Sherwin-Williams' 2026 Color of the Year is Practical, Versatile and Timeless

An earthy neutral inspired by heavy canvas materials and outdoor gear, Universal Khaki (SW6150) won out as Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year for 2026. Its richness and slight yellow undertones make the mid-tone tan hue an ideal color for a variety of styles.

“Khaki is more than just a neutral — it’s a timeless, go-anywhere shade that brings a sense of grounded elegance to any space,” shares Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "With its warm, earthy undertones, Universal Khaki effortlessly complements a wide range of colors, creating a rich, inviting backdrop that can transform an entire design with quiet confidence.”

The color forecasters felt so confident in Universal Khaki’s everyday versatility that, for the first time ever, Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams are uniting in their 2026 Color of the Year selections. The collaborative announcement marks the brands’ unified perspective about what color will prove to be the most influential in homes across America in the year ahead.

How to Use Universal Khaki at Home

A decidedly practical and functional hue, Universal Khaki has the unique ability to work on nearly any surface, wall or exterior feature of a home. Paired with any one of the colors from Sherwin-Williams’ Colormix Forecast 2026 — an expansive palette that ranges from deep burgundies to coastal teals — Universal Khaki has the ability to make a space feel rich and historical or bright and refreshing.

Try painting cabinets the tan-ish tone to create a timeless kitchen that’s neutral yet warm and welcoming. Combined with Special Walnut (MW224) by Minwax, a stain that's part of Sherwin-Williams’ Colormix Forecast 2026 and Minwax's Color of the Year pick, Universal Khaki becomes perfectly aged and familiar.

For a classic look with a little twist, wash the exterior of a home in the hue. Universal Khaki's soft, yellow undertones make it more dynamic than a traditional white or beige. Couple it with a front door painted Cordovan (HGSW6027), one of the moody hues in HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 color collection, for a touch of not-so-traditional red year-round.