Brown is an earthy, natural color that is often associated with qualities like warmth, comfort and relaxation. But is brown truly a calming color that can elicit feelings of peace and tranquility? In this article, we’ll examine the psychology and meaning behind the color brown, look at some scientific research on how brown impacts moods and emotions, and explore examples of brown’s use in calming interior design. Quick answers to key questions upfront: Brown can be a calming color due to associations with nature, earthiness and stability. Research shows shades like tan and beige can reduce stress. Brown is often used in relaxing, spa-like designs. But the calming effect depends on the shade and context. Dark or muted browns are more relaxing than bright or reddish browns.
The psychology and meaning of the color brown
Brown is a neutral, earthy color that stems from the natural world. It’s the color of tree bark, rich soil, wood, and other organic elements of nature. This connection to the earth and grounding is part of why brown can feel calming. Here’s a closer look at the psychology behind brown:
– Natural and organic – Being from the earth, brown symbolizes all things natural. Its earthy quality connects it to concepts like reliability, support, durability and stability.
– Low arousal – Unlike bright, bold colors, brown has low arousal. This means it doesn’t overstimulate, but rather has a calming, subtly soothing effect.
– Warmth – As an earth tone, shades of brown are often perceived as warm colors, both literally radiating warmth and evoking feelings of comfort.
– Down-to-earth – Browns give off a grounded, practical energy. They’re associated with qualities like being humble, genuine and kind.
– Melancholy – Some brown hues take on a more serious, melancholy tone. Dark or muted browns can even suggest sadness.
So while brown leans positive in many ways, its exact tone, shade and context impacts whether it truly comes across as a tranquil, relaxing color.
How brown impacts moods and emotions
Research in color psychology helps shed more light on brown’s calming effects. Here’s some of what studies reveal:
– Reduced stress – A 2009 study had participants complete a stressful task and then view different colors. Tan and beige brown shades were most effective at physiologically reducing stress.
– Increased relaxation – In a 2015 study, having people imagine brown scenes increased feelings of relaxation compared to more arousing color imagery.
– Lower heart rate – Sitting in a brown-painted room has been shown to reduce heart rate compared to blue and red rooms in multiple studies.
– Improved concentration – Brown paper was found to help improve scores on concentration tasks compared to white paper. Researchers think this is because brown is subtly stimulating.
– Mixed on anxiety – Some research found brown to reduce anxiety compared to more stimulating colors. But other studies found no significant impact on anxiety.
So while brown may not be uniformly tranquilizing, shades like tan and beige do seem reliably calming from a psychological perspective. Context also matters, as we’ll now explore.
Using brown in calming interior design
Many interior designers harness shades of brown to create serene, relaxing spaces. Here are some examples of brown colors and textures being used to promote calm:
| Design Situation | Soothing Use of Brown |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | Warm tan walls, cozy brown bedding |
| Living rooms | Chocolate leather sofas, espresso end tables |
| Offices | Rich walnut desks, light brown carpeting |
| Spas | Pebble floor tiles, dark wood saunas |
| Cafes | Brick walls, wooden booths |
Key ways brown creates a relaxing ambiance include:
– Natural textures – Wood, suede, stone surfaces evoke natural zen
– Warm lighting – Soft lamp lighting contrasted with brown prevents harshness
– Earthen palette – Shades like sand, chestnut and terra-cotta promote tranquility
– Matte finishes – Flat or eggshell paint in brown soothes better than gloss
Used thoughtfully, these browns cultivate relaxing, comforting spaces. But jarring shade combinations or bright, overwhelming browns could negate the calming effect.
Which shades of brown are most calming?
Not all browns are created equal when it comes to producing a peaceful mood. Here are some of the most tranquil shades of brown and how they create relaxation:
| Shade | Calming Qualities |
|---|---|
| Tan | Clean, warm neutral that reduces stress |
| Beige | Light, inviting, great for spa spaces |
| Chocolate | Rich, full tone evokes comfort |
| Coffee | Familiar, soothing, everyday brown |
| Taupe | Complex gray-brown soothes and balances |
| Chestnut | Deep brown with red undertones feels elegant |
| Oatmeal | Warm, cozy neutral brown |
| Khaki | Relaxed militaristic shade |
On the other hand, browns with very orange, red or yellow undertones tend to be more stimulating. Dark browns in small spaces can also feel heavy and somber if not balanced well with lighting. So it pays to be selective when using brown for calmness.
Conclusion
Brown’s earthy, grounded nature does lend itself well to promoting relaxation when used strategically. Scientific research affirms that soft beiges and tans reduce stress in multiple ways. Interior designers harness shades like chocolate, coffee and chestnut to craft serene spaces. Sticking to neutral, light or moderately deep browns works best for calmness, as overly bright or dark browns lose their soothing effects. So while brown is not universally peaceful, it can certainly foster tranquility in the right hues and contexts. If designed with calming in mind, the color brown lives up to its reputation as a reliable, soothing neutral.
