2026 Color of the Year

About every 365 days, leading paint designers feature a color of the year. Nothing new, so who would have guessed that Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year would land in the spotlight for being politically antagonistic? Pantone justifiably defended the color, and we agree that Pantone’s ‘Cloud Dancer’ is a blatantly “neutral choice,” as is ‘Universal Khaki.’ That’s Sherwin-Williams’ annual selection for 2026. They both have strong qualities and similar vibes, which is often true of competing paint picks. Below, learn more about these 2026 colors of the year sans the controversy.

Cloud Dancer is Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year

Pantone’s Cloud Dancer (11-4201) is a billowy off-white paint color. What could be more versatile? The appealing shade also acts as a calming, clean “blank canvas” for fresh starts. Should you desire to create airy, serene, and spacious interiors, Cloud Dancer is for you!

Among its other qualities, this off-white shade works as a stunning backdrop, highlighting other colors and textures. It is an ideal fit with a modern demand for simplification and intentionality. It provides warmth without being overwhelming. Cloud Dancer allows for layering with natural materials or bolder accents, making it a foundation for sustainable, flexible design.

More key reasons it’s a great paint color:

• Calm & Reset: It signifies a conscious move away from saturated colors, offering a visual pause, clarity, and a serene sense of calm reflection in a busy world.
• Versatile Backdrop: It enhances surrounding colors, making earthy tones richer and blues softer. It also complements textures such as linen, wood, and stone, allowing them to shine without competing.
• Creates Space: Cloud Dancer’s airy quality opens up rooms, evoking spaciousness and lightness, making spaces feel larger and more intentional.
• Foundation for Creativity: As a blank canvas, it encourages new ideas and allows for layering textures (bouclé, limewash) for a luxe, intentional look.

Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki Makes Top Color of 2026

Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki (SW 6150) is undeniably worthy of 2026 Color of the Year status. A warm, mid-range, earth-toned neutral, it offers immense versatility and more, as follows:

• Universal Khaki bridges the gap from cool whites to richer tones.
• It creates a cozy, grounded feel.
• With today’s trend towards organic palettes and timeless design, it’s a perfect fit.

The subtle green undertone in Universal Khaki adds complexity, making it a sophisticated backdrop that pairs beautifully with wood, white, and bold colors for both modern and traditional spaces.

Schedule Franklin Painting to Apply a 2026 Color of the Year

Franklin Painting’s pros also pair beautifully with 2026 Color of the Year picks. You can’t go wrong because professionally applied paint always delivers results that are a substantial cut above amateur applications. Whether you choose Cloud Dancer, Universal Khaki, or both, the results we produce are guaranteed to please. Depending on the scope of the project you need, a consultation with our expert colorist may be included at no extra cost to you. We get it! It can be challenging to settle on paint colors, even among those known to cause a big stir.

Call Franklin Painting today or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment!