Research Shows Navy Blue Is the Most Relaxing Color in the World (2024)

The key to a relaxing, get-away-from-it-all bedroom might be more than a big cozy bed. According to a study, the secret to a calming room is navy blue—and there's science to prove it.

The University of Sussex and British papermaker G.F. Smith did research that found navy blue is a calming color—in fact, the most relaxing color in the world. The findings were part of a larger study called The World's Favourite Colour Project, in which several thousand people across the globe were asked to pick their favorite color. (The winning color was a saturated teal hue, later dubbed Marrs Green.) They were also asked to list how colors made them feel and specify which emotion they associated with different hues.

"The more saturated the color is, the more it is associated with excitement and stimulation," said Anna Franklin in a post on the study's blog. "A very large number of studies have found that red is also associated with excitement and stimulation (a lesser number find no association)."

Is blue a calming color? It appears that way. After analyzing the associations, the researchers confirmed that "relax" was most commonly used to describe navy blue.

"Nature-based colors, particularly those that are representative of water, have long been sought out as colors that tie to tranquility and relaxation," says Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends at MasterBrand Cabinets. "The history of navy in interiors has evolved from lapis to ultramarine and Prussian blue in bath or bedroom settings to create a soothing spa-like feel."

We can't say we're surprised. Better Homes & Gardens conducted a trends study of our own. Out of 32 home trends, including metallic wallpaper, acrylic tables, and faux plants, the color cobalt blue was voted the ultimate winner by our readers. Cobalt blue is slightly lighter than navy but still evokes the tranquility you want in personal spaces like your bedroom, office, or family room.

"A bedroom serves as the bookends of our days, so use a deep shade of blue like In The Navy SW 9178 on the walls, layering in nature-inspired blues and greens, to create a restful hideaway," says Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams color expert.

Navy blue also works well for gathering places like the kitchen or your go-to movie night spot. When painting your walls isn't in the cards, consider small navy embellishments like fluffy throw pillows or luxe velvet curtains.

Of course, you don't have to redecorate according to science. For example, if blue energizes you and orange makes you calm, incorporate them into your color scheme accordingly. Ultimately, you should decorate with colors that best suit your personality.

Research Shows Navy Blue Is the Most Relaxing Color in the World (2024)

FAQs

Research Shows Navy Blue Is the Most Relaxing Color in the World? ›

According to a study, the secret to a calming room is navy blue—and there's science to prove it. The University of Sussex and British papermaker G.F. Smith did research that found navy blue is a calming color—in fact, the most relaxing color in the world.

Why is navy blue the most calming color? ›

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. This is perhaps why we often describe blue as calm and serene.

What is the most relaxing color in the world? ›

Blue is the Most Relaxing Colour, Scientists Say.

What is the scientific color for calming? ›

Cool colours Conversely, cool colours like blue, green, and purple have shorter wavelengths and are generally linked to feelings of calmness, relaxation, and improved focus. Consider incorporating these colours into your bedroom or study for a sense of tranquility and concentration.

Why is navy blue the best color? ›

Navy blue color evokes power and authority.

Most shades of blue evoke feelings of peace. Navy blue color is different. This deep, official-looking blue has been tied to the Navy for centuries. The color navy blue was adopted by other institutions around the world, too, making the color even more official.

Does blue reduce anxiety? ›

Because blood pressure may be influenced in part by stress or anxiety, exposure to these colors may temporarily lower or stabilize blood pressure. Blue light therapy is often claimed to help mood disorders and anxiety perhaps by influencing the biological clock.

Does blue calm anxiety? ›

Blue: calmness, serenity, peace

Blue has the opposite effects of red and is the most soothing color. Primary blue is used in therapeutic settings for meditation and relaxation because it helps you unwind, find peace, and become more comfortable expressing your inner feelings.

What color makes you sleepy? ›

You will probably be surprised by the answer: the best color light for helping you sleep is red. Especially an orange-sunset red, warm and rich and extremely calming.

What is the best color to sleep in? ›

Soft, muted colors like gentle blues, greens, and neutrals can be excellent choices as they're less likely to stimulate your brain and more likely to promote a restful environment. Light pinks and lavender can also be soothing, as long as they're soft and not too bright or intense.

What color reduces fear? ›

Cool and calming colors like blue and green are known to have a soothing effect on the mind and body, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

What color increases anxiety? ›

'From a colour psychology perspective, the two main colours that could fuel anxiety the quickest are red and yellow,' explains Karen Haller, a behavioural design consultant, colour specialist and author of bestseller The Little Book of Colour.

What is the color of anxiety? ›

Yellow was most often associated with a normal mood and grey with an anxious or depressed mood. Different shades of the same color had completely different positive or negative connotations. Reproducibility was exceptionally high when color choice was recorded in positive, neutral or negative terms.

What color is good for depression? ›

A very powerful color, red can easily raise energy levels and stimulate moods. Because of its power, it can help combat depression by creating positive thoughts and feelings. As it's a very strong color, it can sometimes make people feel more aggressive than usual.

Is navy blue a relaxing color? ›

Smith did research that found navy blue is a calming color—in fact, the most relaxing color in the world. The findings were part of a larger study called The World's Favourite Colour Project, in which several thousand people across the globe were asked to pick their favorite color.

What is the psychology behind navy blue? ›

Navy blue is a color that can evoke a sense of calm and stability. It can make you feel grounded and secure, as well as confident and authoritative. It is a color that demands respect and can be used to convey a sense of power and authority. However, it can also evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue.

What does navy blue say about your personality? ›

Psychology and Meaning of Navy Blue

Navy Blue evokes feelings of authority, trustworthiness, and confidence. It's often used in corporate settings to project professionalism and reliability. This color's calming effects also make it a popular choice in environments where concentration and mental clarity are required.

What is the psychology of the color navy blue? ›

The Color Meaning of Navy Blue

It's associated with trust, loyalty, and wisdom. In some cultures, navy blue is believed to represent knowledge, stability, and intelligence.

What mood does the color navy blue represent? ›

Navy blue carries a sense of power, authority, elegance, and sophistication, which is why many company logos use this shade of blue in their designs. In marketing, navy blue is often viewed as a non-threatening color associated with reliability.

What does navy blue mean spiritually? ›

Generally, navy blue is associated with feelings of stability, trustworthiness, reliability, and dignity. It is seen as a color of power, authority, and success. Navy blue can symbolize a desire for control, or a need for security. It can be a sign that you are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the future.

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