Bordeaux

This shade reads as a dark, softened burgundy with a muted berry edge, so it brings colour without shouting. Its depth absorbs a fair amount of light, which gives walls a close, enveloping feel, especially in True Matt, while Acrylic Eggshell and Elite Emulsion will keep the colour looking a little cleaner and more defined. In a north-facing room it can take on a cooler, more shadowy plum note; in south-facing light the red warmth comes forward and the colour looks fuller and more wine-like. It sits well beside walnut, dark oak and polished brass, and also gives strong contrast to pale linens, camel wool and patterned upholstery.

Use Bordeaux on a study wall, dining room or snug where you want depth behind books, framed pictures or lined curtains. It works particularly well with dark-stained woodwork, tobacco leathers, and upholstery in oatmeal, moss or ink blue.