Selecting Colors

The lighting in a room should be considered when selecting a color. Rooms with little natural light lend themselves to warmer colors (yellows and reds) to create a more open environment. Rooms with considerable natural light can benefit from cooler colors.

The use of a room should also be considered. Green is a relaxing color and lighter greens work well in study areas and bedrooms. Playrooms are enhanced with informal colors like muted oranges. Red has been found to actually stimulate appetite, which is one reason it is popular in restaurants.

Color can also change the appearance of a room’s size. Dark colors make a room feel smaller, while light colors create a feeling of spaciousness. A narrow room can be made to appear wider by painting one, or both, of the narrow walls a darker color. A light color will make a ceiling appear higher.

Because color is a response to light reflected from an object, the light source can have an impact of the appearance of a color. The same color may look considerably different in natural light, incandescent light., and fluorescent light. Each light source emits different amounts of energy in the visible spectrum, and can enhance or subdue a particular color.

With so many factors to consider, and choices available, the choice of selecting a color can seem overwhelming. Color selection is first and foremost, a personal preference. While the factors discussed in this article should be considered, what really matters is that the color you select is pleasing and creates the environment you desire.

COLOR PSYCHOLOGY

Yellow– The most visible color. Good for narrow hallways.

Orange-Viewed as cheerful and friendly. Good for family rooms.

Red-Encourages action and aggressiveness. Good for dining rooms

Violet-Regarded as a power color. Preferred by children more than adults.

Blue-Lighter blues are calming. Good for bedrooms.

Green-Considered relaxing. Good for bedrooms.

Gray-Encourages creativity. Use depends on warmth of color.

Black-Viewed as dignified and sophisticated. Enhances most other colors.

–Johnny B’s Painting