The nine main colors and how they affect us | Macte (2024)

Since childhood you are immersed in a world filled with a multitude of colors and their different shades. Everything possesses a color: the meadows, the trees, the sky, and the homes where we spend the majority of our time. All colors affect people in very specific ways. We can differentiate the lighter and the darker shades. The color yellow, like a sunny day, brings us joy while purple and blue shades can make us feel dark and uncertain. Light blue is perceived as light and airy, taking us to an open space. Brown is a heavier color, the color of the earth. The nature itself teaches us that lighter tones are above while darker tones reside below. If that order was switched, the brown color above would be perceived as something heavy and threatening.

The perception of colors is highly personal. We like some shades and dislike others. Thus, our personal color scale can be viewed as an expression of individuality. This scale experiences various changes throughout our life. It is known that young children prefer red and other bright colors. The majority of adults, in turn, favor blue. Older people, however, are attracted to pastel tones and various shades of brown. Personal color preferences are also dictated by one´s surroundings. For example, people in non-industrial wooded areas are typically not attracted to the color green. They have become used to that color. A person working at a factory, in turn, will unknowingly yearn for green. Colors can also affect our perception of temperature. It has been noted, that a blue or green room always feels slightly cooler than an orange room with the same temperature. Every color affects one´s psyche and possesses a character. They can calm or excite, increase appetite or cause irritation. This is acknowledged in advertisem*nts, design, and almost anything else that surrounds us in our daily lives. We will tell about the nine main colors and how they affect us.

Red

This color increases one´s activity. It causes excitement and makes us experience feelings with higher intensity. It can give you just the right amount of confidence and energy if you are feeling drowsy or lift your spirits when you haven´t been having the best of days. Red elements can be placed in the kitchen to increase your appetite and red clothing can prove to be quite helpful when you are battling temporary difficulties. However, when overused, this aggressive color can easily cause irritation and exhaustion.

Orange

This attractive color is a lot softer and more tender than its previous counterpart. It will make you feel happy, optimistic, and relaxed, even help obtain creative inspiration and confidence. Just like red, it can be quite useful when it comes to interior decoration due to its energizing qualities and ability to increase appetite. Despite its obvious assets, orange does not have any unpleasant side effects. Use it with no fear and enjoy the positivity it gifts you.

Yellow

The color yellow causes feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and harmony. Just like the sun, it radiates warmth. You should definitely add a pinch of yellow to your home to keep your spirits up. Yellow is also considered an intellectual color. It increases creative activity and thus can be used in a working space or a studio. Excessive yellow, however, can cause headaches. Yellow is also not recommended for people who struggle with insomnia.

Green

This color causes immediate associations with nature, makes us feel calm and peaceful, and possesses the ability to improve our focus and appetite. Green immediately takes us back to our roots, makes us remember the cool forest air, the grass underneath our feet, and the chirping of birds.

Excessive amounts of green can, however, cause apathy and weariness.

Light blue

This color soothes emotions and lowers activity. It is quite passive and can cause slowness. Light blue is a combination of blue and white. That’s why half of it brings coolness, and the other switches on your imagination and attention.

This color is often seen in classrooms or working spaces. It positively affects creative processes and expression of one´s thoughts. Light blue also affects children in a relaxing manner so it can be quite helpful in moderate amounts. At home light blue can be useful in the bedroom because it causes sleepiness and relieves tension. Do not dress the entire apartment in light blue, however, otherwise you will feel constant sleepiness.

Blue

Blue is a cold color. It sends you away into the world of dreams because it is the color of the sky and the sea. It emits coolness and will be pleasant during summer heat. Blue is directly associated with logic and discipline. It can have a calming effect on a restless child and make you feel more confident. Be careful, however, because excessive blue can cause drowsiness and melancholy. As a matter of fact, it is not recommended for people prone to depression or apathy.

Purple

This exquisite color always looks quite mysterious. Back in the day not everyone was able to obtain purple garments and the immediate connection of this color to luxury lives on. It is the color of intuition and knowledge and can help you get rid of melancholy and headaches, but only when used in appropriate amounts. When overused, purple can cause depression and fatigue.

Purple is also not the best color to use in rooms where a lot of time is spent, because it lowers both physical and mental activity.

White

White is a fresh color of confidence and purity, a color that easily attracts positive attention and charges you with energy. But just like any other color, white should not be abused. Excessive white creates an immediate association with hospitals and can lower your energy levels. A lack of white, however, can cause irritability. Thus, a balance should be maintained.

Black

Black is often associated with fear and mystery even though almost everyone has bits and pieces of this color in their wardrobe. It matches with any other color and easily adds a sharp edge to any look. This color, when worn correctly, can help you either fade away or stand out from the crowd.

Black consumes light and thus can worsen your mood when overused or used incorrectly.