Trend Watch: What We're Seeing in 2026

At FinishMatch, we have a unique line of sight into market preferences. By monitoring what designers and dealers are searching for in real time, we can track trends as they develop, providing insights that go beyond historical sales reports or quarterly forecasts.

Warm Tones Are Gaining Ground

In 2026, searches show a clear move toward warmer finishes, particularly walnut, toffee, and similar shades. What's most interesting, however, is these tones aren’t tied to a specific wood species.

Hickory, maple, cherry, white and red oak... For manufacturers, this is a major opportunity. Demand is now tone-driven rather than species-driven. This gives brands flexibility to meet market demand without being constrained to a single material—a nice change of pace from the recent natural rift-sawn white oak trend.

Unlocking Insights Beyond Your Catalog

What sets FinishMatch apart is that we capture these trends in real time, directly from what designers and dealers are actively searching for. This means manufacturers who integrate FinishMatch aren’t just helping their customers find the right finish faster—they’re also gaining data-driven insights into emerging market trends that might otherwise remain hidden.

2026 is shaping up to be a year where tone matters more than species, and brands that act on these insights can position their products strategically, reduce production risk, and stay ahead of the curve.

If you’re ready to give your dealers a smarter, faster way to find finishes while tapping into real-time market intelligence, please reach out to schedule a demo.