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You are here > Home > How To Guides > Decorating > Colour Psychology

Colour Psychology




 
 
Is there psychology to colour?
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Violet
Pink
Brown
White
Grey
Black
   
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Is there psychology to colour?

Why are red colours perceived as `warmer` than blue colours? Are people more relaxed in green rooms? Do weightlifters perform better in blue gyms? Much has been written over the years on the subject of colour psychology, the question is, are the theories more anecdotal than scientific fact?

It can be said without doubt that colour does inspire and people do associate a variety qualities with different colours. However, colours often have different meanings in various cultures and even within Western societies, the meanings of some colors have changed and developed over the years.

Generally speaking, the following emotional, physical and behavioural attributes are assigned to the colours listed below. Of course, you need to consider your own personal associations and preferences for colour.
 
 
   
 

Red

Emotional: love, passion, vitality, danger, courage

Physical: increase blood pressure, increases respiratory rate, aids digestion, increases strength, attracts attention, stimulates appetite

Behavioural: aggressive, impulsive, sensual, extreme, physical, athletic, bullying

 

 

Colour Psychology -  -  - how to guide from Mitre 10 New Zealand.
*see note
 
 
   
 

Orange

Emotional: active, cheer, boldness, vigor, exuberance

Physical: decreases irritability, decreases hostility, improves social behaviour

Behavioural: gregarious, jovial, active, pleasure seeking, social, fickle, extroverted
 
 
   
 

Yellow

Emotional: optimism , cheer, irritability, annoyance, wisdom, warmth

Physical: increases irritability, increases hostility, sharpens memory, aids digestion, stimulates circulation, stimulates appetite

Behavioural: caution, introspection, debate, communication, egotism, discrimination, innovation
 
 
   
 

Green

Emotional: growth, birth, envy, jealousy, inexperience, wealth, refreshment, compassion

Physical: rejuvenation, balance, expansiveness

Behavioural: moderation, conventional, normalcy, tradition, balance, quietly social

 

 

Colour Psychology -  -  - how to guide from Mitre 10 New Zealand.
*see note
 
 
   
 

Blue

Emotional: serenity, tranquility, loyalty, peace, sincerity, sadness, justice

Physical: lowers blood pressure, slows respiratory rate, cooling and relaxing, antidote for red

Behavioural: conceptual, responsible, dogmatic, pragmatic, rigid, manipulative, loyal, conservative, astute, authoritative

 

 

Colour Psychology -  -  - how to guide from Mitre 10 New Zealand.
*see note
 
 
   
 

Violet

Emotional: royalty, supremacy, quietness, reverence

Physical: lowers blood pressure, depresses appetite, quietens overactive glands and organs, quietens overactive internal dialogue

Behavioural: elegance, day dreaming, spiritual, philosophical, reverence, lateral thinking, creativity
 
 
   
 

Pink

Emotional: emotional, guarded

Physical: weakens muscles, stimulates sweet tooth

Behavioural: gentle, protective, friendly, indulged
 
 
   
 

Brown

Emotional: earthiness, casual, natural, embraced, tranquil, safe, bored

Physical: encompassed, dull

Behavioural: homespun, reliable, shrewd, stable, sturdy, ultraconservative
 
 
   
 

White

Emotional: joy, innocence, hope, cleanliness, purity, enlightenment, implies sterility

Behavioural: individualism, idealism, indecision, optimism

 

 

Colour Psychology -  -  - how to guide from Mitre 10 New Zealand.
*see note
 
 
   
 

Grey

Emotional: steady, resignation, stable, negotiable, dignity, indecision, protected

Behavioural: deliberate, guarded, disciplined, negotiable, compromise
 
 
   
 

Black

Emotional: mourning, sophisticated, mystery, uncertainty, fright, elegant, intimidating, dignity

hysical: mourning, fatigue

Behavioural: worldly, intimidating, stunning, dignified, powerful, mysterious, aloof


 
   
 
Note: The images shown here are indicative only. For current paint tint options available, please go to your local Mitre 10 store and browse the current Dulux Colour Cards.

This information on Colour Psychology was adapted with permission from Dulux New Zealand .

 

 

Colour Psychology -  -  - how to guide from Mitre 10 New Zealand.
 
 
     
  Limitation of Liability
This project has been produced to provide basic information and our experienced staff are available either in-store, or via phone or email, to answer any questions you may have. As this information is generalised Mitre 10 is not responsible for the application of the principles in any particular case, as the contents of this project may need to be modified for the particular site and circumstances. Consumers should always ensure that they comply with any local body bylaws that pertain to any construction project and consult a qualified tradesperson where expert services are required.
 

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