Pantone's Color of the Year – What is it and how is it chosen? A fashionable color palette for various industries.

Each year, the Pantone Institute selects a single color to inspire designers, architects, interior decorators, and even lighting manufacturers. This choice is not accidental—it's the result of a thorough analysis of trends, social events, and design trends. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how the Pantone Color of the Year is chosen, its significance in various industries, and how it can be incorporated into interiors.

What is the Pantone Color of the Year and why is it so important?

For over two decades, the Pantone Institute has been selecting a single shade to inspire creative industries worldwide year-round. The Pantone Color of the Year is no accident – its selection is based on a thorough analysis of trends, culture, fashion, and global events . Pantone experts track social changes, the emotions surrounding specific periods, and the development of new technologies and materials to select the color that best captures the spirit of the times. It influences interior designers, fashion designers, graphic designers, as well as manufacturers of lighting, furniture, and decorative accessories , serving as inspiration for numerous industries.

The choice of Pantone's Color of the Year is crucial, as it often shapes consumer tastes and design trends . Clothing collections, advertising materials, interior design, and even new cosmetics lines are based on it. Furthermore, the fashionable colors of a given year also influence the choices of customers seeking designer lighting for their homes . Lamp manufacturers are increasingly incorporating the Color of the Year into their designs – both through the color of the lampshades and fixtures themselves and through the ability to adjust the light color, allowing them to create interiors aligned with the latest trends.

How Does Pantone Choose Its Color of the Year? Process and Trend Analysis

Selecting the Pantone Color of the Year is a long process that begins long before the official announcement . Pantone experts track global trends, analyzing films, art, social events, and new technologies that may influence the perception of colors in a given season.

Then , closed meetings are held with specialists from various industries to discuss the potential fashionable colors of the year . Only after thorough analysis is a single shade chosen that best captures the spirit of the upcoming season. Often, inspiration comes from nature, social change, or technological innovation.

In recent years, Pantone has focused on colors that reflect both social sentiment and aesthetic trends . For 2022, the choice fell on Very Peri, a dynamic shade of purple that symbolized creativity and new perspectives. In 2023, Viva Magenta reigned supreme, an intense and energetic color evoking shades of nature and courage. In turn, 2024 brought Peach Fuzz, a delicate peach shade meant to symbolize warmth, sensitivity, and peace. These choices demonstrate how Pantone adapts its decisions to current needs and social trends .

What color is trending this year? Pantone's current selection

Each year at the end of December, Pantone announces the next year's color— a choice crucial to the design industry, inspiring creatives worldwide . Recent years have seen a dominance of warm, natural tones, as well as intense and dynamic hues reflecting social changes.

In 2025, Pantone has announced Mocha Mousse as its Color of the Year – a warm and elegant brown that exudes richness and subtlety. This shade evokes the delicacy of velvety coffee desserts, combining warmth and sophistication. Mocha Mousse brings a sense of harmony and tranquility to a space , echoing natural earthy tones. It's the perfect choice for those seeking to connect with nature and create a relaxing atmosphere in their surroundings. Its versatility makes it a perfect match for other colors , such as olive green, powder pink, or gold accents, giving interiors a warm and cozy feel.

Pantone Color of the Year in Interior Design and Lighting – How to Use It?

In the lighting industry , Pantone Colors of the Year are reflected both in the shades of lamp shades and the light they emit . Designer lamps often draw inspiration from the latest color trends, allowing for the creation of modern, fashionable arrangements. Depending on the style of the interior, you can choose lamps in the shades of the year, which will serve as a subtle decorative accent or become a striking design element. Modern technologies also enable the use of intelligent LED bulbs , which can be adapted to the selected Pantone shade, changing the lighting color depending on the mood or occasion .

It's worth remembering that lighting not only influences the perception of colors but also the atmosphere in a room. Warm light can emphasize the coziness of trendy shades like deep beige, terracotta, or olive green, creating a harmonious and soothing space. Cool light, on the other hand, blends beautifully with modern, minimalist designs, emphasizing the purity and elegance of shades like blues, grays, and muted pastels. With the right lighting, you can not only highlight the Pantone Color of the Year but also create an interior tailored to your individual needs and lifestyle.

Is it worth considering the color of the year when choosing lighting?

Many customers wonder which trendy color should be featured in their interiors this year. Of course, not every trend will suit every home, but introducing fashionable accents, such as designer lamps, allows for a subtle refresh without the need for a major renovation .

Thanks to our wide selection of lighting inspired by current trends, you can easily adapt your interior to the latest styles. Whether you prefer classic forms or modern minimalism, choosing the right lamp in line with the current Pantone Color of the Year will allow you to create a contemporary interior .

What color is trending this year? This is a question answered every December when Pantone announces its decision. Whether you want to completely transform your interior or just add subtle accents, inspiration from the latest color trends is a great way to refresh your space! At ePlafoniera, you'll find fashionable lamps in this color that will perfectly complement current interior design trends.

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