Artifact PPG10-16: Glidden's 2027 Color of the Year, a Calm Smoky Blue

Desirable Finishes

7 hours ago

4 min read

COLOR PROFILE · PPG / GLIDDEN · 2027 COLOR OF THE YEAR

Glidden named Artifact its 2027 Color of the Year: a calm, smoky blue it describes as a reset for your whole space. Here's how it behaves, what Glidden pairs it with room by room, and where we'd use it as the weather turns.

Artifact PPG10-16 at a Glance

Spec	Details
Light Reflectance Value	LRV 21. A mid-dark color: deep enough to feel cozy, light enough that it won't swallow a room.
Collection	Glidden 2027 Color Trends. Artifact leads a palette of nine shades chosen to layer with it.
How PPG describes it	A warm, smoky blue that brings a steady sense of calm and balances focus and comfort.
Color code	PPG10-16 · Hex #69808B
Interior or exterior	Both. Glidden shows it in living rooms, bedrooms, on cabinets, doors and trim, and on exteriors.

Why Artifact Works So Well

Glidden calls Artifact "a calm, fresh aqua that feels like a reset for your whole space," and says it can feel and function like a neutral. In practice, the gray in it keeps the blue quiet. It reads as a soft, smoky blue rather than a bright one, so it works with warm wood, cream trim and natural textures.

That makes it a smart pick for late fall and winter, when we're spending more time inside. It feels fresh without feeling cold, and it gives a room a calm, pulled-together look before the holidays.

How Artifact Changes With the Light

Light	How it looks	What we recommend
North-facing	Grayer and more muted, close to a slate blue.	Warm bulbs bring out its warmth.
South or west, afternoon	The blue-green comes forward and it feels fresher.	Check your sample in afternoon light.
Warm bulbs (2700K–3000K)	Soft and cozy, great for evenings.	Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
Daylight LED (4000K+)	Cooler and crisper.	Expect a cooler blue in kitchens and baths with bright LEDs.

Colors Glidden Pairs With Artifact

Glidden built nine shades around Artifact for its 2027 trends palette and shows specific combinations room by room. Here are the ones we like best.

Room	Glidden's pairings	How we'd use them
Living room	Airy PPG1238-1, Toffee Crunch PPG1207-4, Carob Chip PPG1047-7	Artifact walls, Airy ceilings, Carob Chip on a built-in or accent
Bedroom	Toffee Crunch PPG1207-4, Warm Mahogany PPG1060-7, Moth Gray PPG1024-4	Artifact walls with warm wood and a deep accent
Cabinets, doors and trim	Toffee Crunch PPG1207-4, Delicate White PPG1001-1, Capuccino PPG16-04	Artifact on cabinets or doors with Delicate White walls
Exterior	Smoky Slate PPG1028-4, Carob Chip PPG1047-7, Capuccino PPG16-04	Artifact siding or door with darker trim accents

Where Artifact Works Best This Season

Living rooms. Glidden says it creates a fresh, grounded backdrop that still lets furniture and art shine.
Bedrooms. It brings a sense of ease and relaxation, which is exactly what you want as the days get shorter.
Cabinets, doors and trim. Glidden says it can work like a neutral in a bath or hallway, so it's a way to skip all-white cabinets without going too bold.
Exteriors. Glidden calls it fresh but grounded, blending with natural surroundings. We'd plan exterior work for spring in Ohio.
Home offices. PPG notes it balances focus and comfort, a good fit for a room you work in every day.

How We Finish Artifact: 3 Pro Tips

Sample it on two walls. Smoky blues shift a lot between rooms. Look at a sample on a sunny wall and a shaded one, morning and evening.
Pick the white last. Glidden pairs it with Delicate White PPG1001-1 for cabinets and trim. Hold your white next to Artifact in your own light before you commit.
Use the right product on cabinets. We use a durable enamel and spray cabinet doors for a smooth, factory-like finish that stands up to daily use.

See What Your Artifact Project Would Cost

Compare paint prices across Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr and PPG for your room size with our free calculator, or check how close a color you already love comes with Color Match.

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Artifact PPG10-16: Common Questions

What is the LRV of Artifact?

PPG lists Artifact PPG10-16 at LRV 21, a mid-dark color.

Is Artifact blue, gray or green?

PPG calls it a warm, smoky blue, and Glidden describes it as a calm, fresh aqua. It reads grayer in north light and a little greener in warm afternoon light.

What colors go with Artifact?

Glidden's 2027 trends palette was built around it. Its room ideas include Airy PPG1238-1, Toffee Crunch PPG1207-4, Carob Chip PPG1047-7, Delicate White PPG1001-1 and Capuccino PPG16-04.

Can Artifact be used outside?

Yes. Glidden shows it on exteriors with Smoky Slate PPG1028-4, Carob Chip PPG1047-7 and Capuccino PPG16-04.

Can Desirable Finishes paint with PPG or Glidden colors?

Yes. We'll talk through brands and product lines with you and paint the color in the line you choose.

The Professional's Verdict

Artifact PPG10-16 is a calm, grown-up blue that's easy to live with. It's soft enough for a whole room and deep enough to look intentional on cabinets or a front door.