The Psychology of Colour: How Paint Affects Mood and Atmosphere

Businesses, from offices to retail stores and restaurants, rely on the power of colour to create the right atmosphere for employees and customers.

A carefully chosen paint scheme can make a workspace feel productive, a store inviting, or a restaurant warm and comforting. But the wrong colours? They can lead to stress, discomfort, or even lost business. So how does colour psychology work, and how can commercial spaces use it effectively? 

The Science of Colour and Mood

Colour affects the brain in ways we don’t always consciously realise. Bright shades can be stimulating, while muted tones feel more relaxing. Cultural influences and personal experiences play a role, but certain colours tend to evoke similar responses across different environments.

For instance, studies have shown that blue can enhance focus and productivity, which is why it’s a common choice for offices. Red, on the other hand, can increase heart rate and adrenaline levels, making it ideal for spaces that want to create a sense of urgency or excitement—think retail stores or fast-food restaurants.

Businesses use these psychological triggers strategically. The goal isn’t just to make a space look good but to ensure it supports the desired behaviour and experience.

Colour Choices for Different Business Environments

Workspaces: Encouraging Productivity and Focus

The colour of an office influences how employees feel and work. Too much grey can make a space feel lifeless, while overly bright colours can be distracting. The key is to strike the right balance, which is where professional painters Perth come in, ensuring strategic choices and long-lasting results.

Blue is often the go-to colour for productivity. It’s associated with intelligence, calmness, and efficiency—perfect for high-focus environments like corporate offices or study areas. Green, on the other hand, is a great option for reducing eye strain and promoting balance, making it a solid choice for workplaces with long hours.

For those looking to introduce warmth without overwhelming the space, muted earth tones such as soft browns and beiges can create a welcoming yet professional feel.

Retail Stores: Boosting Sales and Customer Engagement

The way a store is painted can influence how long customers stay, how they feel, and even whether they make a purchase.

Red is known for increasing heart rate and creating a sense of urgency, which is why it’s often used in sales promotions. Yellow is another attention-grabber that evokes feelings of happiness and warmth, making it a popular choice for stores that want to appear friendly and inviting.

Luxury brands, however, take a different approach. Deep blacks, rich navy blues, and dark greys create an air of sophistication and exclusivity. These colours suggest high quality and prestige, appealing to customers who are willing to spend more.

Restaurants and Cafés: Influencing Appetite and Atmosphere

Ever noticed how many restaurants use red and yellow in their branding? That’s not a coincidence. These colours stimulate appetite and encourage quick decision-making, which is why they’re so common in fast-food chains.

For fine dining establishments, however, the approach is entirely different. Softer, richer tones like burgundy, forest green, and deep brown create a sense of elegance and relaxation. Earthy, natural colours are also popular in organic cafés and farm-to-table restaurants, reinforcing a connection to nature and healthy living.

Hotels and Spas: Creating a Sense of Relaxation

The hospitality industry depends on colour to make guests feel at ease. A hotel lobby painted in cool blues and warm neutrals instantly feels more welcoming than one with stark, harsh tones.

Spas, in particular, benefit from using colours that promote relaxation. Soft greens, gentle lavenders, and muted pastels all contribute to a sense of tranquillity. These shades lower stress levels and encourage people to unwind, which is exactly what guests expect from a spa or wellness retreat.

Healthcare and Wellness Centres: Promoting Trust and Comfort

Hospitals, clinics, and wellness spaces must carefully consider their colour choices. White is commonly used because it represents cleanliness, but too much of it can feel sterile and impersonal. To counterbalance this, healthcare spaces often incorporate soft blues and greens, which have been shown to reduce anxiety and create a sense of calm.

A touch of muted pink or warm beige can also help create a more comforting and approachable environment, especially in spaces designed for children or elderly patients.

Choosing the Right Paint for a Business

Selecting the perfect paint colour isn’t just about picking what looks good on a swatch. Businesses need to think about the purpose of the space, how different shades interact, and how lighting affects the final result.

One of the biggest factors to consider is natural light. A colour that looks subtle and elegant under showroom lighting might appear completely different in a space with large windows. Testing samples under different lighting conditions is crucial.

Another important aspect is colour combinations. While bold shades can work as accents, an entire room painted in a vibrant red or neon yellow can be overwhelming. Pairing bright colours with softer, neutral tones helps maintain balance.

Durability and longevity also matter. Trendy colours might look great today, but will they still work in a few years? Many businesses opt for timeless palettes with accents that can be updated more easily.

And finally, branding plays a role. A company’s colour scheme should reflect its identity and values. A tech startup might lean towards sleek, modern greys and blues, while a boutique café might embrace warm, inviting earth tones.

The Lasting Impact of Colour

Paint is one of the most powerful yet underrated tools in shaping an environment. Whether it’s an office designed for focus, a retail space aiming to increase sales, or a spa meant to soothe the senses, colour choices influence how people feel, behave, and interact with a space.

Businesses that understand colour psychology can create environments that not only look great but also serve a strategic purpose. The right shade can encourage productivity, enhance customer experience, and even boost profitability.

So next time you walk into a well-designed space and feel instantly at ease, chances are, the colour scheme played a bigger role than you realised.