This article was co-authored by Mental Health America and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Mental Health America is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting overall mental health for all. Their work is guided by the Before Stage 4 philosophy – that mental health conditions should be treated long before they reach the most critical points in the disease process.
There are 20 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 8,209 times.
If you’re waking up feeling blue every morning, take a look at your bedroom walls—the shade of your paint might be bringing you down! While more research is needed to fully understand the links between color and mood, color theory suggests that carefully selecting the color scheme for your home can positively impact your mental health and well-being. In this article, we’ll review the supposed psychological qualities of each color and which rooms they’re best suited for, plus dive into the benefits of color theory for your overall well-being.
Things You Should Know
- Bright, warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) stimulate energy and happiness while cool, subdued colors (blues, greens, purples) are soothing and calming.
- Bright, warm colors are best in rooms for entertaining like dining rooms or kitchens, while cool colors work best in relaxing spaces like bedrooms or even bathrooms.
- Color psychology (using colors to influence your mood and behavior) is a new science, and there’s some evidence it helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and more.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
-
You don't necessarily need to invest in paint to change up the color scheme of your room. Wall art, pillows, blankets, rugs, and other decorative items all are great ways to incorporate color into a living space.Thanks
-
Remember that color theory isn’t guaranteed to be effective before spending time and money repainting your home.Thanks
-
Metallic colors (like gold and silver) and accent pieces are stylish ways to promote excitement or creativity. Place metallic decor in any room where you need a bit more energy.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.regain.us/advice/therapist/what-is-color-therapy-what-is-it-for-and-is-it-right-for-me/
- ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602122349.htm
- ↑ https://www.regain.us/advice/therapist/what-is-color-therapy-what-is-it-for-and-is-it-right-for-me/
- ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/color-psychology/
- ↑ https://psychdigest.com/colors-influence-mood/
- ↑ https://www.regain.us/advice/therapist/what-is-color-therapy-what-is-it-for-and-is-it-right-for-me/
- ↑ https://psychdigest.com/colors-influence-mood/
- ↑ https://exploringyourmind.com/what-does-the-color-pink-mean-in-psychology/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-personal-renaissance/201809/what-does-the-color-pink-do-you
- ↑ https://www.regain.us/advice/therapist/what-is-color-therapy-what-is-it-for-and-is-it-right-for-me/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6379348/
- ↑ https://www.regain.us/advice/therapist/what-is-color-therapy-what-is-it-for-and-is-it-right-for-me/
- ↑ https://neurofied.com/effects-of-color-on-behavior/
- ↑ https://www.regain.us/advice/therapist/what-is-color-therapy-what-is-it-for-and-is-it-right-for-me/
- ↑ https://www.colorpsychology.org/purple/
- ↑ https://www.homedit.com/colors/meaning/brown/
- ↑ https://www.colorsexplained.com/color-brown-meaning-of-the-color-brown/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4383146/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6120989/
- ↑ https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/MHS-Toolkits/Brand-Resources-for-Communicators/Color-Psychology-Guide
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6120989/
- ↑ https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/MHS-Toolkits/Brand-Resources-for-Communicators/Color-Psychology-Guide
- ↑ https://www.colorpsychology.org/black/
- ↑ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00368/full
- ↑ https://www.regain.us/advice/therapist/what-is-color-therapy-what-is-it-for-and-is-it-right-for-me/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/color-psychology/202012/can-colors-make-you-feel-better
- ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2158244014525423
- ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/color-therapy/
- ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/color-therapy/
- ↑ https://somnustherapy.com/what-color-light-is-best-for-sleep/
- ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/color-therapy/
- ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/color-therapy/