The Wood Finish Trend That Will Start Popping Up Everywhere In 2026

Interior design trends can come and go in the blink of an eye, meaning that even if they were the most in-fashion option when you chose them, your wood finishes might be dating your home. Sometimes, though, wood stain color trends that were fashionable ages ago will take another step toward the forefront years later, and that's exactly what appears to be happening heading into 2026. Designers are seeing dark wood stains grow in popularity once again. If you're someone who has focused on using light wood tones over the past decade in Scandinavian, cozy cottage, and other trending styles, you're not alone. However, many believe it's likely that darker wood tones will appear with more frequency in the coming year, making their way into features like accent walls, shelving, paneling, doors, and molding.

Dark wood tones have moved in and out of favor for centuries. Many people may have had dark mahogany, walnut, or cherry furniture in their homes in the 1980s and 1990s. In recent years, lighter-toned wood finishes have been popular, but dark wood tones offer a richness and timelessness that grounds the space. They have always brought weight to rooms, creating a setting that feels a little more moody and generating a sense of intimacy for the home. People who want a feeling of sustainability and authenticity in their designs might also select darker colors.

Why are darker wood tones making a comeback in popularity now and heading into 2026? Some interior designers say they think it may be as simple as people being tired of grays, beiges, and similar lighter wood colors. Others believe that people are looking for ways to create a cozier atmosphere in the home, which the warmth of dark wood colors provides as it draws the elements together. Using dark wood tones generates a sense of craftsmanship, history, and unique personality that many people desire more frequently now. 

Some of the movement toward darker wood colors may have begun during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were spending more time at home than usual. The desire to create more comfortable, relaxing spaces led to a shift away from modern grays and move toward natural mid-range and light brown stain tones. Now, that trend is taking a new direction and migrating to darker tones to dial up the warmth, coziness, and character of wood features. 

If you want to take advantage of the dark wood finish trend, you don't have to do an entire home makeover. Take simple measures, like incorporating the color in an accent wall. You could add wainscotting that has a deep tone to develop the darker-colored accent wall in the room. Consider staining your room's molding in a dark color to make a quick change without having to do major remodeling. 

Darker finishes also define the wood furniture trend that's making a comeback, which you can embrace by adding a statement piece with a luxurious wood stain. If you want to save some money when buying new furniture, look at secondhand stores, where older, dark-colored pieces are often found. Don't be afraid to use both dark and light woods in the same space to highlight certain elements and add dimension and interest to the room. If you have light walls or wood backgrounds, a single dark wood furniture piece in the room will pop. You could also elevate your room with alluring dark tone wood flooring, creating an elegant, timeless, and versatile base that will make any contrasting elements stand out.

Consider using walnut cabinetry in a kitchen, adding sophistication to the space. You might need to pair the cabinets with light countertops or wall paint to be confident that you aren't overwhelming the kitchen with darker colors. If you already have some brighter paint colors in your kitchen, you can continue to feature them with the darker wood tone, as it actually may draw the eye to the lightly colored spaces for an even greater impact.