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HeritageSouth-Facing

Cinnabar

Benjamin Moore · CSP-1165

The Analysis

Cinnabar is a deep, saturated red-brown with a low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 10.97, meaning it absorbs a significant amount of light rather than reflecting it. Because of this, it will make a room feel smaller and more enclosed, creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere.

Due to its high pigment load, this is a poor choice for a main wall colour in small rooms. It excels as a high-impact accent wall, a dramatic choice for a powder room, or for painting cabinetry to create a custom focal point.

LRV 11

History & Origin

This colour leans into a traditional Heritage aesthetic, reminiscent of the saturated reds found in Georgian or Victorian libraries and studies. It provides an authentic, storied feel that works exceptionally well in older homes with detailed millwork.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this colour with warm walnut wood tones to enhance its richness or matte black hardware to ground the intensity. It works best in spaces with ample natural or warm artificial lighting to prevent the room from feeling like a cave.

The Mood

Living with a shade this intense is energizing and stimulating, making it ideal for spaces where you want to feel active or social. It is a bold choice that commands attention, so it is better suited for areas where you spend shorter periods of time rather than rooms intended for total relaxation.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Maple Leaf Red

    Benjamin Moore · 2084-20

  • Awning Red

    Behr · S-H-180

  • Regal Red

    Behr · 150D-7

  • Segovia Red

    Benjamin Moore · 1288

  • Cranberry Zing

    Behr · HDC-FL14-4

  • BOLOGNA

    Jotun · 2115

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
  • 3500K
  • 4000K
  • 5500K