Pantone Rings in 2020 with a Classic Choice: Classic Blue

The color king chooses classic blue as its color of the year

If there are fifty shades of gray, count on triple that for an old favorite: blue. Pantone gets this and, in typical fashion, is not afraid to lean on it for its 2020 “color of the year” designation.

The marquee source for go-to color advice, Pantone Color Institute™ supplies designers, graphic and print artists, and hobbyists with definitive hue-related tips and hints. Its licensed shades offer industry standard consistency as they create vivid, sublime, or subtle colors. For 2020, Pantone has selected classic blue as its annual designee.

And classic it is, as this version of blue is a compelling blend of rich and neutral, dark and medium; its utility in home interior design, clothing, and art is unlimited. Blue is making a comeback in the second decade of the 21st Century, and Pantone is celebrating in style. This is a win-win for designers of denim clothing, and an intriguing potential boost for designers of modern furnishings.

Among shades on the master list of Pantone blues that sing the blues are navy to royal, French to robin’s egg, and sky to Copen. Classic blue seems to be a happy medium with contemporary significance. Find it in bed linens, tapestries, furniture finishes, artwork, and even kitchen appliances. Blessed with versatility, it’s still a really gorgeous shade you’ll want to focus on and work with.
 
Seeing is believing
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Consider this eye-catching paint job, courtesy of none other than classic blue:

​Classic blue velvet offers a rich, romantic feel to this velvet upholstered chair:

​And casual is as casual does, with this high-top sports shoe reaping the benefits of Pantone’s honored color:

The beauty of blue – outside of its inherent good looks – is a blend-ability factor that’s somewhat new. Feel free to mesh classic blue with spring green, coral, and orange. Or tone it down with metal-based golds, platinums, and antique bronzes. Mix it with other variations of blue, including deep navy, pale sky, and rich royal.

Find more inspirational and instructive tips on weaving classic blue into a décor scheme, fashion-forward wardrobe, or custom paint choices on Pantone’s voluminous website. Experts in color-blending and pigmentation will offer suggestions on making good use of classic blue and Pantone’s seemingly endless color wheel.
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If you’ve waited for an excuse to repurpose a favorite color you’d feared had cycled out of relevance, celebrate its return with a classic version that coordinates beautifully alongside other palettes, breathing new life into fashion, art, and interior décor. Find an unforgettable application of a classic color that spans a sea of blues.