Can colours really affect our mood? A lot of people think so and not just the pricy interior decorators or the ancient mystic at the fairground looking at your personal aura.  Many respectable researchers also agree.  So, whether you’re looking to redecorate for slumbering serenity in your bedroom or seeking exciting, erotic nights in brothels, keep reading to find out more. 

Yes, there really is a science behind what’s called “colour psychology”. As well as being fascinated by falling apples, Isaac Newton discovered that white light disperses into seven colours when it passes through a prism, something we all later played with as kids, or watched in rainbows. All very interesting, but what’s more interesting is that each of these colours has its own wavelength and because of this, colours apparently do have different effects on us – a bit like tuning into different radio stations in a way: ranging from ABC Classic to head-banging rock stations. Let’s talk about some of these effects. 

Let’s take red first. With the longest wavelength, red is the power colour and has the illusion of appearing to be nearer than it is and therefore it grabs our attention first. That’s why it’s effective in traffic lights the world over, or used to let us know that sensuality is nearby when we’re looking for exotic entertainment. Its effect stimulates us and raises our pulse rate, giving the impression that time is passing faster than it is. Red is strong, and very basic. Pure red is the simplest colour, with no subtlety. It is stimulating and lively but at the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive. Remember those stories about “scarlet women”? That’s why.

Yellow is essentially stimulating and emotional. The right yellow will lift our spirits and self-esteem; it’s the colour of confidence and optimism. Too much of it, or the wrong tone in relation to the other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety. Our “yellow streak” can surface.

Black is the absence of colour and the psychological implications of that are considerable. It creates protective barriers, as it absorbs all the energy coming towards you, and it envelops the personality. Because it’s the absence of light, it doesn’t reflect and it can, therefore, be menacing; many people are afraid of the dark. Oh, sorry ladies, it’s also is a myth that black clothes are slimming, it’s more that it’s a colour that doesn’t draw attention to you – which might be even better!

White is the exact opposite of black, white is the perfect reflector of all light. It symbolises purity or innocence, hence the white gown that Western brides wear. While mostly positive, white can also be cold, lonely and sterile which is most evident in the white walls of hospitals. Not great for pleasure in your favourite brothel, but okay if you need medical attention.

Lastly, let’s look at violet; here’s the colour of the contemplative ascetic.  It’s the shortest wavelength and takes awareness to a higher level, even into the realms of spiritual values. It is highly introvertive and encourages deep contemplation, or meditation. It has associations with royalty and usually communicates the finest possible quality. Being the last visible wavelength before the ultra-violet ray, it has associations with time and space and the cosmos. Excessive use of purple can communicate something cheap and nasty, faster than any other colour.

Just a small sample of the effects of some colours to think about. There are a palette of others. So, next time you’re feeling the urge to spend some sensual nights in brothels, take time to really soak in the ambience. It has a lot more to do with your enjoyment than you might think. 

Robert Barclay has a long association and interest in colours, ranging from black humour, blue movies, scarlet women and orange Presidents of the USA.