Burnt Ember CSP-120 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that brings warmth, depth, and a touch of rustic elegance to your home, Benjamin Moore’s *Burnt Ember* (CSP-120) might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy gray with subtle red undertones is like a cozy embrace for your walls—ideal for creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and inviting. Whether you’re redesigning a living room, bedroom, or home office, this shade has the versatility to adapt to your vision while infusing every corner with character.

One of the first things you’ll notice about *Burnt Ember* is its ability to play with light. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 15.50%, it sits firmly in the medium-dark range, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This gives it a moody, intimate quality that’s perfect for spaces where you want to cultivate a sense of calm. In natural daylight, the color reveals its warm, smoky undertones, while in the evening, it deepens into a richer, more dramatic hue. If you’re worried about it feeling too dark in a smaller room, don’t be—strategic lighting, lighter furnishings, or even using it on just one accent wall can keep the space feeling balanced and open.

What makes *Burnt Ember* so special is its undertone. While it’s technically a gray, that whisper of red gives it a warmth that sets it apart from cooler, more sterile grays. This makes it incredibly forgiving when paired with other colors and materials. Think creamy whites like *White Dove* for trim, brass or gold fixtures for a touch of glam, or natural wood finishes to enhance its earthy vibe. If you love contrast, try pairing it with deep blues or greens—the complementary hues will make *Burnt Ember* pop in the best way.

When it comes to application, this color is a dream. It’s beginner-friendly, with smooth coverage that typically only needs one or two coats. Available in matte, eggshell, and satin finishes, you can tailor the look to your space. Matte will give you that soft, velvety feel perfect for a bedroom, while satin adds a subtle sheen that works well in higher-traffic areas like living rooms or hallways. And because it’s low-VOC and highly washable, it’s a practical choice for busy households.

*Burnt Ember* shines in a variety of design styles. In a modern farmhouse setting, it pairs beautifully with shiplap and vintage decor. For an industrial vibe, layer it with exposed brick and metal accents. Bohemian lovers can play it up with textured rugs and global-inspired patterns, while contemporary spaces will appreciate its sleek, neutral grounding. It’s also a fantastic choice for open-concept homes, where its warmth can help define different zones without feeling disjointed.

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a pro tip: always test the color in your space before committing. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. You’ll see how the light transforms it, and how it interacts with your existing furniture and flooring. And if you love *Burnt Ember* but want something a touch lighter or darker, Benjamin Moore offers a range of similar shades to explore.

At the end of the day, *Burnt Ember* is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. It’s the feeling of curling up by a fireplace on a chilly evening, or the quiet sophistication of a well-designed study. If you’re looking for a hue that’s equal parts cozy and chic, this might just be the one. So grab a sample, envision the possibilities, and get ready to fall in love with your walls all over again.

Real Room Photo of Burnt Ember CSP-120

Undertones of  Burnt Ember ?

The undertones of Burnt Ember 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: #6A6967

RGB code: 106, 105, 103

Is  Burnt Ember Cool or Warm?

Burnt Ember leans towards the warm side of the color spectrum, making it perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It works beautifully in spaces where you want to foster relaxation and comfort, like living rooms and bedrooms.

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 Burnt Ember

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 Burnt Ember

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Burnt Ember is 15.50%, 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  Burnt Ember

Burnt Ember is a standout choice for those looking to add depth and warmth to their interiors. Its nuanced gray undertones create a dynamic backdrop that works well with a variety of colors and textures. Whether you’re aiming for a serene bedroom or a stylish living room, this paint color provides an inviting feel while maintaining a sophisticated edge. It applies smoothly and provides good coverage, typically requiring just one or two coats for a solid finish. The matte option is particularly appealing for a soft, understated look, while the satin finish offers a bit more sheen for those wanting something a touch more polished. Overall, Burnt Ember is a reliable choice for achieving a cozy yet elegant atmosphere in your home.

Pros & Cons of  CSP-120 Burnt Ember

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Burnt Ember

FAQ on CSP-120 Burnt Ember

Can Burnt Ember be used in smaller rooms?

Absolutely! While Burnt Ember is a deeper shade, it can work well in smaller spaces when paired with adequate lighting and lighter decor elements. To keep the space feeling open, consider using it as an accent wall or pairing it with lighter trim and furnishings.

What finishes are available for Burnt Ember?

Burnt Ember is available in several finishes including matte, eggshell, and satin. Each finish offers a different look and feel, allowing you to choose the right one based on your design preferences and the room’s purpose. Matte provides a soft, subtle look, while satin adds a bit of sheen that can enhance the color’s warmth.

Comparisons Burnt Ember with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Burnt Ember CSP-120