Choosing the right colors for an office environment is crucial for productivity, focus, and promoting your company brand. Certain colors should be avoided in office settings as they can be distracting, cause eye strain, or emit an unprofessional vibe. When selecting office colors, it’s important to consider the psychology behind color, the tasks performed, your brand identity, and creating an inviting workspace. This article will examine popular office color schemes, colors to avoid, and tips on crafting a cohesive office aesthetic.
Most Popular Office Color Schemes
There are a few tried-and-true professional color palettes that are commonly used in office spaces:
Monochromatic – Sticking to various shades, tones, and tints of one single color. This could be different hues of blue, green, gray, etc. Monochromatic palettes project a sleek, sophisticated look.
Analogous – Using 3-4 colors next to each other on the color wheel such as different shades of blue, green, and yellow. Analogous palettes are vibrant yet still harmonious when adjacent colors are used.
Triadic – Combining 3 colors equally spaced around the color wheel. Some examples are shades of blue, yellow, and red or purple, orange, and green. Triadic palettes have a playful, energetic aesthetic.
Neutral – Sticking with black, white, gray, beige, and brown. This scheme is excellent for minimalist, modern spaces focused on clean lines.
Earthy – Inspired by nature using greens, blues, browns, tans, and white. Earthy palettes bring the outdoors in and promote wellness and tranquility.
Here is a comparison of these common office color schemes:
| Scheme | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Monochromatic | Different shades of one color | Sleek, sophisticated, uniform |
| Analogous | Adjacent colors on the wheel | Harmonic, vibrant |
| Triadic | Colors equally spaced | Playful, energetic |
| Neutral | Black, white, gray, tan | Crisp, minimalist |
| Earthy | Greens, blues, tans | Natural, wellness |
As you can see, popular office color schemes share balanced, professional-looking attributes while still providing visual interest.
Colors to Avoid in Office Spaces
Although personal preference always comes into play, there are certain colors that tend to look unappealing or cause issues in office environments. Colors to avoid or use sparingly include:
Bright Red – In large doses, bright red can increase anxiety, elevate blood pressure, and cause visual strain. If using red, opt for muted brick or maroon shades.
Neon/Bright Hues – While lively, neon green, electric blue, hot pink are too stimulating and decrease concentration. Reserve brights for accents.
Pure White – Stark white can seem sterile and cold. Opt for an eggshell or soft white instead.
Jet Black – Solid black overwhelms a space. Use sparingly and pair with lighter colors.
Yellow – Depending on shade and intensity, yellow may look cheap or abrasive. Soft yellows work better than bright lemon.
Brown – Dark browns can feel dreary. Use natural wood tones and lighter taupes instead.
Gray – Bland grays create a dull, uninspired workspace. Combine with shades like blue, green, or purple instead.
Here is an overview of the office colors you should avoid:
| Color | Issue | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Bright red | Stressful | Muted red |
| Neon/brights | Too stimulating | As accents |
| Pure white | Cold, sterile | Soft white |
| Jet black | Overwhelming | With lighter colors |
| Yellow | Harsh | Soft yellow |
| Brown | Dreary | Natural wood tones |
| Gray | Dull | With shades of color |
As shown, the best practice is to avoid flat, high intensity shades and instead opt for muted, soothing versions of colors paired thoughtfully.
Consider the Psychology of Color
An important tip when crafting an office color scheme is to consider the psychology behind each hue. While subjective, colors can evoke certain moods and impacts:
Blue – Blue is associated with tranquility, wisdom and productivity. Different shades can be calming or refreshing.
Green – Green is linked to harmony, nature, and healing. Dark greens are balancing while light greens are uplifting.
Yellow – Cheerful yellow boosts mood, though some shades trigger frustration. Use sparingly in office.
Orange – Orange promotes socialization and creativity. Bold orange can be overstimulating so pair with neutrals.
Red – Powerful red increases focus but also blood pressure and anxiety if overused.
Purple – Purple balances stimulation and calm. It encourages imagination and compassion.
Gray – Cool, neutral gray conveys tradition and dependability. Add color so it’s not too stark.
Brown – Natural brown promotes groundedness and reliability. Avoid going too dark.
Below is a chart of color psychology to keep top of mind:
| Color | Psychological Impact |
|---|---|
| Blue | Tranquil, wise, productive |
| Green | Harmonious, healing, nature |
| Yellow | Uplifts mood, frustration |
| Orange | Social, creative, stimulation |
| Red | Powerful, focus, raises BP |
| Purple | Imagination, calm |
| Gray | Dependable, tradition |
| Brown | Grounded, reliable, warm |
Use this guide on color association when selecting your office palette to create the vibe you want.
Consider Job Duties and Departments
The primary job functions taking place in your office should also inform color choices. Here are suggested palettes based on various departments:
Management – Conservative colors like navy blue, taupe, gray, black signal professionalism. Pops of red add boldness.
Technology – Modern black, white, and metallics convey innovation. Blue and green add vibrancy.
Marketing – Creativity promoting purple, green, orange and yellow in muted tones.
Accounting – Traditional navy, black and beige promotes trust. Pops of green adds freshness.
Human Resources – Calming blue, green and gray foster communication. Warm wood tones give comfort.
Customer Service – Friendly earth tones like tan, light green, sky blue. Avoid drab brown.
| Department | Color Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Management | Navy blue, gray, taupe, black, red accents |
| Technology | Black, white, blue, green, metallics |
| Marketing | Purple, green, orange, yellow (muted) |
| Accounting | Navy, black, beige, green accents |
| Human Resources | Blue, green, gray, wood tones |
| Customer Service | Light green, sky blue, tan |
Tailoring your office color scheme to department needs promotes productivity and relevant branding.
Incorporate Your Brand Identity
Your company logo colors and branding should also guide your office palette. Here are examples:
Bold, Vibrant Brand – If your logo uses bright, saturated colors, carry these through. Just opt for softer versions like coral instead of neon pink.
Monochromatic Brand – If you have a single color logo, use various tints and tones of that shade. Add in complementary colors for accent.
Neutral Brand – If your branding is black, white, gray, or brown, build off these with pops of color and natural wood tones.
Nature-Inspired Brand – For earthy, organic brands use corresponding greens, blues, browns, and natural textures.
Below is a table summarizing office color recommendations based on brand identity:
| Brand Identity | Office Color Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Bold, vibrant | Softened brand colors |
| Monochromatic | Tints/tones of logo color + accents |
| Neutral | Pops of color, natural wood |
| Nature-inspired | Greens, blues, wood tones |
Incorporating logo colors into your office conveys cohesion between your physical and digital presence.
Use Color to Zone Spaces
Strategically wield color to help zone different areas within your office:
Entry/Lobby – Greet with friendly light blue, green or yellow. Avoid harsh reds.
Hallways – Cool tones like gray, light blue and lavender aid wayfinding.
Offices – Management offices reflect authority with navy, black, or slate blue.
Conference Rooms – Stimulate creativity with greens, vibrant orange, or bold patterns.
Break Room – Promote relaxation with peaceful blue, neutral brown, or monochromatic green.
Restrooms – Clean colors like gray, beige, light blue convey hygiene.
| Space | Color Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Entry/Lobby | Light blue, green, yellow |
| Hallways | Gray, light blue, lavender |
| Offices | Navy, black, slate blue |
| Conference Rooms | Green, orange, bold patterns |
| Break Room | Blue, neutral brown, green |
| Restrooms | Gray, beige, light blue |
Think about how color can help users navigate and enjoy the various zones in your office.
Foster Creativity and Focus
Depending on what kind of work happens in your office, you may want to foster creativity or intense focus. Here are palettes for each:
Creativity – Orange, purple, green, red – Playful colors encourage imagination and inventiveness.
Focus – Neutral gray, navy, black – Serious colors minimize distractions and eyestrain.
Both – Light blue, teal, lime green – Uplifting without being overbearing.
If your office needs both traits, aim for colors that straddle the line between stimulating and soothing for the optimal productivity.
Below are color recommendations based on desired workspace atmosphere:
| Goal | Color Palette |
|---|---|
| Creativity | Orange, purple, green, red |
| Focus | Neutral gray, navy, black |
| Both | Light blue, teal, lime green |
Keep your office goals around creativity and focus top of mind when making color choices.
Bring the Outdoors In
Incorporating organic textures and nature-inspired hues fosters wellness and tranquility in office spaces. Consider these elements:
Live Plants – Strategically place live plants and greenery throughout space.
Earthy Tones – Sand, mossy greens, sky blue, warm brown. Ground space.
Wood Furniture – Natural wood desks, tables, shelves add warmth.
Textured Fabrics – Woven rugs, pillows, throws add cozy feel.
Natural Light – Maximize sunlight and offer views of nature.
Indoor Water Features – The sound of trickling water instills calm.
Blending organic textures meaningfully into your office promotes wellbeing and a peaceful atmosphere.
Create Quiet Zones
Having areas for respite apart from main workspace also aids focus and renewal. Quiet zone ideas:
Reading Nook – Space with comfy chair, pillows, bookshelf and floor lamp for reading breaks.
Meditation Room – Turn unused office into simple meditation room with mats, soothing lighting and decor.
Outdoor Seating Area – Furnish outdoor space with chairs, tables, and greenery for fresh air rejuvenation.
Nap Pods – Provide reclining chairs or pods for power naps.
Tea/Coffee Bar – Offer coffee and tea station with flavors, mugs, treats for impromptu relaxation.
Game Area – Include foosball, ping pong, or pool table to take active breaks.
Zoning quiet areas removes workers from busy environments to reset attention and mood.
Use Wall Color Strategically
Don’t overlook walls as a major surface to maximize your office color scheme. Use these strategies:
Paint Accent Wall – Paint