The colours we choose for our homes play a significant role in influencing how we feel in a space. Colour psychology, the study of how different hues affect our emotions, is a powerful tool in interior design. Soft furnishings like cushions, throws and curtains provide an easy and flexible way to introduce colour into your home, allowing you to create a specific mood in each room.
Whether you want to foster calmness, energy or warmth, the colours of your soft furnishings can help shape the atmosphere. In this blog, we’ll explore how to use colour psychology to choose the perfect soft furnishings for your home.
Calming Neutrals for a Relaxing Space
Neutral tones are known for their ability to create a serene and relaxing environment. Shades such as beige, ivory, soft whites and light greys promote a sense of tranquillity and calmness, making them ideal for spaces where you want to unwind, such as bedrooms or living rooms.
Soft furnishings in neutral tones provide a soothing backdrop and are incredibly versatile. For instance, linen or cotton curtains in soft whites or greys can allow natural light to gently filter into the room, creating a calm and open atmosphere. Neutral cushions and throws add layers of comfort while maintaining a minimalist, clutter-free aesthetic.
One of the key benefits of neutrals is their adaptability. They create a harmonious base that allows other design elements, like furniture, artwork or plants, to take centre stage. If you prefer a clean and timeless look, investing in soft furnishings in neutral shades ensures that your space feels airy and grounded, while still allowing you to experiment with accents or patterns when you feel like changing things up.
Energising Brights for a Vibrant Atmosphere
If you want to inject energy and vibrancy into a room, bright colours are the way to go. Hues such as red, orange and yellow are known to evoke feelings of enthusiasm, optimism and warmth. These colours are perfect for spaces where you want to feel energised, such as kitchens, home offices or playrooms.
Bright-coloured cushions and throws can instantly lift the mood of a room. For example, placing a few bold yellow or red cushions on a neutral-toned sofa can bring the space to life without overwhelming it. Similarly, brightly coloured curtains can create a focal point in an otherwise subdued room, drawing the eye and adding an element of fun.
However, it’s important to balance bright colours to avoid overstimulation. Pairing vibrant cushions or throws with more neutral or muted tones can keep the space feeling lively without being too intense. If you’re looking for a creative, playful energy, bright soft furnishings can transform a dull room into a dynamic and exciting space.
Cool Blues and Greens for Peace and Focus
Blues and greens are often associated with calm, peace and mental clarity. These cool colours are perfect for promoting a sense of relaxation and focus, making them ideal for bedrooms, home offices or study areas. Blue, in particular, is known for its ability to lower stress levels and create a feeling of serenity, while green represents nature, balance and renewal.
Incorporating soft furnishings in shades of blue or green can create a tranquil and restorative environment. For instance, deep green or sky-blue curtains can soften the light in a bedroom, encouraging relaxation and restful sleep. Cushions and throws in these hues can add a soothing touch to living spaces without overwhelming the room’s design.
For a balanced look, try layering different tones of blue and green. A combination of light pastel blues with deeper navy or forest green can enhance the calming atmosphere while adding depth and visual interest to your soft furnishings.
Warm Tones for Comfort and Cosiness
Warm colours such as terracotta, mustard and burnt orange evoke feelings of comfort, cosiness and warmth. These earthy tones are perfect for creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere in living rooms, dining areas or bedrooms. Warm tones also make large or cold spaces feel more welcoming and intimate.
Soft furnishings in warm hues, such as a terracotta throw or mustard-coloured cushions, instantly add a layer of cosiness to your room. These tones can make a space feel more grounded and homey, particularly when paired with wooden furniture or rustic elements. Warm colours work particularly well during colder months, adding both visual and literal warmth to your home.
For maximum impact, try layering warm-toned soft furnishings. A burnt-orange throw combined with cushions in various shades of brown, gold or mustard creates a harmonious, cosy palette that invites relaxation and socialising.
Bringing Mood to Life with Colour
Choosing the right colours for your soft furnishings can greatly impact the mood of a room. Whether you want to create a calming sanctuary or a vibrant, energetic space, understanding colour psychology helps you make informed choices. Experiment with different hues to craft a home that reflects your desired mood and style.
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Lois Lane is a professional blogger and a seasoned Content writer for wellhousekeeping.com. With a passion for simplifying complex Home Decor topics, he provides valuable insights to a diverse online audience. With four years of experience, Lois has polished his skills as a professional blogger.
