The meaning of primary colours

Will you go to a city full of red neon lights to feel calmer? Certainly not! This is because the colour of the environment is of great importance. Countless studies have been conducted on this topic all over the world. And most of them prove one thing: the colours we surround ourselves with on a daily basis have a huge impact on us. This is especially noticeable in the case of our well-being, behaviour and concentration. So what do the different colours mean and what can be gained from their presence? Our article will answer these questions! 

From this post you will learn, among others:
1. Do colours actually affect us in a certain way??
2. What are the characteristics of individual colours:
  - red,
  - blue,
  - green,
  - yellow.

From the research side
In the Western culture, adults mostly indicate blue as their favourite colour. Red and green follow. The situation is completely different with children: surveyed seven-year-olds value yellow the most. A much smaller group of children indicate their favourite among shades of blue or red. In addition, much more pleasant associations - and with them emotions - are aroused in us by bright colours and those with greater saturation.

The centre responsible for colour perception is located in the limbic part of the brain. That is why the way we interpret colours is related to our subconscious and our feelings. It has also been proven that long-wave colours (e.g. yellow and red) have a much more stimulating effect on us than short-wave colours (e.g. green or blue). This thesis is additionally confirmed by physiological tests in the form of EEG or skin conduction tests. 

So what do the different colours mean? Psychologists are not entirely unanimous about their impact on human life. However, that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. It is enough to think for a moment about what we think about when we see a particular colour. You can read more about it on our blog in the article "Psychology of colours - how to use them in interior design?" However, it is worth getting to know the most common values that each shade brings to mind.

Red colour… a red rag to... a human?
Red is characterized by spontaneity, energy and action. It attracts our attention, but in excessive amounts it can cause anger and aggression. It is suitable for people who are lethargic and tired, but also thirsty for success. It adds optimism and self-confidence. During research on the colour red, the largest group of respondents (as many as 29%) described their associations at the sight of red as a feeling of anger. Slightly less often, happiness or excitement were indicated (approx. 20%). 15% of participants decided that for them red is unambiguously the colour of passion and love. Red also stimulates the centres responsible for the ability to see the smallest details in us. During the tests, participants performed better on tasks that required concentration and attention to detail when they were shown ruby boards beforehand. 

Blue colour - the calmness of the sea in your home
Blue is associated with peace and quiet. It is thanks to the sense of calm that it evokes in us that we are able to focus better on work. Therefore, it is encouraged to use shades of blue in rooms intended for mental effort. The blue colour also has a soothing effect and encourages you to rest. It is the colour of creative and intelligent people who are not afraid to take on new challenges. During the research, it turned out that as many as 60% of participants confirmed the calming effect of blue. On the other hand, just over 10% admitted that they felt happy when they saw this colour. In addition, blue, due to its associations with openness and calmness, effectively encourages creative coping with problems. This means that study participants who had previously been in contact with blue were much better at coping with tasks that required a departure from the usual patterns.

Green colour will restore balance
Green is commonly associated with the nature that surrounds us. In addition, it symbolizes youth, health and safety. It is also the colour of harmony, which is why it is intended for people who feel internal fatigue and chaos, as it helps to mitigate their effects. Its soothing and refreshing properties bring balance, so it is perfect for all types of spaces. Respondents participating in the study on colours most often spoke of peace and happiness in the context of green (in total, as many as 60% named their emotions this way). Associations with comfort or peace of mind appeared less frequently, but they were also present in the rankings.

Yellow is the colour of sunshine
Yellow is a symbol of joy, optimism, energy and wisdom. It encourages us to talk, sharpens our memory and thinking, which is why it's the right colour for work. It is often used to attract people's attention, because we perceive it the fastest among other colours. The image of yellow in scientific research is no different. As many as 75% of respondents said that yellow means happiness for them. They also often mentioned excitement and a sudden surge of energy.

The field of science dealing with the study of the influence of colours on our lives is constantly developing. However, we know that individual colours have a specific effect on our well-being. The effects of their impact can be seen by conducting a series of tests: not only well-being, but also physical. So if you want your apartment to evoke specific associations or evoke desired emotions, you must think about what colours should be introduced. So, take a look at what the individual colours represent: 

- red is liveliness and energy. It adds confidence and encourages optimism. In its presence it is easier for us to focus on details, but too intense can cause aggression,

- blue helps us to calm down. Its ability to calm down emotions turns out to be useful during work. Shades of blue also encourage a creative approach to the challenges that stand in our way,

- green is the colour of nature. Its proximity makes us feel safe and negates the negative effects of stress,

- yellow clearly brings to mind optimism and happiness. Its solar energy stimulates action, providing us with an injection of positive well-being.