Color Psychology

Color Psychology

Color is more than a visual experience. It is also a psychological one that can radically affect mood and emotion. It is a classic form of communication that can project your personality and set the tone in each room of your home. Reactions to color can be subjective, but generally, certain types of colors produce particular responses. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange can produce feelings of warmth or aggressiveness, while cool colors like green and blue can be calming or depressing.

  • Keep reading to learn more about the psychology of color and what each color "means".

    • Blue

      BlueBlue is calming and cool. It is the most popular color because it symbolizes the sky and heaven. Those who like blue are trustworthy, loyal, friendly and strong. Because of its calming power, blue works well in the bedroom.

    • Yellow

      YellowYellow represents happiness, optimism, inspiration and summer. Those who like yellow are attracted to what's new and modern. Pale yellow can bring a sunny feel to a space without being overwhelming to the eye.

    • Purple

      PurplePurple stimulates the imagination. It's the color of royalty, luxury and wealth. Those who like purple tend to be creative, wise and romantic. Want to create a sense of relaxation and serenity in a room? Try painting the walls a calming shade of lilac.

    • Red

      RedRed, the color of confidence, excitement and energy, is the most psychologically stimulating of colors. Those who like red are passionate, energetic, outgoing and courageous. Want to bring a cheerful feel to your space? Try painting it a candy-apple red.

    • Green

      GreenGreen is the color of nature. Calm and relaxing, green can also be described as joyful, harmonious, energized and filled with life. Those who like green are said to believe in balance, stability and persistence. Bring energy to a room by painting it a shade of lime green.

    • Pink

      PinkPink is the delicate part of the red color family. Those who like pink are perceived to be feminine, innocent and romantic. Compared to red, pink is a more tranquil color that can work well in the bedroom.

    • Brown

      BrownBrown represents earth, security and contentment. Those who like brown tend to love nature, simplicity and comfort.

    • Orange

      OrangeOrange is considered wholesome and fruitful. It demands attention while symbolizing balance, warmth, vibrancy and enthusiasm. Those who like orange are friendly and get along with everyone. Orange stimulates appetite and can add spice to a dining area.

    • Silver

      SilverSilver represents prosperity and wealth. Those who like silver have a sense of style and are very motivated. Accenting rooms with the color silver can create a feeling of ornate richness.

    • White

      WhiteWhite represents youth and cleanliness and creates a cool, refreshing feeling. Those who like white prefer a contemporary style. Warmer shades of white help make a room feel cozier, while cooler shades tend to achieve a more formal feel.

    • Black

      BlackBlack represents elegance, mystery and power. Those who like black are said to be ambitious and sophisticated. Too much black, however, can be depressing. Consider using it as an accent color to add drama to your room.

    • Gray

      GrayGray is classic, elegant and works well with most colors. Those who like gray are intelligent and disciplined. Warm gray paired with other warm colors creates a lively and inviting space.

  • Sign Up

    Sign up now to receive special offers and project ideas via email.

    Sign Up

  • Pinterest

    Follow Us On Pinterest

    ​Visit our Pinterest page for great do-it-yourself project advice and home inspiration.

    Learn more

$7 Instant Savings

×

On all paint and stain through June 23rd, 2015. For a location near you call 1-800-6-Hardware or 1-800-642-7392. Available while supplies last. Offer available at participating stores. Product, prices, and promotion period may vary. True Value retailers are independently owned and operated and may decide to opt out of the promotion.

PAINT SALE - $5 FOR A QUART OF EASYCARE PAINT

×

Buy a quart of EasyCare Ultra Premium paints for $5 through October 6th, 2015. For a location near you call 1-800-6-Hardware or 1-800-642-7392. Available while supplies last. Offer available at participating stores. Product, prices, and promotion period may vary. True Value retailers are independently owned and operated and may decide to opt out of the promotion.

Paints ranked by a leading consumer magazine for various qualities. Results varied by sheen. EasyCare was priced lower than those in top ten ranking based on published retail values at time of testing.

$5 off Paint Sale!

×

On a gallon of EasyCare EasyCare Platinum an EasyCare Ultra Premium through January 31, 2017. For a location near you call 1-800-6-Hardware or 1-800-642-7392. Available while supplies last. Offer available at participating stores. Product, prices, and promotion period may vary. True Value retailers are independently owned and operated and may decide to opt out of the promotion.

$5 off Paint Sale!

×

On a gallon of EasyCare and WeatherAll paints, and Woodsman stain through November 8th, 2016. For a location near you call 1-800-6-Hardware or 1-800-642-7392. Available while supplies last. Offer available at participating stores. Product, prices, and promotion period may vary. True Value retailers are independently owned and operated and may decide to opt out of the promotion.