Mango Tango is a vibrant orange color that was popularized by Pantone in 2001 when they chose it as their Color of the Year. Since then, Mango Tango has become a staple shade for many design projects and DIY paint jobs. But if you want to use this tropical orange tone for your next project, you’ll need to know the specific paint code to get the color right.
The History of Mango Tango Orange
In the year 2000, Pantone chose the cerulean blue shade called Cerulean as their Color of the Year. The following year, in 2001, they went in the complete opposite direction with the selection of the warm, vibrant orange tone Mango Tango. This marked the first time Pantone selected an orange as their Color of the Year.
Pantone described their choice of Mango Tango as representing “Orange at its most energetic level. Reminiscent of tropical flowers and fruits, the undulating, vibrant yellow-orange expresses an invigorating attitude of confidence, courage and spirit essential to the new millennium.”
Indeed, after the turn of the millennium, many designers and color forecasters predicted that brighter, tropical inspired colors would come into fashion. Mango Tango seemed to capture that optimistic and adventurous spirit with its juicy, fruity color. The shade struck a cord with industries across interiors, fashion, beauty and graphic design.
In the world of interior design, Mango Tango was used to add a burst of energy and warmth to spaces. It paired well with greens, blues, purples and neutrals. Fashion designers like Nanette Lepore featured the shade prominently in their 2001 collections. Make-up companies came out with Mango Tango inspired eyeshadows, lipsticks and nail polishes so people could incorporate this tropical shade with their wardrobes.
The appealing shade of Mango Tango orange paved the way for other tropical orange tones to become popular over the years, like Tiger’s Eye in 2004 and Flame Scarlet in 2006. But Mango Tango remains one of the most well-known and iconic orange colors to be featured by Pantone.
The Specific Paint Codes for Mango Tango
Since Mango Tango Orange was created and named by the Pantone Color Institute, the original color code comes from the Pantone Matching System (PMS). In this system, Mango Tango is identified by the number 16-1462 TCX.
Many major paint brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Behr offer their own versions of the Mango Tango tone. Here are some of the specific paint color codes:
- Sherwin Williams: SW 6727 Mango Tango
- Benjamin Moore: OC-45 Mango Tango
- Behr: P S 290 Mango Tango
- Valspar: 4004-6A Mango Tango
- PPG: DE6214 Mango Tango
Within each of those brands, the Mango Tango paint is formulated to closely match the original Pantone 16-1462 color code. However, slight variations may occur between paint manufacturers in the exact hue, saturation and brightness.
Comparing Mango Tango Paint Swatches
Since you will be using the Mango Tango paint color directly on your walls, furniture or other surfaces, you’ll want to make sure the tone is exactly what you expect before purchasing a whole gallon. Paint brands often provide free physical paint swatch samples or virtual swatches online so you can preview colors.
Examining the Mango Tango swatches from different brands side by side is an easy way to see small distinctions in the shades. For example, some versions may look slightly more yellow-toned or orange-red. Others might appear brighter or more muted.
Here is a quick overview of how the major brands’ Mango Tango offerings compare:
- Sherwin Williams Mango Tango: A true orange with strong yellow undertones. The brightness level is moderately high.
- Benjamin Moore Mango Tango: Slightly more red/scarlet undertones than other versions. Deep but not overly bright.
- Behr Mango Tango: A vivid, tropical orange with medium-high saturation. Very similar to the original Pantone color.
- Valspar Mango Tango: Deeper and slightly muted version. More red/orange rather than yellow/orange.
- PPG Mango Tango: Brighter and more yellow-based than others. High saturation level.
As you can see, Sherwin Williams and Behr offer Mango Tango shades closest to the original Pantone color. The Benjamin Moore, Valspar and PPG versions skew slightly more red, scarlet or orange. But all five paint brands give you the basic vibrant orange tone of Mango Tango.
Where to Use Mango Tango Paint Color
A few rooms and spaces that would benefit from a burst of energy and warmth from Mango Tango paint:
- Kitchen: Use on an accent wall or island to add some spice to the room.
- Dining room: Stimulate the appetite with tropical orange tones.
- Bathroom: Make it a focal point on the vanity or an accent wall.
- Front door: Welcome guests with this punchy hue.
- Home office: Keep you focused and upbeat during the workday.
- Kids’ rooms: Stimulate creativity and imagination.
- Accent furniture: Liven up wood tables, chairs, etc.
Mango Tango works well with other bold colors like fuchsia, lime green, turquoise or even neutral shades like gray and tan. Combining the orange tone with navy blue creates a nautical feel. Pairing it with dark purple makes the space feel elegant yet playful.
Tips for Painting with Mango Tango
Here are some pointers to get the best results when working with the juicy Mango Tango shade:
- Prime walls before painting for enhanced color vibrancy.
- Do sample swatches first to ensure you have the right orange tone.
- Use high quality primer and paint designed for interiors.
- Apply two coats for best coverage with any dark paint shade.
- Use a foam roller and angled brush for smooth, even application.
- Protect floors, furniture and baseboards from drips.
- Paint ceiling same color to make space feel vibrant and complete.
Mango Tango looks great in any sheen from matte to eggshell to semi-gloss. Matte or flat finishes hide imperfections in the walls best. Meanwhile, higher sheens like gloss make the orange appear even more vibrant and reflective.
Alternatives If Mango Tango Is Too Bold
For some people, Mango Tango may seem like too bright and daring a color for larger spaces. The good news is you can still get a tropical orange look with slightly more muted shades. Here are some ideas:
- Sherwin Williams Butterum: More golden yellow orange.
- Valspar Tiger Lily: Subdued red orange.
- Behr Bungalow Orange: Dusted clay orange.
- Benjamin Moore Cayenne: Reddish burnt orange.
- PPG Sun Dust: Soft yellow orange beige.
Test out samples of these lighter orange shades to see if they better suit your space and preferences. You can still use Mango Tango in smaller accents like throw pillows or lamp shades if you want splashes of its vibrancy.
Conclusion
With its energetic tropical flair, Mango Tango orange makes a fun, lively accent for any room. Now that you know the specific paint color codes like Sherwin Williams SW 6727, Benjamin Moore OC-45 and Behr P S 290, you can easily get this punchy shade for your next project. Use the Color of the Year in spaces that need a bold jolt of color and vitality. Just paint some swatches first and follow application tips for best results with this juicy, fruity tone.
