10 Burgundy Living Room Ideas: Stylish Burgundy Living Room Ideas to Transform Your Space

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a wonderful shift in interior design trends: bold, deep tones like burgundy are making a comeback. As someone who’s designed countless small yet stylish living rooms, I can tell you — small spaces spark big creativity. In this article, I’m sharing 10 burgundy living room ideas, blending my own experiences with expert-backed design advice to help you get inspired.

1. Burgundy Accent Wall

My Take: I once transformed a compact living room by painting just one wall in a rich burgundy shade. It became the room’s focal point without feeling overwhelming.

Pros: Creates depth and drama; works well with neutral furniture; according to Architectural Digest, deep hues can make a space feel more sophisticated.

Cons: Dark tones can reduce perceived space if overused. You’ll need decent natural or layered lighting to balance it.

Tip: Pair the accent wall with lighter décor to avoid heaviness.

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2. Burgundy Velvet Sofa

My Take: A client’s small loft instantly felt more luxurious once we added a burgundy velvet sofa — it became both a statement and a comfy lounging spot.

Pros: Soft texture adds warmth; the bold color anchors the room; burgundy is surprisingly versatile with both modern and vintage styles.

Cons: Velvet requires more care, especially in homes with pets or kids.

Example: Consider pairing with brass lighting for a glamourous yet cozy finish — much like an L-shaped layout that frees up more floor space.

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3. Layered Burgundy Textiles

My Take: In my own home, I layered burgundy throw blankets, patterned cushions, and a rug to tie an otherwise neutral space together.

Pros: Easy to swap out seasonally; cost-effective way to add depth; can blend different tones of burgundy for more visual interest.

Cons: Too many shades in conflicting patterns can feel messy.

Tip: Stick to 2–3 main patterns for balance.

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4. Burgundy and Grey Palette

My Take: A grey-burgundy combo is one of my go-to’s for balancing warmth and modernity.

Pros: Grey cools down burgundy’s richness; works for minimalist and contemporary aesthetics.

Cons: Can feel cold if you skip warm textures like wood or woven throws.

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5. Burgundy Curtains for Drama

My Take: When a client asked for “more personality,” I suggested burgundy floor-length curtains — instant drama without repainting walls.

Pros: Affordable transformation; easy to change out; can make ceilings look higher if mounted above window frames.

Cons: Heavy fabrics may block natural light; needs periodic cleaning.

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6. Burgundy Artwork Pop

My Take: Art with hints of burgundy is my subtle trick for introducing the color without committing to large areas.

Pros: Flexible and non-permanent; great for renters; according to Elle Décor, strategically placed color accents can guide the eye and improve flow.

Cons: Can feel underwhelming if rest of the space lacks complementary elements.

Case in Point: Combine artwork with glass backsplash that brings more openness if the living area connects to a kitchen.

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7. Burgundy Rug as Anchor

My Take: In an open-plan apartment, a patterned burgundy rug effectively anchored the living zone without physical dividers.

Pros: Defines zones in open layouts; adds warmth underfoot; easy to swap for seasonal changes.

Cons: Rugs can be pricey, especially large handwoven ones; requires ongoing upkeep.

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8. Burgundy with Gold Accents

My Take: Gold accents with burgundy are like pairing red wine with chocolate — indulgent but timeless.

Pros: Adds a luxurious feel; works especially well for holiday décor or traditional interiors.

Cons: Too much gold can feel flashy; balance with matte surfaces.

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9. Burgundy Built-in Bookcases

My Take: In a townhouse project, we painted built-in shelves in matte burgundy — books, ceramics, and plants popped beautifully.

Pros: Functional and aesthetic; hides wear better than lighter paints; integrates color seamlessly.

Cons: Not ideal for very dim rooms; repainting built-ins is time-intensive.

Example: Works perfectly alongside wood elements that bring warmth if the room opens to kitchen dining areas.

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10. Burgundy Ceiling for Boldness

My Take: A daring move — but in the right room, painting the ceiling burgundy envelopes you in coziness.

Pros: Dramatic, unique, and makes large rooms feel intimate; ideal for reading nooks or formal lounges.

Cons: Can shorten perceived ceiling height; not for every taste.

Tip: Balance with plenty of upward lighting.

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Conclusion

If there’s one thing my years in design have taught me, it’s that small living rooms don’t mean limited style — they simply ask for smarter, more intentional decisions. Burgundy, when used thoughtfully, can elevate any space, small or large. Homes & Gardens supports that rich colors can create a sense of depth and comfort in compact rooms. Which of these ideas speaks to you the most?

FAQ

1. Is burgundy a good color for a small living room?

Yes, especially as an accent—it adds depth without crowding the space, provided lighting is sufficient.

2. What colors pair best with burgundy?

Neutrals like grey, beige, and cream work beautifully; for drama, try gold or navy.

3. Does burgundy make a room look smaller?

It can, if used on all walls—balance with lighter tones to maintain openness.

4. What style suits burgundy best?

Burgundy is versatile—it fits classic, modern, eclectic, and bohemian interiors.

5. Are burgundy sofas hard to maintain?

Maintenance depends on fabric; velvet requires more care than leather or microfiber.

6. Can burgundy work in minimalist design?

Yes—use it in clean lines and limit the number of other colors for balance.

7. Which finishes complement burgundy walls?

Matte finishes enhance richness, while gloss adds light reflection.

8. Is burgundy still on-trend?

Absolutely; according to Elle Décor, rich jewel tones remain popular in 2024 for their warmth and sophistication.