Colour: Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology

Blue is the overwhelming "favorite colour." Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The colour of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. As the collective colour of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate.

Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging colour that expresses exhilaration. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Blue is the least "gender specific" colour, having equal appeal to both men and women.

How the colour blue effects us physically and mentally
* Calming and sedate
* Cooling
* Aids intuition

For more information see "All About the Colour Blue"

Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye and is second only to blue as a favorite colour. Green is the pervasive colour in the natural world that is an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it everywhere.

The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered the colour of peace and ecology. However, there is an "institutional" side to green, associated with illness or Government-issued that conjure up negative emotions as do the "slimy" or bilious greens.

How the colour green effects us physically and mentally
* Soothing
* Relaxing mentally as well as physically
* Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety
* Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony

For more information see "All About the Colour Green"

Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colours and instill optimism and energy as well as spark creative thoughts.

How the colour yellow effects us mentally and physically
* Mentally stimulating
* Stimulates the nervous system
* Activates memory
* Encourages communication

For more information see "All About the Colour Yellow"

Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger "love it" or "hate it" response than other colours. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal.

How the colour orange effects us mentally and physically
* Stimulates activity
* Stimulates appetite
* Encourages socialization

For more information see "All About the Colour Orange"

Red has more personal associations than any other colour. Recognized as a stimulant red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.

How the colour red effects us mentally and physically
* Increases enthusiasm
* Stimulates energy
* Encourages action and confidence
* A sense of protection from fears and anxiety

For more information see "All About the Colour Red"

Purple embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a colour often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite colour of adolescent girls.

How the colour purple effects us mentally and physically
* Uplifting
* Calming to mind and nerves
* Offers a sense of spirituality
* Encourages creativity

For more information see "All About the Colour Purple"

Brown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the colour of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic.


How the colour brown effects us physically and mentally
* Feeling of wholesomeness
* Stability
* Connection with the earth
* Offers a sense orderliness

For more information see "All About the Colour Brown"

White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally were white gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home.

How the colour white effects us mentally and physically
* aids mental clarity
* encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles
* evokes purification of thoughts or actions
* enables fresh beginnings

For more information see "All About the Colour White"

Gray is timeless, practical, and solid. A longstanding favorite suit colour, gray can mix well with any colour. Although well like and often worn, people rarely name gray as a favorite colour possibly because Gray also is associated with loss or depression.

How the colour gray effects us physically and mentally
* unsettling
* expectant

For more information see "All About the Colour Gray"

Black is authoritative and powerful; because black can evoke strong emotions too much can be overwhelming. A classic colour for clothing possibly because it makes the wearer appear thinner and more sophisticated.

How the colour black effects us physically and mentally
* feeling inconspicious
* a restful emptiness
* mysterious evoking a sense of potential and possibility.

For more information see "All About the Colour Black"

All About the Colour Blue
All About the Colour Green
All About the Colour Yellow
All About the Colour Orange
All About the Colour Red
All About the Colour Purple
All About the Colour Pink
All About the Colour Brown
All About the Colour Gray
All About the Colour Black

What the Colour of the Vehicle You Drive Says About You

Colour Memories Stay With Us

Brain Man' Born on a Blue Day

Red Shows Impact on Achievement

Why the American Flag is Red, White and Blue

Why Barber Poles are Red and White

Why Pencils are Yellow

How Colours Can Affect Us

Dr. Max Lûscher was among the first to use color to reveal personality or a person's state of mind. The Luescher-Color-Diagnostic measures a person's psycho-physical state, his or her ability to withstand stress, to perform, and to communicate. It uncovers the cause of psychological stress, which can lead to physical symptoms.

Take the LÜSCHER COLOUR DIAGNOSTICS ® Test

There are many other fun color test and quizzes available on line. Some seem to be on target others maybe not so much but it can be fun to give them a try and see what they reveal about your colorful personality, ability to see color or recognition of color names or facts.

See a Plethora of Colour Tests, Quizzes and Fun!