Reviewing Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate (2113-40)

Looking for the right gray-brown paint color can be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate (1221) is a warm neutral that brings comfort and style to any room.

This gentle mix of gray and brown has gained notice among homeowners.

It works well with modern and traditional decor and creates a welcoming feel that pure grays often lack.

However, choosing the right shade matters, and you need to understand how this color behaves in different lighting and spaces.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

How Cinnamon Slate looks in various rooms and lighting conditions
Which colors pair perfectly with it
Tips for making this color work in your home

Let’s help you decide if Cinnamon Slate is the right choice for your next painting project.

Why Cinnamon Slate Is the Perfect Choice for Your Space?

I’ve seen many paint colors come and go, but Cinnamon Slate has real staying power.

This soft blend of gray and brown creates a sense of calm that makes rooms feel like home.

Here’s what makes it special:

The color shifts subtly throughout the day, warming up in morning light and settling into a rich, cozy tone by evening.

When you paint your walls with Cinnamon Slate, you’ll notice how it makes both small and large spaces feel more welcoming.

It creates a perfect backdrop for artwork and furniture in your living room.

In the kitchen, it pairs beautifully with white cabinets and marble countertops.

It brings just the right amount of warmth in bedrooms without feeling heavy.

What I really value about this color is its flexibility. When placed next to modern furniture, it works.

Place it with traditional pieces – still works. Add white trim, wood accents, or metal fixtures – they all look good with Cinnamon Slate.

The color also helps hide minor wall imperfections, which is a big plus for older homes.

Unlike pure grays, which can feel cold, this blend combines the clean look of gray with the warmth of brown.

Plus, you won’t need to repaint in a few years. This shade has lasting appeal and keeps looking fresh as styles change.

The Rich Undertones of Cinnamon Slate: What You Need to Know

When I first saw Cinnamon Slate on a wall, I noticed something special.

It’s not just a plain gray-brown – there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Let’s break down what makes this color tick:

The main feature is a soft brown base. But look closer, and you’ll spot hints of red peeking through.

A touch of orange also shows up in bright light.

These hidden colors give Cinnamon Slate its depth and make it feel warm.

Here’s how the color changes throughout your home:

In bright spaces, the orange tones come forward, making rooms feel sunny
During evening hours, the brown deepens, creating a cozy feeling
Under artificial light, the red hints add warmth to the walls

What I find interesting is how these undertones complement different items in your home.

Dark wood furniture will look richer against them. Light fabrics stand out nicely.

Even metal pieces seem to shine more.

Some winning combinations I’ve seen:

White kitchen cabinets pop against the warm background
Beige sofas blend smoothly with the walls
Green plants look fresh and lively against this shade

The color’s depth means it won’t look flat in any room. Instead, it creates interest without taking over the space, which is why it works so well in small rooms and large open areas.

The Psychology of Cinnamon Slate: How It Affects Your Mood

Paint colors do more than make your walls look good—they can also change how you feel in a room.

I’ve seen this firsthand with Cinnamon Slate.

When you walk into a room painted in Cinnamon Slate, you might notice your shoulders drop a bit.

That’s because earth tones like this one help your brain switch to rest mode. It’s like getting a gentle hug from your walls.

The color works in different ways:

In living rooms, it helps people feel more at ease and ready to chat
In bedrooms, it sets the stage for better sleep
In-home offices, it keeps you focused without feeling stressed

What I find most helpful about this shade is how it brings balance.

It’s not so dark that it makes you feel closed in, but not so light that it feels cold or empty.

Real effects you might notice:

Less stress when you come home after a long day
Better conversations in your living spaces
More peaceful mornings in your bedroom
Easier time wind down in the evening

Think about how you use each room.

\A calm color like Cinnamon Slate can help turn down the noise of a busy day.

It works well in spaces where you want to relax, but it won’t make you feel sleepy in work areas.

The brown notes in the color bring stability, while the gray adds a sense of quiet.

Together, they create a feeling of being grounded and safe in your space.

Remember: Colors affect each person differently.

But in my years of working with paint, I’ve seen Cinnamon Slate bring a sense of peace to many homes.

Where is Cinnamon Slate Best Used in an Interior?

I’ve watched Cinnamon Slate work its magic in many parts of a home.

Let me share the spots where it really shines.

Living Rooms

Your living room is a top spot for this color.

The warm gray-brown creates a perfect setting for family time or having friends over.

I find it especially effective in rooms with lots of natural light, as it keeps the space bright while adding warmth.

Kitchen and Dining Areas

In kitchens, Cinnamon Slate can work in two ways:

As a wall color with white cabinets
As a cabinet color with light walls

The dining room is another great place for this shade. It makes meal times feel more special without being too formal.

Bedrooms and Studies

In bedrooms, you can use it to:

Paint all walls for a cocoon-like feel
Create one focus wall behind your bed
Paint built-in shelves or closet doors

Home Offices

This color also benefits home offices.

It helps you stay focused but doesn’t make you feel boxed in during long work hours.

Small Spaces vs. Large Rooms

In small spaces like:

Powder rooms
Hallways
Reading nooks

The color adds depth without making the space feel tiny.

Large rooms bring walls closer, making open areas feel more connected.

As an Accent

You don’t need to paint entire rooms. Try using it on:

Door frames
Window trim
Built-in bookcases
Lower kitchen cabinets

Remember: Test the color in each space before you commit. The same paint can look different in various rooms based on lighting and room size.

What Kind of Floors Would Look Best with Cinnamon Slate?

Let me share what I’ve learned about pairing floors with Cinnamon Slate walls.

The right floor can make this color look even better.

Hardwood Floors

I find that hardwood creates the most natural match. Here’s what works best:

Light oak brings out the warm notes
Dark walnut adds richness
Mid-tone maple creates balance

The finish matters, too.

A matte finish on wood helps the walls stand out, while semi-gloss adds just enough shine without competing.

Tile Options

When it comes to tile, you have several good choices:

Cream-colored stone tile softens the look
Gray porcelain adds a modern touch
Beige ceramic keeps things simple

Carpet Choices

If you prefer carpet, think about these options:

Light beige for a clean look
Warm gray to blend with the walls
Off-white to brighten the space

Pattern and Texture Tips: The best floor patterns with Cinnamon Slate are:

Simple wood grain patterns
Large format tiles
Low-pile carpet with subtle texture

I’ve noticed that lighter floors often make a room feel bigger, while darker floors make it feel more grounded.

Choose based on your room size and the amount of natural light you get.

A quick tip: Take a paint sample and place it next to your floor choice.

Look at them together at different times of day to make sure you like how they match.

Top Color Combinations with Cinnamon Slate

After testing many color pairings, I’ve found these seven combinations work best with Cinnamon Slate.

I’ll share why each one stands out.

1. Soft White

I love how the pure white trim makes Cinnamon Slate pop. It’s clean and fresh, like:

White baseboards and crown molding
White kitchen cabinets
White window frames

2. Sage Green

This gentle green brings nature inside. Use it for:

Throw pillows
Plants and planters
Accent chairs

3. Navy Blue

Navy adds depth without feeling heavy. Try it on:

Built-in cabinets
Furniture pieces
Area rugs

4. Warm Beige

This creates a smooth, flowing look through:

Large furniture pieces
Curtains
Carpet or rugs

5. Charcoal Gray

For a modern touch, add charcoal through:

Metal light fixtures
Picture frames
Small accent pieces

6. Cream

Softer than white, the cream works well in:

Upholstered furniture
Bedding
Window treatments

7. Natural Wood Tones

Wood brings life to any room with:

Oak furniture
Pine shelving
Bamboo accents

A Note About Metals: Don’t forget metal finishes. I find these work particularly well:

Brushed nickel for a modern look
Bronze for warmth
Simple black for contrast

Cinnamon Slate vs. Other Warm Neutrals: A Comparison

Cinnamon Slate	Beige	Taupe	Warm Gray
Base Color	Gray-brown with red hints	Yellow-brown	Gray-brown
Light Reaction	Warms up in sunlight, stays rich in shadows	Can look washed out in bright light	It can appear muddy in low light
Room Size Effect	Makes large rooms cozy and small rooms feel rich	Makes rooms feel bigger but plain	It can make rooms feel smaller
Furniture Pairing	Works with both light and dark pieces	Best with darker furniture	Needs contrast to stand out
Lighting Needs	Looks good in both natural and artificial light	Needs good natural light	Requires balanced lighting
Style Match	Fits both modern and traditional	Mostly traditional	Leans traditional
Color Changes	Shows subtle shifts throughout the day	Stays fairly constant	Can shift dramatically

What Makes Cinnamon Slate Different

More depth than plain beige
Less purple than taupe
Warmer than standard gray
Better at hiding wall marks

Remember: These differences might seem small on paper, but they make a big impact on your walls.

The right choice depends on your room’s lighting and your style goals.

Conclusion

After years of working with different paint colors, I can say that Cinnamon Slate is a true friend to any room.

This warm gray-brown brings life to walls while blending well with other colors and styles.

Why does this matter to you?

A good neutral paint color forms the backbone of your home’s style.

Cinnamon Slate does this job beautifully, creating fresh and welcoming spaces.

What’s your next step?

Get a sample and test it on your walls. Watch how it changes through the day.

Try it next to your furniture and decor.

Take time to see how it makes you feel in the space.

Want to learn more about paint colors?

Leave a comment below about which room you’re planning to paint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cinnamon Slate Look Different on North-Facing Walls?

In north-facing rooms, Cinnamon Slate takes on cooler tones.

Adding warm lighting can help balance this effect and maintain the color’s rich warmth.

Is Cinnamon Slate Good for Small Bathrooms?

Yes, with good lighting, it adds depth without feeling heavy.

Pair it with white fixtures and a large mirror to keep the space feeling open.

Can I Use Cinnamon Slate on Kitchen Cabinets?

Absolutely.

It works well on cabinets, especially when paired with light countertops and brass hardware.

Just make sure to use the right paint finish.