We perceive the world around us in a vibrant tapestry of colours,  but beyond their aesthetic, and visual appeal, colours possess a surprising power; they can affect our moods, emotions, thinking patterns and even our behaviour. This intriguing phenomenon is explored by colour psychology.

What is colour psychology?
It is a fascinating field of study which derives into the science behind how colours impact us, by exploring the link between colour and human behaviour.

Scientific research states that certain colours have been associated with physiological changes which include an increase in blood pressure, high metabolism and even eyestrain. 

What is the colour theory?
Colour theory, used in colour psychology, is a concept used to explain how colours interact with each other and how they can be used to create certain emotions, moods and behaviours. The primary colours are red, blue and yellow and they cannot be created by mixing of colours.  Let’s talk about the meaning of specific colours. 

Symbology of colours 

Red
It is the colour of fire trucks and stop signs, which emphasises danger and urgency and it is also the colour of a ripe cherry, which injects a touch of sweetness and temptation. It is also the colour of a poppy, a flower which holds significance for remembrance and sacrifice, highlighting the more sombre side of red. Psychologically, this fiery hue ignites a complex range of emotions such as passion, love, excitement, anger and danger.

Wearing red can not only make you feel energised and excited, but also powerful and it can give you the confidence and courage you need in case you’re shy, or lacking in willpower. 

Blue
Imagine gazing at a clear blue sky, the vastness and serenity washing over you or how a calming blue bedroom helps you unwind after a long day. This feeling of peace and tranquillity is one of the many psychological effects associated with the colour blue.

Studies have shown that blue has a profound impact on our minds. It can promote feelings of deep human desire such as trust, reliability, peace, tranquillity and sadness. 

The colour blue comes in different shades; light blue which is typically associated with gentleness and peace and dark blue, which represents power, strength and reliability. 

Wearing blue reduces tension, fear and anxiety. This gives you a calming, reserved, and sincere look. Hence, it is used in business and airline uniforms to ensure trust, honesty and dependability, therefore helping to build customer loyalty. 

Yellow 
Imagine walking into a room painted in vibrant yellow and suddenly feeling energised, or the sunshine yellow, the colour that bursts forth on a bright morning. Psychologically, this vibrant hue is known to be associated with feelings such as happiness, energy, creativity and optimism. 

Wearing yellow is uplifting and illuminating; offering hope, happiness and fun to your day. Yellow creates cheerfulness, brightening the spirits of you and everyone around you too!

Make sure to add yellow in small patches of the outfit as too much yellow can cause anxiety, agitation and confrontation in people who are already stressed. 

Green 
Green, the colour of lush forests, intrinsically linked to nature, is believed to evoke feelings of calming and restoration. While also being the colour of fertile fields and budding plants, green embodies the very essence of growth and renewal focusing on positive and balanced emotions. 

Psychologically, the colour green is associated with growth, harmony, peace, health, wealth and healing. 

Darker green is often associated with money, wealth and prestige while light green is related to rebirth, growth and freshness. 

Wear green if you want to look approachable or even authoritative. In businesses, green is beneficial for promoting natural, organic and environmentally friendly products and also for anything to do with health and healing. 

Black
Sophisticated and mysterious, elegant yet sometimes oppressive. This duality reflects the complex psychology of the colour black, which can evoke a surprising range of emotions. 

Psychologically, this powerful shade is associated with power, sophistication, elegance, death and mourning.

Wearing black can not only make you confident but also look elegant, powerful, mysterious and sophisticated. 
However, wearing too much black can be seen as gloomy or depressing.

White 
Imagine a bright, airy room bathed in white light. White’s ability to reflect light and create a feeling of spaciousness translates to its psychological impact. While white is often seen as a symbol of innocence, perfection, purity and cleanliness, it can also evoke feelings of sterility or coldness. 

Wearing white sends a message: of purity and freshness, making you look honest, approachable and open-minded. It also shows sophistication and minimalism.

Wearing white in a business setting can portray professionalism and competence. 

Make sure to be mindful of the cultural context, as in some cultures white is associated with mourning. 

 

Understanding the psychology of colours can be helpful in various fields such as art, interior design, marketing and advertising and even personal communication. By using colours intentionally, you can create a specific mood or emotion in your audience.