Colour affects mood and behaviour — *Click the picture to download your free PDF article from the shop*

Many of us think of colour in terms of aesthetics. We notice which colours are ‘in season’ according to interior design and fashion magazines, or we glance in the mirror and judge whether a particular colour suits us. But have you ever wondered if these colours influence your emotions and actions?

At first, I thought of colour as a superficial sensory influence. However, after delving into studies, history, evolutionary perspectives, cultural variations, and taking specialised courses, I began to understand just how profoundly colour can impact our psyche and behaviour.

If you’re sceptical about colour’s influence on wellbeing, imagine this: you’re going to a job interview at a bank. You’ve chosen a conservative style of clothing, but it’s bright yellow from head to toe. How do you think the interviewers would perceive you? How confident and composed would you feel? Whether it’s the discomfort of standing out, thoughts about what’s considered industry-appropriate, or assumptions others might make about your personality, an emotional response is inevitable.

Now, let’s tone it down, imagine the same outfit, but in navy blue. How do you feel? What impression do you think you’re giving now? This simple comparison demonstrates the subtle yet powerful psychological effect of colour.

Whenever you shop for clothing, you’re not just choosing a style—you’re selecting and rejecting colours based on how they make you feel. If you’ve ever thought, “I like this one, not that one,” you’ve experienced a personal, emotional reaction to colour.

But colour’s influence goes far beyond our wardrobes. It extends to the spaces and objects around us, shaping how we feel and behave in ways we might not consciously notice. Our responses to colour are deeply personal, shaped by our sensory profiles, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences.

All these influences can make it difficult to offer universal advice about colour. However, we can still find emotional and behavioural tendencies with colours which we

can overlay with our own unique reactions. This approach can increase your awareness and broaden your horizons to choose colours that work best for you in different scenarios.

Let’s delve deeper into how colour can influence our responses.

Colour in Nature

Throughout evolution, humans have associated certain colours with positive or negative experiences. These associations have had direct effects on our survival by triggering an emotional response. Let’s look at some examples:

Red is the colour of heat, energy, and sometimes danger. It’s the mesmerising glow of fire, a source of warmth for survival, a tool for cooking, and a means to create. Red is also the colour of blood, the life force of animals, and the vibrant berries we once gathered from green bushes for their instant energy.

These examples of red in nature are deeply tied to action, strength and life. Red, like every colour, can have both positive and negative symbolism attached to it. For example, fire brings both comfort and fear and blood outside the body signals life-threatening danger or the miracle of birth.

Another action orientated association with red is arousal - both physical and emotional. For example, when you exercise, the face and body appear flushed as the heart pumps faster.

Whether it’s ques from nature or our own physiological responses, across the world and throughout history we associate red with energy, strength, power, and passion. These connotations have been noted since ancient times such as Roman clothing reflecting power and strength, and ancient cultures using red to symbolise lust, passion and fertility.[1]

Still today red has been used as the colour of traditional wedding dresses in cultures as different as India and China. While in the West, a pair of red stilettos can convey strength and sex appeal.

Studies have shown that men perceive photographs of women in red frames as more attractive. This occurred even in cultures that did not associate red with sexuality. Another study revealed that women wearing red in real life were treated more favourably by men. These results suggest that the emotional impact of red may be deeply rooted in human biology.[2]

Red’s long wavelength makes it stand out. This adds to its sense of strength. This optical effect is the reason red is used in stop signs, fire alarms, and some post boxes, and why it’s associated with speed – think of the sports cars. Additionally, research shows that sports teams wearing red uniforms often have a psychological advantage over those wearing other colours, resulting in more wins even when teams are evenly matched.[3]

Unfortunately, one article cannot provide a deep scope of understanding for every colour, but here is an overview of some other colours and how our evolutionary experiences have resulted in emotional and behavioural triggers.

Red is psychologically strong. More teams wearing red win

Yellow is the colour of the sun which provides us with warmth and energy. It does this by boosting healthy levels of cortisol that keep us alert in the day, and it stimulates serotonin, endorphins and vitamin D which all support brain health and feelings of positivity. Yellow also evokes images of summer flowers and crops; it suggests favourable weather and growth. For all these reasons, yellow is often viewed as a happy and energetic colour.

Orange, blending red’s energy and yellow’s vibrancy, we see it in the sun, fire, plants and the earth. It naturally evokes a sense of energy, warmth and positivity. Darker shades offer an earthy and warm feel, promoting comfort.

Green represents life and growth in nature. Our ancestors would have associated it with environments that provided water, food and shelter. This would have generated a sense of relief and calm. Green also sits midway on the colour spectrum which means we need less effort to adjust our eyes to it in relation to other colours, adding to a sense of calm and balance. We can also see more shades of green than any other colour which only adds to its appeal. [4] There must be a shade for everyone!

Blue evokes images of the sky and water. Our ancestors would have found fascination and comfort in both; a light blue sky signalled good weather, blue water quenched our thirst and sea life would have fed our bellies. Weather we looked up at the sky, into or across the water, blue inspired us to explore and sparked curiosity - ‘what’s up there or out there? Today light blue is associated with calm, inspiration, as in calm still waters or ‘blue sky thinking’, and religious iconography and paintings. Darker blues evoke trust and a sense of knowledge.

Despite today’s cultural and social variances, we can see these ancient emotions are still present. For example, a survey that covered 30 different countries across continents, found the following: [5]

Red: 68% associated with love
Yellow: 52% associated with joy
Orange: 44% associated with joy
Green: 39% associated with contentment
Blue: 35% associated with relief

If colours were truly irrelevant in affecting emotions, we just wouldn’t see this level of correlation between thousands of people with completely different backgrounds.

Colours in nature affect us psychologically

A Colourful Past

Colour has also been used to reflect and influence the zeitgeist of the time. Here is just one example from Western culture.

The Art Nouveau Movement

Colour has always reflected societal states of mind. During the Art Nouveau movement at the turn of the 20th century, soft greens, muted golds, and earthy browns were popular, symbolising harmony and a return to nature. These colours provided an antidote to the harshness of the Industrial Revolution.

These colours still hold the same symbolism today and have a revitalised popularity as many people become more environmentally aware and conscious of sustainability and their health.

Art Nouveau colours reflect emotional need for nature

Recent Times

Every period will use colour and design to reflect and support a state of mind. In recent history for example, the embrace of whites and light colours can reflect a desire to create a sense of calm and restoration away from our information and sensory overloaded world. Imagine the state of overwhelm and exhaustion our ancestors would experience if they walked a day in our shoes. Don’t forget, we basically have the same brain as them, this means that while the environment may not shock us, it still saps our brain energy.

During and after COVID-19, I noticed a shift towards embracing colour again. Softer tones and bold muted hues have been particularly popular. But what do these colours say about our evolving mindset?

Sensory overload today people seek calm light minimalist spaces

The Personality of Colour

Any colour can take on a different personality depending on its vibrancy, saturation, and context. This adds complexity but also versatility in how we use colour to evoke feelings or create impressions. Consider these elements:

Saturation: This refers to pure colours which are bright and intense. They are energising and bold.
Tints: This is when white is added which softens colours, creating calm.
Shades: Refers to colours with black added. This can make colours sophisticated and serious.
Muted Tones: When grey is added it creates subtle, quiet colours that are calming yet strong. Muted can also refer to the inclusion of other colours.

Blue is rare in its ability to evoke calm across both light and dark tones. Light blues suit restful and nurturing spaces like bedrooms, while darker blues support focus and trust, perfect for studies, uniforms, and professional branding such as banking and communication.

Different colour tones create different emotions

A World of Colour Awaits

This overview highlights how colour influences mood and behaviour, offering a glimpse into a fascinating and multifaceted subject. From cultural traditions to business and design, colour plays a profound role in our lives.

Understanding how to harness it, whether to create environments for focus, relaxation, rejuvenation, or creativity, can unlock meaningful personal and practical benefits.

I look forward to sharing more insights and practical advice to help you achieve this.

To explore how to engage all your senses for wellbeing, visit Nriched Living and follow Total Sensory Wellbeing on Instagram.

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References:

[1] Adam, D., Greitemeyer, T. (2015). ‘Handbook of color psychology’, Elliot, A.J., Fairchild, M.D. & Franklin, A. (eds), Cambridge University Press, pp. 531.

[2] Adam, D., Greitemeyer, T. (2015). ‘Handbook of color psychology’, Elliot, A.J., Fairchild, M.D. & Franklin, A. (eds), Cambridge University Press, pp. 532,533.

[3] Hill, R.A. & Barton, R.A. (2005). ‘Red enhances human performance in contests’. Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/435293a.

[4] Robinson MD, Liu T, Bair JL, (2015), Handbook of Color Psychology, Elliot AJ, Fairchild MD, Franklin A, Cambridge University Press pp 664

[5] Jonauskaite D, Abu-Akel A, Dael N, et al. (2020)‘Universal patterns in color-emotion associations are further shaped by linguistic and Geographic proximity’. Sage Journals. Universal patterns in color-emotion associations are further shaped by linguistic and geographic proximity