Instructional
Understanding Color Psychology
Colour has an innate ability to communicate without words. Whether you realize it or not, certain colours are guaranteed to evoke emotions within you at a mere glance. Your colour choices hold power, and they can make or break a design. Therefore, it is helpful to understand colour psychology and how different hues influence behavior and perceptions. Soon you will begin to see that colour psychology is used in everything from logo design and advertising, to interior design, and even TV and movie scenes!
Some colours have different meanings across cultures. For example, in Western cultures, white is considered pure and clean, which is why brides wear the color on their wedding day. However, in many Asian cultures, white is worn to funerals where it represents death and mourning. While these specific instances are useful to know, many colours are universally known for different moods and emotions. Those general guidelines make up the colour psychology theories that follow. Understand that these colour translations are generalities, not rules. Therefore, individuals may have different emotions related to specific colours that contradict widely accepted colour theory.
Warm Colours & Cool Colours
Generally speaking, you can rely on warm and cool colour psychology to lay the groundwork for a broader understanding of individual colours. Warm colours (red, orange, yellow) elicit feelings of energy, passion, positivity, and “warmth.” Cool colours (green, blue, purple), on the other hand, generate a sense of calm, relaxation, or even sadness.
Colour Symbolism
Note: the colour explanations that follow are a brief exploration into the vibrant hues within the rainbow. Tertiary colours, such as teal or coral, carry characteristics of the colours used to make them and may develop a personality all their own. As you mix hues with white, black, and gray, their meanings and corresponding emotions will change. For example, as white is mixed with red to create a pastel pink, its meaning shifts. Additionally, the context and surroundings of where the colour is displayed and an individual’s personal experiences will affect the perception of each colour.
Primary and Secondary Colour Meanings
Red
Red represents passion and love, but also anger and danger. It is a vibrant, eye-catching colour, which is why it is often used for caution.
Orange
Orange is a mix of passionate red and cheerful yellow, so it is an enthusiastic colour that brings feelings of excitement and warmth. Because it is the colour of pumpkins and changing leaves, it is commonly linked to the cozy feelings of autumn.
Yellow
Yellow is a happy colour. It is the springtime sunshine after winter, so it represents joy and optimism. Because it is an eye-catching hue, it can also be used as a colour of caution.
Green
Green is common in nature, and therefore, it is regarded as a soothing colour. Green symbolizes growth, wealth, health, and freshness.
Blue
Blue, also common in nature, is calming and represents peace and tranquility. As with the sea and sky, blue is akin to open spaces and freedom. While the colour is relaxing, it also conveys a sense of authority and trust.
Purple
Purple is not easily found in nature, so purple dye was reserved only for the wealthy throughout history. Therefore, the colour is associated with royalty and luxury. In modern times, it also represents mystery and creativity.
Neutral Colour Meanings
Black
Black can have many meanings, dependent upon context and individual perception. From sophistication and class to depressing and pessimistic, it is a polarized colour.
White
White is clean and fresh, and it often represents purity and innocence. On the flip side, white can also feel sterile and cold.
Gray
Gray is a neutral colour, meant to be impartial to feelings. However, its meaning changes when paired with other colours or mixed into varying shades and tints.
Brown
Brown is another colour commonly found in nature, and it is known to bring forth feelings of warmth and comfort. Depending on its shade, brown can feel dull, rugged, or wholesome.
Gold
Gold, due to its prominence throughout history as a sign of wealth, signifies affluence, luxury, and achievement. Because of its illuminating characteristics, gold also expresses glitz and glamour.
Silver
Silver, with its cool gray undertones, is sleek, modern, and high-tech. The metallic colour can be used to convey sophistication and elegance.