal palette for living rooms.
Select a green with subtle gray undertones, as too much yellow risks clashing with the burgundy tones.
Use 2-3 coats for full, even coverage.
Add linen drapes and woven jute rugs for texture alongside the sage walls and burgundy carpet.
Rustic wood coffee tables and shelving complete the earthy, Zen-like ambiance.
The soothing sage green beautifully mellows the richness of burgundy carpeting.
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Warm Terracotta
Looking to emphasize burgundy carpet’s rich red-brown tones?
Warm terracotta walls will bring out burgundy’s creamy depth beautifully while adding texture.
Matte, earthy terracotta glazed walls or tile lend Spanish mission charm.
Or go for a mud-style terra cotta paint.
Distressed wood furnishings and pottery accents enhance the Mediterranean vibe of this organic color pairing.
For a cozier feel, use terracotta on an accent wall or fireplace focal point, and keep surrounding walls lighter and brighter.
Together, terracotta and burgundy exude welcoming warmth and old world character.
Select a reddish terracotta with minimal orange to prevent clashing with the burgundy tones.
Use a matte finish for a true clay wall effect.
Pair terra cotta accent walls with pine wood beams and woven leather accents for depth.
Creamy linen sofas and chairs prevent the pairing from feeling too intense.
Burgundy carpet grounds and energizes the earthiness of rich terracotta walls.
Buttery Yellow
Cheerful, sunny yellow can actually pair beautifully with burgundy carpet for an uplifting ambiance.
The key is sticking to soft shades of yellow like buttery or goldenrod.
Bright lemony yellows will clash rather than complement.
Use a matte or eggshell finish for a refined mood.
Then layer in colorful artwork, accessories and furnishings to balance the crisp yellow and deep burgundy combo.
Brass accents and natural textures like rattan or jute add cohesion and warmth.
Yellow and burgundy together create a stimulating, upbeat interior palette energizing any space.
Look for a warm, buttery yellow with a hint of orange but not too bright or neon.
Multiple thin coats creates solid, even coverage.
Pair yellow walls with cane chairs and woven jute rugs for texture and cohesion with the burgundy carpet.
Crisp white trim makes the yellow walls pop beautifully.
Navy blue and white striped cushions add preppy contrast and prevent the scheme from feeling too sweet.
Buttery yellow celebrates burgundy carpet’s warmth while keeping the mood uplifting.
Robin’s Egg Blue
Looking to add freshness alongside the warmth of burgundy carpet?
Consider robin’s egg blue walls.
This versatile pastel shade adds just enough brightness without overpowering.
Matte finish paint prevents the pairing from feeling too “80s.”
Robin’s egg blue has a vintage flair that complements burgundy’s old world elegance beautifully.
To keep the look sophisticated, layer in neutrals like wood tones, black, and white via furniture and decor.
Crisp white trim pops against the blue walls and burgundy carpet for a clean yet cozy combo.
Choose a gray-tinted robin’s egg blue for serene subtle brightness.
Too much green risks competing with the burgundy carpet.
Use 2-3 coats for flawless coverage.
Pair blue walls with cane chairs and a rattan chandelier for beach house charm.
Whitewashed wood shelves provide contrast while enhancing the nostalgic vibe.
Burgundy carpet takes on a lighter, airier feel alongside breezy robin’s egg blue walls.
Charcoal Gray
For a bold, edgy look, charcoal or blackened gray walls will make burgundy carpet pop dramatically.
Deeper than basic gray, charcoal paint adds modern sophistication and allows burgundy carpeting to feel rich.
Matte finish walls prevent charcoal from appearing too dark and imposing.
Layer in contemporary metallics like chrome and brushed steel for slick contrast.
Streamlined furnishings keep the moody color scheme feeling fresh and current.
Burgundy and charcoal together create an elegant, chic ambiance perfect for formal living spaces or master suites.
Go for a charcoal gray with slight blue undertones for cool modern edge.
Warm grays will blend too much with the burgundy carpet.
Use flat paint for color without shine.
Add in glass and acrylic accents along with metallic finishes to enhance the contemporary vibe.
Crisp white trim prevents the moody palette from feeling too heavy.
Sleek leather and acrylic furnishings complement the rich charcoal and burgundy pairing.
Charcoal gray intensifies and modernizes the luxurious feel of burgundy carpeting.
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Soft Gold
Looking to add warmth without going too dark?
Soft metallic gold adds a luxe elegance and brings out the golden highlights in burgundy carpet beautifully.
Far more sophisticated than a flat yellow, soft gold adds polish.
Mix a subtle gold metallic paint with a matte clear base for a refined sheen.
Burgundy and gold elegantly accentuate one another, creating an upscale yet comfortable look.
Add in furnishings and accents mixing wood tones, ivory and dark green for a harmonious vibe.
Gold paint provides the perfect compromise balancing the richness of burgundy carpet.
Choose a muted gold without orange or brass undertones to prevent clashing with the red burgundy tones.
Too much yellow risks feeling dated, so stick with a warmer champagne metallic.
Use multiple coats for a subtle but noticeable reflective sheen.
Pair gold walls with curved midcentury furniture and abstract art prints for chic contrast.
Creamy ivory trim and rugs ground the elegance of soft metallic gold and burgundy.
Taupe
For cohesive neutrality, try walls in a warm, beige-gray taupe which will unify beautifully with burgundy carpet.
The subtle taupe backdrop lets the carpet stand out while tying the whole room together.
Matte to soft sheen paint helps downplay any orange undertones in the taupe for a clean look.
Layer in texture with nubby linen furnishings and textured metallics like rustic bronze.
Taupe’s grayness provides the perfect complement to prevent burgundy carpet from feeling too bold.
The result is a soothing, earthy palette providing a gorgeous blank canvas to build upon.
Look for a warm, mushroomy taupe with minimal rosy undertones to complement the burgundy.
Too much pink or purple risks competing with the carpet.
Use an eggshell sheen for subtle dimension.
Pair taupe walls with woven jute rugs and linen curtains for organic texture.
Rough wood coffee tables add cozy contrast and prevent the palette from feeling too flat.
Subtle, neutral taupe walls allow the beauty of burgundy carpeting to shine.
Creamy White
The subtle warmth of antique white, oyster or ivory creates less contrast with the carpet while still keeping walls light.
Matte sheen helps walls blend gracefully.
Add wood furnishings and a wispy bohemian vibe for relaxed elegance.
Or layer in black and rich metallics for an ornate look.
Creamy white celebrates the beauty of burgundy carpet rather than competing with it.
Look for a creamy white with the slightest warm beige or antique ivory tint.
Too stark white risks clashing with the burgundy carpet’s rich hue.
Multiple thin coats helps creamy white appear smooth and even for flawless results.
Pair creamy walls with an ornate crystal chandelier for old world glam.
Distressed wood shelves lined with books create cozy contrast against the soft white.
Creamy white is the ideal versatile neutral for making burgundy carpet glow beautifully.
