Colors can have a powerful effect on our emotions and moods. Some shades make us feel energetic and excited, while others evoke feelings of tranquility and calm. In this article, we’ll explore what color psychology has revealed about the most peaceful and calming colors.
Blue
Blue is by far the most universally associated color with peace, calm, and tranquility. Looking up at a clear blue sky or out onto a serene blue ocean can instantly induce feelings of relaxation. Studies have also found the color blue can lower blood pressure and heart rate.
There are a few theories as to why blue has this calming effect:
- Blue light has a relatively short wavelength, which isn’t overstimulating to the eyes or brain.
- Blue is associated with openness, exploration, and freedom – think of the expansive sky or sea.
- Darker shades of blue are reminiscent of the peaceful night sky.
Light to medium shades of blue are the most tranquil. Darker blues can sometimes come across as sad or depressing. And neon or electric blues are too energetic to be considered peaceful.
Green
Like blue, green is thought to have a relaxing, calming effect on people. Green is the color of nature, associated with trees, grass, and forests – thinking of “green, lush natural scenery” brings about tranquility.
Green may have earned its calming reputation for a few reasons:
- Green shades are restful on the eyes.
- It represents renewal, growth, and harmony.
- It helps relieve anxiety and depression.
Nature greens, like forest green, olive green, and sage green are peaceful. Avoid neon greens, which feel too unnatural and bright.
Lavender
Lavender is often touted as having medicinal properties – the scent of lavender oil or lavender flowers is known to induce feelings of calmness. There’s also evidence that simply looking at the color lavender can lower anxiety levels.
Some reasons lavender may have this relaxing effect include:
- It has long been associated with beauty, femininity, and solitude – think of lavender fields in the countryside.
- Lavender flowers release calming scents.
- The lighter purple tone is subtle and soothing on the eyes.
True lavender shades are the most peaceful. Avoid darker purples like eggplant or magenta, which feel more dramatic and luxurious.
Pink
While bright and hot pinks are stimulating, softer and lighter pink shades, like bubblegum and baby pink, can have a gentle, calming effect. These pinks remind us of childhood nurseries, sweet treats, and carefree days.
Possible reasons light pinks are relaxing include:
- They give a sense of warmth without being overpowering.
- Paler pinks contain more white, which opens up space.
- They are associated with feminine qualities like nurturing and affection.
The most peaceful pink shades are pastel and desaturated rather than neon. Dark or red-based pinks are also too stimulating for relaxation.
Yellow
Bright, vibrant yellows are often considered uplifting. But soft, muted shades of yellow can also have a calming effect. Think of the warmth of a daffodil, lemon slice, or buttercup.
Reasons yellow may induce calmness include:
- Soft yellows remind us of sunlight, which lifts our mood.
- They represent joy and optimism.
- Pale yellows are soothing and not overstimulating.
Buttery cream, lemon, and soft goldenrod yellows are the most calming. Avoid neon or traffic sign yellows, which feel too bright and intense for relaxation.
White
White represents openness, purity, and space. Open, airy whites can induce a sense of calm by making us feel unrestricted and free. Doctors’ offices and spas often use white to help patients feel at ease.
Reasons white can feel peaceful are:
- It opens up space visually, giving an airy feel.
- It reflects light, enhancing feelings of illumination.
- It’s associated with cleanliness and simplicity.
Soft white, such as an off-white eggshell color, is the most relaxing. Avoid stark, bright whites, which can almost feel too harsh and sterile.
Gray
While darker grays can feel dreary, lighter grays like silver have a refined, soothing effect. Cool grays are associated with sophisticated qualities like wisdom and composure.
Lighter grays may evoke tranquility because:
- They aren’t overly stimulating visually.
- They represent solidness and stability.
- They are linked to respect and modesty.
Go for a light dove gray rather than dark charcoal grays. Greenish grays like sage are also very peaceful.
How Room Color Affects Mood
The color of a room can affect how we feel when occupying the space. Here are some suggestions for using wall colors to create a relaxing, tranquil environment:
| Room | Soothing Colors |
|---|---|
| Living room | Light blue, sage green, lavender |
| Bedroom | Pale blue, celadon green, peach |
| Bathroom | Aqua blue, sand, neutral gray |
| Dining room | Butter yellow, robin’s egg blue, turquoise |
| Home office | Pale yellow, lilac, dove gray |
Tips for Using Calming Colors
Here are some top tips for infusing your home with serene, peaceful colors:
- Stick to soft, muted shades rather than bright, intense ones.
- Incorporate lighter tones like whites and pastels to open up space.
- Use calming colors for big surfaces like walls but add in pops of brighter colors with accessories.
- Paint bedrooms cool blues or greens to promote relaxation.
- Choose earthy neutrals like tans, beiges and grays for a cozy, peaceful look.
- Don’t forget lighting – maximize soft, natural light sources.
- Add in textures like velvet or linen for depth over flat paint.
- Display calm nature photography to reinforce the peaceful vibe.
Conclusion
When looking to create a sense of peace and tranquility in a home or room, turn to soft, lighter shades like sky blue, mint green, dove gray, and buttery yellow. Steer clear of bright primary colors and opt for muted, subtle tones instead. Consider what feelings you want a space to evoke, and choose colors accordingly to produce the desired relaxed, calming effect. With the mindful use of color psychology, you can transform any room into a relaxing oasis.
