Glidden’s 2026 Color of the Year Is an Invitation to Slow Down and Get Cozy

Between all the AI developments and increasingly fast trend cycles, culture seems to be moving at the speed of light, and it can feel hard to keep up. So, it’s no real surprise that many people share a desire to slow down, spend a little less time online, and find ways to be a bit more intentional. These desires are some of the guiding ideas behind Glidden’s 2026 Color of the Year pick, which is a nod to the brand’s 150-year history. The color, Warm Mahogany, is a deep brown-red shade that feels familiar in a comforting way—a stark contrast to the constant pull toward the next new thing.

“We are always on the go, and although that’s probably not changing for most of us, it does mean that consumers do have a desire to slow down,” says Ashley McCollum, Glidden paint color expert. “There’s a very strong desire to return to tradition…but in a very modern and curated way, so you can take traditions and really make them your own and make them personal.”

Warm Mahogany reflects this sense of tradition through its timeless quality and its inherently vintage feel, which can be remixed with modern design elements for a fresh look. Along with the desire for comfort and tradition, McCollum also noted the idea of intentional togetherness as a driving force behind this Color of the Year choice. Glidden’s color experts identified rising trends in things like dinner parties and group journaling, and they wanted a color that could serve as an invitation to come together and gather in meaningful ways.

How to Use Warm Mahogany at Home

It’s easy to see how Warm Mahogany can be used to create an ultra-cozy bedroom or living space. The deep, rich color lends itself well to color drenching, which makes a bold statement while still feeling comforting and relaxing. Thanks to the color’s wood-inspired tone, it pairs well with other natural wood tones and, for contrast, pops of cream and green accents, whether through plants or decor.

Warm Mahogany can be used in smaller doses, too. Instead of all-over color, try more concentrated applications, like applying the color to just the upper or lower cabinets in the kitchen, or using it on wainscoting in a dining room or entryway. As shown above, the color also works to accentuate built-ins or a grounding piece of furniture in a room.