Psychology behind Colours

Colour is a powerful communication tool that can be used to signal action, influence mood and cause psychological reactions. Colour can also be deeply personal and are often rooted to our own experience or culture. While Perceptions of colour are somewhat subjective, there are some colour effects that have universal meaning. The psychology of colour changes with lighter or darker shades of the colours below are often associated with much different meanings. And remember for the World Wide Web, and different cultures have differing views on the meaning of colour. Below is a quick overview of the meaning of basic colours.

Black is authoritative and powerful; because black can evoke strong emotions too much can be overwhelming. A classic colour for clothing possibly because it makes the wearer appear thinner and more sophisticated. How the colour black affects us physically and mentally; 1. Feeling inconspicuous, 2.  A restful emptiness 3. Mysterious evoking a sense of potential and possibility.

WHITE projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally were white gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home. How the colour white affects us mentally and physically: 1. Aids mental clarity 2. Encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles 3. Evokes purification of thoughts or actions 4. enables fresh beginnings

BLUE is the overwhelming "favourite colour." Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The colour of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging colour that expresses exhilaration. How the colour blue affects us physically and mentally 1.Calming and sedate 2.Cooling 3.Aids intuition

GREEN occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye and is second only to blue as a favourite colour. Green is considered the colour of peace and ecology. How the colour green affects us physically and mentally; 1.Soothing 2.Relaxing mentally as well as physically 3. Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety 4. Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony

YELLOW shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colours and instil optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts. How the colour yellow affects us mentally and physically 1. Mentally stimulating 2. Stimulates the nervous system 3. Activates memory 4. Encourages communication

RED has more personal associations than any other colour. Recognized as a stimulant red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element. How the colour red affects us mentally and physically 1. Increases enthusiasm 2. Stimulates energy 3. Encourages action and confidence 4.  A sense of protection from fears and anxiety

BROWN says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the colour of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic. How the colour brown affects us physically and mentally 1. Feeling of wholesomeness 2. Stability  3.Connection with the earth 4.  Offers a sense orderliness

GRAY is timeless, practical, and solid. A longstanding favourite suit colour, grey can mix well with any colour. Although well like and often worn, people rarely name grey as a favourite color possibly because Gray also is associated with loss or depression. How the colour grey affects us physically and mentally 1. Unsettling 2. Expectant.