The Use of Color

One of the most compelling things about paint color is its ability to dramatically affect how people feel. Different colors instill different moods.  When you are painting your home, whether interior or exterior, the choice of color and how it will affect the people who will be looking at it most has to be taken into account.

The following was put together by the Paint Quality Institute, giving various colors and what they mean.

RED =Stimulating It increases the blood pressure, heartbeat, appetite---even passion – in many people. As a result, red is a good choice for eating areas, dining rooms, and even restaurants.

YELLOW=Attention   A real attention getter. Yellow is useful in dark hallways and foyers. (And areas needing a serious injection of warmth).

GREEN= Relaxing   but more versatile than blue. Works well in kitchens, dining rooms, schools and offices.

ORANGE= Welcoming   Tints and shades of orange work well in entryways, living rooms and family rooms.

BLUE= Calming. It’s an ideal color for bedrooms and sitting rooms. Blue is not the best color to use in the dining room.

PURPLE= a tricky color.   Many adults dislike purples and violets, but children are drawn to them. Purple is often used in kid’s bedrooms and play areas. However, there has been a recent trend towards using purple in adult bedrooms as well.


You can use beiges and grays in areas that require less light and areas you don’t wish to call attention to—in other words, neutrals serve as a good backdrop.

Next times you’re painting trying sampling these colors (or tints and shades thereof) and see how they work.