A Papersmiths Forecast
As we step into 2026, the world of stationery is taking a thoughtful turn. Designers are embracing richer colour stories, nostalgic references and a renewed appreciation for craft - all shaped by a backdrop of mindful spending and a collective desire for items that truly last. This year is all about pieces that feel uplifting, intelligent and delightfully intentional.
Here’s our forecast of the trends shaping desks, studios and pencil cases in 2026.
Trending Colours
Shades of Blue
Blue emerges as the colour family of the year - and not just one blue, but an ombré of three leading shades. From inky midnight to crisp cornflower and soft mineral tints, blue brings a sense of clarity and calm to our everyday tools.
It’s timeless, dependable and inherently tactile. Expect to see blue across everything from hardcover journals to pen barrels and desktop storage. With interiors and fashion both leaning heavily into these hues, stationery is following suit in beautifully layered, soothing ways.
Papersmiths Picks:
Earthy Greens + Grounded Neutrals
As sustainability continues to shape consumer choices - with low-spend lifestyles prioritising quality over quantity - the palette naturally leans into the earthy. Picture olive greens, mossy tones, peat browns and warm clay.
These hues speak to longevity and nature, giving stationery a quiet, steady confidence. Expect tactile papers, recycled stocks and organic textures, all reinforcing the shift toward mindful, meaningful consumption.
Papersmiths Picks:
-
Trunk Shape Toolbox - Military Green
- Clissold Notebook
-
Papersmiths Exclusive Five Minute Journal - Mocha Brown
Trends Emerging...
Preppy Nouveau
Preppy is back - but she’s had a refresh. Think collegiate classics reimagined for contemporary creatives: varsity striping, heritage typography, monogram moments and impeccably tidy layouts.
This trend leans heavily into structure with playful twists. Stationery feels as at home in a study hall as it does on a beautifully curated desk. Expect refined patterns, crisp borders, bold serif fonts and colour combinations like navy + cream or red + forest green.
Papersmiths Picks:
- Wouf Crochet Phone Bag - Mistral
-
2026 My Journal Weekly Diary - Green Stripes
-
2026 Wirebound Weekly Diary - Bottle Green
The 80s Revival
The 80s are resurfacing, but not in neon. Instead, designers are exploring graphic simplicity: geometric repetition, softened Memphis shapes, gridded layouts and retro-inspired iconography.
It’s nostalgic without being loud - joyful without going kitsch. This revival brings personality back to the page, adding character to notebooks, planners and desk accessories alike.
Papersmiths Picks:
- Uma Ruled Notebook - Large / Yellow Check
- New Vintage Notebook Ruled - Red
- Everyday Pen - Lunar Blue
Colourful Contrasts
2026’s palette is polarised in the best possible way. Bold brights meet grounded earth tones, creating combinations that pop without overwhelming. Think deep reds against cool blues, forest greens beside warm neutrals, and unexpected hits of citrus or berry.
The mood is confident yet controlled. These contrasts - echoed across fashion and interiors - give stationery a lively energy while still feeling beautifully considered.
Papersmiths Picks:
Pantone’s Pick - Not One You’ll Spot Often at Papersmiths...
(Pantone Colour of the Year 2026)
Pantone has named Cloud Dancer, an airy, soft white, as its Colour of the Year for 2026. While white isn’t a regular on our shelves - we’ve always had a soft spot for the brights, the bolds and the beautifully unexpected - we admire Cloud Dancer as a symbol of clarity and fresh beginnings.
It’s the blank page before the ideas arrive. A quiet moment amidst this year’s vibrant colour stories. And perhaps the perfect base note for everything to come.
Looking Ahead
2026 stationery is a harmonious blend of optimism, nostalgia and intentional living. Bold contrasts meet calming palettes. Heritage styles sit alongside retro playfulness. And every trend is underpinned by a desire for quality, sustainability and design that sparks joy day after day.
