Colour psychology: What does your favourite colour say about you?

People often feel naturally drawn to certain colours. Maybe it’s the deep calm of blue, the grounded warmth of brown, or the quiet clarity of white. These preferences aren’t just about style or personal taste. They can also offer insight into personality, emotional needs, and how someone experiences their environment.

Colour psychology is a field that explores how different hues influence mood, perception, and behaviour. It also considers what colour preferences might reveal about a person’s traits and values. While the science doesn’t claim to be definitive, there’s growing evidence that colour plays a subtle yet meaningful role in how people think, feel, and relate to the world around them.

This article takes a closer look at what your favourite colour may reflect about your preferences and emotional landscape, based on research and psychological theory. It also explores how you can use colours in daily life to express yourself, create comforting environments, and support your wellbeing.

Is colour psychology real?

The idea that colours can influence emotions, decisions, and even someone’s sense of safety might sound like pop psychology, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Over the past century, researchers have studied how people respond to different colours across a variety of settings, from marketing and design to therapy and healthcare.

One systematic review of over 130 studies found consistent associations between certain colours and emotional responses. For example, yellow is commonly linked with “positive, high arousal emotions,” while blue and green tend to evoke “positive, low arousal emotions.” Another 2025 study found that certain personality traits are strong predictors of a person’s colour saturation preferences.

These findings suggest that colours do influence how people feel, think, and interact with their surroundings. However, the effects of colour are influenced by many factors, including individual differences, past experiences, cultural context, and the setting in which colours appear.

So while colour psychology is grounded in research, it doesn’t operate in absolutes. Cultural and contextual differences also play a major role in how colours are perceived.

For instance, white often symbolises purity and simplicity in Western cultures, but it’s also the colour of mourning in several parts of Asia. Similarly, red may signify love and excitement in one culture, and anger or danger in another. Even within the same culture, the meaning of a colour can shift depending on where it appears. What feels calming in a bedroom might feel sterile in a hospital room.

What your favourite colour might reflect about you

It’s important to clarify that there’s no universal rule about what a favourite colour says about a person. However, research and surveys have found consistent patterns in how people associate certain colours with personality traits or emotional states. These associations are influenced by culture, experience, and personal context, and they may offer some insight into what draws someone to a particular colour.

Blue

Blue is one of the most widely favoured colours across cultures. It’s commonly linked with calmness, reliability, and honesty. People who prefer blue may be seen as trustworthy, introspective, and emotionally steady.

Green

Green is closely associated with nature, growth, and balance. Those drawn to green often seek harmony in their surroundings and within themselves. They may have a strong connection to the natural world, value personal health, and feel at ease in quiet, stable environments. Green lovers are often perceived as calm, dependable, and open-minded.

Red

Red tends to stand out. It's bold, intense, and full of energy. People who love red often enjoy stimulation and excitement. They tend to be seen as assertive, action-oriented, and confident in their choices. Red is also frequently linked with emotional intensity, and sometimes with a tendency toward impulsivity or competitiveness.

Yellow

Yellow is often connected to feelings of brightness and optimism. This colour is commonly associated with creativity, curiosity, and playfulness. Those who favour yellow might enjoy exploring ideas and expressing themselves, and they often bring a sense of warmth and energy to their surroundings. However, yellow can also feel overstimulating if used excessively.

Purple

Purple is traditionally tied to creativity, mystery, and individuality. It tends to appeal to those who see the world through a unique lens and who value imagination and self-expression. Purple has also been associated with spirituality and depth.

Orange

Orange is associated with warmth and energy. People who are drawn to orange may enjoy connection, adventure, and active engagement with life. This colour combines the assertiveness of red with the cheerfulness of yellow, often reflecting a personality that’s friendly, spontaneous, and full of enthusiasm.

Pink

Pink is commonly linked to tenderness, empathy, and emotional openness. Those who like pink might express themselves easily, enjoy nurturing relationships, and prefer environments that feel emotionally safe. The softer side of pink can reflect vulnerability, while brighter pinks may indicate bold self-expression.

White

White is often associated with clarity, order, and simplicity. People who favour white may seek calm, organisation, and a sense of control in their lives. They may enjoy open spaces, clear thinking, and minimal distractions. In some cases, white can also represent independence or a preference for emotional distance.

Black

Black tends to carry a strong visual and emotional presence. It’s often associated with sophistication, mystery, and control. Those who prefer black might value privacy, autonomy, and a deep inner world. Black can also be linked to seriousness or a desire to protect one’s emotional space.

Grey

Grey is neutral, balanced, and understated. People who favour grey often appreciate stability, thoughtfulness, and consistency. They may prefer to avoid emotional extremes and seek out simplicity. Grey is also commonly chosen in modern design, possibly reflecting a focus on clarity and practicality.

Brown

Brown evokes a sense of earthiness, warmth, and dependability. A preference for brown might suggest a connection to tradition, comfort, and the natural world. Those who choose brown often value reliability, security, and honest relationships. It can also reflect a desire for simplicity and emotional steadiness.

Can you use colours to support your wellbeing?

Understanding how colours influence mood can be helpful in designing environments, choosing clothing, or creating routines that feel emotionally supportive. Colour can be used as a subtle tool for self-care, helping people respond to their internal needs without needing to explain everything in words.

When designing a home or workspace, it helps to align colours with emotional goals:

• Cool tones like soft blues and muted greens can promote relaxation, making them ideal for bedrooms or therapy rooms.

• Warm tones like orange or mustard yellow can energise a space, making them better suited to kitchens or creative studios.

• Natural colours like earthy browns or greys can provide grounding and help reduce overstimulation.

Clothing and accessories also offer opportunities to connect with colour intentionally. Some people dress in calming tones when they’re feeling anxious, or wear bright colours when they need a confidence boost. Others may find that surrounding themselves with a particular colour helps them feel more emotionally balanced or expressive.

Changes in your colour preference can also be meaningful, particularly during emotionally significant periods. Someone who once felt drawn to bold reds might begin to prefer soft neutrals or muted tones during a time of grief, stress, or personal change.

These shifts can reflect changing emotional needs, evolving identity, or inner transitions that may not yet be fully understood. Exploring these changes with a therapist can offer helpful insights, especially when they feel linked to deeper emotional or psychological patterns.

Final thoughts

Favourite colours may not define us, but they often reflect something real and personal. Whether a colour brings a sense of peace, energy, or clarity, it’s worth noticing the role it plays in everyday life.

For those who want to explore these patterns more deeply, a therapist can help uncover the meaning behind emotional associations with colours, and how they connect to identity, experiences, or current challenges. Colour is just one part of the puzzle, but it can open up new ways of understanding ourselves and our surroundings.