Color(s) of the Year

What is the color of 2026?

That depends who you ask.

According to Etsy, it’s Patina Blue. IKEA says Rebel Pink. Benjamin Moore calls Silhouette AF-655 (that’s “rich espresso hues with refined notes of charcoal:). Pantone declares Cloud Dancer (a “lofty white”).

From white to charcoal, blue to pink, the year’s trending color picks are quite literally across the spectrum.

They reveal as much about the brands promoting them as the color trends and design landscape. No doubt design trends vary across industries, from graphic design to interior decorating.

Color Commentary

Like other year-end wrap-ups and trend reports, color of the year has become a common campaign (many paint companies now pick one).

The goals of each color choice vary.

Etsy wants to showcase its wide range of on-trend products on the platform. It also introduced a “texture of the year” for the first time. Etsy’s choice was also backed by data — searches for “blue copper” surged more than 3 times, the company said.

IKEA wants to promote its own products, including an upcoming collection with pieces featuring Rebel Pink.

Pantone has garnered a ton of earned media, pushing its authority and stirring up a bit of controversy with its pick.

Each of the color selections aim to get people excited about color and focus on design choices in their own lives.

In the rationale for each selection, brands are intentional about how the choices interact with other colors. Pantone and Benjamin Moore include a palette of complementary colors.

That context is essential for good design. Preference for a single color is subjective. But when you start to use it in different applications and with different complementary colors, sound strategy and smart design choices start to differentiate the end result.