Color Psychology: Red

Understanding how color affects our world.

by Kate Smith

When it comes to the color red, people stop and notice. Recognized as a stimulant, red is dynamic and exciting. We have more personal associations with red than with any other color. Decorating with red attracts attention and the amount of red used is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Using red strategically as an accent will focus attention on a particular element or area of a room. Feng shui recommends painting the front door of a home red to invite prosperity to the residents.

The Rush of Red

The color red affects us physically by:

• Increasing enthusiasm
• Stimulating energy
• Increasing blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat and pulse rate
• Encouraging action and confidence
• Providing a sense of protection from fears and anxiety
• Signaling danger, as in a stoplight or stop sign

Red in the Garden

Red is considered a warm color in landscape design. Used in the garden, red has an energetic effect. Red flowers and foliage give the illusion of coming forward in the landscape, helping to make a large garden feel cozier. Red plants attract the eye and are a good choice for drawing attention to specific areas. Red's complimentary color in the garden is green.

Unique Facts about Red

• Red is the highest arc of the rainbow.
• Red is the first color you lose sight of at twilight.
• The longest wavelength of light is red.
• Bees can't see the color red, but they can see all other bright colors.
• The color red represents the U.S. Republican Party. Since the 2000 presidential election, states that favored the Republican candidates began being referred to as "red states," versus Democratic "blue states."
• Several American teams use red as their primary color: the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bulls, and the Detroit Red Wings.

Seeing Red

Red is the signature color of a number of products, companies and organizations:

• Coke
• Red Bull
• American Red Cross
• American Heart Association
• AIDS awareness.
• The Red Ribbon drug prevention campaign

Speaking Red

Popular phrases that include red are:

• Red carpet treatment: giving privileged treatment to an important person
• Caught red-handed: clearly guilty
• Red in the face: to become embarrassed
• Seeing red: to be angered
• Red flag: a warning of danger
• Not worth a red cent: having no value
• Red letter day: a memorable, joyful day
• Red tape: excessive formalities in governmental process
• In the red: a term to describe an economic loss

Singing Red

Songs with red in the title:

• "Black, Red, Yellow" by Pearl Jam
• "Blue Red and Grey" by The Who
• "Courtesy of The Red, White And Blue" by Toby Keith
• "Flaming Red" by Patty Griffin
• "I Saw Red" by Warrant
• "Lady in Red" by Chris Deburgh
• "Little Red Corvette" by Prince
• “Red House” by Jimi Hendrix
• "Red, Red Wine" by UB40
• "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" by Elvis Costello

Red around the World

Throughout history, cultures around the world have associated red with beauty and privilege.

• Red represents beauty in many languages and cultures, including Russia.
• In China, red is associated with good luck and fortune.
• In Japan, the color red is associated closely with deities in Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
• In Sweden, Falun red (red based on the pigment from the Falun mine) was reserved for the privileged class.
• In Greece, Easter eggs are dyed red and the Greek expression "piase kokkino" ("touch red") is said when two people say the same thing at the same time.
• In Jamaica, a popular slang term for someone who is under the influence or drunk is "red."
• In England, red phone booths and red double decker buses and red mailboxes are national icons.  
• In India, a red mark on the forehead is said to bring good luck. To the Hindu, red symbolizes joy, life, energy, and creativity.
• Islamic, Hindu, and Chinese brides traditionally wear red.
• In Aztec culture, red was connected with blood and Indian red dye was considered more valuable than gold.
• Red amulets were worn in many cultures to prolong life.
• In Singapore, the color red traditionally symbolizes joy.
• Chinese New Year is celebrated by wearing red clothing and decorating the house with red.