Color Trends & Color of the Year 2026 We Know So Far

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On November 20, 2025

The color of the year announcements have been made, and the choices for 2026 illustrate a design landscape undergoing an intriguing transformation. Major paint manufacturers worldwide are presenting their conclusions: Some brands are rooted in the comfort of sophisticated neutrals, while others are opting for deeper, bolder shades.

There is a common theme that runs through these selections: a desire for authenticity, wellness, and connection. It represents a nuanced spectrum that caters to both our need for comfort and our aspiration for personal expression. Paint companies consistently highlight how their 2026 choices promote restoration, tranquility, and emotional well-being.

Below is a compilation of every Color of the Year for 2026 that we are aware of thus far.

1.Hidden Gem (Behr)

For the third consecutive year, Behr has chosen to maintain a dark and rich aesthetic with their 2026 Color of the Year selection: Hidden Gem. This color, Hidden Gem, is a smoky jade that transforms with varying light conditions. A harmonious blend of blue and green, Hidden Gem presents a silky jewel tone that is both invigorating and stable.

Behr promotes Hidden Gem as a versatile choice, suitable for minimal application on kitchen islands or bathroom vanities, or as a comprehensive treatment that envelops walls, ceilings, and trim.

2.Silhouette (Benjamin Moore)

Benjamin Moore has chosen Silhouette (AF-655) as their 2026 Color of the Year. They characterize it as a "burnt umber with subtle hints of charcoal." The inspiration behind this choice is the revival of classic, tailored suiting.

This announcement was made in October 2025, aligning with a rising trend among brands that utilize terms such as elegant and timeless in their selections this year. We have frequently employed Silhouette as a reliable substitute for black, as it presents a slightly lighter and warmer alternative.

Additionally, this selection addresses what the Benjamin Moore team refers to as "micro trend fatigue"—the consumer weariness stemming from the incessant rotation of design trends influenced by social media. In contrast to those fleeting trends, Silhouette stands out as both versatile and timeless.

3.Universal Khaki (Sherwin-Williams)

Both Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams have come together to select a single hue for their 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki. This "warm, earthy neutral" leads a trend forecast they have named "Tailored & Timeless," characterized by terms such as classic, simple, and elegant.

It marks the third creamy tan shade revealed for 2026. "It’s grounding without being heavy, and it’s versatile enough to serve as the foundation of a home’s color scheme or as a subtle backdrop that allows other colors to stand out," states Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams.

4.Warm Eucalyptus (Valspar)

Valspar’s 2026 Color of the Year, Warm Eucalyptus, addresses the increasing desire for restorative, nature-inspired design that has been widely discussed.

Drawing inspiration from vintage design palettes, this earthy green with warm undertones is believed to provide a sense of nostalgic comfort and tranquility in a world that is becoming ever more fast-paced. The brand advocates for the use of Warm Eucalyptus to saturate entire spaces, especially in areas designated for relaxation, such as bathrooms and reading nooks.

To assist you in integrating Warm Eucalyptus throughout your home, Valspar has selected two complementary colors to pair with it: Groundbreaking 8005-8F and Degas Blue 8004-35B. Groundbreaking is a warm, deep brown with gray undertones that they suggests conveys comfort when combined with the Color of the Year.

Their announcement emphasizes a significant shift in our perception of neutral colors, asserting that neutrals are not devoid of color; rather, they are inviting, calming, and grounding hues that evoke a sense of restoration.

5.Warm Mahogany (Glidden)

Glidden has declared Warm Mahogany as their Color of the Year for 2026. This hue is characterized as a "rich, grounded red" that serves as the foundation for an annual collection of color trends focused on "rest, connection, and creativity."

Warm Mahogany is aesthetically pleasing both indoors and outdoors; however, Glidden's experts particularly appreciate its appearance in bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and home libraries, where its richness fosters a sense of intimacy without being overly dark or oppressive.

Glidden suggests employing color-drenching techniques in reading nooks and libraries, as well as utilizing various sheens to enhance depth. This color harmonizes beautifully with cream and blush accents for a contemporary balance, or with natural wood, brass fixtures, and jewel tones for a more dramatic and refined aesthetic.

6.Adventurer (Little Greene)

Little Greene has declared Adventurer as its Color of the Year for 2026. This majestic plum aubergine represents a "natural progression" towards burgundy and richer jewel tones, reflecting the increasing color confidence of customers in their homes, as stated by Creative Director Ruth Mottershead.

The company characterizes the hue as "regal and reassuring," which makes it especially appropriate for bedrooms, striking powder rooms, dining areas, and bathrooms, where it can offer a blend of luxury, tranquility, intimacy, and relaxation, harmonizing beautifully with neutrals or soft pinks.

7.Divine Damson (Graham & Brown)

Graham & Brown has chosen Divine Damson as its Color of the Year for 2026. This shade is both timeless and versatile, exuding a sense of luxury. The rich burgundy tone complements a wide range of design styles and settings, harmonizing beautifully with other earthy and neutral colors.

"Divine Damson introduces a dramatic element to any environment, with its subtle violet undertone contributing a layer of sophisticated elegance. The deep cherry red hue is both bold and refined, creating a powerful visual impact," states Senior Stylist and Trend Specialist Paula Taylor. She emphasizes that jewel tones like Divine Damson cross various categories, being present in interiors, textiles, and fashion due to their enduring and universal charm.

Divine Damson serves effectively as a standalone statement color, enhancing the depth and sophistication of home offices, bars, and transitional areas such as hallways.

8.Melodious Ivory (Dutch Boy Paints)

The 2026 Color of the Year from Dutch Boy is Melodious Ivory. This warm cream hue was chosen for its "nostalgic, elevated vibe" and its capacity to complement bolder accent colors.

"Our 2026 Color of the Year encourages homeowners to prioritize what is most important: comfort, quality, and connection," states Lisbeth Parada, the color marketing manager for Dutch Boy Paints. "Melodious Ivory provides a timeless backdrop that elegantly enhances the textures, elements, and personal details that transform a space into a true home."

This adaptable neutral is suitable for all design aesthetics, ranging from modern minimalism to rustic farmhouse. Dutch Boy promotes this shade as ideal for the slow living movement, seamlessly blending with aged wood, artisanal crafts, and cozy textiles.

9.Matte Coffee Bean (Krylon)

Krylon's Color of the Year for 2026, Matte Coffee Bean, presents a deep, earthy brown that aligns with the increasing popularity of dark neutrals.

Marketing Manager Lisbeth Parada chose Matte Coffee Bean to embody the current cultural movement towards grounding and authentic design, drawing inspiration from natural materials such as clay, wood, and stone.

This hue honors what Krylon refers to as the "grit and grind" ethos—valuing hands-on labor, craftsmanship, and the resurgence of vintage furniture restoration, influenced by economic uncertainty and trends of underconsumption.

As a spray paint option, it is especially ideal for DIY furniture restoration and craft endeavors that highlight the beauty of diligent effort and practical creativity.

10.Special Walnut (Minwax)

Minwax’s Color of the Year for 2026 is Special Walnut, a warm and earthy brown stain. This stain provides a timeless look, enhancing the warmth and character of flooring, cabinetry, architectural features, and various other surfaces.

"Special Walnut offers a classic, multi-dimensional hue that feels both familiar and innovative. Its adaptability makes it a preferred choice across different styles and uses—whether you are restoring a vintage item or completing a weekend project," states Lisbeth Parada, the color and design leader at Minwax. "This selection embodies three significant cultural influences that are shaping home design: the reclaimed role of wood as a design cornerstone, the allure of nostalgic charm infused with story and soul, and the consumer's wish for enduring style."

11.Epernay (C2 Paint)

C2 Paint has chosen Epernay as its Color of the Year for 2026. This elegant, earthy soft ochre with mineral undertones is named after the French village renowned for its champagne production and limestone architecture.

The color is inspired by the historical European interiors of the Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical periods, where light, sophisticated yellows were cherished for their versatility and warmth. In their announcement, C2 states that it represents a revival of “craft, artistry, and nature” as observed in European interiors.

"This historic hue allows us to recount the marvelous stories interwoven through history by the inseparable threads of color, art, furnishings, and nature. It serves as a reminder to cherish the personal elements that render a home distinctly ours—and to live with respect for the narratives we are crafting each day," remarked Philippa Radon, an interior designer and C2 color specialist.

12.Midnight Garden (Dunn-Edwards)

Dunn-Edwards has chosen Midnight Garden as their Color of the Year for 2026. This selection of a "deep, muted green" reflects many of the themes we have been observing this year. They characterize it as a "timeless color" with "earthy undertones" that captures the "quiet elegance" of a verdant garden illuminated by moonlight.