Dulux’s 2026 ‘Rhythm of Blues’: What It Means for Wall Art, Frames & Sizes
Dulux has made an unusual move for 2026: instead of one hero shade, the brand unveiled a trio of blues—Mellow Flow™ (a hushed light blue), Free Groove™ (a vivid mid–royal blue), and Slow Swing™ (an inky dark blue). Collectively named Rhythm of Blues, the collection is designed to “soothe, steady or excite depending on how you play it,” and it’s already reshaping how designers are styling walls—and what they’re hanging on them.
Mellow Flow™ — serene, airy, softly grayed Free Groove™ — punchy, expressive, modern Slow Swing™ — inky, enveloping, luxe
What this means for walls—and the art you put on them
1) Mellow Flow™ → light, calm rooms
Lean into the restful vibe with quiet abstracts, coastal photography, botanical line drawings, and negative‑space prints. Frames in oak, maple, or linen‑wrapped mats add warmth so the palette doesn’t read chilly. For a single large wall, aim for 70–100 cm wide pieces; above a 3‑seater sofa, try 90–120 cm or a harmonized diptych.
2) Free Groove™ → bold, graphic statements
This vibrant blue loves geometry, Bauhaus‑style graphics, typographic posters, and color‑field canvases. Contrast with crisp white or black frames and accent with butter yellow or leafy green accessories (as Dulux’s set styling shows). For impact, consider color‑drenching (walls + trim) and hang a single oversized canvas (100–140 cm) or a triptych to match the room’s rhythm.
3) Slow Swing™ → moody, cocooning spaces
Dark navy is your ally for gallery‑style storytelling. Mix gilded, black and walnut frames, add mid‑century photography, figurative prints, or textural abstracts. Depth lets metallics (brass, antique gold) sparkle without shouting. A polished layout: 6–9 frames in two staggered rows, largest at 60×80 cm anchoring the spread.
Why blue, why now?
Blue has never really left interiors—it just cycles in different temperatures. This Dulux reveal confirms the cool spectrum’s comeback for 2026, offering three “tempos” that slot neatly into current decorating mindsets: calm (Mellow Flow), creative (Free Groove) and grounded (Slow Swing). Media coverage underscores the shift back to cool: see roundups in Homes & Gardens and Ideal Home, and AkzoNobel’s own industrial‑design brief extending the palette to furniture and cabinetry here.
Art pairing cheat sheet (save this)
- Mellow Flow™: soft landscapes, airy seascapes, graphite line work; frames—oak, ash, pale maple; mats—white or flax linen.
- Free Groove™: graphic abstracts, Bauhaus prints, cobalt‑accent photography; frames—white/black lacquer, gallery profiles; metal—brushed steel.
- Slow Swing™: figurative studies, monochrome photography, textured canvases; frames—walnut, black, antique gold; mats—off‑white or none for drama.
Getting scale right
- Over a 3‑seat sofa (≈ 210–240 cm wide): 1 piece 90–140 cm wide; or 2–3 pieces totaling ~⅔ sofa width.
- Dining wall: 80–120 cm wide single canvas keeps sightlines clean across the table.
- Entry or hallway: a vertical 50×70 cm or stacked pair (40×50 cm) adds rhythm without clutter.
- Color‑drenched rooms: go larger and simplify—one statement canvas reads intentional against saturated walls.
Related newsroom read
Designers are also re‑embracing curated picture clusters—perfect for Slow Swing’s moody backdrop. See our trend briefing, “Gallery Walls, Reimagined: Why the ‘Outdated’ Feature Is Back for 2025”, for layout maps, spacing tips and frame‑mixing ideas that pair beautifully with Deep‑Navy walls.
Keep exploring (complementary reads)
- Dulux’s Colors of the Year 2026 explained — Homes & Gardens
- Why Dulux picked a trio of blues — Ideal Home
- AkzoNobel’s ‘Rhythm of Blues’ for furniture & cabinetry — AkzoNobel Industrial Wood Coatings
One more blue on the horizon
Beyond Dulux’s trio, other brands nod to cool tones for 2026. Behr’s Hidden Gem—a smoky jade—mixes blue and green in a restrained way that still reads neutral in many rooms. See the brand’s announcement for palette pairings and application ideas: Behr Color of the Year 2026.