_{Key Features}

• _{Full comparison of major 2026 Paint Color of the Year picks}
• _{Brand-by-brand breakdown with resale and risk analysis}
• _{Practical guidance from real-world interior painting experience}

Every year, the big paint brands release their Paint Color of the Year, and every year homeowners ask me the same thing:“Are these actually worth using… or is this just marketing?”As Lightmen Painting, serving Portland and the surrounding metro, we’ve tested enough “Color of the Year” picks to know which ones hold up in real homes — and which ones look better on Instagram than on your drywall.

This guide breaks down the 2026 Paint Color of the Year picks, compares the major brands, explains undertones, and shows you how to use them without turning your home into a trend experiment. If you're planning an interior repaint, a full-home refresh, or preparing to sell, this comparison will help you choose confidently.

_{Things to Know}

• _{2026 trends are warmer than the 2018–2022 gray era.}
• _{Earthy colors are dominant but should be balanced.}
• _{Lighting dramatically changes undertones.}
• _{Neutral doesn’t mean boring — it means flexible.}
• _{Finish selection affects how rich the color feels.}

What Is a “Paint Color of the Year” — And Does It Actually Matter?

Are Color of the Year picks just marketing?

Yes… and no.Paint companies like:

• Sherwin-Williams
• Benjamin Moore
• Behr
• PPG Paints
• Valspar

…invest heavily in trend forecasting. They analyze:

• Fashion cycles
• Furniture and décor trends
• Economic mood
• Buyer behavior
• Lighting and architecture shifts

The result? A color that represents where design is heading — not just what looks good right now.The key is knowing how to use it properly.

What Are the 2026 Paint Color of the Year Picks?

While exact naming may vary by region, the 2026 trend direction across brands is clear:

Warm, grounded, nature-inspired tones with livable depth.The major categories emerging:

1. Warm mushroom taupe
2. Earthy clay / terracotta
3. Muted olive green
4. Mineral blue-gray
5. Creamy soft neutral

Let’s break down how the major brands are interpreting these.

Sherwin-Williams 2026 Paint Color of the Year

What direction is Sherwin-Williams leaning in 2026?

Sherwin-Williams is leaning into mushroom taupe with warmth — a grounded neutral that feels upscale but not dramatic.

Why it works:

• Resale-friendly
• Works in open concept homes
• Plays well with oak and walnut flooring
• Balances cool Pacific Northwest light

Best rooms:

• Living rooms
• Dining rooms
• Entire main floors

If you're booking a professional interior painting service, this is one of the safest “trend-forward but timeless” picks.

Benjamin Moore 2026 Paint Color of the Year

What is Benjamin Moore betting on?

Benjamin Moore is doubling down on muted olive / sage greens.

These are not neon greens. They’re desaturated, earthy, almost botanical tones.

Why designers love it:

• Creates calm without feeling gray
• Feels intentional and natural
• Adds depth without darkness

Best rooms:

• Bedrooms
• Offices
• Dining rooms
• Accent walls

This category is growing fast because it boosts mood and feels grounded.

_{In Our Experience}

_{The colors that age best aren’t the loudest ones — they’re the grounded, adaptable ones. Mushroom taupes, warm greiges, and muted greens consistently outperform bold picks over time. When clients go earthy or moody, the wins happen when placement and prep are flawless. The right 2026 Color of the Year can absolutely elevate a space — but execution is everything.}

Behr 2026 Paint Color of the Year

Is Behr going bold in 2026?

Behr is leaning into earthy clay and terracotta tones.

These feel warm, optimistic, and rooted in nature — a continuation of the “earthy vibrancy” trend.

Why this works:

• Makes dining rooms feel intimate
• Adds personality without looking trendy
• Pairs beautifully with warm whites

Risk level:

Medium — best used as:

• Accent walls
• Color capping
• Smaller rooms

PPG Paints 2026 Paint Color of the Year

What’s PPG pushing?

PPG is exploring mineral blue-gray tones — muted, stormy, grounded blues.

Why it works:

• Feels moody but sophisticated
• Great for statement rooms
• Looks elevated with brass or matte black accents

Best rooms:

• Bedrooms
• Dining rooms
• Libraries
• Home offices

This is the “bold but grown-up” pick.

Valspar 2026 Paint Color of the Year

What’s Valspar’s strategy?

Valspar is playing it smart with creamy neutral soft whites and warm greiges.

This direction appeals strongly to:

• Home sellers
• New builds
• Investors
• Buyers wanting move-in-ready

These tones photograph well and feel safe without feeling boring.

All Brands Compared (Quick Reference)

Which 2026 Paint Color of the Year Is Best for Resale?

If you're selling:

1. Creamy soft white
2. Warm greige
3. Mushroom taupe

Avoid:

• Overly saturated terracotta
• Very dark blue in low-light homes

Buyers want calm, livable spaces.

How to Choose the Right Brand for Your Home

Does brand matter?

Yes — for:

• Sheen consistency
• Coverage quality
• Touch-up performance
• Durability

At Lightmen Painting, we often use:

• Sherwin-Williams for durability
• Benjamin Moore for depth and color richness

But every project is situational.

How Lighting Changes Every 2026 Color of the Year

North-facing rooms:

• Cool light — warm tones help

South-facing rooms:

• Warm light — neutralize carefully

Low-light homes:

• Avoid dark mineral blues unless properly lit

This is where professional testing matters.

Should You Follow the 2026 Paint Color of the Year?

Is it safe to use?

Yes — if:

• You understand undertones
• You test large samples
• You match flooring and cabinetry

No — if:

• You choose it purely from Instagram
• You ignore lighting
• You skip prep

Trends work best when adapted, not copied.

Want to Learn How to Paint Like a Pro?

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or dreaming of starting your own painting business, we've got you covered! Lightmen Painting now offers exclusive online Painting Courses designed to teach you real-world skills from real professionals. From prep work to perfect brush technique, we break it all down step-by-step.

👉 Check out the courses here: Lightmen Courses

Take the first step—level up your skills and paint with confidence. Let’s roll!

Do You Have Questions? Give Us A Call With Any & All! 503-389-5758

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_{People Also Ask:}

_{What is the 2026 Paint Color of the Year trend overall?}

_{Warm, earthy, nature-inspired tones with soft depth — including mushroom taupe, sage green, clay, and mineral blue.}

_{Are Color of the Year paints good for resale?}

_{Yes, especially when choosing neutral-leaning options like warm greige or creamy white.}

_{Which brand has the best Paint Color of the Year in 2026?}

_{It depends on your home’s lighting and flooring. Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore tend to lead in livability and versatility.}

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If your in the Portland, Or. area and need advice or a free no obligation estimate call us at 503-389-5758 or email scheduling@lightmenpainting.com

Resources: 

interior-painting

the-7-paint-colors-designers-are-betting-on-for-2026-rooms

accent-wall-trends-from-color-drenching-to-color-capping

interior-painting-costs-in-2026

Thanks for stopping by Lightmen Daily! Stay tuned for more practical tips and expert advice on making your painting projects flawless, from wall to floor!

Definitions

• _{2026 Paint Color of the Year – Annual flagship color representing design trends}
• _{Mushroom taupe – Warm gray-beige neutral}
• _{Muted sage – Soft desaturated green}
• _{Earthy terracotta – Clay-inspired warm red tone}
• _{Mineral blue-gray – Stormy desaturated blue}
• _{Warm greige – Balanced gray-beige neutral}
• _{Undertones – Hidden color influences}
• _{Resale-friendly paint – Buyer-safe color choice}
• _{Interior repaint – Refreshing interior wall color}
• _{Paint finish – Sheen level affecting reflectivity}

Lightmen Painting Serving: Portland, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, West Linn, Milwaukie, Sherwood, Happy Valley, Oregon City, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham