Rhythm of Blues named Dulux Colour of the Year 2026

Rhythm of Blues Dulux Colour of the Year 2026 in a living room

Paint brand Dulux has revealed Rhythm of Blues, a trio of blue colours designed to "soothe, steady or excite", as its Colour of the Year for 2026.

It marks the first time that Dulux has announced a colour family, featuring three blue shades that range from light to dark, instead of an individual colour as its choice for the year.

The paint brand chose the Rhythm of Blues collection as its Colour of the Year for its versatility, explained Dulux creative director Marianne Shillingford.

Rhythm of Blues Dulux Colour of the Year 2026 in an office — Dulux has announced a trio of blue shades as its Colour of the Year for 2026

"Some of us are slowing the beat to recharge and find balance, while others are looking to crank up the volume and create spaces that are simply fun," Shillingford explained.

"Rhythm of Blues gives us the opportunity to do both – it's a family of colours that can soothe, steady or excite, depending on how you play it," she added.

"This collection offers colours you can find peace in, and colours you can dance to, centred around three distinct rhythms to offer endless possibilities for changing the pace of your space."

Rhythm of Blues Dulux Colour of the Year 2026 in a library — Mellow Flow is a light blue shade based on the colour of the sky

Featured in the trio of blues is a muted light blue named Mellow Flow, informed by the colour of cloudless skies, while the deep, dark Slow Swing was chosen for its calming and grounding qualities.

The third shade is Free Grove – a brighter blue tone that aims to bring an uplifting quality and evoke excitement.

"Blue has been the world's favourite colour for years, but it's far from one note," said Shillingford. "It delivers a sense of fluidity, relief, stillness and freedom, which is exactly what's needed in today's fast-paced world."

"Its roots in nature give us something to connect to, as well," she added.

"When we see light blues like Mellow Flow, we might think of soothing springs or sunrise skies, for example, or be reminded of the deep ocean's chilled stillness with a dark blue like Slow Swing, whereas Free Groove offers a more intense heat, like that of summer pool parties."

Render of an office — Feel Groove is a bright cobalt blue

The choice for Colour of the Year was based on trend forecasting carried out by the Global Aesthetic Centre, which is run by Dulux's parent company AkzoNobel.

Dulux created three interior colour palettes and three exterior colour palettes that feature the Rhythm of Blues range to help inspire design professionals, based on creating calming, connected or carefree spaces.

Exterior of a hospital — The deep Slow Swing was designed to have a calming quality

"With the Rhythm of Blues collection, we have captured the different ways colour shapes people's daily experiences," said AkzoNobel senior colour designer Dawn Scott.

"From creating moments of quiet reflection to sparking energy and creativity, each of the three colour stories offers architects, specifiers and designers with the inspiration to create spaces that feel in tune with the needs of their users."

Last year, Dulux named the bright yellow True Joy as the 2025 Colour of the Year, while the soft pink Sweet Embrace was the choice for 2024.

The photography is courtesy of Dulux.

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