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Colors in the office: Everything about the selection and effects of colors in the office

verschiedene Farben im Büro

Laura Hofstetter |

Boring white was yesterday! Colors in the office can significantly increase employee motivation and efficiency. There should be one modern office However, don't overwhelm anyone, because it has been proven that emotions can be directly influenced by colors.

Table of Contents

  • Office color design: why is it important?
  • This is how colors in the office affect motivation, creativity and work performance
  • Colors in the office: Which color works in which way?
  • Which colors suit which type of office?
  • More tips on color design in the office
  • Conclusion on colors in the office

Office color design: why is it important?

The color scheme played a role when determining the corporate design. However, it is often only in retrospect that it becomes clear that the sober gray in the individual office was just as bad a choice as the combination of rainbow colors in the open-plan office. Choosing the wall color for the office is just as important as office furniture with the right colors! Studies have long proven that colors appeal to the senses and emotions or have a direct effect on them. They contribute to relaxation and creativity as well as communication. Colors are important for well-being, they allow ideas to grow or even inhibit them. Hence the advice: Colors for the office should be used carefully and sparingly, whereby the knowledge of color psychology must play a role.

This is how colors in the office affect motivation, creativity and work performance

Whether you want a Feng Shui office and concentrate on the arrangement of the furniture as well as the choice of colors, or whether you only focus on the color design itself - the fact is that colors in the office have an effect on motivation, creativity and work performance. Yellow is known to stimulate the mind, and mixing it with blue is suitable for those areas where employees need a lot of energy. Yellow and blue give strength and allow new ideas to grow. They are therefore the ideal colors for the brainstorming area.

Red, on the other hand, is an exciting color and literally! In areas where there is a lot of discussion, red can work wonders. Orange has a somewhat weaker effect on work efficiency; in combination with yellow, it primarily promotes communication and creativity. Orange is a vibrant color that is less likely to lead to aggression, as red can. In general, motivation, creativity and work performance can be increased, especially with warm colors. The color concepts for the office should not only include the walls, but also the furniture and the office lighting.

Colors in the office: Which color works in which way?

The following list shows which colors work in which way in the office. When it comes to designing an office color, these basics should be taken into account:

color Effect
red office chair Red is associated with warmth and attractiveness. It stands for self-confidence and dynamic energy. But it can also be associated with aggressiveness and danger. Red is stimulating and suitable for all work and meeting areas, although it is one of the colors that should not adorn entire walls. Individual splashes of color are often effective enough.
yellow office chair Yellow is associated with positive and satisfied feelings, stands for alertness and optimism as well as pure joy of life. A yellow wall calms and makes you happy, and at the same time it has a relaxing effect. Yellow can promote communication and can also have a positive effect on concentration. Yellow, when mixed with white, can even help you find inner balance. However, it should not be used extensively in areas where contract negotiations or sensitive conversations are taking place, as yellow can often appear frightening.
blue office chair Blue has a calming and stimulating effect on concentration at the same time. It stands for accuracy and courage and promotes clear thinking. Blue is therefore suitable for all areas in which solutions and a common goal must be found.
green office chair The selected office color examples would not be complete if the harmonizing green were missing. It represents a haven of calm and helps to tune in positively and concentrate. Green doesn't tire you out and has an anti-stress effect. It can be applied flat or used as a splash of color.
white office chair White is one of the most frequently used colors in the office and can be combined wonderfully with other colors. However, it has a clinical effect and fatigues the eyes in the long run. To prevent this effect, combining it with other colors is recommended. In addition, pure white should never be used; tinted white is the better choice.

The best color for the office or study can also be a neutral color that has little brightness, such as beige or sand. Pastel colors are also pleasant, represent inner balance and reduce mental hyperactivity.

Which colors suit which type of office?

When designing the individual office, there is a lot of freedom in terms of color technology, taking into account the aspects mentioned above. Green and blue are just as good color options in combination with white as orange and yellow. If customers or guests are received in the office, red should be avoided or this color should only be used as a splash of color.

In an open-plan office, many people and their needs have to be taken into account. Pastel tones are an ideal choice here. These can also be used in several color variations, resulting in a colorful room in which individual work areas or workstations are designed in different colors. Who one Set up a conference room If you want to, you should take into account that this is all about creativity. Light blue, violet or light green are very good color options, although a light yellow can also be used. Green and yellow are excellent, inspiring color options.

The reception room, on the other hand, should be designed in peach, cream or a light shade of red; these colors appeal to everyone and have a positive and inviting effect. The company immediately seems likeable!

More tips on color design in the office

If you are looking for ideas about the right wall color for your office, you should heed the following tips:

  • The colors used must suit the people - it makes sense to take their wishes regarding colors in the office into account.
  • Office walls should be painted in three different colors (ratio: 70:20:20 percent).
  • A room should always have a calming and a stimulating side.
  • When setting up the office Office furniture Consider colors: Office chair and Desk should be coordinated with the wall design in the office.
  • If you don't want to create accents on the wall, the office chair can be colored or the desk can bring colors into the room. But the same applies here: Don't choose furniture that's too colorful!

Conclusion on colors in the office

Colors in the office prepare the body for work and evoke emotions. The focus should not only be on creativity and motivation as well as efficiency at work, but the company's colors should also be taken into account. Corporate design and influencing moods in the workplace must go hand in hand. In addition, the colors must be based on the industry and also take into account if a more conventional appearance is required.