Paint Experts Reveal the Hottest Paint Colors of 2026
Every color of the year we know so far—from moody purple to creamy beige.
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Months ahead of the new year, design experts get together to start drawing predictions—like the paint colors that will dominate interiors in 2026. Top paint brands, like Behr, Sherwin-Williams, and Valspar, have already starting releasing their 2026 colors of the year, and they really run the gamut this year. There does seem to be a common theme, though: warm and cozy.
People are gravitating toward earthy tones that feel comfortable and homey. Think moody blue-green, intimate reds, and soft yellow—very different, but all draw a connection from nature. If your walls could use a fresh coat of paint, consider one of these popular shades (picking a color is hard, after all). This is just the beginning—we'll continue to update this list as more paint brands reveal trending colors.
Hidden Gem by Behr
Back in July, Behr was the first to announce its color of the year: Hidden Gem, an elegant blue-green. The smokey jade feels moody, rich, and eclectic (on par with current design trends), but still feels timeless.
RELATED: Behr's 2026 Color of the Year Will Make You Rethink a Classic
Melodious Ivory by Dutch Boy Paints
With its 2026 color of the year, Dutch Boy Paints proves that neutrals don't to be boring. Melodious Ivory is a soft, creamy beige that feels warm, cheerful, and calm. According to the brand, it pairs beautifully with bold layers, handmade pieces, and timeworn wood.
Warm Mahogany by GLIDDEN
Rich, moody reds are trending this year, which is why GLIDDEN named its color of the year Warm Mahogany. The red-brown shade—beautiful for living rooms and bedrooms—feels dramatic and intimate, yet calm and approachable.
Warm Eucalyptus by Valspar
From kitchens to home offices and bedrooms, you can't go wrong with a serene shade of green like this nature-inspired hue from Valspar. Warm Eucalyptus is a cool green that feels inviting and restful to the eye.
Universal Khaki by Sherwin-Williams
This year, Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams have agreed on a practical shade: Universal Khaki, an warm, mid-tone tan. The earthy neutral is great for cozy interiors and pairs best with natural materials, like wood and stone.
Adventurer by Little Greene
Jewel tones are still going to be huge in 2026, and we're loving this deep plum from Little Greene. Adventurer is a timeless plum aubergine that feels luxurious, sophisticated, and intimate—making it a great choice for bedrooms.
RELATED: The Biggest Paint Color Trends of 2026, According to Designers
Epernay by C2 Paint
Brighten your interior with Epernay, a pale, sophisticated yellow that's named after the French village in the Champagne region. The earthy soft ochre has hushed mineral undertones reminiscent of the golden glow of sunlight on stone.
RELATED: 20 Best Cream Paint Colors, According to Design Experts
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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