Terracotta, navy, and lots of sage. Trending colors have brought much more warmth and sophistication to everyone’s remodel inspiration in the last year.
So when Pantone revealed its 2026 Color of the Year, there was a fair bit of surprise and even a touch of controversy. Here’s what you need to know about Cloud Dancer.
What color is Cloud Dancer?
Cloud Dancer is a subtle off-white. More specifically, Pantone describes its Cloud Dancer (11-4201) as a much-needed “whisper of tranquility and peace in a noisy world.” It’s fresh and airy, but also relaxing and versatile. Like similar shades, its exact appearance shifts and plays with light, shadow, and texture.
Is Cloud Dancer a warm or cool white?
Interestingly, it’s both. Cloud Dancer is a true neutral that includes both warm and cool undertones. This fact reinforces Pantone’s reasoning for choosing it. They wanted 2026’s shade to exude balance and harmony.
What are the three paint colors that will never go out of style?
We’re bringing this question up for a good reason. By all designer accounts, the three most timeless paint colors include white, beige, and gray. Since Cloud Dancer is a white with both warm (beige) and cool (gray) tones, one could argue it is among the most timeless colors ever.
Is white going out of style in home design?
No. Here’s where the color debate becomes tinged with controversy. Savvy consumers (and even designers) have been reasonably vocal about their exhaustion with all-white spaces–cabinets, walls, counters, all of it. That’s why Pantone’s choice took some off guard.
However, white will always have a place in home design. It’s timeless, remember? How we use it is what shifts. Softer, warmer whites and off-whites are very much in style. It’s the palette we build around it that speaks to current trends.
In Cloud Dancer’s case, Pantone has suggested adding it to a powdery pastel range as well as dusty, shadowy shades.
What is the Color of the Year 2025?
In 2025, Pantone chose Mocha Mousse (17-1230) as their Color of the Year. This aligns with current trends, proving that Pantone is still ahead of the curve. With this excellent forecasting, we can predict that Cloud Dancer will feature heavily in the new nature-inspired version of minimalism some designers see on the horizon.
What is Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Color of the Year?
Benjamin Moore’s color of choice for 2026 is Silhouette (AF-655). They describe it as a luxurious umber with delicate notes of charcoal and handsome midtones. Deep and dusty, it could pair nicely in a palette with Cloud Dancer. It also has a quiet intensity that people like for color drenching.
Find your deeply grounded, timeless design.
Need assistance visualizing Cloud Dancer, Silhouette, and other in-demand colors in your design? The Designery can help arrange and mock up a preview of your new room. With access to a broader range of materials and craftspeople to customize nearly every feature, we can make it happen in real life, too.
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