Office Paint Colors And What They Mean

Color psychology is a powerful tool when it comes to renovation—in fact, it can completely change the mood and tone of your space. Colors can affect many things, including the way we feel once we enter a space, how we perceive things, and our comfort levels. Even someone’s favorite color can provide a fairly general preview of their personality.

An example of the importance of color psychology and color association in everyday life can be seen in street signs. The color red can symbolize power and danger, which can explain why it is used for stop signs and traffic lights. The same kind of psychology can be applied to brand colors. Many employers use their brand’s colors to evoke certain emotions within their clients and their employees. Check out our list below of the most commonly used colors in a commercial space—and what emotions they can promote or elicit.

Red

Associated with danger, energy, strength, determination, love, passion, and desire, the color red has be known to have many effects on our bodies including raising our blood pressure, increasing heart rate, and fueling metabolism. For jobs that are more physically demanding or require mental alertness, red may be the ideal color for productivity levels.

While it may boost productivity, avoid using too much, as it can also lead to aggression and excessive competition. Many companies use red as an accent in furniture and decorations with a neutral palette to avoid overuse.

Yellow

A warming color associated with the Sun and light, yellow stimulates mental activity and can represent joy, happiness, energy, idealism, and imagination. Many companies use this color to boost creativity and bring joy into the workplace. Implementing the color yellow in areas of learning can help employees retain information better, which in turn can lead to higher levels of productivity in office spaces.

Orange

Combining elements of both red and yellow, orange is associated with health, enthusiasm, encouragement, endurance, balance, and excitement. Orange can sometimes be seen as an aggressive color, but not nearly aggressive as red. Since orange can be associated with health, the physical effects can include increased oxygen supply to the brain, stimulation of brain activity, and increased energy levels. Implementing orange into your office can create a sense of determination, but too much can create a highly social atmosphere which can reduce productivity. The perfect use of orange in office spaces should be as a complementary color to increase energy flow and prevent low-energy afternoons.

Blue

The color of the sea and the sky, blue symbolizes depth and stability. It also suggests feelings of trust, tranquility, loyalty, and intelligence. For an office space, blue can create a productive and focused environment while reducing mental strain. The ideal use of blue in an office is in partnership with neutral colors and as a complement to other colors, like orange, to communicate balance. Be aware that using too much blue in your office space can actually invoke sadness.

Green 

Associated with nature and new life, green can also represent harmony, growth, fertility, trust, wisdom, and renewal within ourselves. Green can be perceived as a safe color with a calming element and is the easiest color on the eyes. For high stress jobs, green can be the perfect color to help employees feel comfortable and safe, which can promote higher efficiency and improved productivity. The most common way green has been introduced into office spaces is through the incorporation of plants. Not only does incorporating nature introduce the benefits of the color green, but it can also aid in the cleansing of the air.

Creative Colors

Based on color psychology, here are the best colors to use within a more creative environment:

• Yellow
• Red
• Orange

Power Colors

Want to exude power in your office? Incorporate these authoritative colors in your space:

• Black
• Brown

Comfort Colors

Have a relaxation station that needs a refresh? Consider these colors to for your comfortable space:

• Blue 
• Pink
• Green
• Pastels

Spacious Colors

Creating the illusion that your small space is actually a larger one? Not impossible! Check out the top color for creating a sense of space:

• White

Each color has its own power, and you should be aware of the many benefits each have and their intended purpose in your space. Still have questions about the best options for your business? Contact our expert team that specializing in office paint colors at 305.636.3700 today!