As Pantone goes light and airy with its 2026 Color of the Year, some designers are betting on deeper, more decadent shades that feel both bold and comforting.

Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year is a white. In Pantone language, that’s code 11-4201—aka Cloud Dancer.

When it comes to color, Pantone is recognized as a leader in credibility and expertise. They developed the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which assigns a unique number to each color. This system ensures that everyone has a clear and consistent method for communicating about different shades and hues.