The holidays have passed, and your mind body, and bank accounts are most likely still recovering. Mental health is important and a trending topic recently, so we want to expand on color psychology this week. Today’s blog will be about the way color and lighting can influence people’s emotions.
History of color treatments:
In history, ancient cultures practiced chromotherapy. Most people do not know what chromotherapy is, so we will elaborate. Chromotherapy is is a form of therapy using lights, and it is often referred to as light therapy or colorology. It is continued to be practiced as a holistic or an alternative treatment.
In these treatments, red was used to stimulate the mind and body. Red was also used to increase circulation. Egyptians and Chinese used yellow in their efforts to purify the body and stimulate the nerves. Orange was used to increase energy levels and heal lungs.
These treatments used blue to ease illnesses and alleviate pain. They believed using shades of indigo would heal skin issues. Since these ancient treatments, there have been modern research on this topic.
Modern Color Psychology:
Many people as well as psychologists are skeptics when it comes to the actual effects of color therapy. Many psychologists point out that the affects are usually extremely exaggerated. Also, the meaning and effects of colors vary depending on the culture.
But modern research has proven that the mood-altering effects may be present, but they just may not last as long as originally hoped for. For example, a blue room or blue lighting may create a calming effect on someone, but it that feeling dissipates after a short period of time.
The short length of mood-altering effects may dwindle away due to physical causes or topics of discussion. Whatever the reason is for the short term effect, the effects are there and many interior designing and lighting specialists play off of that. It is a useful tool to make someone feel what you want them to feel in relation to your product or space- or even your home.
In addition to lighting and rooms, one study showed that warm-colored pills were more effective or conniving per say than cool-colored pills. Sociologists have evidence of reduced crimes in areas with cool-colored street lights.
Colors influence in sports and entertainment:
Imagine such a strong effect on one’s temperament influenced by the color of the lighting. Activewear and sports use research which shares red causes people to react with greater force and speed. One study looked at historical data and found even more interesting color facts.
Sport teams dressed in black uniforms were more likely to receive penalties. Students were also more inclined to associate bad qualities with players in black uniforms. Now this may be a cultural attribute linked to “rebels” or “black sheep” of society that dress in all black outfits.
If you think back to your favorite childhood characters, do you remember what colors they were wearing? They may have been red to grab your attention or blue to show they were innocent or sad. Take a look at one of the most popular characters.
In Despicable Me, the minions are yellow and they are all full of energy. In Frozen, Elsa is sad for part of the movie and she wears blue. Theses are not coincidences, and taking any art class will teach you this.
Color Psychology in your home or business:
Now we are getting to wear this all benefits you! For businesses, color greatly impacts consumer behavior. Red creates a sense of urgency which is great for sales or clearance areas. Red is often found in many fast-food chains because of this. “Quick, I want to eat that, so turn there!” Sanford Electric recommends pairing a red sign with the proper lighting to evoke necessary emotional impact.
Blue is most commonly used by conservative brands. Blues are associated with trust, peace, water, tranquility, and reliability. Because of this, brands choose blue to cement trust between their brand and the consumer. White is trending and is obviously clean and crisp.
It is associated with youth and modernity. Black is, like previously stated, known to be powerful. This is why it is the most common color for luxury cars as it is mysterious and sexy. The same goes for rooms in commercial spaces and homes. Lighting paired perfectly with these wall, furniture, or accessory colors can strongly impact guests or consumers.
Speak with Sanford Electric Company today to create your ideal space whether it be commercial or residential. Have a lovely week and stop by next week for more trending topics!
Staff Writer
