Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt welcome or that the space was perfect? Color has a lot to do with the impression that space gives. In fact, there are several factors you should consider when choosing paint colors. Two important questions you should seek to answer are ‘How does color affect mood’ and ‘how paint affects room size’. Below, we take a closer look at paint colors and moods and how you can select the right colors to achieve the desired effect in a room.

The Psychology of Room Colors

Finding the right color for a room is about much more than considering your décor preferences. You must consider the mood you want to create within the space. Your choice of color will affect the atmosphere of the room. Below are some paint color effects on mood.

• Warm colors – these are colors like orange, red, and yellow. As the name suggests, these colors evoke warm feelings. They are energetic and can also be comforting. However, when used in excess, they can be overstimulating.
  
• Neutral colors – These colors include gray, beige, and taupe. They are more balanced and are great for creating a calming, cozy, and harmonious atmosphere. However, they can seem bland if they are not paired with an accent color.

• Cool colors – these include colors such as blue, violet, and green. These colors are perfect for creating a calm atmosphere. They evoke feelings of relaxation and serenity. However, if they are used in excess, they can make a space feel cold.

Other Effects of Color

Aside from choosing colors based on their impact on our mood, we can also choose colors based on other effects that they have. Some factors to consider include:

• The impact of color on productivity and creativity

The color of the space we are in will impact our creativity and productivity. Blue walls, for example, have been shown to boost productivity. Shades of blue are therefore a great option for a study room or any other workspace. What color stimulates creativity? Green has been shown to stimulate creativity. It is, therefore, the ideal color for a studio or other areas where brainstorming of ideas occurs.

• Colors are interpreted differently based on cultural influences

Colors have different meanings to different cultures. White for example, is a symbol of purity in Western cultures. However, it is associated with death and mourning in Eastern Asian cultures. It is important to keep cultural influences in mind to choose colors that are suitable for the space. This is especially true if you will consider selling your property in the future.

How to Choose Colors for Your Space

Use the tips below to help you select a suitable color for your space and create the perfect ambiance.

1. Consider the function of the room

What is the room’s function? For example, if it is a bedroom, you will want to create a warm and calming atmosphere. You will therefore search for the best mood color for the bedroom. These may include colors such as blues and greens which are both calming and relaxing. If you’re painting a living room, you may want something more energizing such as orange or yellow.

2. Consider colors for accents and accessories

Accents also play an important role in enhancing the mood of a room. If you’re hesitant to paint a room a bold color, you can opt to paint accents or add colored accessories. This approach allows you to add a splash of color without being too overwhelming.

Hire a Trusted Interior Painter

If you’re considering interior painting, don’t hesitate to contact us, at Thomas J. Painting. We’ll walk you through color selection and help you achieve the right look and feel for your space.