Sherwin-Williams' 2024 Color of the Year Is a Calming Coastal Shade You'll Want to Paint Everywhere

Many major paint brands have already announced the colors they believe will define interior spaces in the coming year. But one of the most highly anticipated color of the year selections has just been released: Sherwin-Williams has chosen Upward SW 6239, a bright and blissful blue, as its 2024 hue.

The paint brand's color of the year selection is one of many lighter hues that have been announced so far—a trend that Sherwin-Williams believes will be big in coming years. "We knew lighter tones were going to be important in 2024 and 2025 and we wanted to forecast the shift from earthy neutrals to lighter expressions and a light blue like Upward SW 6239 told that story very well," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams.

Lighter, brighter paint colors are expected to grow in popularity as coastal chic design styles make a resurgence in interior spaces. "We’ve seen a shift in interest from warm neutrals to white tones, and Upward SW 6239 paired with any white paint color is the perfect embodiment of this coastal trend," says Wadden. "We’ve also seen a transition from the power of greens in the first half of this decade into the emergence of blues for the second half, and we wanted a color to represent that shift."

The paint color, which is part of Sherwin-Williams' anthology collection, has a range of complementary shades. While white is the obvious choice, homeowners can lean further into the coastal vibe by pairing Upward SW 6239 with a navy color or a soft pastel green. "The color also pairs well with warm brown pieces and wood toned furniture in the home," says Wadden.

While the paint color effortlessly complements coastal design aesthetics, it can be incorporated into your home no matter what your style is. "You can cover a lot of ground with Upward SW 6239—it can also look great with antiques, modern furniture, transitional pieces, and even boho interiors," says Wadden.

If you're looking for some practical applications for Upward SW 6239, the possibilities are truly endless. "One application I really love is using it in a bathroom vanity with white marble, or on kitchen cabinets," says Wadden. "I also think it would be a great choice in respite rooms where you seek peacefulness, like a bedroom or even a nursery."