Benjamin moore 2026 Color of the year
As paint brands like Sherwin-Williams and Behr announce their 2026 Colors of the Year, the design world eagerly awaits Benjamin Moore’s highly anticipated pick. With a history of selecting trend-setting and influential hues, what will the brand choose this year? Based on current themes, outlier selections, and past precedent, we predict three contenders for Benjamin Moore's 2026 Color of the Year. But of course, we have no crystal ball…so take this with a gain of salt (drop of paint?)
The Color of the Year Landscape: Key Themes for 2026
Analyzing the selections from other major paint companies reveals a clear focus on certain themes for the upcoming year.
Grounded Comfort and Warm Neutrals: In a reaction to past years' cool grays, many brands are emphasizing warmth and comfort.
Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home selected Universal Khaki, a mid-tone tan that feels timeless and grounded.
Dutch Boy chose Melodious Ivory, a creamy beige that evokes a "nostalgic, elevated vibe".
Minwax tapped into the natural warmth of wood with its Special Walnut stain, promoting a classic, cozy feel.
C2 Paint picked Epernay, a soft, earthy ochre with European, heritage-inspired undertones.
Nature-Inspired, Restorative Greens: The desire for a connection to nature remains a powerful influence, driving a wave of restorative greens.
Behr named Hidden Gem, a smoky jade, as its color of the year.
Valspar selected Warm Eucalyptus, a muted, earthy gray-green described as "restful to the soul".
WGSN and Coloro identified Transformative Teal as their key color for 2026, representing an "Earth-first mindset".
Designers: Many designers are forecasting moody, olive-toned greens or foggy, mossy greens to be major players! (including me, Andy, because they are literally EVERYWHERE in the zeitgeist of design right now!)
The Outliers and What They Mean
While many brands play it safe with warm neutrals or calming greens, some selections offer a glimpse into more dramatic possibilities.
Glidden announced Warm Mahogany, a rich, saturated red. This bold, grounding choice is an outlier but speaks to a desire for depth and nostalgic comfort.
Krylon chose Coffee Bean, a deep, dark neutral that offers sophistication and a grounding effect.
Graham & Brown picked Divine Damson, a deeply luxurious and elegant plum, signaling rich jewel tones remain.
Three Predictions for Benjamin Moore's 2026 Color of the Year
Unlike some other companies that follow trends, Benjamin Moore's choices are often more nuanced and reflective. The selection often synthesizes broader societal moods rather than simply following the pack.
Prediction 1: A Complex, Earthy Green
Reflecting the strong trend towards nature-inspired and restorative palettes, Benjamin Moore may select a sophisticated green. Their pick would likely have complex undertones, feeling both calming and deeply rooted in the natural world.
Our Benjamin Moore Pick: Wildwood Crest (1538)
1538 Wildwood Crest is a soft, muted green that brings a sense of calm and natural elegance to any space.
Why it fits: Described by one designer as a color that "dissolves the line between indoors and out," this mid-toned, earthy green embodies the biophilic design trend without feeling overly trendy. It's a natural, soulful shade that connects a space to the landscape outside.
Prediction 2: A Warm, Modern-Vintage Neutral
The shift away from sterile whites and grays is undeniable. Benjamin Moore could lean into this movement by choosing a versatile, warm neutral that feels both classic and fresh—a perfect canvas for layering.
Our Benjamin Moore Pick: Ballet White (OC-9)
Ballet White paint OC-9 offers a soft, timeless shade of white with subtle warm undertones.
Why it fits: While not a beige, this creamy off-white offers more depth and warmth than a stark white. It provides a timeless, restorative feel that echoes the "conscious" and "mindful" consumption themes mentioned by other brands, such as Dutch Boy's Melodious Ivory. It’s a sophisticated foundation for any interior.
Prediction 3: A Rich, Moody Blue-Green
As a slightly bolder choice, Benjamin Moore may tap into the moody blue-green category, which has appeared across several forecasts. This selection would offer depth and drama while still feeling serene and connected to water elements.
Our Benjamin Moore Pick: Gentleman's Gray (2062-20)
Gentleman's Gray 2062-20 is a sophisticated, medium-tone gray that balances warmth and coolness with subtle brown.
Why it fits: This deep, luxurious teal-blue-green is not a neutral, yet remains incredibly versatile and sophisticated. It provides the "moody" and "restorative" drama seen in other forecasts, such as Behr's Hidden Gem, but with the rich, historic feel for which Benjamin Moore is known.
Ultimately, Benjamin Moore's 2026 Color of the Year will be a culmination of these trends. Whether it's a deep green, a creamy neutral, or a moody blue, its choice will undoubtedly influence home design in the year to come. Thank you for reading our informed, if slightly incorrect, predictions - and have FUN with paint no matter what colors you love!
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