Pantone recently announced that the 2020 color of the year is “Classic Blue.”

Pantone Color Institute described the shade as “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”

Compared to last years color of the year, living coral, classic blue is on the other side of the color wheel. Coral was a bright and spunky shade while blue is simplistic and elegant. Pantone chose to do this based on what state our society is in at this time.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute said, “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith… Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.”

To help designers, companies, and artists use the new shade, Pantone made a set of color palettes that include Classic Blue. They created 5 unique palettes of colors called Ponder, Snorkel, Dessert Twilight, Exotic Tastes, and Untraditional. Each one has a totally different color scheme, so everyone can find a way to use the color.

Many brands have collaborated with Pantone to make “color of the year” collections. The bracelet company, Lokai, is donating $1 from each Classic Blue bracelet to fund art education in underserved communities. Kravet Inc, a home furnishing business, made a line of classic blue home decor including lamps, art work, pillows, and bowls. Lastly, Adobe Stock partnered with Pantone to offer a “handpicked Color of the Year collection of imagery to inspire creators and bring colour to life.”

Even though Classic Blue has been a standard color throughout history, it will be making an even bigger appearance in 2020.