Maroon is deep, warm, and unmistakably rich. It is a dark red with brown undertones, the color of wine, leather, and autumn, which is why it feels both cozy and luxurious. Because maroon is so saturated and dark, it works best as a bold accent or a grounding base that anchors a palette with confidence.

This guide covers the best colors that go with maroon, the color theory behind why they work, and ready-to-use palettes you can copy in a single click. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.

What color is maroon, exactly? #

Maroon is a dark, brownish red, often written as #800000. It sits in the red range of the color wheel but is heavily darkened and slightly browned, which gives it a deep, earthy warmth rather than the brightness of a pure red.

That depth is maroon’s defining quality. Where a bright red feels energetic and loud, maroon feels grounded and mature, so it reads as premium and established almost automatically.

The quick answer: best colors that go with maroon #

If you just need the shortlist, these six pair beautifully with maroon:

  • Gold, for a luxurious, opulent glow
  • Cream, for classic, softening warmth
  • Navy, for deep, moody contrast
  • Blush pink, for a soft, tonal red palette
  • Teal, for a striking jewel-toned clash
  • Gray, for a refined, modern neutral

Each one comes with a copy-ready palette below.

1. Maroon and gold (opulent and luxurious) #

Maroon and metallic gold are a match made for luxury. The warm golden tone shares maroon’s red undertone, so together they feel rich, festive, and unmistakably premium.

This is the go-to maroon palette for luxury branding, hospitality, and celebration design. Gold is just as versatile on its own, as covered in our guide to what goes with gold.

Maroon and gold, opulent

2. Maroon and cream (classic and warm) #

Maroon with warm cream is a timeless, softening pairing. The pale neutral lightens maroon’s intensity and gives it room to breathe, making the palette feel elegant rather than heavy.

It is a reliable choice for editorial layouts, heritage brands, and any design that wants richness with a calm, classic base. See more in our guide to what goes with cream.

Maroon and cream, classic warmth

3. Maroon and navy (deep and moody) #

For dramatic depth, pair maroon with navy. Both are dark and saturated, so together they create a moody, sophisticated palette that feels serious and a little editorial.

Because the pairing is so dark, add a light neutral to keep it readable. It works beautifully for premium brands and high-end design. Navy pairs with almost anything, as covered in our guide to what goes with navy.

Maroon and navy, deep and moody

4. Maroon and blush pink (soft and tonal) #

Maroon and blush pink sit in the same red family, so together they form a soft, tonal palette. The pale blush lightens and modernizes maroon, creating a gentle gradient of warmth.

This monochromatic-leaning combination is elegant and romantic, ideal for beauty, weddings, and lifestyle branding. See more in our guide to what goes with blush pink.

Maroon and blush, tonal red

5. Maroon and teal (jewel-toned contrast) #

Since maroon is a dark red, its complement falls in the green and teal range, so maroon and teal create a striking, jewel-toned contrast. The cool teal makes maroon glow while maroon deepens the teal.

It is a bold, luxurious combination for statement branding, packaging, and rich editorial design. See more in our guide to what goes with teal.

Maroon and teal, jewel contrast

6. Maroon and gray (refined and modern) #

For a cleaner, more contemporary look, pair maroon with neutral gray. The gray cools and calms maroon’s warmth, creating a refined palette that feels modern and understated.

This is a great choice for tech, fashion, and any brand that wants richness without looking traditional. See more in our guide to what goes with gray.

Maroon and gray, refined neutral

How to use maroon in your designs #

A few rules to make any maroon palette work:

  • Use it as an accent or anchor. Maroon is dark and intense, so it shines as a rich highlight or a grounding base rather than covering everything.
  • Add a light neutral. Cream, gray, or white keeps maroon palettes readable and stops them from feeling oppressive.
  • Lean into warmth for luxury. Gold and cream reinforce maroon’s premium, heritage feel.
  • Mind your contrast. Maroon is dark enough for white text to meet WCAG AA, but pale text on maroon should always be tested.

Maroon loves warm, luxurious, and grounding partners. Explore these pairings next:

Build your own maroon palette #

These hex codes are starting points. To build a complete palette around maroon, use the PaletteDeck generator, browse our most popular palettes, or explore more color guides.

Click any swatch above to copy its hex code, then drop it into your design tool.