Sherwin-Williams 2026 Colormix Forecast Evokes Timelessness

For more than two decades, Sherwin-Wiliams had been releasing its annual Colormix forecasts. In 2024, the company changed its approach, opting for a biennial approach to the annual color trend report with Anthology: One in 2024.

“This recurring color reference alternates each year with the usual style and trend storytelling that the brand is known for,” says Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams.

“In 2024, we examined the emerging hues of the moment, organized into four distinct palettes: blues and greens, reds and purples, deeps and darks, and delicate tints. With Anthology Volume Two, we’re continuing to evolve how we tell the story of color.”

Now, for 2026 Colormix® Trend Forecast Anthology Volume Two, Sherwin-Wiliams’ Trendsight Team of expert forecasters has refined its initial selections, creating a collection of 48 hand-selected colors, including neutrals, pastels, dark colors and reds and golds.

“This year, each of the four palettes represents a refined evolution of those color families,” Kantz observes. “For example, from the blues and greens palette (Anthology Volume One from 2024), a bold turquoise such as Aquastone SW 9043 becomes softened into a shade like Watery SW 6478, still showing there is a connection to this water-inspired aqua tint; however, its shift in value shows that this color can still be just as powerful in a more subtle way.

“For 2026, we cover yellow and oranges in a more robust way that shows the importance of these hues have moving into 2026, a powerful emergence in warmer colors that evoke a sense of grounding and nostalgia,” adds Kantz.

“In the Restorative Darks palette, a popular hue such as Carnelian has shifted for 2026 into two different directions; it goes a bit redder in Dark Auburn SW 6034 and it morphs into a more purple hue in Plum Brown SW 6272. In Anthology Volume One, Colormix 2024, a tinted neutral such as Silvermist SW 7621 shifts into a more complex gray with a green undertone in Rare Gray SW 6199 seen in Foundational Neutrals.

“This year’s trends can be described individually, each with its own distinct personality, yet they share a common thread of versatility and subtly sophisticated,” Kantz observes.

The four palettes are:

• Frosted Tints: This palette features a series of blues and greens, including Modern Lavender SW 9688; Grape Mist SW 6548; Lite Lavender SW 6554; Solitude SW 6535; Upward SW 6239; Breathtaking SW 6814; Samovar Silver SW 6233; Tradewind SW 6218; Liveable Green SW 6176; Halcyon Green SW 6213; Watery SW 6478; and Celery SW 6421.

“Frosted Tints brings a modern coastal charm, blending softness with a fresh interpretation of industrial design,” says Kantz. “It’s light, airy and subtly sophisticated.”

• Sunbaked Hues: This palette has a wide range of reds, yellows, golds, pinks, oranges and purples, such as Lemon Chiffon SW 6686; Sundew SW 7688; Coral Island SW 6332; Straw Harvest SW 7698; Sociable SW 6359; Henna Shade SW 6326; Classical Yellow SW 2865; Armagnac SW 6354; Peppery SW 6615; Pennywise SW 6349; Cajun Red SW 0008; and Heartthrob SW 6866.

“Sunbaked Hues span a broad stylistic spectrum, from Mid-Century Modern and desert organic to retro-inspired aesthetics,” Kantz notes. “These colors feel warm, grounded, and nostalgic.”

• Restorative Darks: This palette features deep colors including Sable SW 6083; Rojo Marrón SW 9182; Roycroft Copper Red SW 2839; Limestone SW 9599; Relic Bronze SW 6132; Dark Auburn SW 6034; Garden Gate SW 6167; Rock Bottom SW 7062; Black Bean SW 6006; Tarragon SW 9660; Sea Mariner SW 9640; and Plum Brown SW 6272.

“Restorative Darks offer high-impact, working beautifully in both contemporary and traditional art-deco inspired spaces,” Kantz adds. “Restorative Darks evokes the continued need for escapism and comfort found in cocooning darks. They’re bold, moody, and deeply expressive.”

• Foundational Neutrals: This palette includes White Snow SW 9541; Sanctuary SW 9583; Passive SW 7064; Cream and Sugar SW 9507; Mushroom SW 9587; Rare Gray SW 6199; Universal Khaki SW 6150; Sanderling SW 7513; Pavestone SW 7642; Clove SW 9605; Armory SW 9600; and Inkwell SW 6992.

“Foundational Neutrals serve as a flexible base, easily adapting to layered maximalist palettes or clean Scandinavian minimalism,” Kantz says. “Foundational Neutrals is part of a need for timeless shades that fit within any design style, mixed and matched with other neutrals, wood tones or metal finishes found in home accessories. They’re timeless and grounding.”

“In 2026, we’re building on the emotional core of past Color of the Year selections, like the biophilic blues and greens of 2024 and 2022, by expanding into new expressions of calm, comfort, and connection,” Kantz points out. “While last year’s palettes leaned heavily into grounded, earthy tones, we see that influence evolving in Sunbaked Hues, where warmth feels more nostalgic and stylized, and in Restorative Darks, where nature-inspired depth offers sanctuary. Across the forecast, colors are softer, more layered, and emotionally resonant, reflecting a desire for individuality, stability, and timeless beauty in an ever-shifting world.

“What ties them together is their adaptability across design styles and their ability to evoke emotion – whether it’s calm, warmth, drama, or simplicity,” Kantz concludes. “Each palette stands on its own, but together they reflect a broader movement toward thoughtful, expressive design.”

All 48 colors in the 2026 Colormix Trend Forecast Anthology Volume Two are available at Sherwin-Williams stores nationwide and online.