Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki – 2026 Color of the Year

Sherwin Williams announced their 2026 Color of the Year as Universal Khaki, and it is exciting news.

First, they picked a color that is usable, likable and reasonable. It is the sort of paint color that almost anyone could like and appreciate.

Second, Sherwin Williams has gone back to its roots and selected an individual color as its Color of the Year, instead of choosing a paint palette like they did last year. Choosing a paint palette was a surprising move, and it felt almost like a way to sidestep the ever present question: where are paint trends going, and how to we both inspire and shape the future of paint colors without alienating consumers.

Personally, I’m glad they went back to a Color of the Year designation, because it shows a confidence that is necessary to mold trends. And in my opinion, Sherwin Williams has historically done this better than many of the other big name paint companies.

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So where are the paint color trends going this year?

According to the experts, as detailed by Sherwin Williams, home design is moving towards a blend of elevated luxury and ecological usability, with an emphasis on simplicity and timelessness.

While luxury and usability may seem like a paradox, they are actually perfectly encapsulated in the color of Universal Khaki.

Universal Khaki is an elegant, almost sultry color that draws you in and feels like you are being wrapped in expensive linen. But is also is incredibly practical – it can be used almost anywhere and with any home design. According to Sue Wadden, the Director of Color Marketing and Trendsight Team Leader at Sherwin Williams, this gives Universal Khaki an everyday appeal.

Another reason I like Universal Khaki is because it can lean into so many different design styles. When paired with whites and creams, it brings and updated layered look to the white trend that permeated homes in years past. For someone who craves a little more color, Universal Khaki is a perfect backdrop to the earthy tones that others have been drawn towards in recent years, such as muted greens or terracotta accents.

Universal Khaki also goes well with organic materials, soft metals, and cozy textiles. It is a perfect foundation for “layering texture, color and light.”

This color is on trend now and has an ability to have staying power – it isn’t a paint color that you are going to need to paint over any time soon. It is understated, livable, and refined, all at the same time.

Now, if you’re wondering what this color actually is, here is the nitty gritty on Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki.

Sherwin Williams Universal Khaki Explained

Universal Khaki is a mid-tone, warm paint color that blends tan and green with a dash of yellow undertones.

With an LRV of 40, Universal Khaki sits pretty comfortable in the middle range of paint colors. It isn’t too dark, but it definitely has a presence. It won’t be light and airy, but it also won’t be dark and deafening in a room.

With its tan roots, Universal Khaki is a warm paint color. Warm paint colors tend to draw you into a space and invite you to stay a while, and Universal Khaki is no exception. It carries a cozy sophistication.

Universal Khaki Color Strip

Universal Khaki is part of Sherwin Williams’ Neutrals collection, and is also called SW 6150. It shares a color strip with other great khaki and brown colors – Wool Skein, Relaxed Khaki, Urban Jungle, Quiver Tan, Superior Bronze and Protege Bronze.

Despite sharing a color strip with these shades, it doesn’t mean that they are all lighter or darker versions of each other, but oftentimes they have similar roots and you can find good coordinating colors among the color strip.

For Universal Khaki, Wool Skein can serve as a soft compliment in adjacent rooms or even within the same space.

Coordinating Colors for Universal Khaki

If you are looking for colors that go with Universal Khaki though, you don’t have to look much further than the coordinating colors that Sherwin Williams has chosen for this neutral shade:

• White Snow
• Cream and Sugar
• Lemon Chiffon
• Henna Shade
• Dark Auburn
• Limestone
• Garden Gate
• Tarragon
• Watery
• Panda White
• Wool Skein
• Mediterranian
• Special Walnut – Minwax Stain Color

There is something for everyone in these coordinating colors.

If you like the layered look, White Snow, Cream and Sugar, Panda White and Wool Skein can all be used to create this vibe.

If you like the earth tone palettes, Cream and Sugar, Garden Gate, Henna Shade and Dark Auburn are great options.

If you prefer a light and bright color scheme, Lemon Chiffon, Watery and Mediterranean all pair with Universal Khaki to bring color and life.

And, if you like the bold color drenching trend, Tarragon and Mediterranean can give you this effect.

This year, Sherwin Williams has also chosen a Minwax stain to go with Universal Khaki – my favorite stain color, Special Walnut.

Special Walnut isn’t too dark and has a timeless appeal, just like Universal Khaki.

Trim Colors for Universal Khaki

If you are wondering what trim colors you can pair with Universal Khaki, you have a lot of good options.

First, you can go with White Snow from the coordinating colors list. Universal Khaki also goes well with my favorite Sherwin Williams trim color, Pure White. With its yellow undertones, it can also go with a softer white trim color like Alabaster.

If you want a very soft accent trim color that isn’t white, Panda White could be used for a tone-on-tone look.

Is Universal Khaki Right for Me?

If you are looking for a warm paint color that will create a layered elegance and inspire a comfortable space, Universal Khaki might be a great paint color for you. With its tailored approach to timeless appeal, Universal Khaki will be usable for years to come.

Because of its depth, I would hesitate to paint this in a room that doesn’t have a lot of natural light to support it though. If this is your circumstance, a lighter khaki such as Wool Skein might be a better fit.

Overall, I think Universal Khaki is a great choice for a Color of the Year because it can be used on walls, cabinets, home exteriors, and more. It is versatile, functional, and appealing – all the things that make for a good Color of the Year.

If you are curious about other paint colors of the year for 2026, check out this post on all of the 2026 Colors of the Year.

Wondering How To Pick the Perfect Paint Color?

I have the best solution for you!

Samplize sells peel and stick paint samples in almost every paint color.

These no-mess, peel and stick sheets are made from real paint, so they will show you exactly what the paint color will look like.

Simply place them on your walls next to your trim, furnishings or fixed elements, and easily see which paint color works best in your space and with your lighting.

Then, peel the sheet off your wall and reapply it somewhere else if you like. You can try several different paint colors with no mess, no fuss and no cleaning paint brushes.

Oh, and you can have them in your home by tomorrow with OVERNIGHT shipping!

As a bonus, be sure to use the code LoveRemodeled10 at check out to get an extra 10% off! Samplize sheets are cheaper than a sample can of paint, and way less work.

They are the easiest (and fastest!) way to try a paint color in your home, with no hassle.

You can also check out Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Color of the Year, Silhouette, here!

Thanks for sharing!