When deciding upon blinds for your home or workplace, one of your primary considerations is likely to be what colour to go for. Your choices can be largely influenced by personal preference or current design trends, however, there are some enduring associations that different colours can elicit which are worth giving some thought. Whilst the psychological research behind these associations is not clear cut, these ideas can still add an interesting perspective to your design choices.
Colour associations
Colour preferences are personal and can be greatly influenced by past experience and culture. For example, in Western culture white is symbolic of purity, cleanliness and peace, which is in stark contrast to some Asian countries where it symbolises mourning and bad luck.
Although you may not always notice it, colour plays a significant role in our lives and has the potential to shape the feel of an environment and, to some degree, our moods. Chances are you’ve used or heard of phrases such as ‘feeling blue’, ‘green with envy’ or ‘seeing red’ to describe our emotions. Whilst these associations may be more symbolic than causal, they can still have an effect in the spaces they’re used. Let’s look at some of the associations behind the colour spectrum.
Red
Red is a bold colour which, throughout Western cultures, has associations with action, excitement, love and danger. As an eye catching colour, red can be used effectively to draw your attention.
In interior design, red works well as an accent colour. For example, it could be used to great effect on feature window coverings, scatter cushions or statement rugs. Care should be taken not to use it too heavy-handedly though as it can overwhelm a space and some research has found it to be distracting.
Yellow
Yellow is a colour with overarchingly positive, cheerful and optimistic associations.
If you are thinking of incorporating yellow into your home, stick to light and bright shades rather than yellow/greens which research often finds to be some of the most unpleasant colour hues. Yellows are a stimulating colour and can look great in splashes across a welcoming kitchen or cheery children’s bedroom.
Green
There are a variety of associations with the colour green including nature, freshness, growth and luck, but also jealousy.
The wealth of positive associations with green and its many shades makes it a versatile colour choice for interiors. Research has found that green is the colour which elicits the most positive responses, with people describing it as a calming, relaxing and peaceful colour. Green is, therefore, suitable across the home – from calming conservatories to breezy bedrooms – and in the workplace, too.
Blue
Blue has a balance of both positive and negative colour associations. On the one hand, it is calming, relaxing and has associations with clear skies and cool water; on the other, it is linked to sadness and sorrow.
Regardless of its different facets, research suggests that worldwide, blue ranks first when it comes to people picking their favourite colour. So, when it comes to interiors, it is perhaps unsurprising to commonly find shades of blue used effectively in bedrooms, bathrooms and throughout the home or office.
UK Blinds Direct is a leading blinds supplier in Sheffield and Rotherham. Our team of experts are highly trained and can offer you expert advice when it comes to selecting the perfect style and type of blind for your home or business. With a fantastic range of blinds on offer – all of which can be tailored to your window and fitted by our professionals – we are sure to be able to meet your needs and wishes. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our helpful team with any enquiries.