Pantone has unveiled its “Color of the Year” for 2026, and for better or worse, it’s a blank canvas, literally. The color is WHITE.
Technically, the color is called “Cloud Dancer“, but when you see it isolated, 99% of people would say it’s “white.”
Here’s how Pantone describes it: “A lofty white neutral whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world. It symbolizes a calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection.”
Someone at the company says it’s not JUST white. “Had we gone for a white that’s more optically bright, not only [would it] take away from the natural feeling and honesty and authenticity that we’re looking for, it [would] almost speak to sterility and isolationism, because it’s cold.” Okay.
Not surprisingly, the pick has been controversial, with some people getting onboard, and others NOT. Here are some amusing reactions from the internet:
“So, white. I guess we’re all feeling completely uninspired these days.”
“White, by definition, is the absence of color. This choice shows a stunning lack of creativity, and a complete disconnect from the artistic and design communities.”
“The color of the year being colorless is a recession indicator.”
“Is this rage bait? At this rate, next year’s Color of the Year will be clear.”
“Yikes, something we can’t even use after Labor Day.”
“Cloud Dancer? The selection committee clearly had a spiritual awakening at Burning Man this year.”
“If Cracker Barrel can change their logo back, you guys can redo this and pick an actual color. Please and thank you.”
The official Applebee’s social media account said, “Our house-made ranch is finally getting [its] flowers.” (They actually used “it’s” instead of “its,” which is on-brand for Applebee’s.) (???)
To us, it looks like TOILET PAPER. But that’s because last year’s color was “Mocha Mousse,” which looked like POOP. So maybe it’s an OPTIMISTIC thing, 2025 was messy, and 2026 is gonna wipe it up! (???)
