Embrace Etsy's 2026 Color Of The Year With This Paint Color That Nails The Patina Trend

Almost every company related to home improvement, paint, or decor releases a color of the year, as a way to highlight and predict upcoming trends. With so many options, however, even those committed to following the newest fads might have a hard time picking a shade to use in their own home. If you're looking for something bold that still manages to be calming and versatile, Etsy's color of the year is worth considering. This company selected a lovely shade called "patina blue," continuing the idea that blues and greens are sure to be clear front runners in trending palettes this year. 

If you enjoy collecting vintage items, you may already know what patina is. But if you don't, it's a layer that forms over well-loved vintage items and gives them a unique look and a change of color. The term is most often associated with metal, but it can also be used to describe the texture and color of old wood. 

On some materials like copper, the color is a bright, seafoam green. However, Etsy is going for a deeper interpretation of this tone. It still picked a shade of teal — the vibrant '80s color no one expected to make a comeback — but with more of a focus on blue. If you're looking to closely match the sample pictures from Etsy, Valspar's Mykonos Reflection and Benjamin Moore's Champion Cobalt are close choices. Now that you have some paint colors to help you get started, it's time to figure out how to use this color in your home.

Since Etsy's color of the year is a teal-leaning blue, it is fairly forgiving and versatile. For example, if you want to go bold, patina blue is an amazing shade to use to completely cover a room. The best areas in your house to try the color drench paint trend include bedrooms and smaller spaces like powder rooms. 

If you aren't going to color drench or go for a monochromatic palette, you need to figure out what other colors to include in your room. According to Etsy, adding some warm metallic elements like copper or brass can support the patina. It also works well with other shades of blue and green. Off-whites, browns, and bold yellows are also great choices. Really, almost anything will work with this patina-inspired tone, though it's best to pair with materials and colors that also feel soft and aged if your goal is to lean into the antique effect.

Blues generally add a sense of calm and sophistication to spaces, so this tone also works in private areas made to relax, such as bedrooms. However you decide to use this paint in your home, you can carry it through your design pretty easily with some colored accent pieces. After all, you'll find Etsy's color of the year in every thrift store, which can help highlight the look you're going for and add a bit of a vintage touch to your home.