Why Pantone's color of the year 2025 is a simple brown

Get to know the inconspicuous color.

In recent years, Pantone has chosen some really eye-catching, bold hues as Color of the Year. Remember Viva Magenta from 2023? Or bright, a bright yellow that was just one of two colors of 2021? And we can't forget Living Coral in 2019 and Tangerine Tango in 2012.

But for the color of the year 2025, Pantone chose brown. Yes, brown, but don't call it boring. In fact, the color authority hopes it will make us reconsider the hue, which is typically muted, dull, and fundamentally neutral. Brown tones can actually be luxurious, soothing and rich. Say hello to the newest It color, Mocha Mousse 17-1230, a warm and deep brown tone.

“Underpinned by our desire for everyday joys, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Sophisticated and lush, yet an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expands our perception of brown tones from humble and down-to-earth to ambitious and luxurious. With subtle elegance and earthy sophistication, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse presents a discreet and tasteful touch of glamour. PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is a tasteful shade of brown that envelops us in its sensual warmth.”

If you think about it, the choice makes a lot of sense. How many times have you heard the words “quiet luxury,” “little treat,” or “understated” on social media in the past year? It seems that the entire population (or at least people on the internet) is drawn to the small, simple pleasures in life. With the choice of color, Pantone captured the “global mood of connection, comfort and harmony.”

“For Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we strive for a soft brown tone whose inherent richness and sensual and comforting warmth further expands our desire for comfort and the enjoyment of simple pleasures that we can give and share with others,” adds Laurie added Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute.

Since the Pantone Color of the Year can have a big impact across all consumer categories – home & design, fashion, beauty, tech and more – Mocha Mousse may be seen everywhere in the coming year. To get you a head start on the color trend, take a look at some mocha mousse-inspired items below.

1 from 7Courtesy of Spoonflower

Spoonflower x Pantone Marigold Strings Mocha Mousse wallpaper

The wallpaper brand Spoonflower has developed a special collection in this color in collaboration with Pantone.

Spoonflower x Pantone Marigold Strings Mocha Mousse Wallpaper, $9

2 from 7Courtesy of Joybird

Joybird Briar sofa bed

Mocha mousse would look great on a sofa, right? Joybird has partnered with Pantone to offer the Color of the Year in its range of colors for select furniture.

Joybird Briar Sofa Bed, $2,287

3 from 7Courtesy of Kosas

Kosas Wet Stick at 100 degrees

Add the warm neutral shade to your makeup routine to achieve a “no makeup makeup” look.

Kosas Wet Stick in 100 Degrees, $24

4 from 7Courtesy of article

Item Grilo velvet cushion

If you don't want to go all brown in your decor, add some accessories in the color of the year.

Item Grilo Velvet Pillow, $49

5 from 7

Lulu & Georgia Vintage Turkish Hand-Knotted Wool Rug No. 243

Lulu & Georgia Vintage Turkish Hand-Knotted Wool Rug #243, $2,888

6 from 7Courtesy of Revolve

Sonic Magsafe iPhone 16 Pro case

Dress your phone in the trending color.

Sonic Magsafe iPhone 16 Pro Case, $40

7 from 7Courtesy of Olive & June.

Olive & June Quick Dry Polish in fawn brown

It's easy to try out the shade on your nails – if you don't like it, just remove it with nail polish remover. But we believe the neutral shade is a universal shade that almost everyone will love.

Olive & June Quick Dry Polish in Fawn, $8

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