Colour trend 2026: Caramel

Kansas L-Shape Sofa - www.furniturechoice.co.uk 

“Recent colour trends have highlighted that brown is here to stay. Caramel might not be the first brown tone that comes to mind when you’re thinking about upholstery, but the interior design world is embracing it. While everyone has been busy talking about latte and mocha, caramel has often been overlooked, but is now fast becoming the go-to colour pick.

Caramel’s popularity has evolved from a combination of two popular interior trends. Biophilic design, which has been ever-present these past few years, has brought brown tones into the spotlight with its earthy association. The reemergence of 1970s decor has also brought back a love of earthy shades; however, we have moved away from saturated tones like mustard yellow and burnt orange toward the sweet, subtle allure of caramel.

As a wall colour, it’s about picking the right tone of caramel. North-facing rooms would benefit from a light caramel tone, as it receives less natural lighting, while a darker caramel shade would be a good pick for south-facing rooms. East and west-facing rooms are best suited for medium caramel tones to bring balance. Caramel also works as an accent colour on the walls, like painting an alcove in this cosy colour.

When it comes to upholstery, caramel’s rich warmth lends itself beautifully to a velvet sofa or statement armchair; its refined tone can elevate a buttery soft leather dining chair into a modern showpiece. We’ve noticed a shift away from what were once considered mainstay colours — mustard, grey or beige – into more interesting, complex hues. Caramel’s emergence has seen an increase in mid-tone sofa options that didn’t exist before – from biscuit and camel on the cooler side, to cinnamon edging towards orange alongside caramel’s richer, warmer fringes.

For dining, mid-tone browns are also at play with teak and brown wood, now making a comeback. Caramel provides a perfect backdrop for natural materials and textures — think woven seat dining chairs with a wooden table that’s both enduring and chic. Caramel tones complement warm wood tones effortlessly when paired with luxurious marble, creating a striking mixed-materials look.

Whether you choose caramel or new middle browns, it’s guaranteed they’ll elevate a space with a sense of timelessness. It’s like an update of ivory and beige, less overbearing than mocha and chocolate brown, it’s the sweet spot that everyone’s been looking for!”  

For more tips on brown living room ideas, check out our guide for inspiration.