Paint Hues and Mood: Part 1

Do things seem a little tense? Perhaps the walls feel like they are closing in? Relax, it’s probably just the paint colors playing tricks. I’ve mentioned before how paint colors can alter the visual space and temperature of the room, but it can also be a subtle deciding factor between having a good day or a bad one. It’s hard to believe that room color affects mood in everyday life, but every color possesses psychological value, triggering feelings anywhere from tranquility to rage. But there are many colors that are known to create similar feelings for a large number of people.

Red

Red boosts the energy level of a room. It’s generally a popular choice in living rooms, dining rooms, or activity rooms. This painting choice draws people together and stimulates conversation. It has also been proven to raise blood pressure, speed respiration and heart rate.

Yellow

For many people, the thought of a yellow room is associated with a gender neutral choice in anticipation of a newborn. Considering mood, yellow communicates happiness and is a subtle reminder of sunshine. This color is ideal for halls, entries and small spaces, where it can create welcoming feelings. Yellow paint is also believed to stimulate the nerves and purify the body, and is widely used in offices by various health practitioners.

Blue

For those looking to lower their blood pressure or simply relax a little after work, blue is often regarded as a way to slow respiration and heart rate. It’s considered to be a calming, relaxing and serene painting choice for large areas and family rooms. However, blue can be a tricky color as different shades of the color can evoke unwanted feelings. Dark blue in a room is known to create feelings of sadness. The best bet is to go with a softer shade of blue interior paint. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a professional painter for some helpful advice.

Green

Green is widely considered the most restful color for the eye. It combines the calming and relaxing qualities of blue and the cheerfulness of yellow, without being overbearing. This makes it a very versatile interior painting solution, appropriate for nearly any room in the house. It encourages relaxation in the family room or living room, but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness.