The psychological aspects of color go deep into
the roots of human nature. For anyone working with color it is
important to understand the impact that color can have. It can alter
the appearance of a room, making it look spacious or cozy, and larger
or smaller than it is. It can highlight architectural flaws or hide
them. It can create a visual impression of warmth or coolness, as
well as a feeling of tranquility or energy.
Color perception is subjective. The colors people
like or dislike are a matter of personal preference. Still, some
generalizations are possible in the reactions that various colors
evoke in people. Based on many sources, here are some typical psychological
responses to various colors.
| Yellow: |
Yellow is the most visible color and, as such, draws attention. Bright yellows have been found to heighten anger and anxiety. However because of its warmth, yellow can receive a welcome response. Especially a light yellow. Gold, which is a shaded yellow, is considered formal and traditional.
|
| Orange: |
Orange is responded to as cheerful and friendly. Muted orange is viewed as informal. As a mixture of red and yellow, is a very warm color. |
| Red: |
Red has a great deal of emotional impact. It can actually increase a person's heart rate and increase blood pressure. Red is associated with passion, and encourages action and aggressiveness. Red is also a very warm color. |
| Violet (Purple): |
Violet (Purple) is often regarded as a power color and is considered ostentatious in its "royal purple" shade. Red purples are warm while blue purples are cold. Purple by itself is a very dark color. |
| Blue: |
Blue is a very popular color. It feels "cool" and calming. Clear midtone blues are tranquilizing. Navy blue is thought to represent trustworthiness and stability. |
| Green: |
Green is the dominant color in nature and, as such, is considered relaxing and restful. Greens are mostly "cool", but a very yellow-green could be classified as warm. A rich dark blue-green is very popular. |
| Brown: |
Brown: A mixture of all three primaries, brown can be either very gray or a deep reddish tone. Most browns are warm. High value browns (beiges, creams) are considered neutral because they coordinate easily with most other colors. |
| Gray: |
Grays can be either warm (umber, red, or yellow based) or cool (blue, green based). Very few grays are just a mixture of black and white. They are usually any color that has had a lot of white/black mixed with it. Grays look best accented with bright, clean colors. |
| White: |
White is thought to denote delicacy, refinement, sophistication, cleanliness and purity. Pure white can be harsh in bright climates, and will gray in overcast weather. Off-whites are the most popular types of white. |
| Black: |
Black is the power color. It is responded to as dignified and sophisticated. It is a very dark color that absorbs light/heat energy. It enhances any color it is coordinated with. |
Psychology
of Color:
