It had been a while since we published a post about colors, but last week, while writing the post about Nordic design, we realized we hadn’t talked about the psychology of the color white. As we’ve told you on other occasions, color psychology studies the different sensations colors produce in us, how they influence our mood, and what makes us feel better or worse when we’re in a space where they predominate or when we wear them. Today we’re going to give you a few insights into this color (we never quite know whether it’s a color or not, just as with black) and show you some of the fabrics in the shop where white is king. And it never goes out of style!
Would you like to know what white means and how to make the most of all its positive qualities? Come on, let’s take a look!
The psychology of the color white: Let there be light!
Yes, essentially, white is light. It’s sometimes considered a very summery color because, by reflecting most of the light it receives, it helps us “hide” a little from the sun. But it’s also a winter color: just think of a bucolic image of this season, with a blanket of snow covering the mountains. In interior design, where light is an essential element, white allows us to capture and extend the brightness in rooms where we want to create a sense of peace, balance, and serenity.
Kindness, purity, and innocence.
These are three essential psychological characteristics associated with the color white. As the purest color, that purity is conveyed to the person wearing it or to the space where it predominates. Kindness and innocence are closely connected to that purity, understood as cleanliness of spirit—as if there were no stain or darkness in our little hearts. It also offers an image of cleanliness that is less spiritual and more physical, since as a color that “gives itself away” immediately when a stain lands on it, white conveys neatness. That’s why it’s widely used in jobs where cleanliness needs to be shown (think of a chef, for example) or where an image of neatness and trust is desired (the classic white shirt and suit combination).
Feminine, noble, and elegant.
For many centuries, white was a color associated with royalty and closely linked to ceremony. As strange as it may seem, in some places, such as Asia, it’s even the color of mourning: it’s associated with the rebirth that comes with reincarnation. It’s a soft, non-aggressive color that’s also associated with femininity and, because it hides nothing, conveys trust and clarity, transparency and sincerity. We shouldn’t forget, either, that white represents peace and relieves stress (which makes it very suitable for interior spaces where we want to rest), negative feelings, and also has something that suggests perfection.
Cool and light.
However, a very pure white can also convey a feeling of coldness. That’s why it’s good to combine it with other colors that break up that effect and introduce other connotations. Notice that white predominates on our website because of the sense of cleanliness and clarity it creates, but it wouldn’t be the same without pink, which brings many other sensations into play. We’ve already talked to you about green, pink, red, blue, and orange, all colors that combine perfectly with white. The only color white really “clashes” with is brown, precisely because putting them together means combining absolute cleanliness with the color of earth, mud, and other brown things that… Well… you know, they don’t exactly represent purity ;)
What about you? Are you also addicted to white and light? Then stop by the shop and look for the latest white fabrics, with the prettiest prints for creating garments and spaces that contain all its potential.