# Best Sherwin-Williams Paint Colors to Start the New Year Strong (2026)

RPR Contractors | Phoenixville • Royersford • Pottstown • Chester Springs, PA

A new year is the perfect excuse to reset your space. Fresh paint is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to make a home feel cleaner, brighter, and more “put together” without changing furniture or doing major renovations.

For 2026, Sherwin-Williams is leaning into livable, grounded color—starting with their 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki SW 6150. (Sherwin-Williams)

Below are top Sherwin-Williams picks we’re recommending to homeowners heading into the new year—organized by style and room use—plus practical tips to make sure the color you choose looks right in your lighting.

Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki SW 6150

2026 Color of the Year — “Tailored & Timeless” (Sherwin-Williams)

Universal Khaki is a mid-tone tan that reads warm, grounded, and “clean” on the wall—without feeling yellow or muddy. It’s a strong choice for open floor plans because it’s neutral enough to flow room-to-room, but it still adds depth.

Best spots to use it:

• Living rooms, hallways, stairwells (high-traffic areas)

• Open-concept main floors

• Homes with lots of wood tones (floors, trim, cabinets)

Pair it with:

• Crisp trim whites (see Alabaster and Pure White below)

• Black or charcoal accents for contrast (Tricorn Black / Iron Ore)

Sherwin-Williams Drift of Mist SW 9166

Soft, modern neutral for “bright but not stark” homes (Sherwin-Williams)

If you want the fresh feel of a light neutral without the icy look of some grays, Drift of Mist is a go-to. It’s especially popular for homeowners who want a clean backdrop that still feels warm.

Great for:

• Whole-house interior repaints

• Kitchens and family rooms

• Bedrooms where you want calm without going beige

Sherwin-Williams Shoji White SW 7042

Creamy off-white that doesn’t feel yellow (Sherwin-Williams)

Shoji White is a strong pick if you want an off-white that feels soft and upscale—especially in older Chester County / Montgomery County homes where you want warmth to work with traditional trim, floors, or stone features.

Great for:

• Main living areas

• Rooms with warm wood floors

• Homes with black hardware / iron railings (nice balance)

Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008

The “safe white” that still feels warm (Sherwin-Williams)

Alabaster remains one of the most dependable choices when homeowners say: “I want white, but not bright-white.”

Use it for:

• Walls in smaller rooms to make them feel bigger

• Trim and ceilings in warmer-toned homes

• Rental refreshes (looks clean, widely appealing)

Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005

Crisp, clean trim white (Sherwin-Williams)

If you want the modern white-trim look—without going sterile—Pure White is a strong choice. It gives you that “freshly renovated” feel, especially next to warmer wall colors like Universal Khaki.

Use it for:

• Trim, doors, and ceilings

• Whole-house “clean white” updates

• Kitchens with white cabinets (fresh, not creamy)

Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029

The classic neutral that plays well in most lighting (Sherwin-Williams)

Agreeable Gray is popular because it usually behaves—meaning it doesn’t swing wildly blue/green/purple like some grays can.

Best for:

• Homes with mixed finishes (wood + white + black hardware)

• Resale-friendly updates

• Open spaces where you want continuity

Sherwin-Williams Natural Linen SW 9109

Warm neutral that feels comfortable and “homey” (Sherwin-Williams)

Natural Linen is a great choice if you want warmth without going dark. It’s especially strong in rooms with softer natural light (common in winter here in SE PA).

Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258

High-impact modern accent (Sherwin-Williams)

Used correctly, black paint looks custom and high-end.

Smart ways to use it:

• Interior doors (especially on first floors)

• Fireplace surrounds

• Accent walls behind shelving or TVs

• Exterior shutters and front doors

Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069

Deep charcoal that’s more forgiving than black (Sherwin-Williams)

Iron Ore is ideal when you want drama but still want a slightly softer, more livable look than pure black.

Sherwin-Williams Halcyon Green SW 6213

Nature-inspired green for a calm reset (Sherwin-Williams)

Greens continue to trend because they make a home feel grounded and calm—especially in offices, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Halcyon Green leans refined and works well with warm neutrals.

Sherwin-Williams Henna Shade SW 6326

Warm spice accent for dining rooms and powder rooms (Sherwin-Williams)

If you want your New Year refresh to feel bold (but not loud), earthy reds and clay tones are a strong direction. Henna Shade reads rich and intentional—excellent for a single room where you want impact.

How to Pick the Right Color for Your Home (So You Don’t Waste Money)

Even the best color can look wrong if it’s not tested properly. Here’s the approach we recommend:

1. Test on multiple walls (not just one patch). Light changes dramatically by time of day.

2. Check it next to fixed finishes: flooring, cabinets, countertops, stone, brick.

3. Choose trim color early. Trim is what makes wall color look crisp and “finished.”

4. Match sheen to the room:

   • Flat/Matte: ceilings, low-traffic rooms

   • Eggshell: most walls

   • Satin: kitchens, baths, kids’ rooms (more washable)

   • Semi-gloss: trim and doors (durable, wipeable)

RPR Contractors Can Help You Nail the Look (Without the Stress)

If you want a New Year refresh but don’t want the mess, missed calls, or sloppy prep—this is what we’re known for.

• Over 67 five-star reviews across Google, Angi, and HomeAdvisor

• Punctual, clean, and responsive—we return calls in a timely manner

• Serving Phoenixville, Royersford, Pottstown, and Chester Springs, PA

• We Respond. We Show Up.

Ready to Refresh Your Home?Call: 484-949-5258Website: www.rprcontractors.netEmail: RPRContractors@aol.com