When selecting the perfect paint color for your home, Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate stands out as a remarkably versatile option that bridges the gap between warm and cool tones. This medium-dark gray with subtle green undertones creates an inviting atmosphere in virtually any room while maintaining sophisticated elegance. Understanding its unique properties helps homeowners make informed decisions about where and how to use this increasingly popular shade.
Understanding Cinnamon Slate's Color Profile
Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate (CC-660) belongs to the warm gray family with distinct green undertones that prevent it from appearing flat or cold. The color's Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 22.7 places it in the medium-dark range, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This characteristic makes it particularly effective in rooms with ample natural light, where it reveals its complex undertones throughout the day.
Unlike cooler grays that can feel sterile, Cinnamon Slate maintains warmth even in north-facing rooms with limited sunlight. The green undertone—often described as earthy or organic—creates a natural connection to outdoor environments, making it an excellent choice for spaces where you want to blur the line between interior and exterior.
How Lighting Affects Cinnamon Slate
One of the most important considerations when working with Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate is understanding how different lighting conditions transform its appearance:
| Lighting Condition | Effect on Cinnamon Slate | Recommended Room Application |
|---|---|---|
| Natural daylight (south-facing) | Reveals warm green undertones; appears lighter | Living rooms, dining areas |
| Natural daylight (north-facing) | Shows deeper, richer tone; maintains warmth | Bedrooms, studies |
| Incandescent lighting | Enhances warmth; appears slightly more brown | Entryways, hallways |
| LED daylight bulbs | Preserves true color balance; shows accurate undertones | Kitchens, bathrooms |
Professional painters recommend testing Cinnamon Slate on large wall sections rather than small swatches, as the color's depth and complexity only become apparent when viewed across a substantial surface area. The color often appears significantly different in your actual space compared to online representations or small samples.
Best Applications for Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate
This versatile shade excels in multiple applications throughout the home:
Interior Walls
Cinnamon Slate creates dramatic yet welcoming spaces in living rooms and dining areas. When used in bedrooms, it promotes relaxation while maintaining sophistication. For smaller spaces like powder rooms or home offices, this color makes a bold statement without overwhelming the area.
Accent Walls
As an accent wall color, Cinnamon Slate provides depth and dimension to open floor plans. It works particularly well behind media centers, in dining nooks, or as a backdrop for gallery walls featuring artwork with warm metallic frames.
Exterior Applications
Many homeowners select Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate for exterior use on front doors, shutters, or entire home facades. Its earthy undertones complement natural surroundings while providing modern curb appeal. When used on exteriors, it pairs beautifully with white trim, natural stone elements, and bronze or black hardware.
Color Pairing Strategies
Successful color pairing transforms Cinnamon Slate from a simple wall color into a cohesive design element:
Trim and Ceiling Colors
For traditional contrast, pair Cinnamon Slate with crisp white trim colors like Benjamin Moore Oxford White (OC-18) or Simply White (OC-117). For a more contemporary monochromatic look, use a lighter gray such as Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20) on trim elements.
Complementary Wall Colors
When creating multi-color schemes, consider these complementary Benjamin Moore options:
- Cloud White (OC-130) for ceilings and adjacent rooms
- Revere Pewter (HC-172) for a tonal variation in connecting spaces
- Gray Owl (OC-52) for a cooler contrast in adjoining rooms
Furniture and Decor Pairings
Cinnamon Slate provides the perfect backdrop for:
- Natural wood tones, especially walnut and oak
- Warm metallic accents in brass, copper, or antique gold
- Textiles in cream, beige, and olive green
- Artwork with earthy color palettes
Finish Selection Guide
The finish you choose significantly impacts how Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate appears on your walls:
- Matte: Creates a velvety, sophisticated look that hides imperfections; ideal for low-traffic areas
- Eggshell: Offers subtle sheen with good durability; perfect for living rooms and bedrooms
- Satin: Provides washable surface with soft glow; recommended for hallways and family rooms
- Semi-gloss: Best for trim, doors, and high-moisture areas; enhances the color's depth
Interior designers frequently recommend eggshell finish for Cinnamon Slate on main living area walls, as it balances durability with the color's inherent sophistication. For exteriors, a satin finish provides the ideal combination of protection and visual appeal.
Comparing Cinnamon Slate to Similar Colors
Understanding how Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate differs from comparable shades helps ensure you select the perfect color:
- Compared to Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray: Cinnamon Slate is noticeably deeper and warmer with more pronounced green undertones
- Compared to Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter: Cinnamon Slate is darker and warmer, while Revere Pewter leans cooler and lighter
- Compared to Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray: Cinnamon Slate has more green undertones, while Chelsea Gray has subtle purple undertones
Homeowners considering Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate versus other warm grays should evaluate how each color appears in their specific lighting conditions, as undertones become more pronounced in different light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate considered a warm or cool color?
Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate is primarily a warm gray with subtle green undertones. While it contains elements that might appear cool in certain lighting, its overall character leans warm, making it suitable for creating cozy, inviting spaces. The green undertone prevents it from feeling cold, even in rooms with limited natural light.
What LRV does Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate have?
Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 22.7, placing it in the medium-dark range. This means it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a rich, enveloping effect in rooms with adequate lighting. The LRV makes it darker than many popular grays like Revere Pewter (LRV 55.1) but lighter than true dark tones.
Which white trim color works best with Cinnamon Slate?
For optimal contrast with Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate, warm white trim colors work best. Benjamin Moore Oxford White (OC-18) and Simply White (OC-117) provide crisp contrast while maintaining warmth. If you prefer a less dramatic contrast, consider Pale Oak (OC-20) or Cloud White (OC-130), which create a more monochromatic effect while still providing definition.
Can Cinnamon Slate work in a small room?
Yes, Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate can work effectively in small rooms when properly balanced. The key is to pair it with ample lighting (both natural and artificial) and lighter complementary colors on trim, ceilings, and large furniture pieces. In small spaces, consider using Cinnamon Slate on a single accent wall rather than all walls to prevent the room from feeling closed in.
How does Cinnamon Slate perform in north-facing rooms?
Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate performs exceptionally well in north-facing rooms where natural light tends to be cooler. Its warm undertones counteract the cool light, preventing the space from feeling chilly or unwelcoming. Unlike cooler grays that can appear flat in north light, Cinnamon Slate maintains its depth and warmth, making north-facing rooms feel cozy and sophisticated.
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