Choosing Paint Shouldn’t Feel Overwhelming
Have you ever picked a paint color you loved in the store, only to regret it once it was on your walls? For many families, that’s the hardest part of refreshing a room — endless swatches, shifting light, and the worry that a color will clash with furniture you already own.
So how can you bring in fresh, beautiful colors without a costly commitment or regret down the road?
That’s where Behr’s 2026 Color Trends Forecast comes in. These aren’t just fleeting “trendy” shades. They were chosen because they reflect what families like yours need most right now: calm in busy spaces, versatility with different furniture styles, and confidence that your home will feel timeless for years to come.
In this article, you’ll learn:
-
Why Behr named Hidden Gem its 2026 Color of the Year — and what it means for your home
-
How the full 20-color palette is about enduring style, not short-lived fads
-
The #1 way to experiment with new colors without replacing everything you own
-
How to pair these shades with furniture, rugs, and décor to bring the look together
Why These Colors Were Chosen — And Why They Matter to You
Every year, Behr announces a Color of the Year — a single shade that captures the mood of the moment and sets the tone for design in homes everywhere. For 2026, that color is Hidden Gem, a smoky jade that feels both bold and grounding.
But Behr doesn’t stop at just one color. They also create a 20-color palette that works together as a family. This broader palette is designed to give you options — from calming neutrals to richer accent shades — so you can bring the forecast into your home in a way that fits your style, your furniture, and your budget.
These choices aren’t random. Behr’s color experts study more than paint swatches; they look at fashion, culture, and everyday life to anticipate what families like yours will want from their spaces in the year ahead. The 2026 palette reflects three big shifts:
-
We need calm. Greens and blues offer peace in busy spaces.
-
We want connection. Earth tones and warm neutrals bring the comfort of natural textures indoors.
-
We’re ready for personality. Jewel tones and pastels add interest without overwhelming.
💡 Big Takeaway: The Color of the Year gives you one standout option, while the full palette makes it practical — so you can experiment or commit, all with confidence your home will feel stylish and livable for years to come.
Bring timeless style home with the FM Direct Sofa McGee, perfectly paired with Behr’s Hidden Gem (N430-6A). This rich, calming wall color highlights the sofa’s clean lines and creates a cozy, inviting space that feels both modern and warm.
What Makes Behr’s Hidden Gem the 2026 Color of the Year?
The star of 2026 is Hidden Gem (N430-6A), a smoky jade that sits perfectly between green and blue. It’s bold enough to stand out, but soft enough to act as a new kind of neutral.
Why it works for everyday life
-
It adapts beautifully to changing light throughout the day. That means you won’t end up with a color that looks great in the morning but harsh or dull at night — a big relief if you’re choosing a shade for a space your family uses all day long.
-
It pairs well with all decor styles and wood tones. That means whether your dining room still has a beloved oak table or you’re adding a sleek new coffee table, Hidden Gem ties it all together — so you don’t feel pressured to replace everything at once.
-
It creates a sense of calm — perfect for busy households. That means even when the house feels a little chaotic, this color helps create a calming backdrop — giving your family a place to unwind without the space feeling dull.
🛋️Pro Tip: The best paint choice is one that looks good in every light, works with your furniture, and creates a calm backdrop — Hidden Gem delivers all three — which means you can feel confident it will work with your family’s life now and for years to come.
✨Specialist Pick: Hidden Gem pairs beautifully with the Normandy Collection from Flexsteel. Its soft driftwood finish and European-inspired lines balance Hidden Gem’s smoky jade perfectly — the calm, modern color highlights the natural warmth of the wood without competing. Best part? If Hidden Gem isn't your style, this set pairs with any of the colors on the 2026 palette.
What’s Included in Behr’s 2026 Color Palette?
According to Behr’s 2026 Color Palette, the 20 colors are grouped into approachable categories designed to mix and match across your whole home.
-
Warm Neutrals – forgiving shades that make high-traffic spaces feel cozy.
Pair with: family-friendly performance sofas, recliners, and area rugs that need to hide everyday wear. -
Rich Earth Tones – terracotta, rusts, and browns that feel grounded.
Pair with: leather sectionals, solid wood dining sets, and rustic accent chairs. -
Soft Pastels with Character – gentle, uplifting shades that never feel bland.
Pairs with: upholstered headboards, nursery furniture, or accent chairs in light fabrics. -
Tempered Jewel Tones – dramatic but livable hues for statement moments.
Pair with: statement accent chairs, media consoles, or a bold front entry bench.
👉 These families aren’t “trend-chasing.” They’re about making it easier to tell one color story throughout your home — so every room feels connected, even if each space has its own personality.
Behr’s Curtain Call (N570-5) and Urban Nature (S380-3) show two ways to bring Behr’s 2026 palette to life. On the left, Curtain Call creates a dramatic backdrop for a neutral Kirkwood sofa and accent chair. On the right, Urban Nature is a soft muted green paired with a similarly toned patterned accent chair. Whether you love bold or prefer subtle, there's a color that fits your style - and we have furniture to pair with both.
How to Bring Behr’s 2026 Colors Into Your Home with Confidence
The beauty of Behr’s 2026 palette is how flexible it is — you don’t need to repaint your whole house to enjoy these shades. Whether you’re ready for a bold wall or just want to try a few accents, here are simple ways to use these colors without regret:
-
On Walls: Hidden Gem makes a striking feature wall or front door, while earth tones on cabinets or jewel tones in a bathroom can anchor a space without overwhelming it.
-
With Furniture: Pair calming pastels with upholstered beds or sectionals, and let deeper tones highlight natural wood dining tables, leather sofas, or sleek coffee tables.
-
Through Accents: If you’re not ready to commit to paint, start small. Add rugs, throw pillows, artwork, or accent chairs in Behr-inspired shades to test the palette in your space.
-
By Layering: Follow the 60-30-10 rule — 60% walls & floor color, 30% furniture, 10% accents — to keep your rooms balanced and cohesive.
-
With Finishes: Choose matte for walls to hide imperfections, and semi-gloss for high-traffic areas like kitchens or kids’ rooms where durability matters.
💡 Big Takeaway: The easiest way to make these colors work is to start where you’re most comfortable — a door, a wall, or even a single piece of décor. Layer them in gradually, and you’ll know when you’re ready to go bigger.
✨Specialist Pick: Ashley artwork pairs beautifully with multiple shades from Behr’s 2026 palette, making it an easy way to tie your furniture and wall colors together at an affordable price.
Behr’s Beehive (M270-5) brings warmth and personality into your home. On the left, a bold wall makes the sectional stand out, while on the right, accents like pillows and décor pull the same color into the space more subtly. Both looks feature Kirkwood Furniture, proving you can go big or keep it simple with this versatile shade.
Why Behr’s 2026 Colors Pair Perfectly with Various Styles
These colors aren’t just about what’s “in.” They’re practical for families who want spaces that:
-
Highlight furniture finishes like natural woods, cozy leathers, or modern metals.
-
Hide everyday wear better than stark whites or grays.
-
Stay timeless so you won’t feel pressured to repaint when styles shift.
👉Even better, because Behr’s palettes influence textiles and décor too, you’ll find it easier to shop sofas, dining sets, rugs, and accents that coordinate beautifully.
Behr’s 2026 palette is easy to bring home because it already shows up in the pieces you love. From wood finishes and neutral sofas to patterned rugs and artwork, these colors work across styles — whether your look leans modern, rustic, or classic. That means your furniture and décor naturally coordinate, without feeling forced.
What’s Your Next Step for Bringing These Colors Home?
If you’ve ever worried about choosing the “wrong” paint color, Behr’s 2026 palette gives you a safe, stylish roadmap.
At Furniture Mall, our Home Solutions Specialists can help you:
-
Match Behr’s palette with living room furniture in durable fabrics
-
Find dining sets and storage pieces that balance earth tones
-
Add rugs and accents that pull the look together
Ready to jump in on these color trends?
Visit Furniture Mall in Topeka, Olathe or Lee's Summit.
Want to keep learning?
Read next: How the Right Furniture Can Improve Your Health at Home
Or explore: Nature Inspired Design Tips