Decorating Color Paint Colors Every Single Pantone Color of the Year from This Century Take a look back at the past 25 years of popular hues. By Sophie Flaxman Sophie Flaxman Sophie Flaxman is a home writer at Better Homes & Gardens. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on January 11, 2024 Close Photo: Pantone A new year signals a fresh Pantone color, and with it comes a sense of character and identity. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year. Introduced in 1999, the program engages design communities and color enthusiasts around the globe in conversation about the relationship between culture and color. Pantone celebrates the power of color as a universal language that captures the unique state of the current year. “The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than 'what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, said in a press release. The color selection involves extensive research and trend analysis conducted by the Pantone Color Institute and a continuous conversation among a globally diverse group of color-attuned people. Influence is taken from every industry, including entertainment, fashion, travel, technology, social media, socio-economic conditions, and global events that capture the world’s attention. Let’s take a look at the colors selected by Pantone to represent every year of this century. Every 2024 Color of the Year We Know So Far 2024: Peach Fuzz Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is a delicate peachy hue that sits between pink and orange on the color wheel. The warm, velvety tone is charming and disarming and captures our innate desire for closeness, connection, and belonging. This sensitive hue is the perfect antidote to turmoil and uncertainty, radiating peace, empathy, and encouragement to nurture ourselves and those around us. Peach Fuzz is the ideal color to mark the 25th anniversary of the Pantone COTY program; it has a timeless quality that alludes to the past and glows with modern style and quiet sophistication. Pantone’s Peachy 2024 Color of the Year Is Officially Here 2023: Viva Magenta Courtesy of Pantone Described by Pantone as "an unconventional shade for an unconventional time," PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta is a vibrant shade that “vibrates with vim and vigor.” This electrifying crimson-red tone symbolizes strength, empowerment, optimism, joy, and courage. It is an assertive hue, free from boundaries and judgment, with an infectious energy and verve for life. Viva Magenta encourages freedom of expression and confident experimentation and inspires respect, compassion, and humanity. Pantone’s Color of the Year 2023 Is an Electric Shade of Magenta 2022: Very Peri Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri was a brand-new hue in 2022, introduced as a nuanced periwinkle blue with a vivifying violet-red undertone. The dynamic color combines the trustworthiness of blue with red's stimulation, strength, and courage. Very Peri inspires creativity and innovation and emits a reassuring sense of faith and confidence to navigate a landscape of new possibilities. Pantone Color Trends for 2022 Include These Joyful, Comforting Colors 2021: Illuminating & Ultimate Gray Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating was one of two shades chosen as the Pantone COTY in 2021. The bright lemon-yellow hue shines with vivacity and vitality and radiates optimism, joy, and hope. As the name of the color suggests, Illuminating provokes clarity of thought and lights up the world with positive energy. Pantone paired this uplifting yellow shade with PANTONE 17-5104 TCX Ultimate Gray, reinforcing positive energy with fortitude and resilience. The achromatic color lacks the energy and emotional charge of chromatic colors, eliciting feelings of calm and composure and encouraging deep reflection. The mid-tone gray shade is innately diplomatic, representing neutrality and balance. It is also a symbol of wisdom, maturity, resilience, and stability. Every Single Pantone Color of the Year from This Century 2020: Classic Blue Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is a strong mid-blue hue that evokes the sky at dusk. A symbol of security, trust, and loyalty, this elegant blue shade reflects the desire for a dependable and stable foundation at the start of a new decade. Classic Blue is timeless, approachable, and friendly. It has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body, instilling peace, tranquility, and safety. The color of water, blue, also brings clarity of thought and aids concentration. 2024 Interior Design Trends: Inviting Spaces and Eye-Catching Accents 2019: Living Coral Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 16-1546 TPX Living Coral is an energizing shade of orange with a vibrant pink and warm golden undertone. This vivacious hue won’t escape your gaze and evokes a warm, invigorating, and infectiously optimistic reaction. Its spirited quality embodies our desire for light-hearted playfulness and propels us into action. The Best Pink Paint Colors, from Mauve to Coral 2018: Ultra Violet Courtesy of Pantone Inspired by the holographic effects of light, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet marries deep blue and electric pinks, resulting in a hue that is “beyond violet.” The mesmerizing purple hue is complex, provocative, and thought-provoking and symbolizes creative expression, confident experimentation, and visionary thinking. It encourages boundaries to be pushed through creative practice and associates unconventionality with revolutionary discovery and artistic brilliance. Ultra Violet has a mystic history and is often associated with mindfulness practices and spirituality. What Colors Go with Purple? How to Use the Hue in Your Space 2017: Greenery Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 15-0343 TCX Greenery is a revitalizing, zesty yellow-green shade that conjures the lushness of nature. This vibrant green shade can’t help but make you feel fresh, healthy, cleansed, and restored. Greenery is a reminder of the power and grandiosity of nature, encouraging us to step back from modern life, immerse ourselves in the natural world, and take a look at the bigger picture. 31 Green Paint Colors Designers Swear By 2016: Rose Quartz & Serenity Courtesy of Pantone For the first time in the history of Pantone’s COTY program, a combination of two shades—PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz and PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity—was chosen as the color of the year in 2016. Rose Quartz is a soft dusty rose pink, and Serenity is a tranquil blue with a subtle purple undertone. Together, they are the definition of peace and tranquility. This color pairing represents the yearning for a calm mind and relief from the fast-paced and stressful modern-day life. 2015: Marsala Courtesy of Pantone Like the wine that gives it its name, PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala is a deep, earthy red shade that is rich, robust, and full-bodied. Its earthy brown undertone is grounding, comforting, and stabilizing, enriching our minds, bodies, and souls. Marsala is imbued with a sense of drama, and its depth and complexity afford it a luxurious and sophisticated quality. 10 Wine-Inspired Paint Colors Designers Will Cheers To 2014: Radiant Orchid Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid is an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple, and pink, resulting in an enigmatic purple hue. The captivating color uplifts and inspires confidence, self-assurance, and assertiveness and symbolizes femininity, sensitivity, love, health, and compassion. 2013: Emerald Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald is a captivating blue-green shade symbolizing beauty, growth, renewal, and prosperity. Like the precious gemstone from which it gets its name, Emerald is a sophisticated, luxurious, verdant shade communicating abundance and good fortune. A color inextricably linked to nature, Emerald has a revitalizing quality that enhances our sense of well-being. Which Colors Make Green? How to Customize a Green Paint Color 2012: Tangerine Tango Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango strode into 2012 with vivaciousness. This spirited red-orange shade commands attention by fusing red's passion and emotionally charged quality with the high-energy optimism of orange. The color encourages us to dance into the year with courage, positivity, and resilience. 28 Bright, Bold Colors That Go with Orange 2011: Honeysuckle Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle is a bright reddish pink hue that embodies courage, confidence, and spirit. This vibrant shade sets the heart racing and elicits a verve for life and an urge to be playful and carefree. Honeysuckle pink symbolizes powerful feminity and emboldens us to approach life with self-assuredness and tenacity. 2010: Turquoise Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise immediately conjures images of tropical waters and relaxing island retreats. Turquoise celebrates the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating nature of green, making it the perfect color for restoring our sense of well-being. In some cultures, Turquoise is a protective talisman, a color symbolizing compassion, healing, faith, and truth, inspired by water and sky. What Colors Go with Turquoise? 9 Ways to Style the Bold Hue 2009: Mimosa Courtesy of Pantone A vibrant yellow hue, PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa, embodies hope and reassurance in a climate of change. This warm yellow shade exudes optimism and enthusiasm and energizes us to jump into and embrace what’s to come. Yellow is also a symbol of enlightenment, as the color inspires curiosity, creativity, and innovation. These Are the Yellow Paint Colors Interior Designers Love to Use 2008: Blue Iris Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris combines blue's reliable and relaxing qualities, underscored by a mystical and spiritual purple cast. The color provides calming reassurance amidst global turmoil and uncertainty while communicating a playful touch of mystery and excitement. 2007: Chili Pepper Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper is everything you would expect it to be: Red, hot, and spicy. The rich red shade is attention-grabbing and stimulates the senses, communicating drama, passion, excitement, confidence, and morale. It’s designed to be seen and can’t be ignored. The Best Red Paint Colors for Crimson, Burgundy, and More 2006: Sand Dollar Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 13-1106 TPX Sand Dollar is a warm, neutral shade that provides a sense of calm and reassurance in the face of the wavering 2006 economy. Reminiscent of sandy island shores and organic materials, the color reveals the beauty of simplicity. Sand Dollar is a gentle, comforting, familiar, and dependable presence in a complex world. 27 Neutral Paint Colors and Tips from Experts On How to Use Them 2005: Blue Turquoise Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 15-5217 TPX Blue Turquoise is a deep turquoise shade inspired by serene aquatic landscapes. This turquoise shade is cooler and more subdued than True Turquoise, with a heavier dose of blue than green. It connotes serenity, mental clarity, creativity, and open communication. 2004: Tigerlily Courtesy of Pantone Drawing inspiration from the flower, PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily is a bold color nestled between red and orange. The invigorating color radiates optimism, fun, happiness, enthusiasm, and exuberance. Vibrating with life and energy, Tigerlily is inescapably uplifting and naturally warm and welcoming. The color takes us onwards and upwards into the new year. 9 Best Orange Paint Colors for a Vibrant Home 2003: Aqua Sky Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky is a soothing pale blue-green shade chosen to restore global peace and hope. A color inspired by clear shallow waters and cloudless skies, Aqua Sky encourages clarity of thought and mind and transparency, also a quality associated with trustworthiness, loyalty, and reliability. The gentle, muted shade is reminiscent of the purity and innocence of childhood. 2002: True Red Courtesy of Pantone Red in its purest form: PANTONE 19-1664 True Red is a vivid color that creates impact. Pantone chose this color to recognize the devastating 9/11 attacks, represented with a distinguishably patriotic hue. True Red is a universal symbol of love, passion, strength, power, courage, and danger. 2001: Fuchsia Rose Courtesy of Pantone PANTONE 17-2031 TCX Fuchsia Rose is a vibrant fuchsia pink shade tainted by a touch of purple and red. This color undoubtedly inspires confidence, assurance, and a sense of maturity that other pink shades often lack. It marks a desire to stand out from the crowd and embrace one’s playful and experimental side. What Colors Go with Pink? 16 Pretty Pairings to Try 2000: Cerulean Courtesy of Pantone The first Pantone Color of the Year was PANTONE 15-4020 TCX Cerulean, chosen to represent the millennium. Inspired by a clear blue sky, Cerulean evokes the invigorating energy felt after spending time outdoors and in nature. It marks the new era with a note of familiarity, endless possibilities, and infinite potential: the sky (though not always clear blue) is a constant reminder that there are no limits to what we can achieve. Colors That Go with Blue: 29 Timeless Combinations for Every Room Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit