There are so many things to consider when designing and choosing your classroom furniture, from layout to furniture height to cost… but have you considered how important colour might be to your classroom design? 

What is colour psychology, and how is it relevant in a school environment?

The psychology of colour is a scientific study of how different colours have different connotations, meanings and psychological reactions. It centres around how different colour palettes affect human behaviour.  

Colour psychology has its origins as early as 1704 when Sir Isaac Newton discovered the colour spectrum and developed the colour wheel, but it wasn’t until Carl Jung studied the effects of colour on the human mind that the psychological phenomenon as we understand it today was born. Today, colour psychology is primarily used in marketing and advertising, but it is also frequently adopted by schools, offices and hospitals to encourage certain emotional reactions; for example, calm, happiness, focus. 

Although the efficacy of carefully selected colour palettes in educational and work environments has been proven, it’s important to remember that personal preference, age and culture can all affect the success of a particular ‘colour psychology’ scheme. 

How can I introduce colour to a classroom?

Aside from painting the walls or replacing the flooring, there are a number of easy ways you can introduce colour to a school environment:

• Seating - Classroom chairs are a simple way to get a pop of colour into your classroom. Mix and match different colours to create a ‘rainbow’ effect or choose a complementary spectrum for a more coordinated look. We have stackable school chairs, ergonomically designed seating, stools, chairs on wheels and wooden designs to choose from.  
• Desks - Classroom desks are also available in a wide range of colours so you can coordinate with your seating or choose a neutral shade to let the bright chairs shine. With height-adjustable, stackable tables, fully-welded desks, wooden and Enviro tables available, you’ll be spoiled for choice. 
• Noticeboards - If you don’t want to paint the walls, covering them with colourful noticeboards for schools is the next best thing. These flat, wall-mounted pinboards are available in a wide range of different hues so you can create colourful displays and use them as backdrops to display student work. We also have framed and lockable displays available for busier or more public school areas to prevent tampering and protect your displays.
• Dividers - Classroom partitions are an incredibly useful tool for dividing up larger spaces into smaller areas. Finished in a variety of different shades, you can coordinate them with your classroom colour scheme or mix and match to create different colour ‘zones’ for different activities. Wipeable room dividers for schools are also available for a more hygienic setup.
• Play Equipment - One of the most joyful ways to bring colour into a school or classroom for younger students is through school play equipment. Specially designed for primary schools, pre-schools, playgroups and nurseries, our collections include soft play, activity mats, dress up racks, home furniture play and even sensory furniture like sand pits. All are crafted in safe, durable plastics or wood with colourful finishes to create a welcoming, inspiring and playful environment.