If picking a paint color feels a little like online dating—scroll, swipe, sample, repeat—you’re in the right place. Each year brings a new wave of trending shades, but 2026’s paint color trends feel especially grounded, livable, and timeless.
Across design magazines, Pinterest boards, and real homes, the colors gaining momentum balance warmth, mood, softness, and sophistication—the perfect recipe for a home that feels polished but still personal.
Below, I’m breaking down the expected top 2026 paint color trends, how to make them work in real-life spaces, plus nine specific Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore colors worth sampling.
And throughout this post, I’ll link helpful Brix at Home guides so you can pull your whole-home palette together with confidence.
Trend 1: Elevated Earthy Neutrals
Warm, grounded neutrals are everywhere this year—think mushroom, stone, taupe, and sandy putty tones. They create a soft backdrop that instantly makes a home feel calm and cohesive.
Trending Neutrals to Try
- Sherwin-Williams Crushed Ice – A beautifully soft, whisper-gray neutral that works with both warm and cool palettes.
- Sherwin-Williams Shoji White – A warm, creamy off-white that pairs beautifully with wood, brass, and natural textures.
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter– A rich, earthy greige with a subtle organic undertone.
These shades are perfect if you want a neutral that feels warm and elevated—not stark, not yellow, not builder-basic.
RELATED: Need more neutral inspiration? Want to know how to ensure you carry off the look seamlessly? Explore our full guide: The Best Neutral Light Paint Colors.
Trend 2: Moody Medium & Dark Tones
Moody colors continue to explode in popularity—but 2026’s version will lean slightly softened, layered, and atmospheric. These aren’t “cave dark.” They’re sophisticated, cozy, and full of depth.
Moody Colors to Sample
- Sherwin-Williams Ironclad – A deep, elegant charcoal with the faintest blue undertone.
- Sherwin-Williams Intellectual Gray – An iconic medium-depth neutral that lands between gray, green, and taupe depending on the light.
- Benjamin Moore Silhouette – A dramatic, velvety brown-black with a hint of plum.
- Benjamin Moore Briarwood- An elegant medium toned true neutral perfect as a door color throughout the home or to elevate a room.
Perfect for: dining rooms, powder baths, offices, reading nooks, and cabinetry.
RELATED: For more saturated colors, see: The Best Medium to Dark Sherwin-Williams Paint Colors.
Trend 3: Color as the New Neutral
Bold color is having a major moment. While neutrals used to dominate entire homes, 2026 will bring washes of color into the mix—rich and interesting enough to elevate a room.
Shades That Work Beautifully in Real Life
- Benjamin Moore Stillwater – A moody teal that looks stunning on cabinetry, vanities, built-ins, and accent walls.
- Sherwin Williams Retreat – A warm medium toned sage that instantly adds warmth without overwhelming the space.
- Sherwin Williams Merlot- Enough said in the name of the color, it is rich, sexy and guaranteed to make a space look more upscale.
Use these hues in mud rooms, pantries, powder rooms, laundry rooms, or any spot that needs elevation or personality.
Trend 4: The New Contrast: Earthy Neutrals + Warm White
High contrast is still popular—but the stark black-and-white look is softening for 2026. Instead of crisp whites and inky blacks, homeowners are leaning into:
- Creamy whites
- Greige-based trim
- Charcoal or brown instead of black
- Muted contrasts rather than sharp ones
This combination feels timeless but more relaxed and refined.
Try This Pairing:
- Walls/Ceilings/Trim: Sherwin-Williams Creamy
- Doors: Benjamin Moore Pashmina
- Accents: Natural wood + warm brass
RELATED: Refreshing cabinetry or trim soon? Read: Cabinet Hardware 101 for guidelines and inspo.
How to Choose the Right Color for Your Lighting
Lighting makes or breaks a paint color, so test smarter—not harder.
- Sample 3–5 colors instead of 12.
- Use large peel-and-stick swatches
- I personally use blue tape to stick them so that I can reuse in multiple rooms!
- Move them around the room at different times of day.
- Check colors against fixed elements:
- Floors
- Countertops
- Tile
- Wood tones
- Rugs & upholstery
This step alone can save you from repainting!
The Bottom Line
2026 color trends will be all about balance—warmth + depth, softness + sophistication, timeless neutrals + personality. When you approach color with intention—and a bit of playfulness—your home starts to feel like a reflection of you, not just the latest trend.
If you’re building a whole-home palette or planning a renovation, I’ve linked helpful guides throughout this post to make the process simpler and more fun.
And if you ever want help pairing colors with hardware, materials, or future remodel plans, the Brix at Home team is always happy to guide you.