Minwax announced Special Walnut as its 2026 Color of the Year. A favorite among homeowners and designers, Special Walnut is an earthy stain that offers a timeless aesthetic with broad design appeal.

“With wood emerging as a key element in interior design — from furniture and flooring to cabinetry and architectural details — there’s a renewed appreciation for finishes that enhance its natural character,” said Lisbeth Parada, color and design lead at Minwax. “Special Walnut delivers with a classic, dimensional tone that feels both familiar and fresh. Its versatility makes it a favorite across styles and applications — whether you’re restoring a vintage piece or finishing a weekend project.”

Credit: Minwax

Parada explained that Special Walnut reflects a deeper evolution in the modern design landscape. “This color captures the essence of today’s design shift, where dark, dimensional wood tones are overtaking the cooler, more minimal aesthetics of recent years,” she said. “Special Walnut offers a rich, layered look that adds visual weight and authenticity, creating contrast and interest in both contemporary spaces and cozy, lived-in homes. At a time when people crave connection and comfort, Special Walnut brings that vision to life through the warmth and integrity of real wood.”

Minwax cited three major influences behind the 2026 Color of the Year:

• Wood as a design anchor: Wood is reclaiming its role in interiors, valued for its natural texture, variety and enduring appeal. Special Walnut builds on this momentum by enhancing grain and depth, aligning with the “wood drenching” trend where wood-wrapped walls, ceilings and built-ins create cohesive spaces.

• Nostalgic charm: As homeowners gravitate toward décor with story and soul, Special Walnut channels the handcrafted feel of rustic, Western-inspired style. Its warm tone recalls weathered ranch homes and hand-shaped materials, highlighting pieces with visible history and character.

• Style with staying power: Moving away from short-lived trends, Special Walnut supports timeless design. Applied to ceiling beams, furniture or salvaged wood, it brings understated sophistication with depth and intention.

Special Walnut is available in a range of Minwax formulas, including Wood Finish Color Series Premium Oil-Based Stain and Wood Finish Premium Oil-Based Penetrating Stain, both offered in semi-transparent opacity, as well as Wood Finish Premium Water-Based Penetrating Stain in solid and semi-transparent opacities. These options provide versatility and professional-looking results for projects such as furniture, cabinetry, vanities and other high-traffic wood surfaces. The product is available at major retailers nationwide.

With more than 240 stain colors, Minwax offers a wide assortment to help DIYers and professionals find the right match for their projects. For additional information and inspiration, visit www.Minwax.com.

Learn more about color and finishing trends in our Finishing coverage.