Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki SW 6150

Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year is Universal Khaki SW 6150, a grounding, earthy neutral that feels both familiar and modern at the same time.

“To be honest, I was a little underwhelmed by Universal Khaki being crowned as “Color of the Year”, but it has definitely grown un me! It’s more than just a safe neutral, it reflects a growing desire for balance, warmth, and versatility in our living spaces.”

-Yasmine, Certified Color Designer

This color signals a return to comfort, nature, and thoughtful design choices.

In this guide, we’ll explore why Universal Khaki was chosen, what it says about 2026 design trends, and how you can use it beautifully both inside and outside your home!

Why Universal Khaki Is the 2026 Color of the Year

Universal Khaki represents a shift away from extremes. Instead of stark whites, icy grays, or overly bold statements, homeowners are gravitating toward soft, muted neutrals that feel natural, livable, and emotionally grounding.

This color sits comfortably between beige, olive, and greige, giving it incredible flexibility across design styles that will hold up year after year. While other color trends fade, we believe Universal Khaki will stand the test of time.

The Psychology Behind Universal Khaki

Color psychology plays a huge role in how we experience our homes, and Universal Khaki taps into several powerful emotional cues:

• Stability & comfort: Earth-toned neutrals evoke feelings of safety and reliability.
• Connection to nature: The subtle green undertones bring the outdoors in, creating a calming atmosphere.
• Warmth without heaviness: Unlike darker browns or olives, Universal Khaki stays light enough to feel open and inviting.
• Mental ease: Muted colors reduce visual noise, helping spaces feel less chaotic and more restful.

This makes Universal Khaki especially appealing for homeowners looking to create peaceful retreats, whether that’s a cozy living room, a welcoming entryway, or a serene bedroom.

What the Neutral Color Trend Says About 2026 Homes

The choice of Universal Khaki points to a broader design trend that’s been gaining momentum: intentional simplicity.

In 2026, homeowners are:

• Choosing fewer colors, but choosing them more thoughtfully
• Designing around fixed features instead of fighting them
• Prioritizing longevity over trends that burn out quickly
• Creating homes that feel calm, warm, and personal

Muted neutrals like Universal Khaki allow for flexibility. They work as a foundation that can evolve over time with new furniture, décor, or finishes without requiring a full repaint every few years.

If you’d like help deciding if Universal Khaki is the right color for your home, Schedule A Color Consultation With Yasmine or Lexi today

Using Universal Khaki Inside Your Home

Universal Khaki truly shines indoors thanks to its adaptability and softness. It’s a color that plays well with light, texture, and architectural detail.

Living Rooms & Family Rooms

Because it’s not too warm or too cool, Universal Khaki makes living spaces feel welcoming without overpowering them. It works beautifully with:

• Natural wood furniture
• Leather or linen upholstery
• Layered textiles like wool throws and woven rugs

Bedrooms

For bedrooms, Universal Khaki promotes rest and relaxation. The subtle green undertone adds just enough interest to keep the space from feeling flat while maintaining a tranquil mood. It pairs well with the following:

• Crisp white bedding
• Soft creams and taupes
• Black or bronze accent lighting

Kitchens & Dining Areas

Universal Khaki is an excellent choice for walls, islands, or even lower cabinets in a two-tone kitchen design. It works surprisingly well in kitchens, especially if you paired it with:

• White, cream, or light wood cabinetry
• Matte black or brushed brass hardware
• Warm stone or quartz countertops

Bathrooms

In bathrooms, this color feels spa-like and refined. It’s particularly effective in bathrooms with limited natural light, where it adds warmth without darkening the space.

Use it with:

• White tile or marble
• Warm wood vanities
• Soft black or champagne bronze fixtures

Photo Courtesy of Sherwin Williams

Is Universal Khaki A Good Color For Exteriors?

Yes! Universal Khaki isn’t just an interior favorite, it’s also a strong contender for exterior applications, especially in Colorado’s varied climate and lighting conditions.

It works well on both traditional and modern homes, adapting easily to different architectural styles. As a main exterior color, Universal Khaki offers:

• Excellent compatibility with stone, brick, and stucco
• A natural look that blends with landscaping
• A timeless appearance that won’t feel dated in a few years

While Universal Khaki is often used as a body color, it can also serve as:

• A trim color on darker exteriors
• An accent for shutters or siding details
• A complementary tone alongside warmer whites

Its muted nature keeps exteriors looking cohesive rather than high-contrast.

Universal Khaki LRV (Light Reflectance Value)

Universal Khaki’s LRV is 40, making it a perfect balance of reflectivity and suitable for an exterior. Please note that if used on the exterior of your home, the color may appear more bright due to direct sun exposure than if used on your interior where may hold more contrast. We always recommend getting color samples to test the color in different lighting conditions.

Why Universal Khaki Works So Well With Fixed Features

One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when choosing paint colors is working around fixed features, or elements that aren’t easily changed. Universal Khaki excels here.

Stone & Brick

The earthy undertones pair naturally with warm stone, beige, tan, or mixed brick and natural rock landscaping

Wood Tones

Whether you have honey oak, walnut, or reclaimed wood, Universal Khaki complements a wide range of wood finishes without clashing.

Flooring

Universal Khaki works beautifully with warm hardwoods and neutral tile or stone floors

Roofing & Hardscaping

On exteriors, Universal Khaki coordinates well with wrown, bronze, or charcoal roofing, as well as concrete walkways and natural stone retaining walls

For homeowners who don’t want to replace expensive materials, this color offers a smart, harmonious solution!

Best Colors to Pair With Universal Khaki

What’s so great about Universal Khaki is how well it works with other shades. It’s hard to go wrong! But here are some standout options:

Warm Whites – These keep spaces light and balanced.

• Alabaster SW 7008
• Shoji White SW 7042
• Creamy SW 7012

Earthy Greens – Perfect for layered, nature-inspired palettes.

• Clary Sage SW 6178
• Evergreen Fog SW 9130
• Dried Thyme SW 6186

Soft Neutrals & Greiges – These add depth without overwhelming the space.

• Accessible Beige SW 7036
• Agreeable Gray SW 7029
• Canvas Tan SW 7531

Dark Accents – Ideal for doors, cabinets, and architectural details.

• Urbane Bronze SW 7048
• Iron Ore SW 7069
• Tricorn Black SW 6258

Check out Sherwin Williams Colormix Forecast to get the inside scoop on some of their most recommended color palettes for 2026.

Where Universal Khaki Shines the Most

Universal Khaki is an excellent choice if you:

• Want a neutral that isn’t boring
• Have lots of warm, fixed finishes
• Prefer timeless over trendy
• Want a color that works both inside and out

It’s especially well-suited for whole-home palettes, open floor plans, and homeowners who want consistency without monotony.

Final Thoughts: A Color That’s Built to Last

Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year, Universal Khaki SW 6150, isn’t about making a bold statement, it’s about creating homes that feel grounded, comfortable, and enduring.

As trends move toward softer, more intentional design choices, this color stands out as a versatile foundation that supports both modern living and long-term value.

Whether you’re refreshing a single room or planning a full interior or exterior repaint, Universal Khaki offers a timeless option that works with your home, not against it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki SW 6150

If you’d like to schedule a Free Paint Estimate or a Color Consultation to find out what colors are right for your home, you can do so HERE.

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