Colour of the Year 2026

Maxine Hayter
7 days ago
2 min read

Every December, the colour world gathers around like it’s the Eurovision grand finale to hear Pantone announce their Colour of the Year. Will it be a punchy coral? A moody teal?

Not this year.

For 2026, Pantone has chosen Cloud Dancer (11-4201).

A person in white moves gracefully in a minimalist space with a sky backdrop. Text reads "Pantone Color of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, 11-4201." — Image Credit: Pantone

According to Pantone, it’s “a lofty white whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm in a noisy world… a billowy and ethereal hue… a blank canvas opening up space for creativity and quiet reflection.”

According to us? It’s white.

This has divided the colour community. White has never been chosen before. Usually people live in colour and use white as the backdrop. Think roof blinds and shutters - white is the most popular option because it blends in and makes a room feel bigger.

Two children play joyfully on the floor near large shuttered windows in a cozy room with a brown chair and striped pillows.

Pantone has essentially taken the supporting actor and handed it the Oscar (Hollywood seasonal comment, there…).

If white is giving you butterflies because you’re imagining sticky fingers, tomato sauce, or life in general… breathe.

For example, the term “blackout blind” is a bit of a misnomer. It’s the room-darkening coating that matters. So blackout blinds can absolutely be white. And if you’re concerned about keeping things clean, certain fabrics for roller blinds, shutters, and venetians are all wipeable, and offer plenty of white shades

In other words: white is not the enemy. It’s just misunderstood.

Here’s the real magic trick: white goes with everything.

You can pair it with pastels, jewel tones, earth tones, that green sofa you swore would “absolutely match”. Cloud Dancer will quietly support your choices like the world’s most polite colour.

So… Does Cloud Dancer Deserve a Place in Our Homes?

Honestly? Yes.

Even if it is, technically, just white.

Pantone calls it ethereal. We call it practical. Designers call it versatile. Your mum will call it “clean, if you can keep it that way.”

But maybe 2026 is the perfect moment to start fresh - to let Cloud Dancer do its gentle, airy thing while the rest of your décor does the talking.

If nothing else, it’s nice to see white finally get its moment in the spotlight.

It’s been in the background long enough.