Cinnamon 2174-20 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that wraps a room in warmth and sophistication, Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon (2174-20) is a standout choice. This deep, earthy red with its rich terracotta undertones is like a cozy blanket for your walls—inviting, grounding, and effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re redesigning a living room, bedroom, or dining space, Cinnamon brings a sense of rustic charm and timeless appeal. But before you grab a brush, let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if this is the right hue for your home.

Cinnamon’s warmth is its defining feature. It’s the kind of color that makes a room feel instantly welcoming, like the glow of a fireplace or the first sip of spiced cider. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 12.93%, it sits firmly in the medium-dark range, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This makes it perfect for creating intimate, snug spaces, but it’s worth noting that in smaller rooms, it can feel a bit enveloping. If you’re working with limited square footage, consider using Cinnamon as an accent wall or pairing it with lighter neutrals to keep the space feeling open.

One of the best things about Cinnamon is its versatility. It plays well with a variety of decor styles—rustic farmhouse, bohemian, even traditional interiors. Imagine it in a living room with exposed wood beams and leather furniture, or a bedroom layered with textured linens and woven rugs. It also pairs beautifully with natural materials like jute, rattan, and aged brass, enhancing its earthy vibe. For a more modern twist, try it alongside crisp white trim or sleek black accents. The contrast keeps the look fresh and intentional.

When it comes to complementary colors, Cinnamon is surprisingly adaptable. If you love a classic, harmonious palette, pair it with creamy whites or soft beiges. These neutrals let Cinnamon shine without competing for attention. For something bolder, deep greens or navy blues create a striking yet sophisticated contrast—think emerald velvet sofa or navy cabinetry in a dining room. And don’t overlook metallics. Bronze, gold, or copper accents add a touch of luxury, playing up the warmth of the red undertones.

Lighting plays a huge role in how Cinnamon behaves. In natural light, its terracotta base comes through, radiating warmth and depth. As the sun sets and artificial lighting takes over, the color deepens, creating a moodier, more intimate atmosphere. This makes it ideal for rooms used in the evening, like dining spaces or bedrooms. If your room lacks natural light, test a swatch first to ensure it doesn’t feel too heavy. On the flip side, in a sun-drenched space, Cinnamon can feel incredibly vibrant and alive.

Application is a breeze, even for beginners. Benjamin Moore’s formula offers excellent coverage—often just one or two coats—and it’s touch-up friendly, so small fixes won’t leave obvious marks. It’s available in matte, eggshell, and satin finishes, giving you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. Eggshell is a great all-purpose choice, offering a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean, while matte leans into the color’s rich, velvety texture. Satin works well for trim or furniture, adding a bit of durability and shine.

A few things to keep in mind: Cinnamon’s warmth means it can clash with cooler tones if not balanced carefully. If your space has a lot of gray or blue undertones in the flooring or furniture, introduce warm neutrals or natural wood tones to bridge the gap. Also, while it’s a fantastic color for high-traffic areas (thanks to its scrubbable, stain-resistant finish), it might not be the best pick for spaces where you want a bright, airy feel. Save it for rooms where coziness is the goal.

For those who love Cinnamon but need something a touch lighter or darker, Benjamin Moore offers a range of similar shades. Lighter options like Terra Cotta or Burnt Sienna keep the warm, earthy vibe but reflect more light. On the deeper end, shades like Brick Red or Espresso Brown intensify the richness for a more dramatic effect. And if you’re painting for resale, Cinnamon is a smart choice—it’s a classic, universally appealing hue that adds character without polarizing buyers.

At the end of the day, Cinnamon is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. It’s the feeling of coming home to a space that wraps you in warmth and style. Whether you’re going for rustic charm, bohemian flair, or timeless elegance, this hue delivers. So grab a sample, paint a test patch, and see how it transforms your space. You might just fall in love with the way it turns your house into a home.

Real Room Photo of Cinnamon 2174-20

Undertones of  Cinnamon ?

The undertones of Cinnamon are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #984F3B

RGB code: 152, 79, 59

Is  Cinnamon Cool or Warm?

Cinnamon is distinctly warm, enveloping a room in a cozy embrace. Its warmth is reminiscent of a glowing hearth or a comforting cup of spiced tea. This quality makes it perfect for spaces where you want to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Its warm nature also allows it to complement other warm hues or contrast beautifully with cooler shades for balance.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Cinnamon

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Cinnamon

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Cinnamon is 12.93%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Cinnamon

If you’re searching for a paint color that evokes warmth and sophistication, Cinnamon is a fantastic choice. Its rich, earthy tones bring a sense of comfort and coziness, making it ideal for living rooms and bedrooms where relaxation is key. The color’s depth adds character and can transform any space into a stylish retreat. Whether paired with neutral decor for a balanced look or combined with bold accents for a more striking appearance, Cinnamon adapts beautifully. The application is straightforward, and the coverage is reliable, making it a favorite among both DIY enthusiasts and professional painters.

Pros & Cons of  2174-20 Cinnamon

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Cinnamon

FAQ on 2174-20 Cinnamon

What colors pair well with Cinnamon paint?

Cinnamon pairs beautifully with both neutrals and bolder colors. For a classic, grounded look, consider combining it with off-whites or creams. These lighter tones help balance Cinnamon’s warmth and create a harmonious, inviting space. If you’re looking to make a statement, pair Cinnamon with navy blue or deep green for a sophisticated contrast. These combinations work well in both traditional and modern settings, allowing for a versatile decor palette. Additionally, metallic accents like bronze or gold can enhance Cinnamon’s rich undertones, adding a touch of luxury and elegance to any room.

Is Cinnamon suitable for all room sizes?

Cinnamon is a versatile color that can work in various room sizes, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. In larger rooms, Cinnamon can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere without feeling overwhelming. Its warm tones help to fill the space with a sense of comfort. However, in smaller rooms, Cinnamon’s depth can make the space feel more enclosed. To counteract this, consider using it as an accent color or pairing it with lighter shades to open up the space. Ultimately, Cinnamon’s warm and earthy nature makes it adaptable, but thoughtful planning ensures the best results.

Comparisons Cinnamon with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Cinnamon 2174-20