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Valspar Unveils 2026 Exterior Color Trends

Valspar, a prominent name in the paint and coatings industry, has just shared its forecast for the most sought-after exterior paint colors and stains for the upcoming 2026 season. With insights gathered from proprietary tint data, the trends highlight a growing consumer inclination towards joy-infused hues inspired by nature, aimed at enhancing curb appeal and bringing warmth to their homes.

According to Sue Kim, Valspar's Director of Color Marketing, every spring marks a pivotal time for homeowners seeking to rejuvenate their exteriors through color.

"Homeowners want to either indulge in their personal enjoyment or boost the value of their real estate through vibrant colors, and while classic tones like white and neutrals remain a staple, our findings showcase unexpected favorites on the rise."

An Intriguing Shift Towards Color

The traditional palette featuring classic whites and soft neutrals, along with shades like Ultra White, Swiss Coffee, and Dark Kettle Black, remains prevalent in the market. However, this year's data indicates a remarkable upturn in the popularity of blues and greens, with a surprising addition of radiant yellows among the top 100 tints. These hues can be utilized on entire home sidings or as eye-catching accents on doors and shutters, enhancing the overall appeal while inviting a sense of vibrancy.

Popular Colors Include:

• - Neutrals: Elephant Gray and Cream in My Coffee
• - Blues & Greens: Atmospheric Blue and Warm Eucalyptus
• - Yellow: Joyful Sunglow

Kim explains that the rising demand for blue and green shades can be attributed to a trend called biophilia, where consumers are increasingly drawn to calming and restorative colors. Interestingly, the emergence of bright yellow has caught many by surprise.

"Bright yellows, like Sunglow, instill a joyful mood and have a playful attitude. When applied on a front door, they can transform any house into a warm, welcoming home," Kim stated.

In addition to aesthetic functions, updating an exterior involves careful preparation and the use of specific products tailored for different materials. Valspar is dedicated to assisting DIY homeowners with advice on recognizing when an exterior update is necessary, prepping for painting projects, and selecting appropriate products.

Valspar offers various exterior paint products that can be tinted to these trending colors, including Valspar® Defense™, Valspar Duramax®, Valspar SeasonFlex®, Valspar StormCoat®, and Valspar® Porch, Floor & Patio Paints.

The Warming Trend in Stains

Echoing the resolve for a warmer palette, the five most popular stain colors signify a shift towards darker tones, which enhance wooden exteriors and architectural elements. Projects boasting these stains are expected to flourish, particularly on decks, fences, pergolas, and outdoor furniture.

The top five stain colors forecast to gain favor include:

• - Simply Cedar
• - Potato Skin
• - October Brown
• - Darkest Night
• - Badlands Red

According to Kim, although black has consistently been a favorite for house siding, the emergence of Darkest Night among the top five stain colors comes as a delightful surprise. Dark stains are often utilized to accentuate wood grain, but many consumers are increasingly using them to create a modern contrast, enhancing other exterior colors and boosting the overall appeal of their homes.

DIY enthusiasts will find these stains easy to apply and can even use the hues on concrete features, such as flower pots and stepping stones, to create cohesive color schemes.

Variations of Valspar® One-Coat Solid Exterior Wood Stain and Valspar® Solid Color Concrete Stain can be tinted to accommodate these stunning shades.

Free Resources for Homeowners

To empower homeowners in selecting their ideal colors, Valspar provides a range of complimentary resources:

• - Free Paint Chip Ordering: Get paint chips delivered straight to your door for a convenient way to test colors before making a commitment.
• - Free Color Consultations: For personalized color advice, consumers can connect with Valspar's Color Experts to discover the perfect shade for their projects.

For more details about Valspar products, stains, and guidance tools, visit valspar.com.

About Valspar

Established in 1806, Valspar is a leader in the paint and coatings industry, now a part of The Sherwin-Williams Company. Valspar strives to assist both DIY consumers and professionals in achieving success in their next projects with top-quality interior and exterior paints, durable stains, precision tools, and expert counsel throughout the entire process. Offering a seemingly limitless color selection, Valspar believes that every space is made for more, helping to realize any vision.

About Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group

Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group produces innovative products to address diverse consumer needs in painting and coating. With a rich portfolio of respected brands such as Valspar, HGTV Home® by Sherwin-Williams, and more, it stands as a premier manufacturer and distributor of paints and coatings for various markets.
For further details, explore Sherwin.com.