Minwax Selects Special Walnut as 2026 Color of the Year

Oftentimes, when we design our living spaces, we look for colors that feel familiar to us, particularly in times when change is ever-present. This year, Minwax went with a familiar favorite when the brand selected Special Walnut as its 2026 Color of the Year.

Special Walnut is a compelling choice: it’s already one of the brand’s best-selling hues, and it resonates with the way we live today.

“Special Walnut is a color that is here to stay,” says Lisbeth Parada, color and design lead at Minwax. “There isn’t a need to replace it with next year’s it color. It is time-tested, enhances the wood’s natural grain and fosters a deeper connection with the home.”

Parada observes that one of this year’s driving influences for the color of the year is that wood has become a design anchor, making it a focal point in home design.

“With wood emerging as a key element in interior design—from furniture and flooring to cabinetry and architectural details—there’s a renewed appreciation for finishes that enhance its natural character,” says Parada.

“Wood is the new white, with social media conversations on woodwork on the rise. For 2026, wood drenching spaces using Special Walnut helps create immersive and inviting environments,” Parada notes. “Gone are the days of the whitewash or grey stain colors.”

Nostalgic charm is another key influence.

“Consumers are rediscovering simplicity, drawn to pieces that mix timeless charm with personal expression,” Parada says. “Inspired by Old West–style living—think vintage treasures, handcrafted décor and rustic textures—Special Walnut pairs natural, aged wood with a polished modern sensibility to create a distinctly western effect.”

The third driving influence is “Style with Staying Power,” as durability and timelessness are seen as essential qualities.

“Consumers are moving away from purchasing disposable items, and instead investing in well-made, durable alternatives,” Parada observes. “We are continuing to see a boom in the second-hand furniture market, as well as a resurgence in Shaker and Arts and Crafts style furniture. Last year, we saw manufacturers producing new furniture that featured the Shaker style. Its versatility makes it a favorite across styles and applications—whether you’re restoring a vintage piece or finishing a weekend project.”

Parada serves as the color and design lead for three of Sherwin-Williams’ brands: Dutch Boy Paints, which specializes in interior and exterior paint; Krylon, known for spray paints; and Minwax, a leader in interior wood stains and clears. Each brand occupies a distinct space, often requiring its own approach.

“I have the unique advantage of working across a paint brand, a stain brand and an aerosol brand,” Parada explains. “This year, we’re pairing Special Walnut with paint colors from our sister companies’ 2026 Colors of the Year. They complement each other beautifully—Melodious Ivory for Dutch Boy and Warm Eucalyptus for Valspar.”

She also emphasized that Special Walnut is an easy choice for nearly any room in the home.

“Special Walnut has a place in so many spaces, including the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, storage, and really everywhere,” Parada says. “We hope this versatile shade inspires consumers to take on their next staining project.”

Special Walnut is available in a variety of formulas, including Minwax® Wood Finish® Penetrating Stain, a prepackaged color and oil-based stain in the iconic yellow can— no tinting necessary. Special Walnut is also available in Wood Finish® Color Series Premium Oil-Based Stain as well as Wood Finish® Premium Water-Based Solid and Semi-Transparent Stains. This variety offers versatility and professional-looking results for any project. Ideal for furniture, cabinetry, vanities and other high-traffic wood surfaces, it’s easy to use and widely available at major retailers nationwide.