Some assign the color blue with other meanings based on the context in which it is used.
The Color Blue: Meaning and Color Psychology
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Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong,” is one of the most viewed talks of all time.
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How does the color blue make you feel? People have long believed that certain colors can evoke different moods and feelings, and some research has supported the idea that colors can have psychological effects.
Blue is a color often found in nature, such as the pale blue of a daytime sky or the rich dark blue of a deep pool of water. It is for this reason, perhaps, that people often describe the color blue as calm and serene. Yet as a cool color, blue can sometimes seem icy, distant, or even cold.
Learn more about the psychology of the color blue, including various color blue meanings related to culture, spirituality, and more.
Press Play to Learn More About How Colors Affect the Mind and Body
Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how colors influence the mind and body. Click below to listen now.
The Psychology of Blue
A survey spanning 10 countries found that blue is the most popular “favorite color” for people globally, with men preferring the color blue more often than women (40% versus 24%, respectively, among subjects from the United States). But what impact does this color have on us psychologically?
Color psychology tells us a lot about the effects that certain colors can have on a person’s mood, emotions, and behaviors. Here’s what we know about the psychology of blue:
- Because blue is favored by so many people, it is often viewed as a non-threatening color that can seem conservative and traditional.
- Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness and relaxation. It is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly.
- Blue is seen as a sign of stability and reliability. Businesses that want to project an image of security often utilize blue in their advertising and marketing efforts.
- Blue can also create feelings of sadness or aloofness. Consider how a painting that heavily features blue, such as those produced by Picasso during his “blue period,” can seem lonely, sad, or forlorn.
- Blue is often used to decorate offices because research has shown that people are more productive and creative when working in blue rooms.
- Blue is one of the most popular colors, but it is also one of the least appetizing. Some weight loss plans even recommend eating your food off a blue plate. Why? Blue rarely occurs naturally in food. Also, humans are geared to avoid foods that are poisonous and blue coloring in food is often a sign of spoilage or poison.
Blue can also affect a person’s physiological functions. For instance, research has found that the color blue can reduce a person’s heart rate, causing a “sleepy effect.” It can also lower body temperature.
Blue Feelings
Look at the use of blue in the image that accompanies this article. How does blue make you feel? Do you associate blue with certain qualities or situations? Also consider how blue is used in language: blue moon, blue Monday, blue blood, the blues, and blue ribbon.
Individual experiences have an important effect on the moods that colors can create. If you associate the color blue with a vivacious and lively friend, you might see it as a high-energy color that evokes a sense of excitement.
Under the Kitchen Island
If you prefer a neutral home color palette, consider using blue in discreet yet impactful ways. In this kitchen, a delicate blue was used under the kitchen island for a subtle pop of color. “Incorporating a soft blue hue to the kitchen island brings a refreshing and harmonious contrast to the brushed gold pendants and rustic charm of distressed leather bar stools, elevating this kitchen design with a timeless elegance,” says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab.
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Add Light Blue to the Bathroom
Within the blue color wheel, one shade that is expected to be particularly popular in 2024 is light blue. The coastal hue makes spaces feel more relaxing, which is ideal in rooms like the bathroom. The serene soft blue in this bathroom transforms the space into a tranquil yet sophisticated retreat, says Kelly.
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Use Blue From Head to Toe
Create a cohesive look by using blue from head to toe on all four walls, like Elizabeth Mollen, CEO and lead designer of Stone Textile Studio did in this space. “We chose to go all out in this room with a beautiful, saturated blue for maximum impact,” she says. “The room had a lot of original millwork so painting all of it created a more finished look. We painted the window trim and sills, baseboards, moldings, bookshelves, and radiator covers.”
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