It's Color of the Year season. Throughout September and October, all the major paint brands reveal the shade that they believe will define the year ahead, and the choices offer a real insight into what's to come. And this year, the iconic British paint brand Dulux hasn't stopped at one shade, but in fact has chosen three Colors of the Year for 2026.
For the first time since Dulux began sharing its standout shade, the brand has created a color palette of three paints, together named Rhythm of Blues. And, you guessed it, they are all blue – Free Groove, Slow Swing, and Mellow Flow. Each is unique, however, ranging from a soft powdery sky blue to a deep navy.
It's been a while since blue got some stage time. All the big color trends of 2025 have been focused on the warmer side of the color spectrum, so it's refreshing and actually quite unexpected to see Dulux pick this once-loved, slightly-forgotten shade to put back in the spotlight.
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director and Color Expert at Dulux, explains, 'Blue has been the world’s favourite color for years – but it’s far from one note. It delivers a sense of fluidity, relief, stillness, and freedom, which is exactly what’s needed in today’s fast-paced world.'
Free Groove is the boldest and brightest of the palette. Falling somewhere between royal blue and navy, it's a playful take on traditional dark blue paints. Marianne says of the color, 'Free Groove offers a more intense heat, like that of summer pool parties. 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.'
Go bold and color-drench your walls in the bright blue, or play it cool and paint a bookshelf in the shade for a dose of fun.
The second shade in Dulux's Colors of the Year is the deep and unctuous Slow Swing. It's a dark, rich blue that offers a sense of luxury and warmth, reminiscent of the night's sky.
Despite its dark notes, it's livable and versatile, as many colors go with navy blue, making it an easy color to incorporate into any style or color scheme. Pair it with warm accents and soft furnishings for a rich and sophisticated scheme that feels oh-so inviting and heritage in style. Use it in a snug or a bedroom for an all-encompassing, cocooning effect that'll make relaxing feel even more enjoyable.
The beauty of the blue paint family is their ability to work side by side, whether you're using Slow Swing on a window frame with Free Groove as the wall color or vice versa; they stand beautifully beside one another.
A pale blue paint with gray undertones, the third color in the Dulux 2026 Rhythm of Blues palette is Mellow Flow. A powder blue that feels oh-so serene and calming, this paint color is a refreshingly peaceful alternative to Free Groove.
Marianne says, 'The color's roots in nature give us something to connect to, as well. 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 Rhythm of Blues gives us the opportunity to do both – it’s a family of colors that can soothe, steady, or excite, depending on how you play it.
'This collection offers colors you can find peace in, and colors you can dance to, centred around three distinct rhythms to offer endless possibilities for changing the pace of your space.'
Rhythm of Blues-inspired decor picks
From bright royal blues to deep navys, these six decor picks are inspired by Dulux's Rhythm of Blues color palette if you want to bring touches of the serene hues into your home.
Painted in a whimsical checkerboard print, this rustic pitcher is the perfect dining table accessory that combines color and pattern all in one.
For a pop of vibrant blue, place this chic wool throw pillow on an armchair or at the center of a bed. Inspired by Dulux's Free Groove, it'll bring color into your home without overwhelming.
Nothing beats a heritage navy. This detailed wool rug is timeless in color and pattern and will instantly create warmth in any room it's placed in.
If you're looking to create depth and a sense of luxury without painting your walls entirely in Dulux's Slow Swing, this navy table lamp feels oh-so expensive and will create just as much ambience.
Pale blue accents create a refreshing, uplifting feel that's timeless, no matter the season. This gingham stool is adorably whimsical; it feels country-inspired but still contemporary.
You can never have too much pale blue, particularly in a bedroom or living room. Place this pale blue shade on a gold base for a heritage-style piece that's timeless and chic.
Dulux's trio of blues is a reminder that while warmer shades might have dominated in 2025, cooler shades are making a quiet comeback in 2026. The three shades are versatile and timeless, and this reveal has definitely made these color trends hot for the year ahead.
