Studies show that colour has a huge impact on how people think and feel. We may be drawn to some colours and repelled by others without even realizing why.
It is well established that certain colours can have profound effects on our emotional state. The idea of using colour to evoke a calm and peaceful emotional state has often been discussed. Being surrounded by calming influences can help us to relax, reducing stress, and improving our overall mental health.
So what is the calmest colour?
The Psychological Impact of Colour
The psychological impact of colour is largely subjective. Each colour can evoke different responses and emotions, so the calmest colour for one person may be completely different for another.
For instance, yellow can be very uplifting and energizing, making it well suited for a home office or kitchen. On the other hand, it can be overwhelming, making it better suited for more limited accents in a living room or bedroom. Colours are also affected by your personal association with them.
For example, a person who went to a green school uniform may find the colour calming while another person might think of it as a colour of envy and envy can be stressful. Regardless of our personal associations and contexts, there are some commonalities with how humans tend to react to certain colours. Blue, for instance, is most often associated with relaxation, comfort, and purity.
Why is Blue a Calming Colour?
Studies suggest that blue can be immensely calming and comforting. The colour blue is often used to evoke a sense of peace, tranquillity, and rejuvenation.
This is because blue is often associated with the natural environment, such as the sky or sea. Blue has a psychologically calming effect. It is believed that blue lowers heart rate and blood pressure, reducing stress levels, making it a great choice for bedrooms or living areas.
Studies also suggest that blue can have uplifting qualities; light shades of blue can be energising while darker shades can be calming.
Other Calming Colours
Other calming colours include shades of green and purple. Green is associated with growth and health and can have both energising and calming qualities. Purples can be calming, linked with spirituality and luxury, making it well suited to bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices.
White is also a popular colour choice for a calming space, as it is associated with cleanliness and purity. Much like purple, white can be energising and calming at the same time.
Colour Psychology in Design
Accurately understanding the psychology of colour is a valuable tool for designers working in any project. Color is one of the most powerful design tools at a designers disposal, one which can be used to accurately evoke certain emotions and reaction.
Designers often choose colours carefully to achieve the desired effects. Cooler colours, such as blues and purples, are often used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and spas to create a calming atmosphere. Warmer colours such as reds, oranges, and yellows are often used in restaurants, shops, and offices to help create an energetic and enjoyable atmosphere.
There are also colours that are more universally accepted as calm, such as pink, which is believed to reduce anxiety and stress.
Conclusion
Colour has a huge impact on our psychological state. Certain colours have been proven to be more calming than others, such as blue, purple, green, white, and pink. Blue is the most calming colour, associated with relaxation, comfort, and purity.
Designers often use colour psychology to evoke certain feelings and reactions. Cooler, more calming colours are often used in bedrooms, bathrooms and spas to promote a peaceful atmosphere, while warmer, more energising colours are used in places like offices, restaurants and shops to create a vibrant environment.
Ultimately, the calmest colour will vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important to use colours that are calming for you to create the serene atmosphere you desire.