Caliente AF-290 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that makes a statement—one that’s bold, warm, and impossible to ignore—Benjamin Moore’s Caliente (AF-290) might just be your perfect match. This fiery red is more than just a color; it’s a mood. With its deep, slightly muted undertones and rich saturation, Caliente brings an undeniable energy to any space it graces. But before you dive into painting your walls this striking shade, let’s break down everything you need to know to decide if it’s right for your home.

First, let’s talk about the color itself. Caliente is a dark, warm red with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of just 6.38%, meaning it absorbs almost all the light that hits it. This gives it an intense, almost velvety depth that feels both luxurious and inviting. It’s not a bright, primary red—it’s more sophisticated, with just enough richness to avoid feeling garish. The hex code (#8A2728) and RGB values (138, 39, 40) confirm its deep, slightly earthy red base, making it a versatile choice for everything from modern to traditional interiors.

One of the biggest strengths of Caliente is its versatility in decor styles. If you love modern design, this color can anchor a room with its bold presence, especially when paired with sleek black accents or crisp white trim. For traditional spaces, it adds warmth and a touch of drama—think of it as the red you’d find in an old-world library or a formal dining room. And if your style is eclectic? Caliente is a dream, playing well with jewel tones, metallics, and even unexpected contrasts like deep greens or mustard yellows.

But where should you actually use it? Caliente shines in rooms where you want to create a sense of intimacy and energy. A dining room wrapped in this hue feels instantly more inviting, turning every meal into an occasion. In a living room, it adds warmth and sophistication, especially when balanced with neutral furniture or natural wood tones. Even a home office can benefit from its stimulating yet cozy vibe—just be sure to pair it with plenty of task lighting to keep the space functional.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: small spaces. Caliente is a bold choice, and in a tiny room with limited light, it can feel overwhelming if used on all four walls. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid it altogether. Instead, consider using it as an accent wall or on trim and cabinetry to add pops of drama without closing in the space. Pairing it with lighter neutrals—like Benjamin Moore’s Simply White—can also help balance its intensity.

Lighting is another critical factor. In a sun-drenched room, Caliente will glow with a vibrant, almost electric energy. In lower light, it takes on a moodier, more subdued tone, perfect for creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Always test a swatch in your space at different times of day to see how the color shifts. And don’t forget about artificial lighting—warm bulbs will enhance its richness, while cooler bulbs might dull its warmth slightly.

When it comes to application, Caliente is a dream to work with. It’s self-priming, offers high coverage (often in just one or two coats), and is available in multiple finishes, from matte to semi-gloss. The low VOC formula means it’s odor-free and safe for indoor use, and its washable, stain-resistant finish makes it practical for high-traffic areas. Whether you’re brushing, rolling, or spraying, it goes on smoothly with minimal splatter.

As for pairings, Caliente’s complementary shades are greens—think deep emeralds or muted olives—which create a striking contrast. For a more harmonious look, try pairing it with warm neutrals like caramel, taupe, or creamy whites. Metallics, especially brass or gold, add a touch of glamour, while black accents keep it modern and grounded.

Is Caliente right for you? If you’re drawn to bold colors and want a space that feels warm, inviting, and full of personality, absolutely. It’s a color that demands confidence, but when used thoughtfully, it delivers unmatched impact. Just remember: start small if you’re unsure, test it in your space, and don’t be afraid to let it take center stage. After all, the best interiors are the ones that reflect your boldest ideas—and Caliente is ready to help you make them real.

Real Room Photo of Caliente AF-290

Undertones of  Caliente ?

The undertones of Caliente 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

HEX value: #8A2728

RGB code: 138, 39, 40

Is  Caliente Cool or Warm?

Caliente is definitely a warm color. Its rich red hue exudes warmth and energy, making it an excellent choice for creating cozy and inviting spaces. This warmth can bring life to a room, especially in areas that are naturally cool or lack natural light, adding a touch of comfort and vibrance.

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 Caliente

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 Caliente

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Caliente is 6.38%, which places it in the Dark colors category. This means it does not reflect 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  Caliente

Caliente is a standout color that’s not for the faint of heart. With its deep, warm undertones and vibrant red hue, it can bring a dramatic flair to any room. The color is perfect for creating an accent wall or adding a touch of boldness to your home. Its rich tone can compliment various decor styles, from modern to traditional, making it a versatile choice. The paint’s coverage is impressive, often requiring just one to two coats for full opacity. Its finish options allow you to tailor the look to your preference, whether you want a matte sophistication or a satin sheen. While Caliente is a striking choice, it’s best used in spaces where you want to create an inviting yet bold atmosphere, like a dining room or living area.

Pros & Cons of  AF-290 Caliente

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Caliente

FAQ on AF-290 Caliente

What type of decor styles work best with Caliente?

Caliente is a versatile color that pairs beautifully with a variety of decor styles. Its boldness complements modern and contemporary settings, especially when used as an accent wall. It adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to traditional designs, where it can be balanced with neutral or earthy tones. Eclectic styles can also benefit from Caliente’s vibrant energy, allowing for playful combinations with contrasting or complementary colors. When incorporating Caliente into your decor, consider the overall mood you wish to create and use complementary textures and finishes to enhance its impact.

Is Caliente suitable for small spaces?

While Caliente can be successfully used in small spaces, it’s important to consider the lighting and overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Its bold, warm hue might make a small room feel even more compact, especially if natural light is limited. To counteract this, consider using Caliente as an accent rather than a dominant color. Pairing it with lighter, neutral tones on adjacent walls or using it in small doses on trim or furniture can help maintain a sense of openness while still enjoying the warmth and vibrancy Caliente offers. Testing the color in your space is always recommended to ensure it meets your design expectations.

Comparisons Caliente with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Caliente AF-290