Every 2026 Color of the Year We Know So Far

Use these colors to inspire your home painting projects.

Kitchen interior with light green cabinets wood furniture and a woven rug
Credit:

Courtesy of Valspar

Color of the Year season is officially here! It's the exciting time when paint companies announce which colors they think will dominate in 2026, and their selections are a great way to get inspiration for your own home painting projects. A few announcements have already started to roll in, and they reveal a lot about upcoming interior design trends.

In the year ahead, paint brands predict more homeowners will look for colors that foster a sense of connection and togetherness. In light of this trend, expect to see warm, inviting colors, like rich browns and versatile jewel tones, take center stage. To keep you up to date, we're sharing a running list of every 2026 Color of the Year as they roll in.

Behr: Hidden Gem

Living room with a fireplace couch armchair and large windows
Credit:

Courtesy of Behr Paint

The first company to announce its 2026 Color of the Year, Behr chose Hidden Gem (N430-6A) as its up-and-coming hue. A smoky blend of blue and green, Hidden Gem is a silky jewel tone that is both energizing and grounded. This versatile hue can be used in a big way, such as to color-drench a space, or for smaller projects, such as painting your front door or creating an accent wall.

"Now more than ever, there’s a growing appetite for colors that challenge convention and bring an unexpected sense of wonder to everyday spaces," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint. "Hidden Gem captures that spirit in both name and color—its depth and refinement meet the desire for colors that are eternally stunning and stylish."

Valspar: Warm Eucalyptus

Cozy reading area with chairs a round ottoman and a wall of bookshelves
Credit:

Courtesy of Valspar

Valspar has chosen Warm Eucalyptus 8004-28F, a calming green hue with warm undertones, as its 2026 Color of the Year. "Warm Eucalyptus is more than just a beautiful shade of green; it's a reflection of the comfort we crave in our homes," says Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar. She notes that its warm undertones create a grounded, welcoming mood.

To help you incorporate Warm Eucalyptus throughout your home, Valspar has chosen two complementary colors to pair it with: Groundbreaking 8005-8F and Degas Blue 8004-35B. Groundbreaking is a cozy, deep brown with gray undertones that Kim says signals comfort when paired with the color of the year. For a playful touch, she likes to pair Warm Eucalyptus with Degas Blue, a breezy light blue with hints of green and gray.

Dutch Boy Paints: Melodious Ivory

A tall cabinet with double doors a wooden chair and hanging decor against a wall in a room
Credit:

Courtesy of Dutch Boy Paints

Looking for the perfect neutral for your home? Consider Melodious Ivory, Dutch Boy Paints' 2026 Color of the Year. This creamy beige pairs effortlessly with various materials, including wood, cozy textiles, and handmade crafts, which the company says supports the rise of slow living and nostalgia-inspired aesthetics.

“Our 2026 Color of the Year invites homeowners to embrace what matters most: comfort, quality, and connection,” says Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager for Dutch Boy Paints. "Melodious Ivory offers a classic backdrop that beautifully supports the textures, elements, and personal touches that make a space truly feel like home."

Glidden: Warm Mahogany

A dining room with modern furniture a round table a rug and decorative items featuring a red wall and framed artwork
Credit:

Courtesy of Glidden

Glidden's 2026 Color of the Year is Warm Mahogany (PPG1060-7), a rich, warm-toned red that is both new and timeless. Ashley McCollum, paint color expert for Glidden, notes that DIYers are constantly torn between colors that feel safe and those that give a rush of newness. But Warm Mahogany is bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement.

Warm Mahogany looks beautiful inside and outside the home, but experts from Glidden especially love the way it looks in bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and home libraries, where its depth creates a sense of intimacy without feeling too dark or heavy.

Minwax: Special Walnut

A living room setup featuring a wooden console table against a woodpaneled wall decorated with plants and framed art
Credit:

Courtesy of Minwax

Wood is emerging as a key element in interior design, which is why Minwax has selected Special Walnut as its 2026 Color of the Year. This earthy stain offers a timeless aesthetic, adding warmth and character to flooring, cabinetry, architectural details, and other surfaces.

"Special Walnut delivers with a classic, dimensional tone that feels both familiar and fresh. Its versatility makes it a favorite across styles and applications—whether you’re restoring a vintage piece or finishing a weekend project," says Lisbeth Parada, color and design lead at Minwax.

Little Greene: Adventurer

A bedroom with an ornate bed a nightstand holding a lamp and flower vase adjacent to a paneled wall
Credit:

Courtesy of Little Green

Little Greene has noticed a shift from earthy tones to deeper, jewel-like colors, which is why they selected Adventurer—a regal plum aubergine—as their 2026 Color of the Year. It combines sophistication with comfort and works well as an accent wall in bedrooms, bold powder rooms, or dining areas, and pairs beautifully with neutrals or pale pinks.

"The movement toward burgundy represents customers' growing confidence with color in their homes. Adventurer provides that perfect balance of regal sophistication and intimate comfort," says Ruth Mothershead, creative director at Little Greene.  

C2 Paint: Epernay

A thoughtfully arranged living room with a sofa patterned armchair marble coffee table and builtin bookcase
Credit:

Courtesy of C2

C2 Paint is just one of many brands leaning into the emerging trends of warm, nature-inspired hues like deep browns and soothing greens for its 2026 Color of the Year. To follow suit, C2 Paint has selected Epernay, a sophisticated soft ochre that conveys warmth and comfort. The color is named after the French village that inspired it, known for its vineyards and rolling hills.

"This historic hue helps us retell the wondrous stories woven through history via the inseparable threads of color, art, furnishings, and nature. It reminds us to appreciate the personal touches that make a home uniquely ours—and to live with reverence for the stories we’re creating every day," said Philippa Radon, interior designer and C2 color specialist.

Graham & Brown: Divine Damson

A cozy entryway with a wooden chair coat hooks a basket and boots near a door with windows
Credit:

Courtesy of Graham & Brown

Graham & Brown selected Divine Damson to be its 2026 Color of the Year. It's a timeless and versatile shade that boasts a luxurious feeling. The deep burgundy hue can suit a variety of design styles and environments and pairs well with other earthy, neutral shades.

"Divine Damson brings a dramatic flair to any space, its subtle violet undertone adding a touch of refined elegance," said Paula Taylor, stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown. "The dark cherry red color feels bold and polished, making a strong visual statement."

Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki

Universal khaki shown in a living room
Universal khaki. Credit:

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

For the first time, Sherwin-Williams and its sister brand, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, have teamed up to reveal a joint 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki. It's a practical, neutral tone that homeowners and designers can return to again and again as it pairs well with warm and cool tones.

"We have seen an ongoing shift in consumer preferences toward sanded shades and earthier tones, and Universal Khaki captures that desire for colors that feel natural and timeless," says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. "It’s grounding without being heavy, and it’s flexible enough to be the anchor of a home’s color palette or a subtle backdrop that allows other hues to shine."

Explore more:

Related Articles