The psychological effects of colour: how colours influence mood and perception
Colour plays a significant role in our daily lives. It influences your mood, appearance, and even how others perceive you. But did you know that colour preferences are not only personal but also shaped by culture? In this blog, you’ll discover the impact of colour, the psychology behind it, how it can boost your energy, and why certain colours appeal to you more than others.
Colour: more than just fashion
Do you often find yourself drawn to a particular colour? That’s no surprise—colour has a strong influence on your mood and emotions. Each shade evokes a different feeling; some colours bring happiness, a sense of calm, or an energy boost. Besides the fact that we are consciously and unconsciously influenced by fashion, culture, and social media, also personal experiences with colours play a role.
This is why we’re not always entirely objective when it comes to choosing colours that truly suit us or have a meaningful impact. Black is often seen as chic and stylish, pink as overly feminine, grey as dull, and gold as tacky. But these assumptions aren’t always true—it all depends on how and by whom the colours are worn.
The energy of colour: how colours can boost your mood
Colour is energy. Each shade has a unique vibration that you may find pleasant on one day but not on another. You’ve probably experienced days when you’re drawn to a specific colour, while at other times, you wouldn’t even consider wearing it.
Take red, for example. It’s a bold and powerful colour that makes you stand out and feel energized. But if you’re planning a quiet, relaxing day on the sofa, you’ll likely opt for green, brown, or grey instead.
Colour is personal
Young girls often love pink, but as they grow older, their preference for pink tends to fade. As the most traditionally feminine colour, it may not align with the image they are trying to project during adolescence.
Your favorite colours are not fixed—they are the ones that bring you joy or comfort at a given moment. If you’re going through a phase where you crave peace and tranquility, you may find yourself drawn to brown or green, as these are earthy and calming shades. Yellow, orange, and red are often favored by more extroverted personalities, whereas navy blue conveys trust and confidence. That’s why it is commonly worn by police officers and politicians and can be a go-to colour for those seeking reassurance or authority.
Exploring your “anti-colour”: what your least favorite colour reveals about you
The colour you dislike the most can be just as revealing as the ones you love. During colour consultations, yellow is often mentioned as the least popular colour. It doesn’t suit everyone—especially near the face—but it is still a cheerful and inspiring shade, often associated with the sun. Which colour do you find unattractive or even unpleasant? What stands out? Personally, I don’t like mustard yellow or other “muddy” colours. I prefer purity and brightness and I am drawn to fresh, vibrant shades or natural tones like beige, which remind me of the beach. That said, my preference may also be influenced by my colour type—beige is a key shade for the spring type, and we often naturally gravitate towards the colours that suit us best.
Colour and culture: what colour means in different countries
Did you know that colours hold different meanings across cultures? In Europe, black is the colour of mourning, whereas in China, it is white. Blue is a popular colour in the Netherlands, possibly because it features in the national flag. Similarly, green is widely favoured in Brazil, likely due to its presence in the Brazilian flag. In China, red symbolises good fortune, while in Western cultures, red is associated with passion and love—think of red hearts and roses on Valentine’s Day or milestone wedding anniversaries.
Personal associations also play a role. Colours linked to happy memories are often appealing, while those tied to negative experiences—such as an unpleasant teacher or a strict relative—are more likely to be avoided.
The emotional meaning of colours
Colour is about more than just personal taste. On a physical, emotional, mental, or even spiritual level, certain colours can strengthen or weaken you. But you don’t have to wear a colour to benefit from its positive effects. Your eyes absorb colour just as your skin does.
Consider the colours you surround yourself with—your wall paint, artwork, or even the colour of your car. Personally, I love navy blue, but it doesn’t particularly suit me. However, it looks beautiful on my daughters, who wear it often, allowing me to enjoy the colour through them. I work with colour every day, and during colour analysis sessions, I can feel the impact of different shades, which brings me joy.
Interested in a Colour Consultation or Colour Stylist training?
Colour Analysis Academy offers training courses in English and Dutch, both online and in-person. Would you like to learn more? Fill in the contact form below or book a free video call where I can personally answer all your questions.
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