Introduction
When choosing a color for an office, there are a few key factors to consider:
The purpose of the office – Is it a private office or a shared workspace? Do you need to promote focus and concentration or collaboration and creativity? The purpose will impact the best color choice.
The existing decor – Look at furniture, flooring, and other design elements already in place. You’ll want to select a color that complements these features.
Branding or company colors – If there is an established brand or company color palette, draw from those hues. Staying on brand visually brings unity.
Personal preference – While meeting practical needs, the office should still reflect personality and individual style.
Lighting – Consider how much natural light the space gets. Darker colors can feel oppressive in dim offices.
Size of the office – Bolder colors often work best in smaller spaces, while larger offices can accommodate lighter, more subtle hues.
With this in mind, here are some of the most popular office color choices and why they work:
Blue
Blue is a go-to choice for many offices and for good reason. Here are some of its benefits:
– Promotes productivity and focus. The cool tone is calming and helps concentration.
– Gives off a professional vibe. Blue is a classic color associated with stability and wisdom.
– Encourages innovation and creativity. The color sparks imaginative thought.
– Gender neutral and appealing to many. Blue has near universal appeal across demographics.
There are many shades of blue to choose from. Pale blue is peaceful and ethereal. Navy blue reads as more serious and traditional. Sky blue offers a bright, cheerful vibe. Royal blue conveys luxury and wealth.
Recommended blue colors for offices:
– Navy – Sophisticated and confident
– Sky Blue – Uplifting and friendly
– Royal Blue – Elegant and refined
– Baby Blue – Soft and calming
Gray
Gray is an extremely versatile neutral color that works well in both monochromatic and colorful office settings:
– Provides a blank slate to layer other colors and decor
– Comes across as refined and timeless for a polished look
– Feels orderly, neat, and organized to promote productivity
– Calming minimalist aesthetic for focus and concentration
– Light gray brightens up spaces with dark finishes or limited natural light
– Dark charcoal gray adds sleek, modern sophistication
Shades like silver, pewter, and slate also offer the benefits of gray with added depth and visual interest. Consider pairing gray with pops of colors like yellow, teal, or burgundy.
Recommended gray colors for offices:
– Light Gray – Clean, bright, and airy
– Charcoal – Striking and contemporary
– Pewter – Refined and upscale
– Slate – Grounded and steady
White
An office painted completely white can feel sterile, but incorporating white paint, furniture, and decor adds many positive benefits:
– Feels open, airy, and spacious
– Allows other accent colors to stand out
– Fosters group unity and collaboration
– Provides a blank starting point for creativity
– Conveys purity, cleanliness, and simplicity
Too much white can be overwhelming. Aim for clean white combined with accent walls, furniture, flooring, or artwork for visual interest and personality. Off-whites like ivory, cream, or linen also provide depth.
Recommended white colors for offices:
– Bright White – Clean, fresh, modern
– Ivory – Warm, soft, and inviting
– Cream – Calm, subtle, and soothing
– Linen – Casual texture and depth
Green
Green is a refreshing color that brings the outdoors inside:
– Promotes feelings of renewal, growth, and rebirth
– Color of harmony, balance, and resilience
– Reduces stress and provokes calm feelings
– Communicates corporate social responsibility and care for the environment
– Pairs nicely with warm wood tones and natural light
Green works well as an accent color. Use shades like sage alongside off-whites or beige for a peaceful atmosphere. Brighter greens add a punch of vitality.
Recommended green colors for offices:
– Sage – Serene with earthy depth
– Moss – Rich, welcoming, and stable
– Lime – Energizing and uplifting
– Emerald – Luxurious and radiant
Yellow
Yellow instantly brightens up any space. It symbolizes sunshine, happiness, and optimism:
– Stimulates creative thought and mental clarity
– Feels friendly, welcoming, and inclusive
– Grabs attention while still feeling casual and fun
– Promotes collaboration, communication, and conversation
– Brings warmth to modern minimalist spaces
Soft buttercream or mustard yellows work well for whole office spaces. Use bursts of lemony or golden yellow as accents. Yellow pairs nicely with gray tones.
Recommended yellow colors for offices:
– Buttercream – Warm, cheerful, and friendly
– Mustard – Retro, charming, and playful
– Lemon – Vibrant energy and stimulation
– Gold – Luxury, glamour, and success
Neutral Colors
If you want an office with flexible, versatile appeal, go for neutral colors. Here are top options:
– Beige – Warm and welcoming as a primary color
– Tan – Reliable and subtle, great with blues
– Taupe – Sophisticated modern neutral with gray undertones
– Mocha – Richer than beige with striking earth tones
– Greige – Mixture of gray and beige for the best of both worlds
These neutrals work for any office style. Pair them with your preferred accent colors and decor. Just avoid going too monochromatic. Layer shades and textures for interest.
Bold and Vibrant Colors
While many offices opt for conservative hues, don’t be afraid to go for bold! Primary colors and brights can be highly inspiring:
– Red – Energy, passion, courage, and stimulation
– Purple – Creativity, mysticism, and sophistication
– Orange – Enthusiasm, vibrancy, and positivity
– Hot Pink – Fun, flamboyant, and great for accents
Use as accent walls or on key design features and furniture. Keep the rest of the space neutral to prevent overwhelm. Vibrant colors are great conversation starters and show off a fun company culture. Just stick to 1-2 bold colors and search for deeper, muted shades.
Nature-Inspired Colors
Bring the outdoors in by selecting shades inspired by nature. These colors promote wellness and tranquil spaces:
– Light blue (sky) – Peace, clarity, reflection, and new perspectives
– Green (foliage) – Renewal, harmony, and corporate wellness
– Brown (wood) – Organic warmth and connection to the natural environment
– Sand (beach) – Relaxation and coastal calm for landlocked locations
– Grass green – Vitality and focus drawn from living plants
Paint large murals of natural scenery or use these colors subtly on accent walls and decor. Avoid seeming too heavy-handed with the nature theme.
Best Color Combinations for Offices
While single colors certainly work, combining colors creates visual interest and layers. Here are pleasing office color schemes:
| Navy Blue & Yellow | – Nautical, casual, and fun |
| Light Blue & Gray | – Professional, calming, focused |
| Sage Green & Sand | – Spa-like relaxation |
| Black & White | – Classic, bold graphic contrast |
| Red & Gray | – Sophisticated pop of color |
Avoid going overboard on color combinations. Stick to 3 colors max. Frequent bold combinations include a bright color, light neutral, and dark neutral. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box either. Unexpected pairings like purple and lime or sage green and plum make creative professional statements.
How Lighting Impacts Color Choices
The existing lighting must be factored into all color selections:
– North-facing rooms have cool, blue-toned light – pair with warm orange, red, or yellow
– West or south-facing rooms have abundant warm, yellow light – pair with cool blues, greens, grays
– Shady rooms feel dark and enclosed – use lighter colors to visually expand space
– Fluorescent lighting casts unflattering green/blue light – avoid greens, stick to warm neutrals
– LEDs offer flexible lighting temperature options – adjust LED tone to complement colors
– Natural light changes throughout the day – consider colors that look great in both morning and afternoon light
Conduct observations at all times of day the office will be used before finalizing paint colors. Lighting hugely impacts how shades appear.
Design Elements that Compliment Office Colors
It’s not just about paint color – incorporate colors through various design elements:
Furniture – Colored chairs, desks, couches, and tables
Flooring – Colored concrete, stained wood, patterned carpet
Window treatments – Colored curtains, blinds, and window film
Lighting fixtures – Pendant lights, floor lamps, and table lamps
Wall art – Framed prints, murals, wall decals, and hangings
Greenery – Potted plants, succulents, and fresh flower arrangements
Decor accents – Vases, trays, organizers, bowls, and tech accessories
Mix and match materials, textures, and sheens across these elements. Just ensure everything coordinates instead of clashes. Use color to create specific zones and direct flow.
Color Psychology for Offices
Make strategic color choices based on the desired psychological impact:
| Blue | Productivity, focus, tranquility, dependability |
| Yellow | Happiness, optimism, creativity, confidence |
| Green | Harmony, growth, balance, corporate wellness |
| Purple | Imagination, spirituality, luxury, ambition |
| Red | Energy, passion, excitement, courage |
| White | Purity, cleanliness, unity, simplicity |
The needs of departments may also impact color choices:
– Accounting/finance – Conservative neutrals like gray, navy, black
– Marketing – Vibrant, creative colors like red, yellow, or purple
– Technology – Modern blues and greens signaling innovation
– Legal – Traditional colors like navy, black, beige
Color deeply impacts mood and mindset. Set the tone you want through strategic office hues.
Considerations for Color Schemes by Office Type
Color selections may vary based on the office setup:
Private Offices:
More flexibility for personal preferences. Reflect brand identity.
Open Layout Offices:
Stick to neutrals to prevent visual chaos. Use colors for wayfinding.
Shared Office Spaces:
Aim for energizing and inspiring to promote collaborating. Lots of white and natural light.
Home Offices:
Reflect your personality fully. Coordinate with home decor.
Office Lobbies/Waiting Rooms:
Make visitors comfortable through calming colors and affiliated branding. Avoid overly trendy.
Conference Rooms:
Stimulating colors to keep energy and focus high during long meetings. Avoid anything too distracting.
Tips for Successfully Using Color in Offices
Some final tips for effectively selecting and implementing office colors:
– View large paint swatches in the space before committing
– Test samples on walls and observe at different times/lighting
– Add accents of color first through decor vs. big investments like wall paint
– Ensure colors align with company brand identity and style
– Consider how colors will appear in virtual meetings/video calls
– Use brights in moderation to avoid overwhelming
– Establish flow from one space to the next through intentional colors
– Be aware of how colors impact spatial perception – white expands, black confines
– Don’t overlook the power of neutrals to provide a clean backdrop
– Make sure everyone agrees on shared space colors to prevent discord
– Mix color schemes in larger offices for distinct moods by zone
– Adjust paint sheen to maximize the benefits of colors – eggshell for vibrance
A well-selected office color scheme boosts morale, energy, collaboration, and creativity. Consider the needs of the space, employees, and brand when making impactful color choices for maximum effectiveness. How you paint your office matters.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal colors for an office space requires careful consideration of many factors: the purpose of the office, existing decor, branding needs, personal preferences, available lighting, office size, and more.
Popular office color choices like blue, gray, white, green, and yellow all have unique benefits aligned with productivity, focus, collaboration, and creativity. Combining colors in schemes provides further visual interest. Strategic use of bold accents, color psychology, and coordination with other design elements can maximize the impact of office colors.
While every office has different needs, keeping things like lighting, office setup, and functional zones in mind will lead to colors that checks all the boxes – professional, inspiring, branded, calming, and more. With deliberate color choices, you can paint your office for success.
