Hot Tamale CSP-1155 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re looking for a paint color that makes a statement—bold, warm, and full of personality—Benjamin Moore’s Hot Tamale (CSP-1155) might be exactly what you need. This fiery red with a slightly muted undertone is anything but shy. It’s the kind of color that walks into a room and instantly commands attention, yet it does so with a sophistication that keeps it from feeling overwhelming. Whether you’re designing a lively living room, a dramatic dining space, or a kitchen with character, Hot Tamale brings energy and warmth in spades.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Hot Tamale is its depth. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 12.52%, it sits firmly in the medium-dark range, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This gives it a rich, almost velvety appearance that feels cozy and intimate. In a well-lit room, the red tones pop, creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Under softer lighting, the deeper undertones come forward, making the space feel warmer and more subdued. It’s this versatility that makes Hot Tamale such a compelling choice—it adapts to the mood of the room, whether it’s bathed in natural sunlight or illuminated by warm artificial light.

When it comes to application, Hot Tamale is as user-friendly as it gets. The coverage is excellent, often requiring just one or two coats for full opacity, and it’s touch-up friendly, so minor imperfections are easy to fix. It’s roller-ready, brushes on smoothly, and works well with sprayers, making it a great option whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or hiring a pro. The finish you choose can dramatically alter its effect. An eggshell finish gives it a soft, velvety look that’s perfect for living rooms and dining spaces. Satin adds a subtle sheen, ideal for kitchens where you want a bit more durability. And if you’re going for maximum drama, semi-gloss will make those walls gleam, turning them into a true focal point.

Now, let’s talk about where Hot Tamale shines brightest. This color thrives in social spaces—think living rooms where conversation flows, dining rooms where meals linger, or kitchens where energy is high. It’s also a fantastic choice for an accent wall, letting you enjoy its boldness without committing to an entire room. If you’re feeling daring, try it in a small space like a powder room or home office, where its intensity can create a surprising and memorable experience. Just keep in mind that in smaller rooms, the darkness of the color might make the space feel more enclosed, so balance it with plenty of light and neutral furnishings.

Pairing Hot Tamale with the right decor is key to making it work. Its warm undertones play beautifully with natural materials like wood and leather, as well as metallic finishes like brass or gold. For a modern look, pair it with crisp white trim—Benjamin Moore’s Simply White is a perfect match. If you want to lean into its richness, deep greens (its complementary hue) can create a striking contrast, especially in textiles or artwork. Neutral furniture and decor help balance the intensity, ensuring the room feels inviting rather than overwhelming.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. Hot Tamale is undeniably bold, so it won’t be for everyone. If you prefer subtle, understated spaces, this might feel like too much. And while its coverage is great, achieving that perfect, even finish might require a second coat, especially in larger areas. But for those who love color and aren’t afraid to make a statement, Hot Tamale delivers in spades.

At the end of the day, paint is about personality. Hot Tamale is for the homeowner who wants their space to feel alive—warm, energetic, and full of character. It’s a color that doesn’t just sit on the walls; it interacts with the light, the furnishings, and the people in the room. If that sounds like the vibe you’re going for, grab a sample, test it in your space, and see how it transforms your home. You might just fall in love with the way it makes every day feel a little more vibrant.

Real Room Photo of Hot Tamale CSP-1155

Undertones of  Hot Tamale ?

The undertones of Hot Tamale 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: #A93434

RGB code: 169, 52, 52

Is  Hot Tamale Cool or Warm?

Hot Tamale is decidedly warm, with its red and brown undertones creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This warmth makes it a great choice for spaces where comfort and vibrancy are desired. The color’s warm nature ensures it stands out in a room, drawing attention without being overly aggressive. It’s perfect for those who want to create a welcoming environment with a bold edge.

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 Hot Tamale

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 Hot Tamale

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Hot Tamale is 12.52%, 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  Hot Tamale

Hot Tamale is a daring choice for anyone looking to inject personality and warmth into their home. Its deep red hue is both inviting and energizing, making it an excellent choice for social spaces like living and dining rooms. The color’s intensity can transform a standard room into a bold statement, perfect for those who want to express a vibrant personality through their decor. Despite its strength, Hot Tamale strikes a balance with its slightly muted undertone, ensuring it remains sophisticated rather than overwhelming. This paint performs well with a variety of finishes, allowing you to tailor the look to your specific needs. Whether you aim for a subtle eggshell or a striking semi-gloss, Hot Tamale is versatile enough to adapt. Keep in mind that while it covers well, achieving the perfect finish might require a second coat, especially in larger, open spaces.

Pros & Cons of  CSP-1155 Hot Tamale

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Hot Tamale

FAQ on CSP-1155 Hot Tamale

What finish is best for Hot Tamale?

Choosing the right finish for Hot Tamale depends on the room and the look you want to achieve. An eggshell finish offers a soft, velvety appearance that’s ideal for living rooms and dining spaces, giving them a refined yet approachable feel. A satin finish can add a subtle sheen, making the color pop, which works well in kitchens or areas with more traffic. For a dramatic and contemporary look, consider a semi-gloss finish, especially if you want the walls to be a focal point. Semi-gloss is also easier to clean, making it suitable for spaces like kitchens where durability is key.

How can I make the most of Hot Tamale in my home?

To maximize the impact of Hot Tamale, consider using it as an accent wall in a living room or dining area. This approach allows you to enjoy the boldness of the color without it overwhelming the space. Pair it with neutral furnishings and decor to balance the intensity and allow the red to shine. Incorporating metallic accents, such as brass or gold, can enhance the warmth and richness of the color, adding a touch of luxury. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using Hot Tamale in a small, intimate space like a powder room, where its boldness can create an unexpected and exciting experience.

Comparisons Hot Tamale with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Hot Tamale CSP-1155