The Psychology of Colors

color psychology

There’s no denying that colors play a big role in making life so beautiful: a sunny blue sky, a shiny red apple, and of course, the almighty rainbow. These little details make such a positive impact on our lives, but does each one bring about its own emotions? This question has been asked many times over the years, and the answers seem to change every so often. Let’s find out the truth.

History

Mankind has always had a passion for exploring how our minds work, and how different factors affect how we feel. Colors specifically have been studied and used for various therapeutic measures since ancient Egyptian and Chinese cultures. This technique is referred to as chromotherapy, and is still applied by some alternative healing sources to this day. Some examples of this therapy are the use of red to stimulate the body and mind, indigo to rid the body of skin concerns, and orange to treat the lungs while also increasing energy levels.

Most of today’s psychologists agree that the psychology of colors is not that simple. There is still an agreement that different colors create a different effect on our moods, but it gets more complicated from there. There’s also a relatively new understanding that different cultures associate colors differently. Our experiences and the people around us play a major factor in our color association.

Another change is a belief that while colors can change our mood, the emotions they create are temporary. There have also been new theories on specific colors. For example, red has been associated with an increase in speed and force, while blue is seen to have a calming effect. Of course, there will continue to be new developments discovered as we keep exploring the psychology of colors.

Branding

Like all psychological developments, it didn’t take long for companies to begin exploring how these effects could benefit their wallet. For example, red is generally regarded as the color the stimulates our appetite. It could be a coincidence that many of our favorite restaurant chains like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, and KFC have red displayed prominently in their logo, but we think not. Black, on the other hand, is associated with luxury, which is why Prada, Michael Kors, and Chanel can all be seen with black logos. Looking for a more feminine audience? Companies like the National Breast Cancer Foundation have found that pink is effective!

Rainbow Paint Has the Colors You Need!

No matter what emotion you’re trying to draw from an audience, or if you simply want a room in your home to create a specific atmosphere, Farrow & Ball has the perfect option. Not only do they have a wide variety of colors, but their unique ingredients allow each color to flourish in different lights. Learn more about this fantastic brand here, and contact us for more information.