Pantone has named PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as its Color of the Year for 2026.
On Thursday, Dec. 4, it unveiled a soft, airy white that the institute describes as a “whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world.”
The shade marks a notable departure from previous bold selections, with Pantone calling Cloud Dancer a “lofty white neutral” that shifts between light and ethereal tones. The institute said the color represents both motion and pause, offering “a living calm that invites renewal, vision in serenity, and creative release.”
According to Pantone, Cloud Dancer’s strength lies in its versatility. It can stand alone as a minimalist statement or serve as a balancing element to brighter or deeper hues.
The shade pairs especially well with light pastels such as Lemon Icing, Peach Dust and Raindrops on Roses, adding what Pantone describes as a “calming lift” to interiors like bedrooms and wellness spaces.
The institute also noted that Cloud Dancer can anchor more muted palettes, creating dimension when combined with softened grays and neutrals.
Pantone releases its Color of the Year every December, shaping trends across fashion, design and consumer products. This year, Pantone chose as its color of the year the shade Mocha Mousse, a warm and grounding brown.
