Why does a red car make you want to drive faster? Why are people dressed in black so intimidating? Would that same person be intimidating if they were all dressed in white? It’s strange how something so simple as a color can entirely change the way we think about something. Whether you’re marketing something or just redecorating your home, knowing the psychological effects of color can make a huge difference. Here are a few colors and how we react to them.
White: In most countries the color white is associated with purity, cleanliness and safety. Doctors usually wear white coats for these reasons and brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White rooms appear to be more spacious. In some eastern countries the color white resembles mourning and grief.
Black: This is the color of authority and power. It can signify evil, dominance and mystery. In some cases it can be submissive and in most countries it signifies death.
Red: This color has been shown to increase heart rate. It creates excitement and intensity and is associated with love, warmth and comfort. It is also associated with intensity and anger. The color red draws attention and brings strong emotions.
Blue: The opposite of red. The color blue has been shown to lower heart rate and create a feeling of calmness and relaxation. it can also create a feeling of sadness and loneliness. Studies have also shown that people are more productive in blue rooms.
Green: The color of nature. It also represents money, good luck, generosity, learning, fertility and envy. It brings a feeling of calmness. Guests waiting to appear on television shows often wait in a “green room” to calm their nerves before standing in front of an audience. It has shown to reduce stress and is subconsciously reminds us of the peacefulness of nature.
Yellow: A cheerful color. It has proven to stimulate the brain and bring out creative thoughts. The color yellow, however, is a very reflective color and can cause strain on the eyes. It can also create feelings of frustration and anger. Although it is a cheerful color, people are more likely to lose their tempers and babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms.
Purple: This color is associated with royalty, wealth, luxury and sophistication. It is known to relieve shock and fear and help with relieving emotional disturbances. It is also a feminine color associated with beauty, spirituality and compassion.
Orange: A positive color. It is an energetic combination of yellow and red that brings feelings of warmth, ambition and enthusiasm. It also relieves feelings of depression and self-pity and promotes good health.
Pink: A very sexual color. it is associated with love and romance and sparks curiosity.
Brown: An earthy tone. It brings feelings of strength, stability and a sense of belonging. It is a masculine color that implies genuineness and a sense of security. In India the color brown resembles death.
