The psychological Properties of Colour
"Most of the time, we choose colours for decorating based on our personal taste and our sense of aesthetics. But, a number of colour experts believe that colours have an effect on our emotions and that it would be wise of us to be conscious of that before settling on a definite choice." - www.paintcafe.com
Colour psychology is a field of study that analyzes the effect of colour on human behaivour and feeling. Ive found many interesting websites that talk about colour psychology and they explain different interpretations and effects of colour on people. Some even have tests….where 66 questions ask you what colour you like the best…and then it analyzes your character and can even tell you what career your best suited to. Its pretty interesting but I don’t know if I totally agree with it. What I am interested in though is in what the colour interpretations and what they can mean. It appears there are some basic colours that have psychological properties that are universal, regardless of what tone, shade or tint it is. Each have positive or negative effects, and which effect is created depends on relationships within colour combinations.
However it seems very hard to separate the symbolic from the psychological. The symbolic is definetly very cultural and often without realizing it, cultural symbolism of colours can alter our perception of a particular colour and what feelings we get from it. Not all societies share the same perception of the effects of colour on our emotions, so that probably says a lot about our perception of colour being a reflection of the culture that we belong to.
The following is what some websites have to say about the psychological properties of some basic colours. Paintcafe talks about colour in terms of interior decoration etc, Colour-effects.co.uk is a site specificially about the field of colour psychology, and Wikipedia.org is an online encyclopedia. Its interesting to compare the positives and negatives of each source.
BLUE
Blue is first and foremost a calming colour, one that promotes physical and mental relaxation, inner security and confidence. Colour therapy uses blue to stimulate healing, relieve pain and lower blood pressure.People who wear light blue clothing are often creative, sensitive and imaginative. They need a peaceful environment. Those who tend to favour dark blue clothing are known to be intelligent, independent and very responsible. They look for tranquillity and like to be surrounded by affection and tenderness. Light blue promotes creativity. That is why it is recommended to decorate offices and studies. Ideally, it should be associated with yellow, which stimulates the mind and raises one's organizational capacity. Turquoise seems to facilitate communications between people who surround themselves in it. Dark blue is a welcome addition to the bedroom as it encourages deep and peaceful sleep. Be careful however not to use it in a room where you plan to spend your days. You could fall prey to its unstimulating and powerful sedative effects. In summary, blue can be used to create environments that are stimulating and inspiring, depending on the purpose of the room in which it is used – www.paintcafe.com
Blue: Intellectual.
Positive: Intelligence, communication, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, logic, coolness, reflection, calm.
Negative: Coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion, unfriendliness.
Blue is the colour of the mind and is essentially soothing; it affects us mentally, rather than the physical reaction we have to red. Strong blues will stimulate clear thought and lighter, soft blues will calm the mind and aid concentration. Consequently it is serene and mentally calming. It is the colour of clear communication. Blue objects do not appear to be as close to us as red ones. Time and again in research, blue is the world's favourite colour. However, it can be perceived as cold, unemotional and unfriendly. – www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives - Seas, skies, peace, unity, harmony, tranquility, calmness, coolness, confidence, water, ice, loyalty, conservatism, dependability, cleanliness, technology, winter
Negatives - Depression, coldness, idealism, obscenity, ice, tackiness, winter – www.wikipedia.org
YELLOW
Yellow is bright, happy and stimulating. It is associated with intellect and the expression of thoughts. It improves memory, judgement and the capacity for decision-making. Yellow also promotes the assimilation of new ideas and the capacity for understanding varying points of view. Moreover, it seems that yellow helps people become more organized and to adopt an optimistic attitude, something one can appreciate in any room.People who like to wear yellow are interesting and stimulating. They thrive on being active and taking up challenges. They search for happiness.Yellow, therefore, is an excellent choice in decorating a room that is dedicated to intellectual pursuits. However, it is important to use it in connection with a colour such as blue that brings a measure of security and calm to the décor. Used alone in large quantities, yellow can prove to be too stimulating for the nervous system. – www.paintcafe.com
Yellow - Emotional
Positive: Optimism, confidence, self-esteem, extraversion, emotional strength, friendliness, creativity.
Negative: Irrationality, fear, emotional fragility, depression, anxiety, suicide. The yellow wavelength is relatively long and essentially stimulating. In this case the stimulus is emotional, therefore yellow is the strongest colour, psychologically. The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem; it is the colour of confidence and optimism. Too much of it, or the wrong tone in relation to the other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety. Our "yellow streak" can surface – www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives - Sunlight, joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, wealth (gold), summer, hope, air.
Negatives -Cowardice, illness (quarantine), hazards, dishonesty, avarice, sissification, weakness – www.wikipedia.org
RED
Our body is affected in different ways by different light wavelengths. Red light has the longest wavelength and the slowest vibratory rate. Red light has been shown to stimulate the heart and thus blood circulation. It also fortifies the body and helps build up red blood cells. Colour influences our emotions and psychological state too. Red is a very powerful colour, associated with a high level of energy and stimulation. It goes hand in hand with adjectives such as courageous, antidepressant, assertive, determined, friendly, warm, and sensual. On the other hand, too much of some reds can make people feel irritable, impatient and even angry. Try to use somewhat subdued shades of red, like terra-cotta, or, if you wish to use bright red, assess how much you can use to make it a profitable addition to your environment without getting overwhelmed. People who like to wear red tend to be ambitious, impulsive, excitable, and energetic. They tend to be high achievers, courageous and extroverted, which can make them good leaders. Because of its stimulating effect, red is well suited to rooms where movement and activity are high, like the hall, staircase, exercise room or kitchen. But remember, you don't need to paint all the walls red to get the beneficial effects of this colour, if you are not sure how much impact it will have, try it as an intermediate or accent colour first. - www.paintcafe.com
RED. Physical
Positive: Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight or flight', stimulation, masculinity, excitement.
Negative: Defiance, aggression, visual impact, strain.
Being the longest wavelength, red is a powerful colour. Although not technically the most visible, it has the property of appearing to be nearer than it is and therefore it grabs our attention first. Hence its effectiveness in traffic lights the world over. Its effect is physical; it stimulates us and raises the pulse rate, giving the impression that time is passing faster than it is. It relates to the masculine principle and can activate the "fight or flight" instinct. Red is strong, and very basic. Pure red is the simplest colour, with no subtlety. It is stimulating and lively, very friendly. At the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive. – www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives - Passion, strength, energy, fire, love, sex, excitement, speed, heat, leadership, masculinity, power
Negatives - Danger, fire, gaudiness, blood, war, anger, revolution, radicalism, aggression, stop. - www.wikipedia.org
GREEN
Green stands as a symbol of life, growth and harmony. It brings us comfort, relaxation and wellness. When we think of green, we imagine many of nature's offerings such as forests, trees, grass, olives, apples, lichen, jade and emerald. Green's strong link with nature seems to bring us closer to nature and to one another.
In addition to fostering peace of mind, green seems to balance certain of our physiological functions, among them our heart, lungs and blood circulation. Certain studies even suggest that green promotes deep, slow breathing. Colour therapists use green to cure a number of ailments. Those who dress in green tend to be careful, inclined to observe rather than act. They also display a humanitarian spirit, enjoy helping others and tend to notice details that others simply overlook. In decoration, certain nuances of green, such as mint and aqua, are considered refreshing. Apple and lime green are more stimulating and create an atmosphere of joy and lightness, while darker shades such as bottle and olive green can add a touch of calm to a décor. Thanks to its inherent qualities, green, in one of its many nuances, suits any room and brings a welcome touch of nature into our lives. - www.paintcafe.com
GREEN. Balance
Positive: Harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium, peace.
Negative: Boredom, stagnation, blandness, enervation.Green strikes the eye in such a way as to require no adjustment whatever and is, therefore, restful. Being in the centre of the spectrum, it is the colour of balance - a more important concept than many people realise. When the world about us contains plenty of green, this indicates the presence of water, and little danger of famine, so we are reassured by green, on a primitive level. Negatively, it can indicate stagnation and, incorrectly used, will be perceived as being too bland - www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Nature, spring, fertility, youth, environment, wealth, money (US), good luck, vigor, generosity, go, grass
Negatives - Aggression, inexperience, envy, misfortune, jealousy, money, illness, greed - www.wikipedia.org
VIOLET
Violet is thought to be antiseptic. In some operating rooms, ultraviolet rays are used to purify the air. In psychiatry, violet is used to treat patients who suffer from fears and obsessions because of its calming effects. According to psychologists, violet contributes to mental equilibrium. In addition, it is associated with a sense of the artistic, music, intuition and spirituality. It promotes sensitivity and compassion.People who wear violet are described as very sensitive and charitable. Their sensitive nature could make them vulnerable; that is why they are often advised to wear magenta, which contains red, to improve their self-confidence. In home decorating, violet is sometimes used to create theatrical environments that reflect the creative personality of the residents. Artists often like to have a touch of violet in their studios. Violet also lends itself to rooms that are earmarked for prayer and meditation. - www.paintcafe.com
VIOLET. Spiritual
Positive: Spiritual awareness, containment, vision, luxury, authenticity, truth, quality.
Negative: Introversion, decadence, suppression, inferiority.
The shortest wavelength is violet, often described as purple. It takes awareness to a higher level of thought, even into the realms of spiritual values. It is highly introvertive and encourages deep contemplation, or meditation. It has associations with royalty and usually communicates the finest possible quality. Being the last visible wavelength before the ultra-violet ray, it has associations with time and space and the cosmos. Excessive use of purple can bring about too much introspection and the wrong tone of it communicates something cheap and nasty, faster than any other colour - www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Sensuality, spirituality, creativity, wealth, royalty, nobility, ceremony, mystery, wisdom, enlightenment
Negatives -Arrogance, flamboyance, gaudiness, mourning, profanity, exaggeration, confusion - www.wikipedia.org
ORANGE
Phsychologically speaking, colour therapists claim that orange is supposed to shore up the immunity system and stimulate digestion. Orange is the "happy" colour par excellence. It frees emotions, promotes self-esteem and the capacity to forgive. This stimulating colour fights depression and cultivates good humour. Lighter hues such as peach and apricot, help restore nervous energy.Those who often wear orange are active, competent and rather impatient. They are independent, motivated, competitive and well organized. They are also creative and practical people, full of energy and often incapable to stay put. Orange combines red's and yellow's stimulating attributes. It is a "happy" hue with a strong personality that pleases active, self-confident people. It seems that dancers are often attracted to orange. Those who find orange too strong often find such as terra-cotta, peach or amber more acceptable as they retain some of the attributes of orange. - www.paintcafe.com
ORANGE.
Positive: Physical comfort, food, warmth, security, sensuality, passion, abundance, fun.
Negative: Deprivation, frustration, frivolity, immaturity.
Since it is a combination of red and yellow, orange is stimulating and reaction to it is a combination of the physical and the emotional. It focuses our minds on issues of physical comfort - food, warmth, shelter etc. - and sensuality. It is a 'fun' colour. Negatively, it might focus on the exact opposite - deprivation. This is particularly likely when warm orange is used with black. Equally, too much orange suggests frivolity and a lack of serious intellectual values. - www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives - Buddhism, energy, balance, heat, fire, enthusiasm, flamboyance, playfulness
Negatives - Aggression, arrogance, flamboyance, gaudiness, overemotion, warning, danger, fire - www.wikipedia.org
PINK.
Positive: Physical tranquillity, nurture, warmth, femininity, love, sexuality, survival of the species.
Negative: Inhibition, emotional claustrophobia, emasculation, physical weakness.
Being a tint of red, pink also affects us physically, but it soothes, rather than stimulates. (Interestingly, red is the only colour that has an entirely separate name for its tints. Tints of blue, green, yellow, etc. are simply called light blue, light green…etc.) Pink is a powerful colour, psychologically. It represents the feminine principle, and survival of the species; it is nurturing and physically soothing. Too much pink is physically draining and can be somewhat emasculating. - www.colour-affects.co.uk
GREY.
Positive: Psychological neutrality.
Negative: Lack of confidence, dampness, depression, hibernation, lack of energy.
Pure grey is the only colour that has no direct psychological properties. It is, however, quite suppressive. A virtual absence of colour is depressing and when the world turns grey we are instinctively conditioned to draw in and prepare for hibernation. Unless the precise tone is right, grey has a dampening effect on other colours used with it. Heavy use of grey usually indicates a lack of confidence and fear of exposure. www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Elegance, humility, respect, reverence, stability, subtlety, timelessness, wisdom
Negatives - Anachronism, boredom, decay, decrepitude, dullness, dust, pollution, urban sprawl www.wikipedia.org
BROWN.
Positive: Seriousness, warmth, Nature, earthiness, reliability, support.
Negative: Lack of humour, heaviness, lack of sophistication.
Brown usually consists of red and yellow, with a large percentage of black. Consequently, it has much of the same seriousness as black, but is warmer and softer. It has elements of the red and yellow properties. Brown has associations with the earth and the natural world. It is a solid, reliable colour and most people find it quietly supportive - more positively than the ever-popular black, which is suppressive, rather than supportive. www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Calm, depth, natural organisms, nature, richness, rusticism, stability, tradition
Negatives -Anachronism, boorishness, dirt, dullness, filth, heaviness, poverty, roughness www.wikipedia.org
WHITE.
Positive: Hygiene, sterility, clarity, purity, cleanness, simplicity, sophistication, efficiency.
Negative: Sterility, coldness, barriers, unfriendliness, elitism.
Just as black is total absorption, so white is total reflection. In effect, it reflects the full force of the spectrum into our eyes. Thus it also creates barriers, but differently from black, and it is often a strain to look at. It communicates, "Touch me not!" White is purity and, like black, uncompromising; it is clean, hygienic, and sterile. The concept of sterility can also be negative. Visually, white gives a heightened perception of space. The negative effect of white on warm colours is to make them look and feel garish. www.colouraffects.co.uk
Positives - Reverence, purity, snow, peace, innocence, cleanliness, simplicity, security, humility, marriage, sterility, winter
Negatives - Coldness, sterility, clinicism, surrender, cowardice, fearfulness, winter, unimaginative www.wikipedia.org
BLACK
Black creates diverse characteristics: it provides a feeling of protection, comfort, and yet, a sensation of mystery. It is associated to silence, infinity as well as to the feminine vital force. Since its effects are dramatic, black should be used carefully. Some believe its powers can also be associated with restraining personal evolution or as a deterrent to change.
Wearing black clothes in certain occasions demonstrates self-control and an authoritarian personality; it represents a determined, disciplined individual with a strong will and firm ideas. It is also seen more in urban rather than rural areas. The use of Black in decoration can be dramatic and inspiring, and it enhances the psychological effects of other colours. It is however, important to use it in moderation: a large black wall or ceiling can feel smothering and decrease the visual size and feel of the space, but, used sparingly in accents and for heightened dramatic effect, can be extraordinarily successful. Judicious use of black in your décor will highlight other colours, and add a touch of refinement and drama. Finally, open yourself up to the virtues of good fortune and luck that the Chinese associate with the colour black surely it is a virtue we can all appreciate to enhance our lives. www.paintcafe.com
Positive: Sophistication, glamour, security, emotional safety, efficiency, substance.
Negative: Oppression, coldness, menace, heaviness.
Black is all colours, totally absorbed. The psychological implications of that are considerable. It creates protective barriers, as it absorbs all the energy coming towards you, and it enshrouds the personality. Positively, it communicates absolute clarity, with no fine nuances. It works particularly well with white. It communicates sophistication and uncompromising excellence. It creates a perception of weight and seriousness (it is a myth that black clothes are slimming). Black is essentially an absence of light, since no wavelengths are reflected and it can, therefore be menacing; many people are afraid of the dark. www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Modernity, power, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, style
Negatives -Evil, death, fear, anonymity, anger, sadness, remorse, mourning, unhappiness, mystery www.wikipedia.org
Interesting isnt it? Generally the three sites have similar ideas on what kind of affects colours can have on you. But yeah, there doesnt appear to be much difference between symbolism and between the psychological qualities. My opinion that it hugely is to do with the culture youre in, and also with objects around you that are of a particular colour. What i found insteresting is that there are some particular colours that sort of have opposite symbolism in the western world and some countries in the eastern world. For Example in the western world, white is usually associated with weddings and purity etc, while in most western countries white is associated with death and mourning. Also in some eastern countries, red is considered a wedding colour-associated with celebration, luck and prosperity. But not many westerners would think of turning up in a red wedding dress...it seems to have more negative connotations..eg, blood and death..but i guess it could be associated with love and passion etc. What i found interesting is that it seems the colour blue is universally the best colour because it has the most positive and least negative cultural associations.
Colour psychology is a field of study that analyzes the effect of colour on human behaivour and feeling. Ive found many interesting websites that talk about colour psychology and they explain different interpretations and effects of colour on people. Some even have tests….where 66 questions ask you what colour you like the best…and then it analyzes your character and can even tell you what career your best suited to. Its pretty interesting but I don’t know if I totally agree with it. What I am interested in though is in what the colour interpretations and what they can mean. It appears there are some basic colours that have psychological properties that are universal, regardless of what tone, shade or tint it is. Each have positive or negative effects, and which effect is created depends on relationships within colour combinations.
However it seems very hard to separate the symbolic from the psychological. The symbolic is definetly very cultural and often without realizing it, cultural symbolism of colours can alter our perception of a particular colour and what feelings we get from it. Not all societies share the same perception of the effects of colour on our emotions, so that probably says a lot about our perception of colour being a reflection of the culture that we belong to.
The following is what some websites have to say about the psychological properties of some basic colours. Paintcafe talks about colour in terms of interior decoration etc, Colour-effects.co.uk is a site specificially about the field of colour psychology, and Wikipedia.org is an online encyclopedia. Its interesting to compare the positives and negatives of each source.
BLUE
Blue is first and foremost a calming colour, one that promotes physical and mental relaxation, inner security and confidence. Colour therapy uses blue to stimulate healing, relieve pain and lower blood pressure.People who wear light blue clothing are often creative, sensitive and imaginative. They need a peaceful environment. Those who tend to favour dark blue clothing are known to be intelligent, independent and very responsible. They look for tranquillity and like to be surrounded by affection and tenderness. Light blue promotes creativity. That is why it is recommended to decorate offices and studies. Ideally, it should be associated with yellow, which stimulates the mind and raises one's organizational capacity. Turquoise seems to facilitate communications between people who surround themselves in it. Dark blue is a welcome addition to the bedroom as it encourages deep and peaceful sleep. Be careful however not to use it in a room where you plan to spend your days. You could fall prey to its unstimulating and powerful sedative effects. In summary, blue can be used to create environments that are stimulating and inspiring, depending on the purpose of the room in which it is used – www.paintcafe.com
Blue: Intellectual.
Positive: Intelligence, communication, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, logic, coolness, reflection, calm.
Negative: Coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion, unfriendliness.
Blue is the colour of the mind and is essentially soothing; it affects us mentally, rather than the physical reaction we have to red. Strong blues will stimulate clear thought and lighter, soft blues will calm the mind and aid concentration. Consequently it is serene and mentally calming. It is the colour of clear communication. Blue objects do not appear to be as close to us as red ones. Time and again in research, blue is the world's favourite colour. However, it can be perceived as cold, unemotional and unfriendly. – www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives - Seas, skies, peace, unity, harmony, tranquility, calmness, coolness, confidence, water, ice, loyalty, conservatism, dependability, cleanliness, technology, winter
Negatives - Depression, coldness, idealism, obscenity, ice, tackiness, winter – www.wikipedia.org
YELLOW
Yellow is bright, happy and stimulating. It is associated with intellect and the expression of thoughts. It improves memory, judgement and the capacity for decision-making. Yellow also promotes the assimilation of new ideas and the capacity for understanding varying points of view. Moreover, it seems that yellow helps people become more organized and to adopt an optimistic attitude, something one can appreciate in any room.People who like to wear yellow are interesting and stimulating. They thrive on being active and taking up challenges. They search for happiness.Yellow, therefore, is an excellent choice in decorating a room that is dedicated to intellectual pursuits. However, it is important to use it in connection with a colour such as blue that brings a measure of security and calm to the décor. Used alone in large quantities, yellow can prove to be too stimulating for the nervous system. – www.paintcafe.com
Yellow - Emotional
Positive: Optimism, confidence, self-esteem, extraversion, emotional strength, friendliness, creativity.
Negative: Irrationality, fear, emotional fragility, depression, anxiety, suicide. The yellow wavelength is relatively long and essentially stimulating. In this case the stimulus is emotional, therefore yellow is the strongest colour, psychologically. The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem; it is the colour of confidence and optimism. Too much of it, or the wrong tone in relation to the other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety. Our "yellow streak" can surface – www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives - Sunlight, joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, wealth (gold), summer, hope, air.
Negatives -Cowardice, illness (quarantine), hazards, dishonesty, avarice, sissification, weakness – www.wikipedia.org
RED
Our body is affected in different ways by different light wavelengths. Red light has the longest wavelength and the slowest vibratory rate. Red light has been shown to stimulate the heart and thus blood circulation. It also fortifies the body and helps build up red blood cells. Colour influences our emotions and psychological state too. Red is a very powerful colour, associated with a high level of energy and stimulation. It goes hand in hand with adjectives such as courageous, antidepressant, assertive, determined, friendly, warm, and sensual. On the other hand, too much of some reds can make people feel irritable, impatient and even angry. Try to use somewhat subdued shades of red, like terra-cotta, or, if you wish to use bright red, assess how much you can use to make it a profitable addition to your environment without getting overwhelmed. People who like to wear red tend to be ambitious, impulsive, excitable, and energetic. They tend to be high achievers, courageous and extroverted, which can make them good leaders. Because of its stimulating effect, red is well suited to rooms where movement and activity are high, like the hall, staircase, exercise room or kitchen. But remember, you don't need to paint all the walls red to get the beneficial effects of this colour, if you are not sure how much impact it will have, try it as an intermediate or accent colour first. - www.paintcafe.com
RED. Physical
Positive: Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight or flight', stimulation, masculinity, excitement.
Negative: Defiance, aggression, visual impact, strain.
Being the longest wavelength, red is a powerful colour. Although not technically the most visible, it has the property of appearing to be nearer than it is and therefore it grabs our attention first. Hence its effectiveness in traffic lights the world over. Its effect is physical; it stimulates us and raises the pulse rate, giving the impression that time is passing faster than it is. It relates to the masculine principle and can activate the "fight or flight" instinct. Red is strong, and very basic. Pure red is the simplest colour, with no subtlety. It is stimulating and lively, very friendly. At the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive. – www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives - Passion, strength, energy, fire, love, sex, excitement, speed, heat, leadership, masculinity, power
Negatives - Danger, fire, gaudiness, blood, war, anger, revolution, radicalism, aggression, stop. - www.wikipedia.org
GREEN
Green stands as a symbol of life, growth and harmony. It brings us comfort, relaxation and wellness. When we think of green, we imagine many of nature's offerings such as forests, trees, grass, olives, apples, lichen, jade and emerald. Green's strong link with nature seems to bring us closer to nature and to one another.
In addition to fostering peace of mind, green seems to balance certain of our physiological functions, among them our heart, lungs and blood circulation. Certain studies even suggest that green promotes deep, slow breathing. Colour therapists use green to cure a number of ailments. Those who dress in green tend to be careful, inclined to observe rather than act. They also display a humanitarian spirit, enjoy helping others and tend to notice details that others simply overlook. In decoration, certain nuances of green, such as mint and aqua, are considered refreshing. Apple and lime green are more stimulating and create an atmosphere of joy and lightness, while darker shades such as bottle and olive green can add a touch of calm to a décor. Thanks to its inherent qualities, green, in one of its many nuances, suits any room and brings a welcome touch of nature into our lives. - www.paintcafe.com
GREEN. Balance
Positive: Harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium, peace.
Negative: Boredom, stagnation, blandness, enervation.Green strikes the eye in such a way as to require no adjustment whatever and is, therefore, restful. Being in the centre of the spectrum, it is the colour of balance - a more important concept than many people realise. When the world about us contains plenty of green, this indicates the presence of water, and little danger of famine, so we are reassured by green, on a primitive level. Negatively, it can indicate stagnation and, incorrectly used, will be perceived as being too bland - www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Nature, spring, fertility, youth, environment, wealth, money (US), good luck, vigor, generosity, go, grass
Negatives - Aggression, inexperience, envy, misfortune, jealousy, money, illness, greed - www.wikipedia.org
VIOLET
Violet is thought to be antiseptic. In some operating rooms, ultraviolet rays are used to purify the air. In psychiatry, violet is used to treat patients who suffer from fears and obsessions because of its calming effects. According to psychologists, violet contributes to mental equilibrium. In addition, it is associated with a sense of the artistic, music, intuition and spirituality. It promotes sensitivity and compassion.People who wear violet are described as very sensitive and charitable. Their sensitive nature could make them vulnerable; that is why they are often advised to wear magenta, which contains red, to improve their self-confidence. In home decorating, violet is sometimes used to create theatrical environments that reflect the creative personality of the residents. Artists often like to have a touch of violet in their studios. Violet also lends itself to rooms that are earmarked for prayer and meditation. - www.paintcafe.com
VIOLET. Spiritual
Positive: Spiritual awareness, containment, vision, luxury, authenticity, truth, quality.
Negative: Introversion, decadence, suppression, inferiority.
The shortest wavelength is violet, often described as purple. It takes awareness to a higher level of thought, even into the realms of spiritual values. It is highly introvertive and encourages deep contemplation, or meditation. It has associations with royalty and usually communicates the finest possible quality. Being the last visible wavelength before the ultra-violet ray, it has associations with time and space and the cosmos. Excessive use of purple can bring about too much introspection and the wrong tone of it communicates something cheap and nasty, faster than any other colour - www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Sensuality, spirituality, creativity, wealth, royalty, nobility, ceremony, mystery, wisdom, enlightenment
Negatives -Arrogance, flamboyance, gaudiness, mourning, profanity, exaggeration, confusion - www.wikipedia.org
ORANGE
Phsychologically speaking, colour therapists claim that orange is supposed to shore up the immunity system and stimulate digestion. Orange is the "happy" colour par excellence. It frees emotions, promotes self-esteem and the capacity to forgive. This stimulating colour fights depression and cultivates good humour. Lighter hues such as peach and apricot, help restore nervous energy.Those who often wear orange are active, competent and rather impatient. They are independent, motivated, competitive and well organized. They are also creative and practical people, full of energy and often incapable to stay put. Orange combines red's and yellow's stimulating attributes. It is a "happy" hue with a strong personality that pleases active, self-confident people. It seems that dancers are often attracted to orange. Those who find orange too strong often find such as terra-cotta, peach or amber more acceptable as they retain some of the attributes of orange. - www.paintcafe.com
ORANGE.
Positive: Physical comfort, food, warmth, security, sensuality, passion, abundance, fun.
Negative: Deprivation, frustration, frivolity, immaturity.
Since it is a combination of red and yellow, orange is stimulating and reaction to it is a combination of the physical and the emotional. It focuses our minds on issues of physical comfort - food, warmth, shelter etc. - and sensuality. It is a 'fun' colour. Negatively, it might focus on the exact opposite - deprivation. This is particularly likely when warm orange is used with black. Equally, too much orange suggests frivolity and a lack of serious intellectual values. - www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives - Buddhism, energy, balance, heat, fire, enthusiasm, flamboyance, playfulness
Negatives - Aggression, arrogance, flamboyance, gaudiness, overemotion, warning, danger, fire - www.wikipedia.org
PINK.
Positive: Physical tranquillity, nurture, warmth, femininity, love, sexuality, survival of the species.
Negative: Inhibition, emotional claustrophobia, emasculation, physical weakness.
Being a tint of red, pink also affects us physically, but it soothes, rather than stimulates. (Interestingly, red is the only colour that has an entirely separate name for its tints. Tints of blue, green, yellow, etc. are simply called light blue, light green…etc.) Pink is a powerful colour, psychologically. It represents the feminine principle, and survival of the species; it is nurturing and physically soothing. Too much pink is physically draining and can be somewhat emasculating. - www.colour-affects.co.uk
GREY.
Positive: Psychological neutrality.
Negative: Lack of confidence, dampness, depression, hibernation, lack of energy.
Pure grey is the only colour that has no direct psychological properties. It is, however, quite suppressive. A virtual absence of colour is depressing and when the world turns grey we are instinctively conditioned to draw in and prepare for hibernation. Unless the precise tone is right, grey has a dampening effect on other colours used with it. Heavy use of grey usually indicates a lack of confidence and fear of exposure. www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Elegance, humility, respect, reverence, stability, subtlety, timelessness, wisdom
Negatives - Anachronism, boredom, decay, decrepitude, dullness, dust, pollution, urban sprawl www.wikipedia.org
BROWN.
Positive: Seriousness, warmth, Nature, earthiness, reliability, support.
Negative: Lack of humour, heaviness, lack of sophistication.
Brown usually consists of red and yellow, with a large percentage of black. Consequently, it has much of the same seriousness as black, but is warmer and softer. It has elements of the red and yellow properties. Brown has associations with the earth and the natural world. It is a solid, reliable colour and most people find it quietly supportive - more positively than the ever-popular black, which is suppressive, rather than supportive. www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Calm, depth, natural organisms, nature, richness, rusticism, stability, tradition
Negatives -Anachronism, boorishness, dirt, dullness, filth, heaviness, poverty, roughness www.wikipedia.org
WHITE.
Positive: Hygiene, sterility, clarity, purity, cleanness, simplicity, sophistication, efficiency.
Negative: Sterility, coldness, barriers, unfriendliness, elitism.
Just as black is total absorption, so white is total reflection. In effect, it reflects the full force of the spectrum into our eyes. Thus it also creates barriers, but differently from black, and it is often a strain to look at. It communicates, "Touch me not!" White is purity and, like black, uncompromising; it is clean, hygienic, and sterile. The concept of sterility can also be negative. Visually, white gives a heightened perception of space. The negative effect of white on warm colours is to make them look and feel garish. www.colouraffects.co.uk
Positives - Reverence, purity, snow, peace, innocence, cleanliness, simplicity, security, humility, marriage, sterility, winter
Negatives - Coldness, sterility, clinicism, surrender, cowardice, fearfulness, winter, unimaginative www.wikipedia.org
BLACK
Black creates diverse characteristics: it provides a feeling of protection, comfort, and yet, a sensation of mystery. It is associated to silence, infinity as well as to the feminine vital force. Since its effects are dramatic, black should be used carefully. Some believe its powers can also be associated with restraining personal evolution or as a deterrent to change.
Wearing black clothes in certain occasions demonstrates self-control and an authoritarian personality; it represents a determined, disciplined individual with a strong will and firm ideas. It is also seen more in urban rather than rural areas. The use of Black in decoration can be dramatic and inspiring, and it enhances the psychological effects of other colours. It is however, important to use it in moderation: a large black wall or ceiling can feel smothering and decrease the visual size and feel of the space, but, used sparingly in accents and for heightened dramatic effect, can be extraordinarily successful. Judicious use of black in your décor will highlight other colours, and add a touch of refinement and drama. Finally, open yourself up to the virtues of good fortune and luck that the Chinese associate with the colour black surely it is a virtue we can all appreciate to enhance our lives. www.paintcafe.com
Positive: Sophistication, glamour, security, emotional safety, efficiency, substance.
Negative: Oppression, coldness, menace, heaviness.
Black is all colours, totally absorbed. The psychological implications of that are considerable. It creates protective barriers, as it absorbs all the energy coming towards you, and it enshrouds the personality. Positively, it communicates absolute clarity, with no fine nuances. It works particularly well with white. It communicates sophistication and uncompromising excellence. It creates a perception of weight and seriousness (it is a myth that black clothes are slimming). Black is essentially an absence of light, since no wavelengths are reflected and it can, therefore be menacing; many people are afraid of the dark. www.colour-affects.co.uk
Positives -Modernity, power, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, style
Negatives -Evil, death, fear, anonymity, anger, sadness, remorse, mourning, unhappiness, mystery www.wikipedia.org
Interesting isnt it? Generally the three sites have similar ideas on what kind of affects colours can have on you. But yeah, there doesnt appear to be much difference between symbolism and between the psychological qualities. My opinion that it hugely is to do with the culture youre in, and also with objects around you that are of a particular colour. What i found insteresting is that there are some particular colours that sort of have opposite symbolism in the western world and some countries in the eastern world. For Example in the western world, white is usually associated with weddings and purity etc, while in most western countries white is associated with death and mourning. Also in some eastern countries, red is considered a wedding colour-associated with celebration, luck and prosperity. But not many westerners would think of turning up in a red wedding dress...it seems to have more negative connotations..eg, blood and death..but i guess it could be associated with love and passion etc. What i found interesting is that it seems the colour blue is universally the best colour because it has the most positive and least negative cultural associations.
posted by simone marie at 9:06 AM
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