Blog >> The Psychology of Colour
Colours are all
around us every day - our eyes are constantly stimulated by light from the
visible light spectrum, not to mention the shades and hues that further
diversify each of the primary colours. It is pitiful that we often neglect the
effects they have on our psychological and emotional states. The role of
colours take on an essential role in our daily lives, one of the most apparent
examples being that of female toilets being demarcated with lighter, more
feminine tones and the male ones with masculine, boyish hues. Within the
commercial and business sector, the psychology of colour is used widely in
marketing and branding tactics in companies worldwide with the intention to
influence emotions and perceptions of consumers towards products or brand
names. This blog post will serve to elaborate on how the psychology of colour
affects our daily lives and how we can utilize them to our advantage.
We
begin with the strongest colour in the visible spectrum - the bold red. Red is
associated with physical strength, courage and energy. Being attention
grabbing, it stimulates and increases the pulse rate, allowing for effective
use in traffic lights. It may at times also seem demanding, aggressive and
headstrong; one finds it hard to turn away from an individual dressed in a
strong shade of this colour. Red paint can be used in the painting of the dining
room or workout room due to its stimulating properties.
Next
on the list is the neutral and calming blue. Often associated with
intelligence, trust and serenity, blue is soothing and calming. Hinting of
clear communication and efficiency, blue objects tend to revitalize the spirit
and aid in concentration. In home decoration, blue is a desirable choice for
use in bathrooms to give a sense of cleanliness and freshness.
Yellow,
though not as popular as red or blue, exudes within the individual a multitude of
emotions related to optimism, confidence and extraversion. Being a friendly and
creative colour, yellow is regarded as the most psychologically stimulating
colour in the visible spectrum - even more so than red. However, it would be
wise to use it in moderation; an excess of colour or wrong choice of tone may
evoke feelings of fear and anxiety. Yellow, when mixed with an appropriate
shade of green, finds use on the walls of the workout room, where it brings
about "happiness" and "exuberance".
We
move on to the most harmonious and refreshing colour - green. With regards to
the effects of colour, green signifies balance, peace and equilibrium. Being in
the centre of the spectrum, it's importance is often ignored. Being surrounded
by this colour gives a feeling of safety, reassurance and restful, allowing one
to enter a state of harmony. Green is most suitable for use in the study room
or office of the modern home as it encourages one to concentrate for long hours
on end.
Purple
or violet, having the shortest wavelength in the spectrum, brings one's
awareness to an elevated level that some might even describe as being
spiritual. It stimulates introspection, contemplation and meditation and has
strong associations with royalty and fine quality. It is no surprise that this
colour, being the combination of the strong red and calming blue, represents
the harmony of the universe in Chinese paintings. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the
Sahasrara or crown chakra is often coloured in violet as a form of veneration
and reverence for the seventh primary chakra. The effects of colour therefore
play an important role in spirituality and religion as well.
We
often experience the effects of colour in countless forms while going about our
activities. Unknown to many, colours do exert a subtle yet compelling force on
our moods, emotions and eventual actions. It would be wise to incorporate
careful consideration and psychology of colour in planning and design, whether
for commercial or private reasons. In essence, colour is a tool that can and
should be used to optimize the ways in which we function and operate.
Tradeasia
International supplies chemicals that allow for the various shades of paint to
be produced. Check us out at http://www.paint-chemicals.com or contact us
at contact@chemtradeasia.com
for further details.