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Pantone’s colour of the year for 2026 could be its most divisive yet
Next year’s colour is...
AI summary
Pantone has named its 2026 Colour of the Year: Cloud Dancer, an ethereal white. The colour institute describes it as a symbol of serenity and quiet reflection, intended as a calming influence in a hectic world.
While potentially divisive due to being hard to keep clean, experts praise its versatility. Chrissie Rucker of The White Company calls it a classic "blank canvas." To avoid a clinical look, designers recommend mixing textures like wool, silk, and cotton for added depth.
Controversial? Pantone had not chosen a brown for over a decade, before selecting Mocha Mousse for 2025.
White is alright for soft furnishings (unless you have pets or children, eat food or have sweaty hands).
Ask the expert: How do I choose a white paint?
Soft pastels are a match for the kind of slightly off-white Pantone are offering for next year.
What's in a colour, after all?
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