Psychological Effects
of the Color Orange

Use the psychological effects of the color orange to create a warm, energizing feel for your home.

Here's a link if you'd like some general information about Color Psychology.

(To read about the effects of other colors, please go to the links at the bottom of this page.)


The color orange is generally experienced as the warmest color. Between yellow and red on the Color Wheel, the psychological effects of the color orange seem to combine those of red and yellow.


A sensuous color, orange is perceived as emotionally stimulating, energetic, vibrant and fun.

Saturated orange attracts attention. It also stimulates appetite, similarly to the color red, and is therefore often used in advertising. (And in kitchens. And, of course, restaurants.)


Interestingly, the color orange also has a spiritual connection; it is a holy color in India and Nepal.

Members of the ancient swami order in India dress in orange colored robes. The color recalls the fire ceremony that is performed at their initiation - a symbolic funeral rite in which the swami gives up his attachment to worldly interests and pursuits.


As with other colors, the effect of the color orange depends on its hue (yellowish or reddish), its tint (mixture with light neutrals) or its shade (mixture with darker neutrals).

Orange is most powerful when it is not lightened or darkened through mixing with other colors.

On the other hand, the psychological effects of the color orange are much gentler in its pastels and earthy shades. So if you don’t want a strong color impact in your home, shades or tints of the color orange might work much better for you.

If you are an addict of Mediterranean living (I am!), consider using different shades of terracotta ('baked earth' - orange mixed with brown and a bit of gray). They evoke like no other color the warmth and richness of country living in Italy, Spain, and Provence.


For information on the psychological effects of other colors, please click any of the following links:
White, Gray, Black, Brown
Yellow, Red, Pink
Purple, Blue, Green

Click here for some general information about Color Psychology.


Return from the Psychological Effects of the Color Orange to Room Color Schemes.


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