Pantone Names Cloud Dancer as its 2026 Colour of the Year

Pantone has announced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as its Colour of the Year for 2026.

Described by the Pantone Color Institute as a “billowy white imbued with serenity,” Cloud Dancer is positioned as a shade that encourages focus, reflection, and creative exploration. The Institute says it selected the soft, airy white to reflect a global shift toward calm, clarity, and quiet renewal.

Pantone Vice President Laurie Pressman says the colour represents a desire for a fresh start, noting that its clean, open quality “allows our imagination to drift so that new insights and bold ideas can emerge.”
Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman says Cloud Dancer arrives at a time when many are reassessing priorities. “The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming,” she says. “A discrete white hue offering a promise of clarity, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences.”

In the announcement, Cloud Dancer is described as a versatile structural colour that supports a broad spectrum of palettes. Suggested pairings include powdered pastels for subtle, nuanced combinations, and light-and-shadow palettes for gentle contrast.

The colour will feature in several brand collaborations. Joybird will introduce a range of tactile furnishings in Cloud Dancer; Mandarin Oriental properties will unveil themed experiences including afternoon teas, spa treatments, and festive installations; and Play-Doh will incorporate the colour as part of its 70-year celebration. Upcoming releases from Motorola, Pura, and Post-it Brand will also feature the shade.

To support designers, Pantone has published guidance on applying Cloud Dancer across industries, highlighting its use in atmospheric palettes and product design.

Pantone has also launched an artist spotlight showcasing creators inspired by the 2026 selection, including movement artist Gia Bella, visual artist Jason Naylor, and musician-producer Tommy Saint.