Color of the Year trends for 2026

Pantone’s Cloud Dancer

In 1999, Pantone kicked off its annual Pantone’s Color of the Year. (Every year, a collection of global experts selects the color based on a variety of global criteria.) And this tradition has become something we look forward to each year. It's about what's happening in the zeitgeist broadly, and it doesn’t represent a singular trend biased towards the US or Europe, for example. Instead, it’s a prediction of the upcoming mood and culture for the year ahead from a global perspective.

Like it or not, it influences designers, fashionistas, and strategists alike. This year’s Color of the Year is ‘Cloud Dancer’ (PANTONE 11-4201), and since there are an infinite number of whites that can be seen as either colorless, or full of every color, this color is open to interpretation. Whatever your opinions about white being representative of 2026, it’s reflective of a clean slate and quiet luxury that will no doubt be ubiquitous in branding this year. Minimalist, spa-like aesthetics bring a calming influence to a buzzy world, and, as the year progresses, stop to see if this aesthetic permeates the world

WGSN and Coloro forecast Transformative Teal

Trend forecasting platform WGSN partners with Coloro to predict what consumers want next. They forecast based on data-driven patterns for eco-consciousness and resilience. For 2026, it’s Transformative Teal, a fusion of dependable dark blue and aquatic green that’s both grounded and futuristic. Like Cloud Dancer, it’s meant to symbolize calm, but also sustainability and a time of change and redirection. Relates to the diversity of nature and an Earth-first, mindset. This color will be abundant for packaging and social media branding that’s focused on nature, wellness, and innovation.

Graham & Brown’s Divine Damson

Graham & Brown (a British paint and interior design company) selected Divine Damson , a deep burgundy with plum undertones that’s versatile and timeless for home decor exuding luxury and timelessness. It also complements earthy, neutral shades for sophistication and to generate mood-rich, atmospheric settings in decor, fashion, and social media.

The people’s choice: Phthalo Green

When Pantone’s color was announced, the Threads community instinctively embraced Phthalo Green, as the people’s choice color of the year. Pronounced THAy-lo and short for Phthalocyanine Green, this is a vivid black-green hue. It conveys energy and artistry that’s ideal for making bold statements. The theory is that greens and browns are comforting and bring us back to nature. Earthy, organic color palettes will dominate branding trends in 2026.

Behr’s Hidden Gem

Behr paint company picked Hidden Gem, a smoky jade tone that blends depth, calm, elegance, and tranquility — like eucalyptus. It’s rich and soft and exudes the essence of a calming retreat with a touch of luxury.