Sherwin-Williams color trend predictions 2026: a first look
The time has come, Sherwin-Williams has announced its biennial Colormix trend forecast for 2026.
Predicting exciting color trends, the Colormix report features a range of unconventional yet equally chic shades. Sharing further insight into the color report, Emily Kantz, Sherwin-Williams Color Marketing Manager, said ‘This forecast goes beyond aesthetic trends to explore the emotional impact and practical beauty of color families that stand the test of time. These palettes are designed to inspire creativity while offering designers, professionals, and homeowners grounded, usable color direction across every space.’
Composed of four color families, the report features ‘Frosted tints’, ‘Sunbaked Hues’, ‘Restorative darks’, and ‘Foundational Neutrals.’ I spoke with Emily to delve deeper into the color lineup for 2026, uncovering the best pairings and styling advice to ensure your home feels authentic and ahead of the trends.
Sherwin Williams 2026 color trend predictions
From uplifting pastels to sultry, moody tones, Sherwin-Williams Colormix trend forecast features 48 deeply sophisticated shades, each as versatile and timeless as the next.
Sherwin-Williams’ Celery featured on a living room wall.
(Image credit: Sherwin Williams)
Proving that pastel rooms aren’t going anywhere in 2026, the first color family in the Sherwin-Williams Colormix forecast is ‘Frosted Tints’.
Featuring twelve enchanting shades, each color feels refreshingly bright yet timeless, a classic choice for every home, every season. Emily names Modern Lavender (SW 9688) as one of the best purple paints. She says, ‘It is an elegant alternative to the ever-popular delicate shades of blue’. To ensure these contemporary pastels feel seamless, consider the best color combinations for the room, says Emily. ‘Style Frosted Tints paired with soft whites and brushed metals for a refined, European feel, or pair with cool neutrals for contrast.’
It’s not just nostalgic purples that feature in the color family; hazy blues and uplifting greens are predicted to make a much-needed comeback. Refreshingly unique in its zingy undertones, Celery is amongst the contenders.
Henna (SW 6326) has been used in an entryway, creating depth and warmth.
(Image credit: Sherwin Williams)
‘Sunbaked Hues’ are the second color family in the color report. Featuring the best terracotta paints as well as sumptuous yellows and fiery reds, this range feels refreshingly unique when compared to the lighter pastels, perfect for creating warmth and depth all year round.
Emily says, ‘In 2026, we’ll see continued popularity of soft pastels, earthy warm tones, and rich darks, but with more refinement and emotional depth. Shades like Lemon Chiffon (SW 6686), which we have already seen with the buttery yellow trend for 2025, we will continue to see in more of these chalky yellows for 2026.’
Emily says, ‘Pennywise (SW 6349) is a warm terracotta that feels grounded and nostalgic at the same time’ and is predicted ‘to be at the forefront’ of next year’s trends. Her top tip is to ‘Use Sunbaked Hues in textured finishes like limewash or matte to enhance their warmth and depth, which is perfect for accent walls.’
A moody Tarragon (SW 9660) is the perfect choice for pairing with dark wood furniture.
(Image credit: Sherwin Williams)
Featuring luxurious burgundies like Rojo Marron (SW 9182) and heritage navies (Tarragon SW 9660 is a standout), Sherwin-Williams includes a ‘Restorative Darks’ color family in their 2026 trend predictions, perfect for homeowners looking for comfort and luxury combined.
Whether you’re channeling the modern heritage style or want your snug or home office to feel more inviting, the twelve rich shades will suit any space, from deep plum to layered green. Emily says, ‘Restorative Darks work beautifully in layered, tonal designs with plush textures like velvet or leather to create grounding, cocoon-like spaces.’
Despite their traditional parallels, each shade has a unique tonality that draws upon current trends and more timeless color palettes. Take Plum Brown (SW 6272), for example, it’s a shade that falls somewhere between chocolate brown (the ever-popular shade of 2025) and a deep eggplant-like purple.
A timeless choice, Sanderling (SW 7513) will stand proud for years and create ambience without dominating.
(Image credit: Sherwin Williams)
Proving that decorating with neutrals will always be timeless, the last color family included in Sherwin-Williams’ Colormix 2026 predictions is ‘Foundational Neutrals’.
Whether you’re using Sanderling (SW 7513) on a wall alongside a crisp white on molding, or a sophisticated gray like Pavestone (SW 7642) to adorn your kitchen cabinetry, these enduring shades feel transitional yet layered. Emily says, ‘I love mixing warm and cool tones together for a style that feels balanced and interesting, leaning into different undertones, ranging from silvery blues and warm chestnuts to muted green and stony grays.’
One-dimensional whites will be dying out in 2026, Emily says, ‘While buttery yellow is evolving and still going strong into 2026, overly saturated primaries and flat, overly crisp, stark whites that feel too cold and sterile. We are seeing consumers moving away from bold one-note colors in favor of softer, nuanced shades with tactile finishes that offer more versatility and emotional resonance in their spaces.’
Similar to 2025’s Colors of the Year, Sherwin-Williams’ round-up of shades proves the timelessness of brilliance and boldness. Featuring a range of colors from the palest pastels to the deepest darks, the 2026 Colormix Trend Forecast is versatile, original, and leaves me feeling very excited for 2026 and all it has to offer.
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