Every year, Pantone—a global authority on color standardization—announces its Colour of the Year. For 2021, Pantone selected two shades: Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating. These independent colors symbolize strength and optimism, reflecting how different elements can support each other. At Bean Bags R Us, we’re excited to introduce these trending colors into our range of indoor and outdoor polyester bean bags. Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2021 perfectly captures the spirit of hope and resilience as the world moves beyond the pandemic.
How Pantone Revolutionized Color Referencing in the Fabric Industry
For designers, accurate color referencing is essential. Pantone transformed the industry in 1963 with the Pantone Matching System (PMS), providing a universal language for color communication. PMS assigns unique codes to over 10,000 colors, enabling consistent reproduction across textiles, interiors, beauty, and industrial design. Before Pantone, color standards were vague and inconsistent, leading to production errors and brand confusion. Lawrence Herbert, who joined Pantone in 1956, recognized the need for precision and bought the company in 1962. His vision led to the creation of the first color-matching system, allowing manufacturers worldwide to reproduce colors accurately and consistently.
Thank You, Lawrence Herbert
Herbert’s innovation eliminated inconsistencies in product colors, helping brands like Coca-Cola maintain their signature shades globally. Pantone’s flipbooks, featuring blocks of color, became the industry standard. By distributing these guides worldwide, Pantone established itself as the go-to reference for color, except in Japan. The system’s widespread adoption made Pantone the default language of color in design and manufacturing.
Pantone Color Systems: PMS and FHI
Pantone offers two main systems: the Pantone Matching System (PMS) for print, packaging, and digital design, and the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors (FHI) system for textiles, soft goods, and coatings. PMS is ideal for graphics and packaging, while FHI caters to the needs of interior designers and apparel manufacturers. Pantone’s systems ensure color consistency across different materials and industries, helping businesses make confident, color-critical decisions.
Pantone Colour of the Year 2021: Meaning and Impact
Pantone’s Colour of the Year initiative, launched over 20 years ago, has turned color trends into global phenomena. The selection process involves thoughtful consideration and trend analysis, drawing from influences in film, fashion, technology, travel, and lifestyle. The goal is to choose colors that capture the mood of the times and inspire designers worldwide.
Previous Years
In 2020, Classic Blue 19-4052 reflected the somber mood of the pandemic, while 2017’s Greenery 15-0343 highlighted environmental awareness. Other notable colors include Radiant Orchid (2014), Marsala (2015), and Living Coral (2019). Pantone’s annual selection process is secretive, with representatives from global color standards agencies meeting to debate and decide the next trend-setting shade. Designers use Pantone’s choices to guide product development and stay ahead of consumer preferences.
Pantone’s Consulting and Influence
Pantone leverages its expertise through the Pantone Color Institute, offering consulting services to help brands choose impactful colors. The Institute provides tailored advice, considering competition, brand vision, and consumer psychology. Major brands across industries rely on Pantone’s insights to differentiate themselves and drive sales. Color consulting has become a powerful tool for brand identity and market success.
Pantone as a Style Icon
Beyond color standards, Pantone has become a style icon, generating revenue from branded merchandise like mugs and home goods. Designers and consumers alike embrace Pantone’s products, making the brand a household name. This diversification has expanded Pantone’s reach beyond its core community of designers to millions of consumers worldwide.
The Future of Pantone
Pantone continues to innovate in the digital age, adapting its color systems for RGB and HTML applications. The MyPantone app, launched in 2009, allows users to capture and visualize colors from photos, further cementing Pantone’s relevance in a digital world. As a trusted authority on color, Pantone remains at the heart of global design, shaping trends and inspiring creativity.
Wrapping Up: Pantone Colour of the Year 2021
Pantone Colour of the Year 2021—Ultimate Gray and Illuminating—reflects the challenges and hopes of the pandemic era. The combination of yellow and gray is both uplifting and contemplative, symbolizing resilience and optimism. At Bean Bags R Us, we’re proud to feature these colors in our latest collections. Curious about color perception? Click here to learn more. As Pantone looks ahead, expect future Color of the Year selections to continue reflecting global events and cultural shifts, with a focus on meaningful, trend-setting shades.