5 Commercial Painting Colors & the Psychology Behind Them

A Commercial Painter’s Take on the Moods of the Color Wheel

You’ve likely heard of the psychology behind various paint colors, as many people enlist this type of thinking when painting rooms in their homes. However, what many don’t realize is that the psychology behind the colors for commercial painting is even more crucial, as you want your clients, patients, or customers to feel certain emotions when visiting your place of business. Whether it’s a hospital, furniture store, or an office for a therapist in private practice, considering the way a paint color makes people feel can be extremely beneficial. Did you know that the University of Iowa’s football program has a pink locker room for visiting football teams? At a time when their opponent should be getting pumped up, the pink is meant to soothe and calm. Pretty interesting, eh? Some might call it manipulative but the truth is, colors do have a significant impact, so why not take advantage of that?

If you’re about to embark on a commercial painting project at your place of work, you’d be wise to look into this. San Diego Paint Pros can help you choose a color that will make competitors green with envy. Read on for five common colors and the accompanying psychological effects.

1. Gray

Gray is a common choice for homes and businesses these days, and for good reason. It’s not only versatile, but it also conveys calmness and sophistication. There are even subtle differences within the shades of gray, as a darker gray represents strength while a softer gray often lends itself to a more delicate vibe. If you’ve got other colors in the room that you want to pop, gray is the perfect shade to be able to let others bask in the limelight.

2. Yellow

We’re unlikely to color anyone surprised by declaring yellow to be the shade of optimism, as its sunny effect is felt by all those who see it. If you’d like clients or patients to have a sense that all will be okay, yellow is an ideal choice. It could be a great shade to choose in a setting like an ad agency as well, as it sparks creativity and promotes communication. If you want the overall effect to be subtle, a muted yellow is an excellent option. Brighter, sun-kissed and buttery yellows convey coziness and warmth while a pale yellow can make a smaller room feel larger than it is.

3. Blue

There’s a reason that many companies are opting for blue in their office space these days, as it represents dependability and strength. It conjures up calm feelings while giving its space a fresh and crisp look. Again, the shade makes all the difference here, as a more vibrant blue brings a daring energy to a room while a lighter sky blue is more tranquil. Navy is a great option if you’re going for a dramatic look. Think of any photo you’ve ever seen from Greece. How does it make you feel? It’s no wonder this is so popular.

4. Red

“Red at work?” you might ask. “Why not?” we’d reply. Anything really does go these days when it comes to paint colors … even at work. And while this might be a bit too dramatic for some businesses, it’s great for a work environment that thrives on passion and creativity. It’s sort of a chameleon in that you can use it the way you want to. It can warm up a cool blue or white room or it can add drama as the main color for the walls of a gathering space or kitchen. Reds with an orange tint add energy while purple-red shades make the area more solemn and intimate.

5. Beige

You might hear this and think to yourself, “What a snooze.” Just the term beige implies boring but it’s time to put that notion on its ear, especially when it comes to commercial painting. In fact, many executives will tell you that this is their first choice for their offices. It’s dependable and flexible, which are qualities that are desirable in employees, too. Beige is also calm, neutral, and relaxing, providing a Zen-like atmosphere. It’s the perfect compromise for those who find brown too warm and white too cool. We see you there, beige, and we think you’re anything but boring.

If the idea of choosing a paint color for your place of business makes you blue, we can help. Contact us today for a consultation!