Signaling a collective desire for calm and stability, The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) has named ‘Horizon Blue’ (SW 9226), a muted and atmospheric blue with gray undertones, as its 2026 Color of the Year. The announcement anchors the brand’s annual Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast, a palette expected to influence the most popular paint colors of 2026. The full collection, titled “Anthology,” points toward a broader trend of embracing grounding, nature-inspired tones in interior design trends.
Sherwin-Williams Names ‘Horizon Blue’ as 2026 Color of the Year
| Key Element | Detail | Rationale |
| 2026 Color of the Year | Horizon Blue (SW 9226) | A tranquil blue with subtle gray and violet undertones, designed to evoke “quiet optimism and the stability of the natural world.” |
| Forecast Theme | Anthology: A Story in Color | A curated collection of 40 colors intended to be timeless and versatile, encouraging personal expression and lasting style. |
| Core Philosophy | A Shift to Grounded Living | The palette moves away from fleeting, high-saturation trends toward colors that provide comfort, reflect authenticity, and connect spaces with nature. |
Announcing Horizon Blue: A Color for a New Era
Sherwin-Williams describes Horizon Blue as a color that is both forward-looking and deeply familiar. It captures the essence of a tranquil sky just before dawn, symbolizing a gentle optimism and a steadying presence in a complex world. The selection marks a departure from the more saturated jewel tones and earthy greens that have dominated recent years.
“After a period of introspection and re-evaluation, consumers are seeking a sense of peace and clarity in their personal spaces,” said Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams, in a press release. “Horizon Blue is a restorative shade that provides a dependable backdrop for daily life. It’s a color you can live with, offering a quiet confidence that is both modern and timeless.”
The choice was informed by extensive research into global trends across design, fashion, technology, and culture. The company’s global color and design team identified a growing movement towards “slow living,” digital decompression, and a renewed appreciation for the natural environment.
The 2026 Colormix Forecast: Anthology
Beyond the singular Color of the Year, the broader Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast for 2026, “Anthology,” provides a comprehensive palette designed for cohesive and personalized home design. The collection features 40 colors organized into four distinct palettes:
- Atmospheric: A range of soft, airy blues, grays, and whites, including the flagship Horizon Blue.
- Earthen: A collection of warm, organic hues from muted terra cotta to rich soil browns.
- Verdant: Lush greens and mossy tones that bring the calming influence of the outdoors inside.
- Chroma: A sophisticated selection of deep, moody tones like charcoal and saturated plums for creating drama and intimacy.
“The ‘Anthology’ forecast is about creating a story within the home,” Wadden explained. “These aren’t colors designed to be replaced in a year. They are foundational hues that can be layered and combined to reflect evolving personal tastes.”
Expert Analysis: Reflecting Broader Interior Design Trends
Industry experts note that the forecast aligns with a significant shift in consumer behavior and interior design trends. The focus on longevity and calm reflects a move away from the “fast fashion” mentality that has sometimes influenced home decor.
“We are seeing a clear pivot towards what I call ‘investment design’,” says Michael Bennett, a New York-based interior designer. “People want their homes to be sanctuaries, not showrooms. The colors in the ‘Anthology’ palette, particularly Horizon Blue, support this. They are versatile enough to work with existing furniture and decor, yet sophisticated enough to feel fresh and intentional.”
This shift is also rooted in color psychology, which explores how different hues impact mood and well-being. “A color like Horizon Blue taps into our innate need for security and serenity,” notes Dr. Elena Vance, an environmental psychologist and color consultant not affiliated with the company. “Biologically, the color blue is associated with clear skies and clean water, which our brains register as signals of safety and stability. In a world of digital overstimulation, this kind of calming visual input becomes a form of psychological comfort.”
Practical Applications for Homes and Commercial Spaces
While forecasting trends is a major goal, Sherwin-Williams emphasizes the practical usability of the 2026 palette. Horizon Blue is presented as a versatile primary color for living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. It pairs well with natural materials like light wood, stone, and woven textiles.
The supporting colors in the “Anthology” collection offer options for creating balanced color schemes. For instance:
- Woven Linen (SW 7210): A warm off-white ideal for trim and ceilings to complement Horizon Blue.
- Terra Cotta Clay (SW 6053): A muted, earthy orange that can serve as a vibrant accent on a piece of furniture or a feature wall.
- Forest Canopy (SW 6428): A deep green for creating a cozy, enveloping space like a study or dining room.
The durability and subtlety of these colors also make them suitable for commercial environments, including healthcare facilities, hospitality spaces, and modern offices seeking to create a more welcoming and less stressful atmosphere. As the design world looks toward 2026, the emphasis is clearly on creating spaces that nurture and endure. The selection of Horizon Blue and the broader “Anthology” palette suggests a future where color is used not just for aesthetic appeal, but as a fundamental tool for building a more serene and grounded daily life.
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