Colour is a part of everyday life. It surrounds us in nature, brightens our homes, and even shows up in our dreams. We often rely on colour when making choices about what to wear, how to decorate a space, or how to design a brand. But have you ever wondered whether our responses to colour are instinctive or something we learn as we grow?
Many studies have looked at how different colours can affect learning, mood, and behaviour. Some colours may lift our spirits and help with focus. Others might make it harder to concentrate or feel calm. This makes colour a powerful tool for both parents and early years professionals who want to create positive and balanced environments for young children.
What Colours Can Say
Colour often carries meaning. For example, blue might make us think of calm seas or uniforms. Red can feel bold and energetic. Purple is linked to creativity or spirituality. Green might bring to mind nature or peace. Across cultures, these associations vary. In the West, white is often linked to purity and weddings, while in parts of China it is a colour of mourning. Red is festive in China, but can suggest danger or passion in other places.
These meanings can also influence how we feel about spaces, products, and even clothes. In fact, marketers use colour carefully to encourage browsing and shopping. Blue, green, and yellow can be inviting. Red, grey, or brown might have the opposite effect.
Do We All Like the Same Colours?
Not quite. Surveys show that blue is a favourite across both men and women. Children under five often prefer the bold primary colours red, yellow, and blue. Young girls tend to like pink and purple. On the other hand, colours like brown and orange are less popular overall.
Preferences change with age. For example, we may like green less as we get older, while our liking for purple may grow. In general, women tend to wear a wider range of colours, while men often stick to darker, more muted shades. It is interesting to note that pink was once the colour for boys and blue for girls, so these associations can change over time.
The Meaning Behind the Colours
Each colour can suggest a different feeling or quality. These are some of the most common associations in Western culture:
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Blue: calm, dependable, and trustworthy. That is why it is one of the brand colours of Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense.
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Green: calming and refreshing. Light green in particular promotes relaxation.
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Yellow: bright, cheerful, and energetic. Yellow is the main brand colour of Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense.
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Red: full of energy and passion, but also linked to danger and excitement. A little red can draw attention, but too much may be overstimulating.
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Orange: warm, sociable, and fun. It encourages activity and celebration.
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Brown: stable and earthy. Light brown feels genuine, while dark brown may suggest sadness.
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White: clean, neutral, and peaceful. It creates a calm and focused space, which is why Baby Sensory floor fleeces are always white or cream.
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Purple: imaginative and luxurious. Light shades can inspire creativity, while darker ones may feel more serious or sad.
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Pink: gentle, loving, and calming, but can also lower energy.
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Black: serious and strong. It can also feel mysterious or dramatic.
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Grey: practical and timeless, but sometimes linked with sadness or ageing.
Colour in the Learning Environment
Choosing the right colour scheme in a classroom or play area can make a real difference to how children feel and behave. Warm colours like yellow or orange can create a friendly and welcoming feel. Cool colours like blue and green can help calm children and support learning.
Here are some helpful tips:
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Use yellow carefully. It is cheerful and may help children feel sociable and active. But too much bright yellow can be unsettling for babies and children with ADHD. A soft shade works best.
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Red should be used sparingly. It grabs attention and boosts energy, which is great in small doses. But too much red may cause restlessness, headaches, or even discomfort. Red floor mats are best avoided in Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense sessions, especially during quiet times.
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Blue and green can help children feel calm and focused. Light blue supports relaxation and sleep, while green helps with stress and tension. These colours are good choices for learning or rest areas.
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Pink and earthy tones like brown and peach may help children slow down and feel more settled. Pink can be very calming, although it might lower alertness in some situations.
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Avoid too many competing colours in one space. A simple colour scheme, such as a pale green or blue wall, helps children concentrate and absorb information better.
Supporting Learning with Colour
Colour can also support children with learning difficulties. Black text on a white background is easy to see. Red can help focus attention. Blue helps with concentration, and colours like red or yellow can make printed letters appear larger.
Some children benefit from coloured overlays or lenses, which may increase attention and reduce eye strain. This can be helpful for children with photosensitive epilepsy, certain types of migraines, or difficulties reading.
Why Colour Choices Matter
While the effects of colour may not last forever, they do play a role in how children feel, learn, and respond to the world around them. In a Baby Sensory or Toddler Sense setting, choosing the right colours can help children feel safe, happy, and ready to engage.
Whether you are a parent setting up a play space at home or a practitioner designing a classroom, colour is more than decoration. It can be part of a child’s journey to explore, play, and learn. In short, colour really does matter.
