2026 Colors Paint a Familiar Scene

Commercial color trends for 2026 offer a contemporary take on natural neutrals, richly earthy hues, warm wood tones and cozy blues. The leading coating manufacturers each chose a unique color family for their Color of the Year selections. Considered together, they favor collective expression above individuality, and forego upfront boldness for a comfortingly familiar, retro update.

This year's color stories reflect a broader, intentional shift in emotionally and functionally attuned spaces. Educational buildings embrace emotional belonging and cognitive comfort. Health care facilities prioritize restorative, biophilic environments. Hospitality and mixed-use settings lean into warmth and experiential character. Government and civic facilities continue to balance permanence with contemporary expression. 

Across all sectors, finish choice for facade and fenestration systems also must support performance durability, environmental sustainability and adaptable longevity, while contributing meaningfully to he building's overall identity. 

Grounded, warm, architectural neutrals from Sherwin-Williams 

The Sherwin-Williams Company's 2026 Coil and Extrusion Color of the Year, "Universal Khaki," introduces a warmer, more grounded alternative to the cool neutrals that have dominated commercial exteriors for more than a decade. Described as possessing "timeless elegance," this refined neutral balances sophisticated restraint with subtle warmth. 

Its versatility lends appeal to both interior and exterior applications, making it ideal for aluminum windows, curtain wall, storefront, wall panels, and other fenestration and façade systems. Transcending traditional styles and approachably modern palettes, Universal Khaki pairs easily with copper and bronze metallics, terra cotta, light marble, aged wood, warm grays and natural greens. 

Inspired by vintage design palettes, Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group, Valspar, also announced "Warm Eucalyptus" as its 2026 Color of the Year. Suggested supporting colors include the soft shades of "Degas Blue" and the deep brown "Groundbreaking." 

"Its warm undertones create a grounded, welcoming mood, while drawing inspiration from nature and the familiarity of retro design. This is a color that encourage restoration and resilience," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. 

Colors rooted in nature and history from PPG 

Related to Valspar's Warm Eucalyptus color family, PPG Industries shared "Secret Safari," a midtone yellow-green with subtle lime undertones as its 2026 Color of the Year. In daylight, Secret Safari appears calm and botanical, in shadow, it deepens and becomes more contemplative. This dynamic quality makes it well suited for surfaces and spaces where natural light and shadow play across the building envelope throughout the day. The refreshing hue seamlessly blends with modern biophilic design strategies and with historical building projects. 

The Pittsburgh Pains Co. chose its 2026 Color of the Year from the opposite side of the spectrum, a hearty red "Warm Mahogany." The rich earthy color conveys hand-crafted luxury, human connection and architectural heritage, steering into hospitality-driven aesthetics. It offers a contemporary alternative to bronze or black. Specialty finish options can provide a more authentic wood-look with the benefits of aluminum or more Bordeaux-forward flavor with the durability of anodize. 

Rhythm of Blues – an indigo trio from AkzoNobel 

AkzoNobel debuts its "Rhythm Blues" collection for the coil and extrusion coatings market. This chorus for 2026 is composed with three color notes: light blue "Mellow Flow," dark blue "Slow Swing" and vibrant "Free Groove." Consider these expressively cool tones as decorative accents, large-format panels, or framing for colorful grand entrances and views. 

Whether your project follows these trending color cues or defines its own palette, remember to double-check the color code and specify 70% fluoropolymer resin-based coatings to meet the industry-leading AAMA 2605 standard for high-performance exterior aluminum building products.