Wondering what’s going to be big in home design in 2026? Here’s a breakdown of the top paint color trends for 2026, forecasted by the major paint brands: Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and Benjamin Moore.
If you're thinking of painting in the new year, you may be wondering what colors are trending. While you should always choose what feels right for your home, it’s helpful to see where the trends are headed — especially if you're trying to stay current or plan a long-lasting palette.
Each year, major paint brands release their Color of the Year selections — shades that reflect what people are craving in their homes. In recent years, that’s meant calming colors, earth tones, and nature-inspired hues. 2026 is shaping up to be no different.
2026 Paint Color Trends Overview
This year’s early trends are leaning into comfort. Think: soft greens, cozy neutrals, muddy pastels, and slightly deeper, more grounded hues.
Across the board, 2026 colors are:
- Earthy without being dull
- Comforting, soft, and natural
- More lived-in than trendy
- Easier to use across a whole home
We’re seeing a clear continuation of the cozy, nature-inspired trend that defined the last few years — but with more richness and depth.
Behr's 2026 Color of the Year
Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year is Hidden Gem — a soft, muted green-gray that brings calm and sophistication to any room.
Behr describes this shade as versatile, grounded, and restorative — perfect for bedrooms, living spaces, and even cabinetry.
If you love colors like Evergreen Fog or North Woods, this one will be right up your alley.
Behr has paired this hue with a full palette of warm browns, light neutrals, and other muddy midtones — ideal for building a whole-house color scheme.
Here are some of Behr’s trending colors — perfect inspiration if you’re planning to refresh your space in 2026:
- Adirondack Blue
- Baronial Brown
- Beehive
- Blank Canvas
- Cracked Pepper
- Curtain Call
- Dainty Lace
- Dragonfly
- Ecological
- Hidden Gem
- Iced Copper
- Mocha Ice
- Nocturne Blue
- Rodeo Tan
- Rumors (2025 Color of the Year)
- Smoked Tan
- Terra Cotta Urn
- Urban Nature
- Watery
- Wheat Bread
Coloro’s 2026 Color of the Year: Transformative Teal
Global trend forecasters Coloro and WGSN have announced Transformative Teal as the Color of the Year for 2026 — a deep yet vibrant blue-green that strikes a balance between stability and change.
According to Coloro, this shade reflects our growing desire for renewal, adaptability, and inner strength — all while staying grounded in nature. It’s a confident color that feels both restorative and energizing, and it fits beautifully into the growing trend of rich, earthy midtones.
If you’re drawn to hues like Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay, Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal, or Behr Brooklyn, Transformative Teal is in that same family — just with a touch more boldness and mood.
Coloro’s Key Colors for Spring/Summer 2026
In addition to Transformative Teal, Coloro has also spotlighted five Key Colors for Spring/Summer 2026 — all designed to support a sense of optimism, depth, and mindful living:
- Radiant Red: A vibrant, energetic red with a slightly orange lean — designed to express confidence and joy.
- Elemental Blue: A grounded, medium blue that feels calm and dependable, perfect for creating relaxing environments.
- Nutshell: A soft, woody brown that offers warmth and a return to natural simplicity.
- Cyber Lime: A bold, electric lime green that adds playful energy and tech-forward vibrancy.
- Fondant Pink: A light, airy pink that evokes softness, comfort, and a sense of gentle optimism.
Together, this palette reflects a clear 2026 direction: earthy, expressive, and emotionally aware color choices — with just enough boldness to feel fresh.
Our Predictions for 2026 Paint Color Trends
Until more official announcements are made, here are the shades we predict will be everywhere in 2026:
- Earthy greens: Sage, olive, and eucalyptus continue to dominate.
- Warm browns and taupes: Richer than gray but still neutral enough for full-home use.
- Dusty blues and blue-grays: Soft and calming but more grounded than past years’ sky blues.
- Muted mauves and clay tones: For those who want warmth with a hint of color.
- Creamy whites: Still going strong, but trending warmer than stark or true white.
If you want to get ahead of the curve, check out my favorite muted green paint colors and warm beige tones — both fit this year’s aesthetic perfectly.
Should You Paint With a Trending Color?
Trendy colors can be fun — and sometimes, they’re exactly what your space needs. But don’t feel like you have to pick a Color of the Year to be stylish.
Instead, look for a shade that:
- Fits your lighting
- Complements your existing finishes
- Makes you feel calm, happy, and at home
Paint is one of the easiest things to change, so don’t stress. Go with your gut — and if you need help, I’ve got just the thing:
Need help picking a color?
✨ Grab The No-Fail Paint Color Jumpstart Guide — it walks you through exactly how to pick a paint color you’ll love, with step-by-step guidance and examples.
Still unsure which paint color is right for your space?
Choosing paint doesn’t have to be stressful! My free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide walks you through the exact steps to confidently choose the perfect color — without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or endless swatch testing.
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My Paint Color Formula course walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
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Thanks for reading!
Morgan is passionate about home decor and paint colors. She has been sharing DIY home decor tips since 2012 at CharlestonCrafted.com. From there, she learned to love paint colors, and the Paint Color Project was born in 2022!
