A Colourful Wellbeing

Simply put, colour psychology is the theory that gives emotional and psychological connections between colours and the way they make you feel.  When colours have a direct effect on the brain, the results could be universal. For many though, the feelings associated with colour are cultural and can even be linked to the experiences you had growing up.

That said, some studies support the feelings certain colour tones can foster inside us. Very Well Mind, a mental health specialist website, says that “researchers and experts have made a few important discoveries and observations about the psychology of colour and the effect it has on moods, feelings, and behaviours.”

The way you feel around certain colours isn’t as simple as saying that one colour will make you feel a specific way. It tends to depend on the shade, brightness and tone – specifically whether it’s warm or cool tones. We’ll go through how each tone could affect your mood, and also how you might want to use them in your home.

The ‘colour wheel’ of warm tones includes red, pink, orange and yellow. These colours usually evoke feelings of optimism, happiness or increased energy. They can also be associated with warnings and danger, but generally when used in home décor they’re positive colours that can bring warmth and brightness to a living room or dining room.

When you look at cool colour tones, you’ll find shades of green, blue, and purple. These are said to have a calming, relaxing and soothing effect – especially when it comes to home decoration. Blues have even been shown to slow respiration and heart rate, helping you relax more fully. It’s best to have these colours in the bedroom – perhaps on a gorgeous strutted headboard, or on a living room feature wall with a complementing coloured fabric suite.

When it comes to colours used in furniture and home décor, you shouldn’t forget the classic, neutral colours – white, beige, grey and brown. Grey has been very popular in recent years and brings a feeling of warmth and comfort to your space. If you look at a grey suite with tones of blue in it, you’ll be introducing a calming and warming feeling – it’s also a dream when it comes to complementing colours and is particularly suited to a living room.

My Move, a home moving company, has a simple philosophy when it comes to choosing colours in a living room:

“The room colour psychology of your living room is simple: find colours that fit the overall mood of comfort, conversation, and camaraderie for your space. When asking yourself what should I have in my living room, consider happy, calming colours like green and blue. For more excitement, consider red.”

Whether you prefer bold, bright colours or a more neutral palette, HSL has a wide range of fabrics and leathers to choose from, so you can ensure your furniture matches you and your home.

Our fabric collection includes a variety of textures, patterns and colours, from soft, durable weaves to luxurious velvets. Each fabric is chosen for its quality and comfort, so no matter what colour or design you choose, you can guarantee it’ll look great and feel just as good. Our leather range features premium materials, available in classic and contemporary shades. They’re easy to clean and will last for years to come.

We offer a wide range of British Fabric Design Houses here at HSL, so you can always ensure you get the perfect fabric for your style.

Sanderson is an iconic brand, known the world over for its beautiful floral and botanical designs. Holders of the Royal Warrant (a mark of recognition to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household).

Just one of our Sanderson fabrics include Dahlia and Rosehip, a classic Sanderson archive design that’s been carefully reproduced to retain the original detail. Beautiful dahlia blooms are nestled among horse chestnut leaves and rosehip berries, creating a classic design that will add a touch of class to any home.

William Morris is one of the world’s most renowned designers, best known for his association with the British Arts and Crafts movement. He was one of the leading figures in the revival of traditional British textile arts and production methods, and Morris & Co’s are the custodians of his extensive, impressive legacy.

We’re proud to offer a wide selection of Morris & Co fabrics including the Strawberry Thief design, one of Morris’ most popular and best-known designs. It’s intricately designed with bold colours and stunning details, and features the thrushes that Morris found stealing fruit in the kitchen garden of his countryside home.

Established in 1837, Moon is one of the last remaining vertical woollen mills in Britain. They create luxury wool and tweed fabrics and have a reputation for consistent quality and innovative design – perfect for those looking for a classic fabric that’s built to last.

At HSL, We offer a range of Moon fabrics including Solway Check, a timeless checked fabric that’s just the ticket to create a warm, country cottage feel in any home.

Not sure which colour or fabric is best for you? Use our 3D visualiser to discover the perfect fabric for your furniture. Simply choose whether you prefer fabric or leather, then select a fabric along with leg types and a wood finish – then play around until you find the right combination for you.