A light, restorative wood tone inspired by natural beauty, intentional living and authentic design

CLEVELAND, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Minwax^®, America’s No. 1 selling brand¹ of interior wood stains and clears, announces Pickled Oak (MW260) as its 2027 Color of the Year. A light, soft neutral with gentle warm undertones, Pickled Oak creates a subtle wash that allows wood’s natural grain to show through. Reflecting growing interest in understated wood aesthetics and finishes that showcase the beauty of natural materials, the color speaks to a desire for greater clarity, calm and intention in today’s living spaces.

“We’re seeing a shift toward wood tones that celebrate the material itself and its character,” said Lisbeth Parada, Color and Design Lead at Minwax. “Inspired by the popularity of light woods like white oak and vintage pine, Pickled Oak offers a modern interpretation of wood that feels versatile across everything from furniture and cabinetry to larger DIY projects.”

Beyond its appearance, Pickled Oak speaks to an appreciation for thoughtful design and pieces that bring meaning to a space. For wood species like pine or red oak, Pickled Oak offers a way to bring the pale, minimally finished aesthetic driving today’s lighter wood trend to the surface without masking the wood itself.

“Comfort, well-being and a sense of purpose are increasingly shaping the way spaces are designed and experienced,” said Parada. “Pickled Oak embodies a return to simplicity through its daylight-soft effect, honoring the wood beneath it while creating rooms designed for restoration, healing and intentional living.”

Several emerging lifestyle and design trends informed the selection of Pickled Oak as the Minwax 2027 Color of the Year:

• Natural Beauty, Revealed – Materials that feel approachable and enduring continue to resonate amid an increasing desire for honest storytelling and authenticity in our surroundings. Pickled Oak showcases the craftsmanship, texture and variation that make each wood surface unique, creating interiors that are relaxed, personal and intentional.
• Gentle Living – As gentleness and emotional restoration continue to influence design choices, spaces that feel calm, supportive and connected to the natural world are gaining appeal. Pickled Oak brings those qualities to life, balancing ease with a sense of quiet resilience while creating a finish that feels soothing and welcoming.
• Thoughtful Restoration – The idea of renewal is taking on new meaning as existing pieces are refreshed, reimagined and incorporated into today’s interiors. Whether updating cabinetry, reviving a thrifted find or giving new life to a cherished heirloom, Pickled Oak supports the desire to extend the life of meaningful pieces rather than replace them, making it a natural fit for the intimate, creatively driven spaces taking shape across the home.

A Coordinated Color Story
Pickled Oak pairs naturally with complementary Color of the Year selections from fellow Sherwin-Williams^® brands, creating a coordinated palette that balances softness and self-expression for homes that feel personal, layered and uniquely their own.

The Sherwin-Williams and HGTV Home^® by Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year, Celery (SW6421, HGSW6421), is a soft, light green with gentle yellow undertones that brings freshness, balance and a renewed connection to nature. With its light wood tone, Pickled Oak complements Celery’s calming aesthetic, reinforcing the trend toward serene, organic interiors. The Dutch Boy^® Paints Color of the Year, Deep Rooted (311-7DB), is a rich, earthy orange that celebrates grounded optimism, individuality and the familiar warmth of the natural world. Paired with Deep Rooted, Pickled Oak provides an authentic wood foundation that complements the color’s depth while creating spaces that feel full of character.

Product Availability
Pickled Oak is available in the new Minwax^® One Step Stain & Topcoat. The color is also available in Premium Water-Based Minwax^® Wood Finish^® Semi-Transparent Color and Solid Color Stain, as well as Minwax^® Wood Finish^® Color Series Premium Oil-Based Stain. Available at retailers nationwide, these products offer versatility and professional-looking results for furniture, cabinetry, doors, trim and other interior wood surfaces.

In addition to Pickled Oak, Minwax has 240+ stain colors available, offering a wide variety of options for bringing today’s wood color trends to life and finding the right finish for every project. For additional product information and inspiration, visit www.Minwax.com.

About Minwax
For more than 120 years, Minwax^® has been a leading brand of high-quality wood finishing and wood care products. From wood stains to clear protective finishes, plus solutions for wood preparation, maintenance and repair, Minwax products are requested by the do-it-yourself consumer, seasoned woodworkers and professional contractors. Minwax is part of Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Minwax can be found online at www.Minwax.com, on Instagram at Instagram.com/MinwaxUSA, on Facebook at facebook.com/Minwax, on Pinterest at pinterest.com/Minwax, on TikTok at tiktok.com/@MinwaxUSA and on YouTube at youtube.com/user/MinwaxUSA.

¹ Based on YipitDATA Industry Data Analytics for interior wood stains and clears for the 12-month period ending 09/25.

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SOURCE Minwax®