In 1666, Sir Isaac Newton first discovered that white light could be split into different wavelengths hence different colours, by passing it through a prism. He also established that these colours could not be split any further and each individual colour had its own individual wavelength.

Sir Isaac Newton also demonstrated that by combining these lights other colours could be created, for example, red and yellow light mixed creates an orange colour whilst some colours such as green and magenta combine to reform the original white light. – very much how your TV screen works using the primary light colours to create all the colours of the rainbow on your screen.

Since these early days of science, we have been fascinated by colour and the effects it has on our moods, perceptions, and ultimately commercial decisions such as purchasing of products or likelihood of spending money through mood changes.  This has created a whole arm of science, research and psychology looking at the effects of colour on almost every aspect of our behaviour. Marketeers now use this as one of their most powerful weapons when developing brands, visual communications or shopping and leisure environments.

Colour is a powerful medium and something that should not be dismissed. Red is one of the most powerful colours for creating an emotional response. It signifies both love and passion but also signifies danger. It also has significant global significance and political importance that cannot be overlooked. Other colours such as blue are seen as calming whilst other colours such as green have come to signify environmental responsibility and affinity to nature.

Interior design decisions must take the power of colour into consideration, and this includes everything from the floor and wall colours to the furnishings, lighting, and even the colour of the entrance mats. Do you want your customers to feel relaxed or do you want them alert and engaging? Do you have an environmental agenda you want to push, or do you want to re-enforce your brand identity?

At Commercial Matting, our commercial and reception area mats are available in over 50 different colours and shades so you can choose a colour which helps create the right mood for your customers or staff and match your brand identity. Please contact us if you would like more assistance on choosing the right colour or if you would like to get a colour sample.