The Influence of Bedroom Wall Color on Mood

The impact of environmental factors on human psychology has been a subject of considerable scientific inquiry. One particularly intriguing aspect is how color influences mood and behavior. Colors have three basic perceptual attributes: hue, saturation, and lightness (Hunt and Pointer, 2011). Hue is the direct correspondent of wavelengths within the visible-light spectrum (ranging from 400 to 700 nm); it is perceived as the color being in its basic form (Palmer and Schloss, 2015). Saturation describes the intensity/purity of a hue or how pure the color is (Palmer and Schloss, 2015), and lightness is determined according to the amount of black or white present within a color. At the lower extreme of saturation lie the achromatic colors gray, black, and white (Costa et al, 2018).

Color psychology, a field that examines the effect of color on human emotions and cognitive performance, suggests that different hues can evoke a range of reactions cognitively, causing relaxation, tranquility, or agitation (Elliot & Maier, 2014). In residential settings like houses, schools, and hotels, the color of bedroom walls may shape or change moods for various people throughout their day. This experiment aimed to examine the potential influence of bedroom wall color on people’s mood fluctuations throughout the day.

Methods and Materials 

The study was conducted over 12 months in six separate houses, each with a different bedroom wall color (blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and purple). Each house accommodated an average of four individuals, typically comprising two adults and two children. Participants were assessed for mood and alertness related to their bedroom wall color. In total, 24 participants were involved in the study. 

Each house was painted uniformly with a designated color for all bedrooms, while the rest maintained a neutral palette. The specific paint colors used were obtained from Sherwin-Williams (Sherwin-Williams, Blue - SW 6496, Green - SW 6922, Yellow - SW 6908, Orange - SW 6883, Red - SW 6869, Purple - SW 6983).

Mood and alertness were assessed using a combination of self-reported surveys and observational methods. Participants completed a daily survey each morning upon waking, which included questions on mood (calmness, relaxation) and alertness. Responses were recorded on a scale from 1 to 10.  Additionally, observers conducted weekly interviews with participants to validate survey responses and gather additional qualitative data on mood and alertness. 

The data was analyzed using SPSS Statistics software (IBM, Version 27). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey responses and interview data. The following analyses were conducted: 

• Mood and Alertness Scores: Mean scores for mood and alertness were calculated for each color and age group (adults, teenagers, and children). 

• Statistical Tests: One-way ANOVA tests were conducted to determine the significance of differences in mood and alertness scores between different bedroom colors and age groups. 

Results 

The study sought to elucidate the impact of color on mood to inform interior design strategies that prioritize mental well-being.  Six residences were selected for the study, each featuring a uniquely colored bedroom: blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and purple. Each house accommodated a family unit comprising two adults and two children, resulting in an average occupancy of four participants. The remaining interior spaces were adorned with neutral hues to isolate the experimental variable. Participants resided in these controlled environments for twelve months. Regular mood assessments were administered, and participants' subjective preferences for room illumination and chromatic properties were documented. 

The study revealed significant variations in mood associated with the color of the bedroom walls. Participants strongly preferred blue interiors, followed by green, purple, orange, yellow, and red. The preference for blue was particularly pronounced among adults and teenagers, while children  showed a more varied preference pattern. Gender differences were also observed, with females showing a stronger preference for blue and purple than males (Ling, 2007). 

The interior color significantly influenced room lightness, with blue and green rooms perceived as lighter and more spacious compared to red and yellow rooms. Blue interiors were reported to significantly increase feelings of calmness and relaxation, supporting the hypothesis that cooler colors promote relaxation and well-being. Participants in red and yellow rooms reported increased alertness and arousal, which aligns with the hypothesis that warmer colors have a stimulating effect (Figure 1). 

The study found notable differences in how bedroom wall colors affected mood across different age groups. The table below showcases the results from this study, which was conducted over 12 months. Adults, teenagers, and children below the age of 12 were all interviewed about which color made them calm, relaxed, alert, and aroused on a scale of 1-10. They were also asked color they preferred and what saturation they perceived the color to have. 

Adults preferred blue and green interiors associated with calmness and relaxation. They reported higher levels of stress relief and mental clarity in these environments. Teenagers also favored blue and green, citing similar benefits for relaxation and improved focus. They reported that these colors helped them concentrate better on their studies.  Children's preferences were more varied, with a noticeable attraction to brighter colors like yellow and orange. However, blue was still rated positively for its calming effects. 

Results are summarized in the table below (Table 1).

Color	Age Group	Calmness/Relaxed	Alertness/ Arousal	Preference	Room  lightness
Blue	Adults	9	2	High	Perceived as lightest

	Teenagers	8	4	High	Perceived as the lightest
	Children	7	3	Moderate-High	Perceived as the lightest
Green	Adults	8	4	High	Perceived as the lightest
	Teenagers	9	3	High	Perceived as light
	Children	7	3	Moderate	Perceived as light
Purple	Adults	6	4	Moderate	Perceived as light
	Teenagers	6	5	Moderate-High	Neutral
	Children	5	5	Low	Neutral
Orange	Adults	6	6	Low	Neutral
	Teenagers	4	9	Low	Neutral
	Children	8	8	High	Neutral
Yellow	Adults	4	7	Low-Moderate	Neutral
	Teenagers	3	9	Low	Perceived as darker
	Children	2	9	Moderate	Perceived as darker
Red	Adults	3	8	Low	Perceived as

					darkest
	Teenagers	4	9	Low	Perceived as darkest
	Children	5	7	Low-Moderate	Perceived as darker

Discussion 

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of bedroom wall color on mood states across different age groups. Findings revealed a consistent association between blue interiors and heightened feelings of calmness and relaxation among adults, adolescents, and children. Conversely, red and yellow environments were correlated with increased alertness and arousal. Green and purple exhibited moderate effects on mood regulation, while orange demonstrated more varied outcomes, particularly concerning arousal levels among younger participants. These results underscore the significant impact of chromatic environments on emotional experiences (Table 1). 

Despite this study's controlled environment and consistent findings, several limitations warrant consideration. The relatively small sample size of four participants per house may restrict the generalizability of results to broader populations. Additionally, the subjective nature of mood assessments, reliant on self-reported data, could be influenced by external factors unrelated to the wall color. Although the twelve-month study duration allowed for the observation of mood trends, it may not fully capture longer-term adaptations or seasonal fluctuations. Furthermore, while the architectural setting provided a controlled environment, variations in natural light, room size, and furniture arrangement across houses could influence color perception and mood responses. Future research would benefit from larger sample sizes, objective mood measurement techniques, extended study durations, and standardized environmental conditions. 

The findings of this study have significant implications for interior design, particularly in residential settings where creating an environment for relaxation and productivity is essential. Understanding that blue walls can enhance calmness and relaxation can guide homeowners, interior designers, and architects in making informed choices that promote mental well-being. Moreover, the study highlights the potential for using color psychology in therapeutic settings, such as hospitals and mental health facilities, to improve patient outcomes. However, it is crucial to avoid overinterpretation of these results. While the study supports the hypothesis that cooler colors like blue promote relaxation, it does not prove causation. The relationship between color and mood is complex and influenced by various factors, including cultural associations and personal experiences. 

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Written by Sheetal Kiran

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