Introducing the Pantone Colour of the Year 2026

A Whisper of Tranquillity and Peace in a Noisy World

Every year, the design world holds its breath for the announcement of Pantone’s Colour of the Year; a shade chosen not just for its beauty, but for its deeper reflection of our cultural mood. In 2026, that colour is PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer: A gentle, cloud-like white that brings a quiet sense of calm.

When it comes to rugs, I see colour as a way to shape the mood of a space. Cloud Dancer captures that feeling exquisitely.

What is the Pantone Colour of the Year?

The Pantone Colour Institute selects a colour each year based on global trends in fashion, interiors, art, and even social movements. As well as a trend forecast, it’s a cultural statement. The chosen hue often reflects what we collectively crave as a society.

And in a world that feels louder than ever, we're craving calm.

Why Cloud Dancer?

Pantone describes Cloud Dancer as "a lofty white imbued with serenity," a colour that encourages quiet reflection and allows the mind to wander.

It’s no surprise that in 2026, we’re leaning toward a colour that acts as a reset button. White represents a blank canvas, a fresh start, but Cloud Dancer is far from sterile or stark. It’s warm, soft, and slightly diffused, evoking clouds, linen, and that first breath of stillness in the morning.

How to Use Cloud Dancer in Your Home

I often say that the right rug can change the entire energy of a room, and Cloud Dancer is a shade that offers endless versatility.

Here’s how to bring it into your space through rugs:

• Layered Neutrals: A Cloud Dancer toned rug in handwoven wool or cotton adds softness to minimalist interiors. Pair it with ivory, stone, and beige tones for a relaxing spa-like feel.
• Textured Whites: Because it’s a delicate colour, texture becomes key. Think flatweave jute with a chalky whitewash, shaggy pile in creamy tones, or a TENCEL blend with a subtle sheen to reflect light.
• Contrast and Calm: Cloud Dancer also works as a grounding layer beneath bolder pieces. Use it as a large base rug under a smaller patterned piece for a layered, editorial look.
• Outdoor Serenity: In rPET or synthetic fibres, this pale tone works brilliantly in outdoor settings, reflecting light and creating a calming patio space.

Bring the Pantone Colour of the Year into Your Space

Cloud Dancer is more than a colour. It’s an invitation. Time to take a step back and start again. When choosing the perfect luxury rug, this soft shade brings a sense of ease and timeless simplicity.

As you think about refreshing your interiors in the year ahead, consider a rug in this quiet, airy white. A blank canvas. A simple way to bring calm and comfort into your home.

Explore our luxury collections featuring neutral and white shades to start your year with a sense of calm, clarity, and effortless style.