When choosing a color for office walls, there are a few key factors to consider. The color should promote productivity, enhance mood and energy levels, and align with your company’s brand. Quick answer – some good options include light neutrals like off-white, light gray, or pale blue. Bold accent walls in colors like green or orange can also liven up an office. Ultimately the right color depends on your goals for the space. This article will provide an in-depth look at how to choose the best office wall color.
Factors to Consider
Here are some key considerations when selecting an office wall color:
Productivity
Research shows that cool blue tones can improve focus and concentration. Warm colors like yellow and orange tend to energize, but can also be overstimulating. Neutral whites, grays and tans are calming while not being boring. Consider the tasks performed in each area and opt for colors that enhance productivity.
Mood & Energy
Color psychology suggests that yellows and oranges evoke happiness and creativity, while blues instill calmness. Workers in high-stress roles may benefit from tranquil blues or greens. Areas for collaboration and brainstorming could embrace energetic reds and yellows. Take into account the mood you want to cultivate in your office space.
Branding
Your office walls present an opportunity to reinforce company branding through color. Incorporate your brand colors into wall paint or décor for a cohesive look. For example, a tech company could opt for sleek gray and blue tones. A creative firm might utilize vibrant secondary colors. Ensure your office color scheme aligns with your image and industry.
Popular Office Wall Colors
Here are some of the most common and effective colors for office walls and a discussion of their benefits:
White
Crisp white is a popular office wall color because it keeps things bright and airy. White provides a clean, neutral backdrop and makes the space feel open. It promotes concentration for detail-oriented work. White also allows you to easily incorporate pops of color through décor and furniture. The downside is that white can feel sterile. Opt for an off-white with subtle undertones of gray or beige to warm things up.
Light Gray
Light grays are versatile neutrals that balance cleanliness and softness. Gray walls exude professionalism and sophistication. Lighter shades like pewter or heather are calming while maintaining visual interest. Gray tones pair well with any accent colors and many styles of decor. The muted palette minimizes visual distraction. Light gray is ideal for most business functions.
Blue
Shades of blue, especially lighter sky blues, are universally appealing office colors. Blue is associated with stability, trust and focus. Soft blue walls foster productivity and concentration thanks to its soothing nature. Blue also enhances creativity and clarity of thought. Different intensities and hues of blue suit a wide range of professional settings. Baby blue is a warmer tone that prevents the color from feeling cold.
Green
Green is a versatile color that stimulates harmony and balance in an office. Natural greens like sage evoke a sense of renewal and life. Brighter greens like lime provide a playful, uplifting vibe. Darker greens like forest green add luxury and traditional flair. Green helps cultivate group collaboration and idea generation. Some shades of green can be overpowering, so stick to lighter or muted tones.
Yellow
Cheery yellow infuses office walls with optimism and vitality. Certain shades of yellow stimulate mental clarity and alertness. Brighter yellows may boost creativity and conversation in break rooms or meeting areas. However, avoid intensely vivid yellows which can be overstimulating. Soft buttercream or daffodil yellows provide warmth. Be aware yellow walls will reflect light and may intensify glare.
Creative Accent Wall Ideas
While light neutrals work well for most walls, consider adding one vibrant focal or accent wall. Here are some creative accent wall ideas:
Forest Green
A bold forest green accent wall adds drama and sophistication. Green makes a stimulating contrast to white or gray walls. Add textural interest with a grasscloth green wallpaper.
Citrus Orange or Yellow
Vibrant citrus orange or lemon yellow energize an accent wall. These zesty colors catalyze creativity and upbeat emotions. Add visual texture with 3D wall panels.
Turquoise
Cool turquoise makes a relaxing accent wall color. It stimulates clear thinking while adding a pop of color. Try metallic turquoise wall tiles or paint for a striking look.
Exposed Brick
For industrial flair, expose original brick walls or install faux reclaimed wood panels. This rustic texture excites and grounds the space.
Chalkboard Paint
Transform a wall into a writable surface with chalkboard paint. This allows for creativity, collaboration and fun. Use chalk to scribble brainstorming notes, goals or art.
Best Color Combinations
When selecting a color palette for office walls, consider these harmonious combinations:
White + Blue
Crisp white walls complemented by a sky blue accent wall or blue decor creates a soothing oasis ideal for concentration. Add energy with pops of citrus colors.
Gray + Yellow
Balanced light gray walls work perfectly with cheery yellow accents. Gray tempers the vibrancy of yellow. This combination energizes but not overwhelm.
Green + Brown
Earthy green and brown hues cultivate a grounded, welcoming atmosphere. Forrest green or olive walls with brown leather furniture emit warmth and stability.
Black + White
For modern elegance, pair black accent walls with bright white walls and sleek decor. Crisp black and white makes a striking, artistic statement.
Blue + Green
Cool blue and green are complementary colors on the color wheel, making them inherently pleasing together. Try a pastel sage green with a soft sky blue for a tranquil vibe.
How Lighting Affects Color
The interplay of lighting and wall color can make a big impact. Here’s how different lighting influences color perception:
| Lighting | Effect on Color |
|---|---|
| Natural Light | Enhances and intensifies colors. North-facing light maintains accurate color rendition. |
| Incandescent | Warms and softens colors with a yellow/orange cast. |
| Fluorescent | Cools colors and can distort or flatten them. |
| LED | Provides a crisp, neutral white light that shows true colors. |
Ideally, choose lighting that flatters the colors you select. Abundant natural light always complements an office palette. To view colors accurately, do paint sampling at different times of day.
Private Office vs. Open Plan Color Considerations
Wall color needs may differ based on office layout. Here are considerations for private offices versus open plan spaces:
Private Offices
– Can support more saturated, vivid colors
– Opportunity for greater personalization
– Focal accent walls work well
– Avoid hues that are too energetic or distracting
Open Plan Offices
– Lean towards neutral and subtle colors
– Consistent color scheme unifies space
– Avoid intense accents that could disturb colleagues
– Use cohesive colors to define zones and activities
Talk to employees and evaluate job functions occurring in different areas. Select colors that cater to needs while maintaining some consistency between spaces.
Wall Color Ideas by Industry
Certain palettes may be better suited to specific industries. Some examples:
Technology Company
Clean grays and blues evoke a futuristic, innovative vibe fitting tech companies. Try lighter shades to prevent a cold feeling. Add energizing accents like citrus orange.
Creative Agency
Creative firms can embrace bold, vibrant colors for stimulation. Reds, oranges and greens foster imagination and conversation. Keep white or neutral walls to prevent overstimulation.
Healthcare Office
Calming, professional blues and greens work for healthcare. Avoid reds that can appear alarming. Soothing accent walls in warmer hues provide comfort.
Financial Company
Traditional navy blue conveys trust and stability for the financial industry. Offset dark blue with light gray or taupe. Pops of red add energy.
Consider your industry culture and brand identity when selecting office wall colors. The palette should align with the image you wish to project.
Tips for Choosing Paint Colors
Here are some helpful tips for selecting paint colors for your office:
– Determine the mood and ambiance you want to achieve
– Gather paint color swatches and samples to view in the space
– Paint large sample patches to see how colors look on walls
– Test colors at different times of day when lighting changes
– Opt for matte or eggshell finishes to reduce glare
– Consider sheen levels based on room function and traffic
– View colors next to furniture, flooring and decor for harmony
– Check that colors contrast well with any wall signage
– Select eco-friendly low or no VOC paints when possible
Investing time in choosing the right color pays dividends in promoting productivity, comfort and brand image. Be strategic about your office wall color selection.
Conclusion
The ideal office wall color improves concentration, mood and brand alignment. When selecting a color, consider the needs of the space and employees. Light neutrals like white, gray and soft blue are safe choices that don’t overwhelm. Bold accent walls in greens, oranges or reds can add interest. Take into account lighting effects, industry identity and decorative elements when choosing a color. With some thoughtful planning, you can pick office wall colors that benefit your business and workforce.