Color Psychology

The psychology of color is fascinating, and every day there are growing studies revealing more about the impact that color has on our lives. For instance…

RED: increases pulse rate and breathing, and causes blood pressure to rise. Infants and children respond well to red, and people who love red usually love life. Red is said to be for the optimistic, outspoken and amorous, though sometimes it can be an aggressive color, as in the waving of a red flag in front of a bull. It signifies strength, power, passion and can signify danger.

YELLOW: is the color of those with a sunny disposition. It indicates loyalty and idealism. Intellectuals seem to love yellow, though yellow can cause negative effects in some. Babies cry more often, and longer, in yellow rooms if kept there for long periods of time.

BLUE: is the #1 color of the educated, well-to-do and introspective. Blue causes the brain to send off 11 chemical tranquilizers and is a wonderfully calming color (think of the ocean).

ORANGE: is not a color that everyone loves, but those who call it their favorite are generally very social, jovial and fun loving. It reminds us of sunshine and happiness and is a stimulating color.

PINK: feels a bit pampered and prosperous, like the saying “in the pink”. Pink has been effective in removing aggression and weakening muscles. Jails have tried to paint walls pink, for that reason, though they’ve found that after about 15 minutes, the aggression returns. Pink is being used in the treatment of patients suffering from headache disorders.

PURPLE: is the color of kings, royalty and fantasy. Frank Sinatra was said to have loved purple. Kings and Catholic Priests wear purple robes during Advent and Lent for the coming of Christ. The singer, Prince, once said that his reference to Purple Rain was, “When there’s blood in the sky- red and blue turns to purple,” and that “purple rain pertains to the end of the world and being with the one you love, and letting your faith/God guide you through the purple rain.

ORCHID: is never used in elevators, boats or planes because it is a nauseating color. Orchid is said to be the most disliked color. Blondes seem to wear orchid successfully, but it is not a color that looks good on many people.

GREEN: is often represented as a good color for people in transition. Because green is a combination of happy yellow and tranquil blue, green is a stress reducer. This is why spas often paint their walls a tranquil green, for its calming nature. Green signifies wisdom, loyalty and confidence.

PEACH AND CORAL: are considered the best colors for cosmetics due to their soft “peachy glow.” Peach and coral are very cheerful colors and Coral is said to be the color of the year for 2019.

GRAY: is considered a great color for offices, because it promotes productivity and stimulates creativity.

BLACK: produces a feeling of solidarity and formality. It is not considered a color because black objects absorb all of the colors of the visible spectrum and reflects none of them back to the eyes. If appropriate proportions of three primary pigments are mixed, the result reflects so little light, it is referred to as “black.” Black is associated with mystery, elegance and power.

WHITE: never underestimate the power of this super neutral. One color, plus white, equals an almost foolproof color scheme. It is associated with cleanliness, positivity and purity.