Pinterest Unveils The Colour Palette For 2026

The Colours Shaping Visual Language In 2026

Pinterest has once again published its annual colour trend forecast. Pinterest Palette™ 2026 consists of five distinctive hues derived from what people actively search for, save, and explore on the platform. Rather than isolate trends, these colours appear across categories and form complete aesthetic worlds.

The 2026 palette includes:

• Cool Blue – a clean, icy blue emphasising calm and focus

• Jade – a green between mint and moss, blending serenity with sophistication

• Plum Noir – a dark, rich purple with undertones of burgundy and brown.

• Wasabi – a vivid chartreuse delivering high visual energy

• Persimmon – a warm blend of orange and red associated with joy and optimism

Pinterest describes these as “full-volume colours”, intentionally bold hues designed to carry emotional presence rather than subtlety.

Source: Pinterest

Why Colours Are Changing: Emotion As A Design Function

According to Pinterest, people in 2026 are seeking colours with “emotional utility”.

Colour is no longer just decorative; it plays a role in how people choose to feel and how they show up in everyday life. These colours are associated with creating a sense of calm amid constant noise, supporting optimism, and offering escape, playfulness, or focus.

This shift also signals a move away from the long-standing dominance of quiet, neutral palettes. As noted by Xanthe Wells, VP of Global Creative at Pinterest, people are increasingly ready to be more expressive and experimental with how their environments reflect their inner world.

How Pinterest Identifies Colour Trends

Pinterest Palette™ is informed by three core inputs: analysis of user behaviour such as searches, saves, and interactions; proprietary visual search technology; and expert curation by Pinterest’s in-house colour specialists.

The team analyses billions of data points from global platform usage, examining not only individual colours but also how they appear together across categories. This approach reveals broader aesthetic patterns rather than isolated colour moments.

New for 2026 are sub-palettes that combine colours, such as Cool Blue with Wasabi or Persimmon with Plum Noir, to amplify mood and visual impact.

What This Means For E-commerce

From an e-commerce perspective, Pinterest Palette™ 2026 can be read as a signal of a broader shift towards bolder, more emotionally expressive use of colour. Visual identity increasingly reflects how consumers want to feel, not only how products are presented.

The move away from neutral palettes suggests growing acceptance of stronger visual statements, particularly in inspiration-led categories. Pinterest’s emphasis on colour combinations rather than individual tones also highlights the importance of cohesive colour systems across digital touchpoints.