The Psychological Effects of Color

Have you ever thought about how you feel when looking at different colors?

We are surrounded by color in different tones and textures. Buildings, parks, stores and people - all have color. The mall is bombarded by color to make us buy everything on offer. We think we don't notice the different nuances and ways that marketing has on our senses.

You only have to step away to a different place, before noticing the differences in color at the same time as you take in where you are. Right now it's fall and we will soon be surrounded by trees turning yellow and red as they shed their leaves.

I was in class earlier today with my first graders, and we were exploring colors in art. I asked the kids to color four pictures that were the same, but using different colors for each one.

The results were incredible; where the kids used vibrant greens, reds, yellows and blues. Simple but effective.

I took some time to show the class some of the pictures and the kids had some nice ideas about what they saw and how they interpreted the colors. Kids are honest and say what’s on their minds and I wish more adults could be like that sometimes. We often hide what we feel. My art class made me think about how we interpret color as adults.

I saw an older woman this morning with shock red dyed hair. I thought it looked “too much,” for an older woman when I saw her. She was a stranger to me. Who am I to judge what she does to her hair to make herself feel noticed? I felt bad for judging her without thinking about it.

How often do we dismiss someone because of how they look?

I think we can learn a lot about the color we see around us and how it makes us feel. Interpreting color can be subjective but it can also have a universal meaning.

Why does color have such a profound affect on our bodies and minds?

Red, orange and yellow colors are known as warm colors. They make us feel warmth and comfort and can also evoke feelings of anger and hostility.

Blue, purple, and green colors are known as cool. They are described as calm, but for some people they can bring up feelings of sadness or indifference.

Here are symbolic meanings that are often associated with different colors:

Red: Passion, excitement, love

Pink: Soft, reserved, earthy

Purple: Mysterious, noble, glamorous

Blue: Wisdom, hope, reason, peace

Green: Nature, growth, freshness

Yellow: Hope, joy, danger

Orange: Warmth, kindness, joy

White: Truth, indifference

Black: Noble, mysterious, cold

Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/7259595

Color can have a big impact on how you feel and act, depending on what type of person you are, where you live and your situation in life. This perception of color changes from childhood to adulthood. I find it fascinating that color can have that kind of impact on us, but there you go.

Next time you go out and buy a new car or pick a new outfit, think about your color choice. What does it say about you?

Think about the way you furnish and decorate your home. What color hues surround you every day?

My name is Lizzy. I’m a trauma survivor, a wife, a mom, a teacher, and an author.

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