Recommended Free Tools
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Free scan · no reinstall
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Free scan · exact hardware match
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Colormix Forecast, Anthology: Volume Two, presents four palettes: Frosted Tints, Sunbaked Hues, Restorative Darks and Foundational Neutrals. The surprise is not an officially designated winning palette; it is the range, from soft atmospheric tints to warm earthen hues, deep subdued colors and layered neutrals. Sherwin-Williams describes the forecast as directional guidance, not a promise about what every homeowner will choose.
What is Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Colormix Forecast?
Anthology: Volume Two is the second installment of Sherwin-Williams’ biennial Colormix trend report, curated by its Trendsight Team. Sherwin-Williams’ Sue Wadden describes the report as a guidepost based on what the company sees over the next 18 months. It is a trend outlook, not a precise market measurement.
The report was published in 2025 for the 2026 forecast period. Its four palette families offer different directions rather than one shade presented as the answer to every decorating question.
#1 Best Overall
- Brand: Benjamin moore
- Container type: Box
- Finish type: Opa
| Palette | Reported direction | At a glance |
|---|---|---|
| Frosted Tints | Airy neutrals, gauzy blues and soothing greens | Soft, calm and atmospheric |
| Sunbaked Hues | Warm, radiant, earthen colors with midcentury inspiration | Warm and expressive |
| Restorative Darks | Deep, subdued hues associated with quiet strength and grounding | Dark and enveloping |
| Foundational Neutrals | Clean natural browns paired with stormy deep tones | Layered, seasonless neutrals |
The descriptions above summarize Sherwin-Williams’ forecast. They are not a technical comparison of individual shades, finishes or how paint will perform in a particular room.
1. Frosted Tints: softer, atmospheric color
Frosted Tints brings together airy neutrals, gauzy blues and soothing greens. Sue Wadden describes the palette as a move from the deeper blues and greens discussed in 2024 toward softer hues, including yellow-green, lilac and blue. This makes the family a source of inspiration for anyone looking beyond stark white while still seeking a gentle color direction.
2. Sunbaked Hues: warm, earthen color
Sunbaked Hues is the warmer, more expressive family, with radiant, earthy colors and midcentury inspiration. Wadden describes an evolution toward reds, oranges and yellows, including softer yellows and raw-earth red tones. The forecast makes room for warm color alongside neutral schemes, but does not prescribe how much of a home should use it.
3. Restorative Darks: deep and subdued
Restorative Darks is the forecast’s direction for deep, subdued hues associated with quiet strength and grounding. Consider it an inspiration family rather than a guarantee that a dark color will suit a particular room. Test any candidate in the intended space and compare it with the room’s existing finishes before committing.
4. Foundational Neutrals: layered contrast
Foundational Neutrals pairs clean natural browns with stormy deep tones and is described as seasonless. The idea is not simply one flat neutral: the palette’s direction combines natural browns and deeper contrast. It can serve as a starting point for readers who want a quieter scheme, but the right combination depends on the colors and materials in the home.
The surprising takeaway: four directions, not one winning color
Sherwin-Williams does not officially designate one of the four palettes as “the surprise.” The useful takeaway is the contrast among them: softer tints, warm earthen hues, deep subdued colors and layered neutrals appear in the same forecast. Rather than treating the report as proof that one trend will take over, use it to explore which direction fits your own preferences and home.
Rank #3
!['BENJAMIN MOORE' CLASSIC COLORS FAN DECK [CASE OF 1]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Xq67AO80L._SL160_.jpg)
- Very good condition
- Benjamin Moore Classic Colors Fan Deck
- Classic Colors
- Includes the American Classic Colors (AC)
Wadden describes Frosted Tints as an evolution from the more saturated blues and greens discussed in 2024. She also describes Sunbaked Hues as evolving earlier reds, pinks and purples toward warm reds, oranges and yellows. These are the company’s trend observations, not measured predictions of consumer adoption.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How to choose a palette for your room
The report does not give a systematic shade-by-shade comparison of light reflectance, undertones under controlled lighting or room-specific performance. Use the family descriptions as a starting point, then assess the actual color in the room where you plan to use it.
- Choose a direction. Decide whether you are drawn to soft tints, warm earthen colors, deep subdued hues or layered neutrals.
- Request or order samples. Sherwin-Williams offers free color chips for the forecast palettes and links to peel-and-stick and paint samples.
- Compare in the intended room. View physical samples alongside the room’s existing materials and finishes before choosing paint.
- Use the forecast as inspiration, not a rule. Select colors that work for your home rather than assuming every palette or shade will suit every space.
The Sherwin-Williams forecast page also directs shoppers to select the “Colormix Forecast” collection when adding a forecast shade to a paint cart. Its ColorSnap Visualizer can help narrow options, but a digital preview is not a substitute for assessing samples in the actual room.
Rank #4
- Comprehensive Selection of 2050 NCS Colors: This guide provides 2050 standardized colors from the NCS system, allowing you to visualize, compare, and select colors with ease. Ideal for professionals in architecture, interior design, and branding who require precise color matching and consistency.
- User Friendly Organization for Fast Navigation: The colors are arranged into an intuitive system that simplifies color sorting and selection. The smart navigation tabs at the top of each page ensure you can quickly locate frequently used shades, optimizing efficiency and saving time.
- Durable Coated Samples for Long-Lasting Accuracy: Printed to NCS Quality Level 1 standards, each color sample is coated for added durability, ensuring that colors remain true and vibrant over time, even with regular handling. This makes the NCS-Index 2050 a reliable tool for repeated use.
- Portable and Sturdy Design for On-the-Go Professionals: Compact dimensions (32.5 x 6.5 x 5.5 cm) and lightweight construction (0.85 kg) make this fan deck easy to carry. The laminated cover and elastic band closure provide additional protection, ensuring it withstands everyday wear and tear.
- Efficient Color Identification with NCS Notation: Each page includes clear NCS notations, enabling professionals to make quick, informed color decisions. Whether you’re matching paint, selecting textiles, or designing branding materials, this guide enhances your workflow with reliable results.
How does Universal Khaki fit?
Sherwin-Williams separately named Universal Khaki SW 6150 as its 2026 Color of the Year. It is not one of the four named Colormix palette families. Treat the two announcements as related but distinct: Universal Khaki is the separate Color of the Year selection, while Anthology: Volume Two presents four broader forecast families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sherwin-Williams’ four 2026 color palettes?
The four palettes in Anthology: Volume Two are Frosted Tints, Sunbaked Hues, Restorative Darks and Foundational Neutrals.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhich palette is the surprise?
Sherwin-Williams does not officially name one palette as the surprise. The title’s hook refers to the range of directions in the forecast, from soft tints to warm hues, deep colors and layered neutrals.
Best Value
- Package include: 2 creative color wheel, 5.5 inch in diameter, the artist wheel helps show which colors are complimentary, and how they go (or don't go) together, suitable for learning how to color; Two identical color wheels, with different designs on the front and back
- Color mixing guide: the color wheel shows color, from basic principles and color mixing results on the front side; Spin around the paint wheel, then you will find the color mixture results in the windows, to learn the color theory in a fun way
- Color leaning tool: the backside of the color artist wheel that visually illustrates relationships between colors and demonstrates the results features a grayscale, and triad colors tints and tones, definitions of color terms, and illustrations of color, such as complementary colors, and triad colors
- Easy to use: this color mix guide consists of 3 layers, made of reliable cardboard with smooth surface and smooth rotation; And the size is moderate, easy to operate and carry
- Wide application: the relationship wheel is suitable to use when painting, quilting, interior design, having creative craft projects, and home decorating; Suitable for artists, teachers, kids, painters, designers, and tattoo learners
Will these colors dominate homes in 2026?
The forecast is directional guidance, not a guarantee of widespread adoption. Sue Wadden describes it as a guidepost based on what Sherwin-Williams sees over the next 18 months.
Is Universal Khaki one of the four palettes?
No. Universal Khaki SW 6150 was named Sherwin-Williams’ separate 2026 Color of the Year; it is not one of the four palette names.
How can I sample Sherwin-Williams forecast colors?
Sherwin-Williams offers free color chips for the palettes and links to peel-and-stick and paint samples. Compare physical samples in the room where you intend to use the color.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
