HeritageSouth-Facing

BORDEAUX

Jotun · 2846

The Analysis

Bordeaux is a deep, muted red that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, making a room feel intimate and contained. With an LRV of 10.43, it is quite dark, so it will make large spaces feel cozy and small spaces feel notably compressed.

Due to its intensity, this is best used as a bold accent wall, in a dedicated media room, or for a moody library look. It is generally too dominant for use as a primary color in an entire home, as it can overwhelm the senses.

LRV 10

History & Origin

This color leans into a classic Heritage aesthetic, reminiscent of formal 19th-century drawing rooms and libraries. It bridges the gap between traditional luxury and a contemporary moody interior style.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones like walnut or teak and stands out sharply against matte black hardware or brushed brass. It is best suited for rooms where you want to minimize glare, such as a study or a primary bedroom.

The Mood

This shade provides a grounded, stable, and weighted atmosphere. It feels restful and sophisticated rather than energizing, making it an excellent choice for rooms where you want to retreat at the end of the day.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Japanese Maple

    Behr · 120F-6

  • Berry Brandy

    Valspar · 1005-9B

  • Czarina

    Behr · MQ1-48

  • Rosy Sandstone

    Behr · MQ1-53

  • RED MAPLE

    Jotun · 2727

  • New London Burgundy

    Benjamin Moore · HC-61

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural