Inspiration
Office Hours: The Power of Color in the Workplace

Color is feeling, mood, and connection. When it comes to color, Benjamin Moore is in a league of their own. In workplace settings, color has a profound impact on performance and mental health. The colors in our environment influence us so deeply that we can leverage it within our workspaces to guide and encourage certain behaviors and habits.  

An office conference room table and chairs sits inside a separate glass box office with one solid wall painted blue and the remaining walls are glass. The box sits within an office space with hardwood floors and wood ceiling panels. At the bottom of the image are 4 swatches of various shades of blue Benjamin Moore paint.
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Blue
The color blue can be calming and encourages analytical thinking. Hues of blue such as Benjamin Moore’s Americana, Randolph Blue, Madison Avenue, and Fairy Tale Blue provide the ideal backdrop for spaces that require deep concentration. Adding this cool tone to heads-down zones or quiet areas provides a respite from more vibrant and bustling spaces within the office. Blue is also frequently used in corporate branding as it conveys a sense of trust, dependability, and professionalism. 

An office conference room table and chairs with yellow painted wall and ceiling. Glass entrance door and wooden closet door. An abstract geometric painting is hung on the wall in reds, oranges, yellows and gray combination. At the bottom of the image are 4 swatches of various shades of yellow Benjamin Moore paint.
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Yellow
Yellow is particularly good for creative thinking and promotes positivity. Shades of yellow like Benjamin Moore’s Sunrays, Bold Yellow, Yellow Highlighter, and Light Yellow are known to enhance concentration and improve memory retention. When used within collaborative spaces, such as conference rooms, yellow can provide a needed energy boost through increased alertness and wakefulness. 

An office lobby with desk and paintings hung on the wall. The walls are painted vivid red. At the bottom of the image are 4 swatches of various shades of red Benjamin Moore paint.
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Red
Red is known to increase heart rate, respiration, and brain wave activity. Because it encourages confidence and courage, red is a strong choice for spaces where hard decisions need to be made. As red can increase accuracy and performance by maintaining heightened focus, using tones such as Benjamin Moore’s Hot Tamale, Ravishing Red, Habanero Pepper, and Soft Glow provides a powerful setting for spaces where tasks require attention to detail like welcome areas and lobby spaces.  

A office cafeteria space with wood tables and bar and orange painted walls and ceiling. At the bottom of the image are 4 swatches of various shades of orange Benjamin Moore paint.
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Orange
Orange is a power color and balances the benefits of both red and yellow. Hues of orange such as Benjamin Moore’s Burnt Caramel, Pumpkin Pie, Orange Blossom, and Fruit Punch are mentally stimulating, and the color is seen as a social-economic neutralizer. Using orange within the workplace, particularly in gathering areas and amenity spaces, alleviates fatigue, helps to assimilate new ideas, and removes repression. 

A workspace with exposed wood beams and green painted walls. At the bottom of the image are 4 swatches of various shades of green Benjamin Moore paint.
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Green
The color green reminds us of nature and is very calming. Within workplace applications, it can help to relieve stress and has a relaxing effect on the body, helping to lower heart rate and blood pressure. Use soft green tones for walls like Benjamin Moore’s Cliffside Park, Marina Bay, Grassy Meadows, and Honeydew in open plan office spaces to promote a sense of calm and tranquility.  

By understanding the intricate interplay between color, psychology, and physiology, designers are empowered to build work environments that not only inspire but also nurture the holistic health of the workforce. Partnered with the breadth and depth of Benjamin Moore’s rich color offerings, there is no limit to the diversity of spaces you can create. Now choose your color and make your impact.  

Explore more about integrating color in the workspace in our article Energize your Office with Neon Colors.