Pantone’s announcement of Cloud Dancer as its Colour of the Year for 2026 has prompted one of the most polarised reactions from the interiors sector in recent years. The soft, muted white — intended to signal calm, clarity and a collective reset — has instead divided designers over whether the authority on colour has offered meaningful direction or played it overly safe.
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| Image: Pantone Color Institute™ |
Some in the industry argue the shade reflects a genuine shift towards simplicity and serenity after a wave of bold, expressive palettes. Others say Cloud Dancer lacks the innovation and energy expected of a Colour of the Year, serving more as a background tone than a trend-defining hue.
Among the most sceptical voices is Emily Butterill, Founder of Glow Lighting, who describes Cloud Dancer as “pleasant and adaptable” but ultimately unlikely to influence major trends.
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| Glow Lighting - Classic Curved Opal Glass Jules Wall Light |
“I don’t see this becoming a major influencing colour of the year,” she said. “It doesn’t push the boundaries of lighting, décor or furniture in a meaningful way. It pairs nicely with soft pastels — something we work with often — but it’s those colours, not the base, that bring personality into a space. For us, Cloud Dancer is supportive rather than standout.”
Butterill’s view echoes that of a wider contingent who feel Pantone has missed an opportunity to capture the mood and momentum of contemporary interiors.
Despite the scepticism, many design-led brands have responded warmly to Pantone’s choice, praising its versatility, purity and quiet elegance.
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| The Faux Flower Company Blossoming Bouquet featuring hand-made and hand-painted artificial cherry blossom, faux hydrangeas and faux delphiniums |
“It’s an effortless fit for both contemporary and traditional interiors… a beautifully serene canvas that pairs with absolutely everything,” she said, highlighting its compatibility with natural textures, soft greens and muted pastels. hand made and hand painted artificial cherry blossom, faux hydrangeas and faux delphiniums
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| Lakeland Furniture Flek Dining Chair Natural Cream Fabric & Chrome Leg |
Shannon Taylor, Marketing Manager at Lakeland Furniture, also welcomed the choice. “After several years of saturated, expressive colour, there’s something incredibly grounding about a shade that invites clarity and calm,” she said.
In dining spaces, she added, Cloud Dancer brightens without overwhelming, allowing statement pieces and natural materials to take the lead. Taylor also pointed to Pantone’s wider messaging about balancing digital life with human connection — a theme she feels the colour captures effectively.
For many creatives, Cloud Dancer offers fertile ground for interpretation.
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Pia Gill, Founder of Burnt Peach, has already produced a collection inspired by the shade. “It’s light, delicate and beautifully timeless,” she said, adding that its softness enhances the emotional depth of her portraits and helps convey childhood innocence “without distraction”.
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| Beach House Art Hand Painted Scallop Shell Art - Natural Background - Natural Frame |
Brian MacShane, Creative Director at Beach House Art, sees the hue as reflective of shifting priorities. The shade, he said, “speaks less of wanting more and instead of space — a canvas that invites light, calm and simplicity.”
Paint manufacturers are also noting momentum behind softer whites.
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| Thorndown Paints - White Wall Paint inspired by the Egrets found in the wetlands of Somerset, UK |
Ben Thornborough, Founder of Thorndown Paints, pointed to similar tones emerging in new ranges. With shades like Egret White already gaining traction, he views Pantone’s selection as timely: “Cloud Dancer feels like the breath of fresh air we all might need.”
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| CutMy - White Slat Wall Panels Image by Tanya Cressey Photography |
James Bryant, Founder of CutMy, expects the hue’s adaptability to drive uptake across interiors. “This shade has real versatility,” he said. “I expect we’ll see it reflected across surfaces, finishes and architectural details throughout the year.”
Though far from universally embraced, Cloud Dancer has undeniably captured the industry’s attention. Whether seen as a missed opportunity or a much-needed moment of calm, Pantone’s 2026 pick has sparked a lively debate — and, for many, that may be the clearest sign that the colour has already made its mark.
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