Dulux has set the tone for 2026 – and that tone is blue, or “blues” even.
Not just any blue (blues!), but a curated palette of soulful, fluid, and calming indigos designed to help us slow down and reconnect with the pace of home life.
Their theme, Rhythm of Blues, focuses on creating interiors that flow – spaces where each room has its own tempo and mood, guided by colour.
The three hero shades of this palette are –
- Free Groove – a vibrant, expressive blue full of movement
- Mellow Flow – a light, airy blue for openness and calm
- Slow Swing – a deep, meditative tone that grounds and soothes
At BestHeating, we’ve long loved a bit of colour and have embraced this rhythm in our own way.
Our radiator finishes don’t claim to match Dulux’s colours exactly – but our Regal Blue, Deep Sea Blue, and Spearmint Blue tones are designed to complement these blues beautifully. They allow you to bring the 2026 colour trend into your heating scheme, adding character and cohesion to every room.
Whether you’re styling a serene bedroom or a colour-rich kitchen, this guide will help you pair your radiators with Dulux’s Rhythm of Blue palette in a way that feels effortless and intentional.
Embracing the mood, not just the match
As I’ve said, Dulux’s 2026 trend isn’t about one single colour.
It’s about how colour makes us feel. The idea of “Your Space, Your Pace” encourages people to create homes that support their emotional rhythm – whether that means slowing down, creating space to breathe, or re-energising through creativity.
We have long said that radiators, when treated as part of the overall aesthetic, can support this design direction. Our blue-toned finishes have been carefully curated to align with the same moods Dulux is evoking – calm, connection, and individuality.
So, while you won’t find “Free Groove” on a radiator swatch or in a sample box, you will find tones that blend seamlessly with it.
Spearmint blue - Uplifting and open
For those drawn to Free Groove, Spearmint Blue is a perfect match in spirit.
It’s light, fresh, and brings just enough colour to feel creative without being overpowering. In busy rooms like kitchens or hallways, this pastel tone adds energy while still feeling soft and clean.
Pair it with white walls or pale wood, and it becomes a subtle highlight. It’s particularly effective in modern or Scandi-inspired interiors, where clarity and light are key.
“Spearmint radiators are a brilliant way to bring a touch of freshness into the home. They’ve got that uplifting quality that works just as well in a family kitchen as it does in a hallway, adding energy and colour without ever feeling overpowering.”
Deep Sea Blue - Calm and versatile
Deep Sea Blue offers a rich mid-tone option that feels serene and modern.
It’s a colour that can work across many spaces – in a living room to add contrast to beige or white walls, or in a bedroom where you want a deeper, more cocooning and cosy feel without going full navy.
This shade is ideal for homes that want to dip into the blue trend without committing to high colour saturations.
Its versatility means you can pair it with natural textures, metallic accents, or even layer it with other blue shades to add dimension.
“Deep Sea Blue radiators hit that sweet spot between bold and versatile. They’re rich enough to make a statement, but soft enough to slot into almost any interior scheme. Pair them with natural textures and you’ve got a look that feels both modern and timeless.”
Regal Blue - Bold and grounding
If you’re drawn to the richness of Slow Swing, Regal Blue is probably your go-to.
It’s confident and structured – the kind of colour that makes a radiator feel like a centrepiece, not a background utility.
Use it in offices to improve focus and add a sense of formality, or in bedrooms to layer depth into your design. It looks incredible against crisp white, soft greys, or warm metallics like brushed brass.
“Regal Blue is where radiators really start to feel like design pieces. It’s confident, dramatic and instantly draws the eye, making it the perfect choice if you want your heating to be part of the story of your room, not just the background.”
Blue styling ideas by room
Living Room
Dulux recommends Mellow Flow here for its openness and soft energy. Pair this with a vertical radiator in Deep Sea Blue or even a white finish to keep the space light and relaxed. Beige furniture, pale woods and off-whites work brilliantly to tie the look together.
Kitchen
Free Groove is Dulux’s choice for kitchens – a space often full of energy and activity. Match this vibrancy with a Spearmint radiator or contrast with white or chrome finishes. In modern kitchens, this combo feels effortlessly clean and fresh.
Bedroom
Slow Swing is perfect for bedrooms, where layered blues create a restful atmosphere. Pair it with a Regal Blue radiator and keep accessories minimal. Linen bedding, navy accents and warm lighting complete the look.
Home Office
Blues are known to boost focus and reduce visual noise – exactly why Dulux places Slow Swing here. A radiator in Regal or Deep Sea Blue brings structure and calm, especially when paired with clean shelving and matte finishes.
Why blue works so well in home heating
Blue is a colour that holds emotional intelligence. It adapts to mood, space and style. Whether you’re building a tonal scheme with layered indigos, or using a coloured radiator to punctuate a pale room with a striking focal point, the versatility of blue makes it one of the most design-friendly hues for heating.
That’s why we’ve expanded our coloured radiator range to include shades that aren’t just on-trend – they’re timeless. Our blue finishes can be matched to feature walls, contrast with minimalist interiors, or bring depth to neutral schemes.
And because we offer a range of colour options, you’re not limited to what’s on the shelf – you can create a radiator finish that fits perfectly into your colour rhythm.
Bringing it all together
Dulux’s Rhythm of Blue is more than a colour trend – it’s a design philosophy.
It’s about using colour to connect with your space and your state of mind.
Radiators, which are sadly often overlooked in design decisions (something we’re trying our best to change!), are part of that picture.
When chosen thoughtfully, they can enhance a palette, define a mood, and help your home feel cohesive and considered.
At BestHeating, our blue radiator collection has been built with this in mind. From soft Spearmint to bold Regal Blue, each finish is there to help you move in sync with your space.
So, if you’re embracing Dulux’s 2026 palette, don’t stop at the walls. Bring the rhythm into your heating.
“Colour has the power to change the way we feel about a space, and radiators shouldn’t be the exception. Whether it’s the freshness of Spearmint, the calm of Deep Sea or the depth of Regal Blue, coloured radiators can bring rhythm and personality into the home. Sometimes, a touch of colour on something as unexpected as a radiator is exactly what we need to make our spaces feel more alive, more supportive and more our own.”
John Lawless is SEO Manager at BestHeating and a recognised expert in home heating. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he blends technical insight with practical advice on everything from energy efficiency to radiator design, and more. John’s work has featured in national media and leading home & garden publications, and he leads the editorial strategy for the BestHeating Advice Centre – helping homeowners make smarter heating choices with confidence.
