The Psychology of Paint Colours: How Colour Affects Mood 🧠
Colour isn’t just decoration — it shapes how we feel, think, and experience a space.
The right paint colour can make your home feel calm, energising, or welcoming.
Understanding the psychology behind colour helps you choose the perfect palette for every room.
Here’s how different paint colours can influence mood and emotion.
1. Blue – Calm & Focused 🌊
Blue evokes feelings of peace, clarity, and stability.
It lowers stress and promotes concentration, making it perfect for bedrooms, home offices, and bathrooms.
🎨 Try:
- Hale Navy (HC-154) – classic and sophisticated
- Breath of Fresh Air (806) – light and soothing for relaxed spaces
💡 Tip: Lighter blues create a sense of space, while deeper tones bring depth and focus.
2. Green – Balanced & Restorative 🌿
Green is the colour of nature and renewal, helping to reduce anxiety and refresh the mind.
It works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, and any space that needs calm energy.
🎨 Try:
- Saybrook Sage (HC-114) – soft, organic green that pairs with neutrals
- October Mist (1495) – a muted, natural green (Benjamin Moore’s 2022 Colour of the Year)
💡 Perfect for creating a peaceful, nature-inspired atmosphere.
3. Yellow – Energising & Uplifting ☀️
Yellow boosts optimism and creativity.
It’s great for kitchens and dining spaces, where you want warmth and positivity.
🎨 Try:
- Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4) – cheerful and timeless
- Windham Cream (HC-6) – softer alternative for a warm glow
💡 Avoid overly bright yellows in bedrooms — they can be too stimulating for rest.
4. White & Neutrals – Clean & Timeless 🤍
White symbolises simplicity and openness.
It makes rooms feel larger, brighter, and more peaceful — a blank canvas for any décor style.
🎨 Try:
- White Dove (OC-17) – warm, welcoming white
- Chantilly Lace (OC-65) – crisp, pure white for a modern aesthetic
💡 Layer with texture and natural elements to avoid a sterile look.
5. Grey – Elegant & Grounded 🌫️
Grey brings a sense of balance, sophistication, and calm.
It’s the go-to neutral for contemporary interiors.
🎨 Try:
- Revere Pewter (HC-172) – warm greige that complements most palettes
- Stonington Gray (HC-170) – cool, clean tone for modern spaces
💡 Combine with timber, black accents, or soft whites for timeless appeal.
6. Red – Passionate & Bold ❤️
Red evokes energy, excitement, and warmth — ideal for social spaces or feature walls.
Use it strategically; too much red can feel overwhelming.
🎨 Try:
- Caliente (AF-290) – vibrant and confident
- Dinner Party (AF-300) – rich and luxurious for accent walls
💡 Works well in dining rooms or entryways where you want to make an impression.
7. Pink & Coral – Comforting & Expressive 🌸
Soft pinks and corals bring comfort and playfulness.
They’re great for bedrooms, nurseries, or creative spaces.
🎨 Try:
- First Light (2102-70) – airy blush pink
- Coral Gables (2010-40) – modern, lively coral tone
💡 Use with warm whites or natural timber for balance.
Final Thoughts
Colour is emotion — it can energise, calm, inspire, or comfort.
By understanding the psychology of colour, you can design spaces that truly reflect how you want to feel.
At My Paint & Co, we carry the full range of Benjamin Moore paints to help you bring your perfect mood to life.
Whether it’s serene blues, energising yellows, or timeless neutrals, our team can guide you every step of the way.
✨ Visit us in-store at Mitchell, ACT or shop online today.