Meet Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year: Universal Khaki

It’s official: Sherwin-Williams has crowned Universal Khaki SW 6150 as its 2026 Color of the Year. Honestly, it might just be the dependable best friend your walls have been waiting for. Warm, grounded, and effortlessly stylish, this shade proves that neutral doesn’t have to mean boring.

Sherwin-Williams describes Universal Khaki as capturing “the essence of life’s bare essentials,” offering calming simplicity with timeless appeal. In other words, it’s designed to bring balance to your spaces without ever shouting for attention.

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What Makes SW Universal Khaki 6150 Special

Universal Khaki is all about grounded elegance. Think of it as the color equivalent of your favorite well-loved jacket: versatile, classic, and always in style. Sherwin-Williams describes it as “capturing the essence of life’s bare essentials,” and it’s easy to see why.

This is not a trendy color that will look dated in two years. Instead, it’s the kind of shade that supports your design choices without competing for attention. In other words: Universal Khaki is here to make your home look effortlessly pulled together.

What Are the Undertones for Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki?

The key to using any neutral successfully is understanding its hue family (sometimes referred to as “undertones”). Universal Khaki may read as simple at first glance, but it has technical qualities that make it especially versatile.

Hue

Universal Khaki belongs to the yellow hue family, with a hue angle of 88.781°. That means it leans warm, making it a natural fit with earthy colors, wood finishes, and soft whites.

Chroma

At 13.161, Universal Khaki has a higher chroma than many popular neutral paint colors. In plain English, that means it’s slightly more colorful or saturated. This gives the shade a richness and depth that prevents it from feeling flat or dull.

LRV (Light Reflectance Value)

Universal Khaki has an LRV of 40, placing it in the mid-range on the scale from dark to light. This sweet spot makes it incredibly flexible — light enough to brighten a space, yet deep enough to provide contrast with lighter trim or accents.

Complementary Colors for Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki

One of the best things about Universal Khaki is how easily it coordinates with other shades. Sherwin-Williams placed it in Palette No. 4, Foundational Neutrals, from the Colormix® Forecast 2026, Anthology: Volume Two. This palette is all about curated contrast and balanced simplicity.

Here are some recommended pairings straight from Sherwin-Williams:

• Soft neutrals: White Snow SW 9541, Cream and Sugar SW 9507, Limestone SW 9599
• Warm accents: Henna Shade SW 6326, Dark Auburn SW 6034
• Fresh tones: Lemon Chiffon SW 6686, Watery SW 6478, Tarragon SW 9660, Garden Gate SW 6167

Whether you lean toward subtle contrasts or bold accents, these shades highlight Universal Khaki’s ability to ground a palette with timeless style.

Why Universal Khaki Works in 2026

The choice of Universal Khaki as Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year reflects a broader cultural mood. We’re moving away from delicate, fleeting trends and embracing colors that feel steady, usable, and purposeful.

Universal Khaki embodies that shift. It’s warm without being fussy, adaptable without being bland, and classic without being boring. In a world that feels fast-paced and noisy, this is the kind of color that invites us to pause, reset, and design with intention.

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FAQs About Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki SW 6150

What is Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year?

Sherwin-Williams chose Universal Khaki SW 6150 as its 2026 Color of the Year, a warm neutral with timeless versatility.

What color is Universal Khaki? Is Universal Khaki warm or cool?

Universal Khaki is a warm neutral from the yellow hue family, which makes it especially inviting and easy to coordinate.

What colors pair well with Universal Khaki?

Try pairing it with soft whites, warm earthy shades, or fresh botanical tones from the Colormix® Forecast 2026 for a layered look.

Is Universal Khaki a good exterior paint color?

Universal Khaki can work beautifully as an exterior neutral trim or exterior siding color. It looks especially nice with brick or stone that has that same warm tone. Its LRV of 40 means it will hold its color well, even in hits of direct sunlight. That said, it can look much lighter in an outdoor environment than you may expect. Always view paper samples on the exterior wall before painting.

Where should I use Universal Khaki in my home?

Universal Khaki is versatile enough for cabinets, living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, or hallways. Its mid-range depth makes it suitable as a main wall color or a grounding neutral accent.

Discover the Perfect Palette: Your Ultimate Color Sampling Toolkit

Feeling inspired by Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year? Now’s the perfect time to explore even more possibilities for your home. Check out our new series of ready-made color palettes and swatches. These ready-made kits are designed to make it easy to sample and compare paint colors in your space. Whether you’re painting a single room or refreshing your entire home, our palettes can help you find the perfect shades to bring your vision to life. Start experimenting with color combinations today and see how effortlessly you can transform your home’s look!