Opinion: The psychology of colour
Colour psychology offers a natural, intuitive approach to enhancing well-being
By Viiveck Verma
From the quiet calm of a blue sky to the fiery passion of a red sunset, colour has a formidable influence on our lives. Aside from its presence all around us, from the walls of our homes to the foods we eat, it also influences our mood, behaviour, and perception in ways we often overlook.
Research in colour psychology has revealed that colour affects us on a subconscious level, shaping our experiences and even our choices. While much of this knowledge has long been in use in advertising and marketing, the implications of colour psychology are vast, offering applications in mental health, urban planning, and beyond.
Warm and Cool
Colours are most easily categorised into ‘warm’ and ‘cool’ tones. Warm-tone colours like reds, yellows and oranges, are generally associated with energy, excitement and action. Cool-tone colours like blue, green and purple, on the other hand, tend to be calming and are often related to feelings of relaxation and peace. For example, red has been shown to increase heart rate, which may explain why it is commonly used in environments that encourage a call to action, like gyms or fast-food restaurants. Conversely, blue has been found to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of stability, probably why it is often the colour of choice for spas, hospitals and corporate offices aiming for a calm environment. Green, uniquely, straddles both categories. Known as a restful colour, it represents nature and renewal, making it a popular choice in design settings that seek to promote relaxation while maintaining an undertone of vitality. Some studies have even shown that exposure to green can improve reading ability and concentration, likely due to its natural, non-intrusive qualities.
Whether through the vibrancy of a red accent wall or the calming effect of a blue workspace, the power of colour is an ever-present force in our lives
Beyond mood, colours can also influence behaviour in subtle but impactful ways. For instance, research has shown that people tend to perform better on tests when surrounded by blue or green colours rather than red, as these cooler tones promote focus and reduce stress. Conversely, red has been shown to increase caution and alertness, likely due to its associations with danger in nature. In workplaces, productivity has been found to increase in environments dominated by warm tones like yellow, which is believed to inspire energy and creativity. This is something that some of our workspaces lit up by cool white sources of light should ponder upon.
Similarly, colours can impact our purchasing decisions, which is why retailers meticulously select colour schemes that align with their brand identities. Luxury brands often utilise black, gold and silver to evoke a sense of exclusivity, while discount stores use bright colours to communicate affordability, broader accessibility and appeal to bargain-seekers.
Cultural Influences
It’s essential to recognise that our perception of colour is also shaped by cultural influences. In Western cultures, for instance, white is commonly associated with purity and innocence, while in contrast in Eastern cultures, it symbolises mourning and death. This cultural variation affects how colours are used in design, advertising, and personal expression. The cultural impact of colour psychology is especially important for global brands, which must consider these associations to effectively communicate across different societies. For instance, while red signifies good fortune in China, it might convey caution or danger in other parts of the world.
Most interestingly, the psychological impact of colour is, perhaps, most profound on an individual level. People often gravitate toward colours that resonate with their personalities, and, over time, these colours can shape their behaviour and even their outlook on life. Those who surround themselves with calming colours, like blue or green, may find that they become more introspective and centred. Conversely, individuals drawn to vibrant colours may find they have an increased sense of energy and confidence.
Scientific exploration into colour’s impact on emotion and cognition offers compelling, if sometimes debated, insights. Studies have shown that exposure to certain colours can trigger physiological responses — warm tones like red and orange can elevate blood pressure and stimulate appetite, while cooler tones like blue and purple have been found to decrease blood pressure and create a calming effect.
Interestingly, colour is also used therapeutically in some practices, like colour therapy or chromotherapy, which relies on exposure to specific hues to treat mental and physical conditions. While research in this area is still evolving, it’s clear that colour has measurable effects on our physical state, influencing our moods and reactions. However, scientific evidence on colour’s impact on mood and behaviour remains somewhat divided. While many studies support the idea that colour can indeed influence psychological states, others argue that the effect is often overstated and heavily influenced by cultural conditioning. This ongoing debate highlights that, although colour can guide emotions and behaviours, its impact is neither uniform nor absolute.
Choosing Colours
At the individual level, given the psychological influence of colour, how can individuals harness its effects in everyday life? Choosing colours for personal spaces, like a home or workspace, can be a powerful tool in shaping mood and productivity. Opting for blue or green tones in a bedroom may foster relaxation, while bright, energising colours in a kitchen or study can enhance alertness and creativity. Understanding how colour affects mood also extends to clothing, wearing red to boost confidence, or choosing white for a feeling of freshness.
Moreover in our daily lives where screens are constant, colour choices in user interfaces and digital design matter, too. This is why many app developers have started using ‘dark mode’ or softer colour schemes, as excessive exposure to bright light and high-contrast colours can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Embracing thoughtful colour choices across physical and digital environments can create harmony and comfort, a subtle yet meaningful influence on daily life.
In a world that is increasingly aware of the importance of mental health, colour psychology offers a natural, intuitive approach to enhancing mood and well-being. Whether through the vibrancy of a red accent wall or the calming effect of a blue workspace, the power of colour remains an ever-present force in our lives, one that can be harnessed to improve not only our individual outlooks but, perhaps, the world around us.
(The author is founder & CEO, Upsurge Global, co-founder, Global Carbon Warriors, and Adjunct Professor, EThames College)
