Looking for the Best Burgundy Paints? These 9 Stunning Shades Made My Final Cut

When I first decided to bring a bold touch to my master bedroom, I had one thing in mind: a deep, complex burgundy. Not red, not purple, and definitely not brown. I wanted something that whispered warmth, elegance, and maybe a touch of drama without overwhelming the calm sanctuary I was trying to create.

After living with neutral tones for years—soft greys, greige walls, and off-white trims—I was ready for something with more soul. Burgundy felt like the perfect shift. It’s moody yet classic, and if you get the shade right, it elevates everything from old wood to modern metal.

But finding the best burgundy paints was a journey. Some were too purple, some too brown, and a few turned shockingly bright once they dried. I sampled no less than nine shades, tested them in different lighting, and lived with each swatch for a week before making my final call. So if you’re considering burgundy for your walls, cabinetry, or accent pieces, let my color adventure save you the stress.

1. Best Burgundy Paints: The 9 Shades I Tried and What I Learned

Here’s the full lineup of the burgundy paints I tested, in the order I swatched them—and my honest verdict for each.

1. Crushed Velvet – Behr

This was the first color I painted on my wall, and it actually gave me hope. Crushed Velvet is a deep red with just enough plum undertone to feel rich, but not so much that it veers purple. In north-facing light, it took on a velvety quality—true to its name.

That said, it felt a bit heavy for all four walls. I could see this working beautifully on kitchen cabinets or as an accent wall paired with creamy neutrals. I loved it—but I didn’t love it for this space.

2. Mature Merlot – Sherwin-Williams

This one was a surprise. Online, it read quite brownish to me, but in person, it transformed into a warm and inviting tone with real depth. It reminded me of aged leather and antique libraries.

I really considered this for my wardrobe doors, but against my soft taupe bed linens, it leaned just a bit too earthy. Still, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for a cozy dining room or a heritage-style home.

3. Caliente – Benjamin Moore

This was a bold choice—and honestly, too much for my taste. Caliente is more of a red-red than a true burgundy. It has a vibrancy that makes it pop, which might be stunning in the right setting (like a front door or powder room), but it didn’t align with the calming, cocooned feeling I wanted in my bedroom.

Think more cherry than wine.

4. Garnet – Dunn-Edwards

This was the closest I came to a “yes” before finding the one. Garnet is a gorgeously balanced burgundy—just enough blue, just enough brown. It played nicely with both my hardwood flooring and soft blush curtains, which was no easy feat.

What held me back? It dried a bit darker than I expected, almost bordering on black in the corners of the room. With better lighting, this would’ve been a winner.

5. Charisma – Valspar

This paint went on beautifully—no complaints about texture or application. Color-wise, though, it pulled a little too magenta for me. It’s definitely one of the more feminine burgundy shades, and could look lovely in a romantic bedroom or dressing room.

I’d suggest testing this if your room gets lots of sunlight—it needs brightness to show off its dimension.

6. Plum Royale – Behr

Plum Royale is a dark, brooding, almost gothic burgundy. It’s one of those shades that demands commitment—but in a good way. I tested this on my bedroom ceiling (yes, really) and while it was far too dramatic for that, I could see it as a standout color in a media room or guest bath.

If you're going for bold and moody, this is a strong contender.

7. Raspberry Truffle – Benjamin Moore

The name made me nervous (raspberry?) but the paint actually delivered a beautiful, deep reddish-purple. Think blackberries more than raspberries. That said, it was a bit too purple for my room.

What’s nice about Raspberry Truffle is how sophisticated it feels—it’s not playful, but it’s not stuffy either. I’d recommend this in a space where you’re mixing old and new, like a vintage library with modern furniture.

8. Currant Red – Sherwin-Williams

Currant Red came so close. It’s a stunning, classic burgundy that shifts slightly depending on the light—more red during the day, more wine-like in the evening. It made my brass fixtures pop, and paired beautifully with my pale oak flooring.

In the end, I wanted something just a tad dustier and more muted. But this is a seriously gorgeous color.

9. Cordovan – Benjamin Moore (Winner!)

This was it. The perfect shade. Cordovan is a true wine-red that doesn’t lean too brown, too purple, or too bright. It’s soft without being boring, rich without feeling overwhelming, and adds just enough drama to make a statement.

Against the subtle warm white of my trims (Chantilly Lace), it looked absolutely stunning. At night, it feels enveloping and luxurious. During the day, it holds its own without dominating. This is the color I ended up using on my built-in wardrobes and the wall behind my bed—and I haven’t looked back.

2. Best Burgundy Paints: Tips to Choose the Right Shade for Your Space

Swatches are your best friend. What looks perfect online might dry completely differently in your space. Always test paint on multiple walls, and observe it in daylight, evening light, and under artificial lighting.

• Avoid overly saturated reds unless you want a high-energy space.

• Pair with earthy neutrals like taupe, mushroom, or warm beige to tone down the intensity.

• Matte and eggshell finishes work best in bedrooms to keep the color soft and approachable.

• Think about undertones. If your furniture has pinks or cool tones, avoid burgundies with brown or orange bases.

  
  

3. Best Burgundy Paints: FAQs

Q: Is burgundy too dark for a bedroom?A: Not at all! If balanced with lighter trims or linens, burgundy can make a bedroom feel cozy and sophisticated. Focus on one feature wall if you’re worried about it feeling too intense.

Q: What colors go best with burgundy?A: Soft whites, muted golds, olive green, and warm grays all pair beautifully. Avoid pairing with bright reds or oranges, which can clash or feel too overwhelming.

Q: Where should I use burgundy paint in my home?A: Bedrooms, dining rooms, libraries, and powder rooms all work beautifully with burgundy. It also looks incredible on cabinetry or built-in storage units.

4. Best Burgundy Paints: Final Thoughts

After weeks of comparing shades, painting test swatches, and stressing over undertones, I finally found my burgundy soulmate in Cordovan by Benjamin Moore. But what works in my master bedroom might not be your perfect match—and that’s the beauty of color. It’s personal, emotional, and should reflect the mood you want to create.

So don’t rush it. Get the tester pots, live with the color, and trust your gut. Burgundy isn’t for everyone—but if you’re considering it, I promise there’s a shade out there that’ll make you fall in love.

Still unsure about your perfect burgundy match? At BY Design And Viz, we specialize in helping homeowners make confident, timeless color choices for both interior and exterior spaces. Whether you're looking to refresh one room or develop a full architectural palette, we’re here to guide you through every step.

Book your consultation today and let's bring rich, enduring color into your space with expert advice and beautiful visualizations.