Wondering what colors make you happy? When it comes to emotions and feelings, there are colors that stand for joy, hope, positivity, ambition, creativity, kindness and love. And they can be called the colors of happiness.
Colors are more than visual stimulants; they have the power to shape your feelings and boost your mood. In today’s article, we’ll discuss the colors that make you happy and what each one symbolizes.
Happy colors are the bright, warm colors. These include warm tones of yellow, orange, pink, and red. Pastel, warm tones of baby pink, peach, lilac and warm blues (periwinkle) can also boost your mood. However, the lighter and brighter a color is, the stronger its uplifting effect on your mood.
But have you ever wondered why colors have the power to change our mood? For example, Disneyland is considered the happiest place on earth. Besides the fact that smells and tastes stimulate dopamine receptors in your brain, the many colors in the park evoke different emotions, from love and energy to optimism and happiness.
So, colors can affect your choices and performance. However, certain hues can make you happier and more optimistic than others.
Happiness is a state of mind that everyone perceives differently. For some, happiness means peace and relaxation, in which case light blue will enhance their mood. Others see happiness through love, and pastel pink is the right choice.
If your happiness means success and glory, you’ll find yourself in purple.
Yet yellow is the universal color of optimism, sparking joy and happiness.
How Colors Affect Your Mood
Colors can influence your mood, feelings, and emotions. Although color psychology studies the impact of colors on human behavior and mood, color perception is highly subjective. Age, gender, and culture can influence your color perception.
However, specific colors can affect your choices, shaping your attitudes and emotions.
Although establishing a cause-effect relationship between color and behavior is difficult, psychologists have discovered that colors influence our emotions.
Warm colors (red, pink, orange, yellow) stimulate excitement, while cool colors (blue, purple and green) are associated with calm and tranquility.
Although we are not always aware of the impact of colors on mood enhancement, hues such as red, pink, orange, yellow, and light blue can be associated with happiness.
Red is for love and passion, pink for romance and kindness, orange for optimism and cheerfulness, and light blue for calm and tranquility.
Here’s how happy colors influence your mood and emotions:
| Color | Mood and Emotion Influence |
|---|---|
| Red | Increases energy levels and activates your appetite |
| Pink | Has a calming effect on the nerves |
| Orange | Boosts creativity and enthusiasm |
| Yellow | Enhances optimism and happiness |
| Light Blue | Promotes calmness and tranquility |
| Lilac | Has a calming property that feels very happy |
The Happiness Colors: Warm vs. Cool
Before telling you what colors elicit happiness, you should know that they are divided into cool colors and warm colors.
If your happiness is about serenity, you can use cool colors like light blue (peaceful and calming) or periwinkle (warm blue). However, if you perceive happiness through energy, optimism, joy, passion and love, warm colors – red, pink, orange and yellow – are better.
According to Faber Birren – an American writer and color consultant – colors in the visible spectrum are divided into two moods. The warm ones on the red side (including orange and yellow) are active and exciting, and the cool ones – blue, purple and green – are passive and calming.
If the warm ones tend to enliven your mood, the cool ones soothe you.
Dr. Robert Ross of Standford University correlated colors with emotion and dramatic intensity. Red, orange and yellow were associated with comedy, while grey, blue and purple were associated with tragedy.
Although happiness is relative, the colors that make you happy are warm tones, including yellow, pastel pink, coral and orange. If you find your happiness in peace and quiet, the colors of happiness also include light blue, lilac, or periwinkle – a purplish blue with a hint of red.
Colors That Make You Happy
Here are the colors of happiness that bring feelings of joy, optimism, hope, serenity, and peace of mind.
1. Yellow
Sun Yellow
Hex #FFDF22
RGB 255,223,34
CMYK 0, 13, 87, 0
Yellow is the color of happiness, associated with warmth and sunshine. It symbolizes optimism, joy, energy and friendship. Yellow might also stand for creativity and intellect.
Moreover, yellow can be associated with summer, sunshine, imagination and hope, triggering feelings of happiness
On the other hand, yellow can also symbolize impatience, fear, selfishness and betrayal.
Need more? Explore other shades of yellow.
2. Pastel Pink
Pastel Pink
Hex #F8C8DC
RGB 248, 200, 220
CMYK 0, 19, 11, 3
Pastel pink symbolizes feelings of kindness, romance and compassion. Nurturing and playful, pastel pink is often regarded as the color of innocence and tenderness.
This shade of pink has a calming effect on the nerves and reduces anger and stress levels.
Pink can also be nostalgic, reminding us of childhood.
Some consider it a feminine color, but this association comes from the qualities of pink, which are considered feminine. These include compassion, kindness and softness.
3. Coral
Coral
Hex #FF7F50
RGB 255, 127, 80
CMYK 0, 50, 69, 0
Coral is a warm blend of pink and orange, combining the goodness of the former with the optimism of the latter. Coral is about acceptance, positivity and warmth.
Coral also symbolizes femininity, energy and freshness.
Thanks to its pink tones, coral evokes friendship. On the other hand, the orange tones add a sense of dynamism.
Furthermore, it is a color that stands out easily and can make you feel unique. And yes, it boosts your emotional energy.
4. Orange
Warm Orange
Hex #FFAA33
RGB 255, 170, 51
CMYK 0, 33, 80, 0
Orange is a happy color associated with cheerful energy. It symbolizes optimism, positivity, warmth, energy and creativity. It might also stand for enthusiasm, confidence and agreeableness.
Enthusiasm and positive energy make orange one of the most cheerful colors. It exudes lots of energy and excitement.
Moreover, this bright color combines the energy of red with the cheerfulness of yellow. Finally, it can make you feel bold.
Want to see more? Discover a variety of orange shades!
5. Red
Pastel Red
Hex #F7525F
RGB 247,82,95
CMYK 0, 65, 60, 3
Red is a vibrant color that stimulates intense emotions such as passion, love, desire, and courage. At the same time, it is associated with energy and strong will. If you are a person of action, red can make you happy.
However, red is the color of extremes. Although it symbolizes love, courage, and vigor, red can also stand for danger, anger, and sacrifice.
In 1950, Faber Birren published Color Psychology and Color Therapy, in which he stated that red is the color of life, as it is the most dominating and vibrant hue in the visible color spectrum.
In addition, red can also have physical effects, including increasing blood pressure and respiration rates.
This can lead to an enhanced metabolism and, therefore, increased appetite. This explains why it is used in many restaurants.
Explore more shades of red.
6. Light Blue
Sky Blue
Hex #02CCFE
RGB 2, 204, 254
CMYK 99, 20, 0, 0
Light blue symbolizes trustworthiness and reliability. It is a peaceful and calming color that evokes serenity.
Light blue can also stand for youth, honesty, loyalty and understanding.
After all, blue it is the color of the sky and the sea, symbolizing freedom and tranquility.
On the other hand, light blue can be cold, conservative and aloof.
However, mixtures of blue and green can also make you happier. For example, turquoise has a calming effect but is also vibrant and cheerful.
Want more? Discover other shades of blue.
7. Gold
Gold
Hex #FFD700
RGB 255, 215, 0
CMYK 0, 16, 100, 0
Gold stands for luxury and wealth, evoking feelings of grandeur and sophistication. Named after the precious metal, gold means success, triumph, and achievement. Moreover, this color inspires and uplifts your mood.
Gold is also associated with optimism, confidence and compassion. Because it is the color of prosperity and generosity, it can be perceived as arrogant and selfish.
8. Periwinkle
Periwinkle
Hex #CCCCFF
RGB 204, 204, 255
CMYK 20, 20, 0, 0
Periwinkle is a warm blue that symbolizes serenity, comfort and peacefulness. In design, periwinkle is associated with romantic feelings, affection and friendship.
Also known as lavender blue, periwinkle is the warmest and happiest of the blues. Moreover, it combines the excitement of red with the faithfulness of blue to animate your creative spirit.
Although it may seem strange to see a happy blue color, this feeling comes from the addition of red.
A lovely periwinkle shade is Very Pery by Pantone. This was the color of the year 2022.
9. Lilac
Lilac
Hex #C8A2C8
RGB 200, 162, 200
CMYK 0, 19, 0, 22
Lilac is a combination of pink and purple that feels sweet and welcoming. Graceful and feminine, lilac symbolizes innocence, friendliness and youthfulness.
This blend of red and blue is about tranquility and spirituality. Basically, it’s a pastel shade of purple that combines the passion of red with the calmness of blue.
Lilac can be both soothing and regal. Thus, it contributes to an optimistic and pleasant atmosphere that can be associated with happiness.
Because it is related to the flower of the same name, lilac can stand for romantic relationships and new beginnings.
However, it can be associated with a lack of decisiveness and maturity.
10. White
White
Hex #FFFFFF
RGB 255, 255, 255
CMYK 0, 0, 0, 0
White represents freshness, purity and simplicity. It is associated with innocence, cleanliness and perfection. Moreover, white refreshes simplifies and balances.
It is a cheerful color because it symbolizes goodness, clarity, and hope.
Conversely, white can be distant, empty and cold.
Happy Colors Boost Your Mood
Have you ever wondered why amusement parks use bright colors? They are not at all accidental.
Bright colors evoke positive emotions such as happiness, excitement, and enthusiasm. When you see these colors, you’re more likely to experience feelings of joy, setting a positive attitude.
Bright, warm tones aim to provide a fun and festive atmosphere by making the surroundings feel lively and celebratory.
So, boost your mood by incorporating these happy colors into your design.
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