Colour Psychology

• Colour Connotations Chart

Colour Psychology Chart

	Red suggests feelings of power. It is the colour of blood and is associated with anger, aggressiveness, and violence. It is used in many cultures to indicate warning or caution. But red is also associated with passion, high energy, excitement, and sensuality. Red causes both the heart rate and the respiratory rate to accelerate. Red clothing makes the wearer stand out but tends to make the wearer look heavier. Red is a confrontational colour so should be used as an accent. Red is an appetite stimulant so it is frequently used in restaurants. Red can cause people to lose track of time so many casinos and bars are painted red.
	Yellow is the most visible of all colours. The high reflectance and brightness catches your eye in any environment. But these properties make it the most irritating colour because it quickly causes eye fatigue. Babies cry more in yellow rooms. Significant others argue more. Tension is raised in a too bright yellow environment. However, yellow is also associated with sunshine. Yellow is upbeat, optimistic and modern. It enhances concentration.
	The colour of both the sky and the ocean, blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals. It is a tranquil, relaxing colour. Blue equals melancholy, sadness, depression (feeling blue). It implies coolness and distance. Blue tends to suppress appetite. But blue also connotes elegance. It is a clean colour. And is associated with both loyalty and spirituality. Only one group of colours go with virtually every skin tone: blues.  Almost everyone looks good in some shade of blue.
	The feeling of a warm fire and friendliness is given off by the colour orange. Being near to the colour of skin it implies approachability and a sense of humanity. Orange implies wholesomeness and is an appetite stimulant. But orange is a non-discriminating colour and implies a lack of quality.
	The colour of nature and naturalness, green is a comfortable colour. It implies life, restfulness, and naturalness. Waiting rooms are often painted green as are hospitals and other institutional buildings. On the other hand, green can imply rot, decay, or sickliness. It is the colour of envy (green with envy). Studies have shown that people tire of a green colour in their homes quicker than any other. In the United States, green is the “colour of money” which is a truly positive thought.
	Purple is the regal colour. It is used to imply power and strength. It connotes luxury and sophistication. Purple is the colour of fantasy and impulsiveness. It is a playful colour and is often related to dream states. But purple can also indicate insanity, nightmares, and mental dysfunction. Because purple is rarely found in nature it can appear artificial.
	Pink is the most romantic colour. It has a calming effect. For that reason jail cells and mental wards are often painted pink. Sports teams sometimes paint the opposing teams locker room pink to sap the strength of the players.