Is Cinnamon Slate Right For Your House? brick&batten Tells It Like It Is

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Subtle yet sophisticated, Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore is a rich, muted hue that blends earthy brown with refined purple tones. This unique color offers an understated elegance that can transform an exterior, adding depth and character without feeling overwhelming. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a variety of architectural styles, whether you’re seeking a bold accent or a cohesive, modern palette.

Cinnamon Slate pairs beautifully with complementary neutrals and deeper tones, allowing for endless design possibilities. Keep reading to discover how to use this distinctive shade, recommended color pairings, and more.

Curious about what your home would look like in another color? Check out our paint visualizer service to reimagine your exterior. Want to take things even further and redesign more of your exterior? No problem! Learn all about our services.

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cinnamon slate by benjamin moore paint swatch

Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate: The specs

Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore has a medium-depth LRV of 19.71. (Not sure what LRV is? Find out here, and discover why understanding LRV can be a game-changer when selecting paint colors for your home.)

Though this color has a home in the purple family, it isn’t a boisterous, in-your-face purple like cartoon grapes or the Grimace. Instead, it’s a quiet purple — a gentle blend of “heathered plum and velvety brown” according to Benjamin Moore. While darker hues can sometimes feel heavy, Cinnamon Slate’s gentle character allows it to complement natural materials like stone or brick, especially when those materials carry hints of purple or cool tones. It brings an understated elegance when used as an exterior accent color and its muted tone makes it a unique choice for those seeking a refined yet distinct look.

WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND SAMPLING AND TESTING PAINT COLORS BEFORE COMMITTING. FACTORS SUCH AS NATURAL LIGHTING, UNDERTONES, AND YOUR PROPERTY’S FIXED ELEMENTS WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON HOW A COLOR WILL APPEAR ON YOUR EXTERIOR. OUR FRIENDS AT SAMPLIZE OFFER EXTRA-LARGE 9 X 14.75 INCH PEEL-AND-STICK PAINT SAMPLES OF THE COLORS WE LOVE FOR EXTERIORS. ORDER YOUR ‘REAL PAINT, NO MESS’ SAMPLES FROM SAMPLIZE HERE.
navy house with a cinnamon slate by benjamin moore door

Recommended applications for Cinnamon Slate

As a soft purple with brown tones, Cinnamon Slate is a versatile choice for exterior accents. While it might not suit an entire exterior for most homes, it excels in creating striking focal points that elevate curb appeal. This sophisticated color pairs beautifully with materials like stone, brick, or shingles that carry cool or purple undertones, adding depth and character to your home’s exterior.

For a timeless and welcoming look, consider Cinnamon Slate for a front door. This muted yet memorable shade commands attention without feeling overpowering, offering an elegant first impression. It’s also a fantastic choice for shutters or window trim, where its subtle richness contrasts beautifully with either light or dark main exterior colors. Whether as a bold detail or a subtle accent, Cinnamon Slate lends a sense of refinement to any exterior.

neutral exterior with cinnamon slate door

What colors pair well with Cinnamon Slate?

For a striking contrast, Cinnamon Slate pairs beautifully with soft neutrals and crisp whites. Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray (pictured above on the brick) is a fantastic companion, offering a light, warm neutral that lets Cinnamon Slate’s subtle purple tone shine. This combination creates a balanced look that’s both sophisticated and welcoming. For the siding on the upper portion of the house, Benjamin Moore’s Pashmina is a gorgeous complement. Its rich, earthy tone harmonizes with Cinnamon Slate’s purple hue, creating a seamless, cozy feel. This combination adds depth, perfect for a home that feels grounded yet refined.

For a bolder contrast, Benjamin Moore’s Westcott Navy adds a striking touch. The deep, cool blue creates a sharp juxtaposition against the warmth of Cinnamon Slate. For this combination, we appreciate how a pop of Cinnamon Slate can create a warm and welcoming vibe for the entry when used on the front door. Plus, the navy stands out as a crisp, sophisticated shade.

cinnamon slate by benjamin moore paint swatch

Pros and cons of Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate

PROS:

  • A sophisticated purple-brown hue that adds depth and character to exteriors
  • Pairs beautifully with a range of colors, from earthy neutrals to deep, bold hues
  • Works exceptionally well on accent elements like front doors, shutters, or trim

CONS:

  • May feel too bold for those who prefer more traditional neutrals
  • Requires careful coordination with other exterior elements to bring out its best qualities

Cinnamon Slate Alternatives

While Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore is an excellent addition as an accent color to any style of home, there are other colors to consider if this one isn’t quite right for you.

black house with purple door

Sherwin-Williams® Dewberry vs. Cinnamon Slate

Sherwin Williams® Dewberry is a rich, saturated purple with an LRV of 13, making it darker and more dramatic than Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore. This increased depth gives Dewberry a bolder presence, particularly when used on smaller accents like the front door of this design. Its unapologetically purple tone can create a striking statement, especially when paired with other bold accents, like the black trim and slate stone surrounding this entry.

In contrast, Cinnamon Slate is softer and more muted, blending brown and purple for a more subdued effect. While Dewberry leans heavily into its vibrant personality, Cinnamon Slate offers a more versatile, understated option for homeowners who want a hint of purple without the intensity. Both hues excel as accents, but Dewberry is the go-to for those seeking a dramatic, jewel-toned look, while Cinnamon Slate provides a quieter, more nuanced alternative.

pink and purple flower shop

Sherwin-Williams® Plum Dandy vs. Cinnamon Slate

Sherwin-Williams® Plum Dandy is a soft, muted purple with a silvery undertone and an LRV of 28, making it noticeably lighter than Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore. Its delicate quality gives Plum Dandy a more ethereal, pastel-like feel, making it ideal for homeowners looking to incorporate purple in a subtle and airy way, or businesses looking for a charming aesthetic, like the flower shop shown above.

For its part, Cinnamon Slate leans darker and more grounded, with its mix of purple and brown creating a deeper, cozier tone. While Plum Dandy thrives as a whimsical accent or a light contrast to darker hues, Cinnamon Slate has a richer, more substantial presence that works well for front doors or shutters where a bold yet sophisticated statement is the goal.

It costs just as much to paint your home the wrong color as it does the right color. Partner with our expert exterior designers on a paint visualization so that you can see before you commit — and get it right the first time. Learn more about our online exterior design services and exterior design pricing.
brown house with beautiful hardscaping

Sherwin-Williams® Midsummer Night vs. Cinnamon Slate

If you’re drawn to Cinnamon Slate but want a hue with more brown and less of a purple influence, Sherwin-Williams® Midsummer Night is worth considering. With an LRV of 15, Midsummer Night is slightly darker and has a stronger earthy quality, leaning more toward deep brown than Cinnamon Slate’s balanced mix of brown and purple.

While Cinnamon Slate offers a unique, muted purple tone that feels sophisticated and distinct, Midsummer Night is more grounded in its warmth. This makes it an excellent option for exteriors where you want a rich, enveloping tone that reads more neutral than colorful. Both colors work well as accent hues, but Midsummer Night has a slightly broader appeal for those who favor classic, earthy tones. Cinnamon Slate, by contrast, is perfect for homeowners looking to add a touch of subtle purple elegance to their palette.

neutral house with cinnamon slate front door

The bottom line on Cinnamon Slate

Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore is a sophisticated, muted purple-brown that brings depth and character to any exterior. Its low LRV gives it a rich, grounded presence, making it ideal for accents like front doors, shutters, or trim. The blend of brown and purple tones offers a refined alternative to more traditional neutrals, allowing for a unique yet versatile design statement.

Cinnamon Slate pairs beautifully with earthy neutrals as well as bolder choices, giving homeowners plenty of flexibility to create a cohesive and stylish palette. For those looking to add elegance and a touch of understated color to their exterior, Cinnamon Slate is an excellent choice.

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Author

brick&batten Contributor

Mackenzie has been writing for brick&batten for four years, and most of her exterior design knowledge comes from renovating her own home. She purchased a log home that was stuck in the '90s and the previous owners were unable to keep up with exterior maintenance. From reimagining the landscaping and hardscaping to revamping the porch and logs, Mackenzie and her family approached the entire project DIY-style. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys cooking and spending time with her family of six on their farm, which includes cows, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats. She has been writing for 15 years and has explored a variety of materials from food writing to lifestyle pieces and, of course, virtual exterior design.

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