Although there’s still some time left in 2025, designers and paint manufacturers are already looking ahead to 2026, giving us a glimpse of the color trends to come. Many have announced their “Color of the Year,” an annual tradition that sets the tone for interior design and decor in the months ahead.
An overarching theme for 2026 is a shift away from cool, crisp shades toward cozy, earthy colors. Expect to see warm whites, mid-tone neutrals, and deep, nature-inspired palettes taking center stage. Crisp whites, strong blacks and some of the softer, overused tones of previous years are gradually being retired, making way for colors that feel soft and comforting. Ahead, we break down 2026 paint trends, showing you what’s in — and what’s out.
In for 2026:

2026 continues to lean toward muted and sophisticated pallets with grounded, natural undertones. Ahead, find the “Color of the Year” from a snapshot of major manufacturers, indicators of where paint color trends are headed.
Silhouette, Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s “Color of the Year” perfectly captures the overall direction of 2026 paint color trends. Out are the bold blacks and navy blues, and in are colors like Silhouette, a deep, rich brown with charcoal gray undertones. It’s sophisticated and dramatic, yet neutral enough to anchor a space without overwhelming it.
Universal Khaki, Sherwin-Williams
A mid-tone, warm tan, Universal Khaki is Sherwin-Williams’ choice for 2026. Subtle and versatile, this natural hue complements other inviting neutrals without needing to take center stage, for a cohesive, welcome feel in any room.
Hidden Gem, Behr
Hidden Gem, Behr’s selection, combines green and blue with gray undertones for a muted, sophisticated take on more traditional greens. It’s colorful, with an understated depth that doesn’t overpower.
Warm Mahogany, Glidden
True to its name, Glidden’s Warm Mahogany captures the deep, refined beauty of its namesake wood. It’s a warm, rich, red-brown hue that lends a natural, rustic touch to any space.
Cactus Valley, California Paints
Cactus Valley, California Paints selection for 2026, is a grounded green with subtle warmth. Not a bright, showy green, instead it has a calm tone that creates depth and sophistication, especially when paired with other nature-centric colors like creamy whites, browns and neutrals.
Warm Eucalyptus, Valspar
Another soft, muted green, Warm Eucalyptus further embodies next year’s continued movement toward rich, organic tones that create a balanced and harmonious space.
Out for 2026:

While cool grays, whites and blacks have had a good run over the last decade, their reign is coming to an end as 2026 ushers in warmer, more inviting tones.
Tricorn Black, Sherwin-Williams
A deep, true black, Tricorn Black has been the go-to black paint color for years, prized for its minimal undertones and true color in a variety of lights. However, many designers and homeowners are looking to deep browns and greens instead of black for 2026.
Gray Owl, Benjamin Moore
A once-loved gray for over a decade, Gray Owl is representative of the cool, crisp grays now colloquially known as “Millennial Gray”. This color and those like it seemed to be everywhere for a while, but are now seen as dated and flat in home interiors.
Pure White, Sherwin-Williams
As its name suggests, Pure White by Sherwin-Williams is a stark, crisp white with subtle undertones that read as a true white in most lighting. However, these cool whites are being passed over for their softer, more neutral counterparts in 2026.
Light Blue, Benjamin Moore
Powder blue as a category is largely out, and Light Blue by Benjamin Moore is a prime example of the soft hue that has seen a recent resurgence on kitchen cabinets.
Sage Green, Behr
While it would seem that a warm, earthy green like Sage Green would be on trend for 2026, the color as a whole has seen a bit of overexposure in the last couple of years. While out for 2026, sagey greens could see a faster rebound in popularity than the cooler tones on this list.
Dayroom Yellow, Farrow and Ball
Soft, buttery yellows have also fallen out of favor for 2026 like Dayroom Yellow from Farrow and Ball. While it had a moment in the last few years, buttery yellow can be difficult to pull off without making a space look dated.
Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore
Classic navy blues like Hale Navy have also been popular for a while, but like true black paint colors, are being replaced by deep, dark greens and browns instead.
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