What does gray mean in psychology? Color test. Gray color: psychology and the meaning of color What can be gray

Correspond to our real or ideal self. The character that we have, or the one that we would like to have. If we want to make a certain impression, we will also unconsciously choose the right shade for this.

White- a symbol of purity and perfection. In the Christian tradition, the color of holiness, virtue, divinity. People who choose white as their color are usually neat, decent and sincere. Or they want to seem like that (don’t forget, right?).

Grey chosen by people who are afraid to express themselves too loudly. Or they want to be inconspicuous in order to get something (“eminence grise”). Gray is the color of neutrality. This is the perfect background for any other color, for any manipulation or game. He gives strength to those who are weak and vulnerable.

Pink- the color of softness, tenderness, kindness and sentimentality, the color of dreams and dreams. If you love pink, it means you do not tolerate cruelty and violence in any form. A person who chooses this color for himself prefers to live in an easy, comfortable world invented by himself. Pink dulls aggression and nervousness, so it is good for people who get very irritated and find it difficult to pull themselves together.

At the same time, too much pink around can lead to complete detachment from the world. Be careful with people who love pink - they are very sensitive.

Blue- cooling and soothing color. Blue (despite stereotypes) is the color of femininity and motherhood. Symbolizes peace, tranquility, carefree. Conducive to rest and relaxation.

Yellow- the lightest color. A symbol of lightness, liveliness, brightness and joyful perception of life. It is chosen by people who are sociable, curious, optimistic, and accustomed to attracting the attention of others. If a person completely rejects yellow, then he is in a state of emptiness, isolation or extreme irritation.

Orange- the color of warmth, bliss, joy, the color of energy, freedom and strength. Symbolizes development and focus on success. Orange is also the color of enlightenment; it’s not for nothing that Buddhist monks wear it. It reveals a person’s hidden capabilities, helps to free oneself from fears and depression, and relieves tension in all conflicts.

Violet represents everything non-standard. This is the color of our imagination, magic, magic. The one who loves him not only wants to be bewitched, but also longs to possess witchcraft power. Rejection of purple indicates a desire to establish as clear relationships with people as possible.

Everything said, of course, must be taken with a certain degree of convention. And don’t forget that we live in a world of shades, halftones and intricately mixed colors.

The world around us is a huge palette of different shades. And we literally have the opportunity to observe their change every minute. Psychologists and other specialists have long been studying the issue of the influence of colors on the emotional, psychological, and physical state and human well-being. And the fact that such an influence exists is no longer in doubt. The article will talk about the color gray and its meaning in psychology.

What does it mean?

This color belongs to calm shades. It is obtained after mixing black and white - two colors that are opposite in our perception. Shades of gray are underestimated due to their lack of brightness. It's not often you meet a person who truly loves gray tones. However, there are also very few people who find the color very unpleasant. The gray scale usually does not cause negative arousal and is not irritating.

Most often, color is associated with indifference, boredom, apathy, and monotony. This is the color of a rainy, gloomy day. The darker the shade of gray, the more depressing associations it can evoke. Also grey colour associated with some neutrality, mediocrity. People often use the established phrase “gray mouse,” using it to characterize uninteresting, dull personalities who have merged with the crowd.

In ancient times, shades of gray in clothing were a sign of commoners and beggars. But in Medieval Europe, color, on the contrary, was very revered in high circles. Wearing it was considered a sign of nobility; titled people from high society wore it.

Esoteric teaching connects gray with the god Saturn, the patron of time. Therefore, the colors of this range are associated with aging and fading. Most plants, when they dry out, lose their natural bright colors and acquire gloomy and dark gray shades.

But, besides this, the connection of gray with the color of gray hair also associates it with life experience, sedateness, wisdom.

The psychology of color is such that light shades of gray have a calming effect on nervous system and psyche. They help organize thoughts, relax, and can speed up the onset of natural sleep. But the dark gray color, especially too much of it, evokes gloomy thoughts, aggravates oppression, apathy and depression.

Positive color value:

  • reconciliation;
  • justice;
  • calmness;
  • wisdom;
  • neutrality.

Negative associations:

  • boredom;
  • sadness;
  • withering;
  • loneliness;
  • indifference.

How is personality characterized?

Despite its discreetness and lack of flashy brightness, you can meet people who really like the color gray.

Psychologists believe that those whose favorite color is gray experience a fairly strong desire for calm. They may be introverts or simply want to isolate themselves from external stimuli during the current period due to some shocks and troubles in life.

Often, sympathy for shades of gray indicates chronic fatigue, both physical and psychological. Perhaps a person has been experiencing tension associated with stress, anxiety, or other negative factors for a long time. Therefore, subconsciously trying to protect himself, he seeks solitude by avoiding contact with a large number of people. Often, such a person’s communication is kept to a minimum, and his circle of acquaintances is extremely small.

The characteristic of a lover of gray tones can be supplemented by a tendency to serious and long thoughts. This person avoids any risks and is not impulsive. If he is faced with a situation in which he must make a choice, he is often lost and hesitates to make a choice. final decision. Trying to predict the outcome in advance, such a person carefully and for a long time goes through everything in his head possible options developments of events. Undoubtedly, in some situations this feature can be very helpful.

But more often this only leads to missed chances and opportunities.

The advantages of those who sympathize with shades of gray include well-developed logic. Those who choose gray are quite inquisitive; they enjoy understanding new areas of activity and mastering versatile skills. Perseverance helps them with this, good developed ability concentration, hard work and patience.

Often those who really love the gray scale become excellent theoretical scientists, excellent specialists in their chosen field of activity. Despite a more pronounced inclination towards science, they can well be realized in creativity.

The only thing that often becomes an obstacle to success is the indecisiveness and avoidance of publicity characteristic of such people. Often those who prefer gray tones have difficulty climbing the career ladder because they cannot bring themselves to establish broad contacts in the professional field. And ambition and modesty make the talents and successes of such people even less noticeable to others.

Love for the color gray indicates the presence in the character of such traits as prudence, restraint, distrust, tendency to loneliness. The latter is compensated by the richness of the inner world, the ability to work on one’s shortcomings. Lovers of gray shades, oddly enough, very rarely fall into serious, deep depression.

IN difficult situations They are able to captivate themselves with an interesting activity, and, being alone with themselves, distract themselves from the problems and troubles that worry them.

Does it affect health?

Experts in the field of medicine and psychology have proven that colors of different scales can influence both physical well-being and emotional and psychological state. Moreover, it is no secret that these two areas are closely related. Emotions can heal or, on the contrary, weaken the body and organs. And good physical well-being helps to cope with stress and strengthens protection against negative emotional factors.

Shades of gray have a fairly pronounced inhibitory effect on physiological processes. The ability of color to quickly relieve excessive nervous tension makes it possible to use it in color therapy. It mainly has a positive therapeutic effect in disorders of the nervous system. This shade can also have a positive effect on sleep. Meditation surrounded by light gray tones is very useful for insomnia and excessive anxiety.

Contemplation of the shade combined with meditative music helps regulate blood pressure. Regular implementation of the procedure over time can completely relieve a person of hypertension. To bring all vital metabolic processes back to normal, it is recommended to meditate on color during inflammatory processes, exacerbation of chronic diseases and at high temperatures. It is believed that gray gamma helps the body overcome infection by activating its defenses.

It is worth noting that For therapeutic purposes, light shades of gray should be used. Dark tones have a completely different effect. Their excess leads to depression, depression and generally negatively affects the psyche.

Instead of calming and relaxing in this case, a person will most likely only experience worsening depression or subconscious anxiety.

What does the clothing symbolize?

The color is considered to be quite universal, like white and black. It is often included in a business image. The gray scale looks strict, not provocative. And the ability of this color to increase focus and concentration comes in handy during business meetings and negotiations. Color does not distract from the work or educational process.

Unlike black, gray shades do not evoke mourning associations and do not “age” as much. In addition, the light gray color scheme fits much more organically into a warm-season wardrobe.

The well-established expression “gray mouse” discourages some people from choosing gray items for their wardrobe. However, wearing gray clothes, on the contrary, makes timid people more confident. When used skillfully, color can emphasize individuality and organically complete an image.

The choice of clothing with a predominance of gray shades often indicates coldness towards others and an emphasized desire to isolate oneself. Quite often, very successful and arrogant women prefer the color. Shades of gray go well with white, black and purple.

It is recommended to include details of gray shades in your image for those who are prone to a quick temper. Color will strengthen self-control and help avoid frequent emotional breakdowns.

Meaning in the interior

Gray shades are chosen for decorating business premises: offices, meeting rooms, conference rooms. This is due to the restraint of color, the absence of distracting and irritating effects. The tones of this color scheme, especially light ones, help to concentrate and stimulate thought processes. Thanks to the calming effect of this color, it is often chosen to decorate corridors and offices in medical institutions.

This color is also used quite often in apartments and houses. Recently, the high-tech style has become popular. It is based on gray tones with a metallic sheen. You can decorate your office, living room, or kitchen in high-tech style. When used in the dining room, gray will help regulate appetite and calm hunger pangs. Therefore, it can be recommended to those who adhere to healthy image life, monitors weight and avoids overeating.

In a children's room, on the contrary, you should avoid the predominance of gray shades, especially dark ones. It is better to use color only as complementary details.

For the most part, people who strive for consistency and stability tend to choose gray shades in interior design. It is suitable for those whose activities involve intellectual work and require balance, a calm emotional state and deep thoughtfulness. Shades of gray go very well with white and black furniture. Gray painted walls visually increase the space of the room.

Not recommended for use dark shades colors in home interior. In this case, the room will look somewhat gloomy. Instead of expanding the space, you can get the opposite effect, a feeling of “pressure” from the walls.

0 The color gray is an impassive color. He is detached, neutral, impartial and indecisive. From the point of view of color psychology, color is a compromise between black and white. This is a transition between two colors. The closer gray comes to black, the more dramatic and mysterious it becomes. And the closer it comes to silver or white, the brighter and lighter the gray value is. Grey colour quite boring when not combined with other shades. Add this site to your browser bookmarks to take a look at this cozy place again.

Because gray is still and unemotional, it is also very solid and stable, which creates a feeling of calm and tranquility. He is submissive, calm and reserved, not very energetic or exciting. On the other hand, in the world of colors, gray is conservative, boring, sad and depressing, but elegant and formal on the other. However, it is never very glamorous. Before you continue, I would like to advise you to read a couple more interesting news on the subject of education and science. For example, what is Apotheosis, how to understand the abbreviation Iskon. Pref ; what does Globalization mean, what does Axiom mean, etc.
So let's continue What does Gray mean??

Explore the meaning of gray

Gray is common, reliable and practical. It is a mature and responsible color, often associated with gray hair and old age. He will never be the center of attention, he is not suitable for a dynamic leader or a popular screen star. Grey too safe, and is associated with the regularity of life. Gray can suffocate and suppress energy, but it also provides a stable base that can promote new and positive energy.

Gray is easy to control. It has a stabilizing effect on other colors it comes into contact with, downplaying brighter, bolder hues and bringing out softer colors. Gray is rarely a perfect mixture of black and white. It often includes elements of other colors, such as blue, green, pink, purple or yellow, which raise the degree and activate it.

Mix gray with other colors

Too much gray causes sadness and depression, as well as a tendency towards loneliness and isolation. Adding some color shades changes the whole picture. Most people don't care about gray. In some companies, employees wear gray suits that are conservative, reliable, formal, independent, and perhaps just a little boring.

Gray shades


Light gray is relaxing and calming. This can help in difficult life situations.

Dark gray is serious, solemn and inflexible. It has to do with self-denial and self-discipline.

Here's how the color gray affects you:

  • Emphasizes the desire to obey;
  • Creates expectations;
  • Reduces energy from other flowers;
  • Provides a feeling of isolation and alienation.
When you buy a car in gray or silver:
  • Refinement;
  • Do you like futuristic projects?
  • You are a cool and nice person.
After reading this short article, you learned Gray value, and now you won’t find yourself in a stupid position when the conversation turns to the meaning of shades.








Color– this is something that surrounds every person every day, causing special emotions and sensations. The choice of clothes, interior items, improvised means and much more according to shades and palettes directly speaks about the preferences of a person, his state of mind and internal sensations. Preferences in colors also characterize temperament and mood regarding the upcoming event.

Choosing the right tone contributes to various effects and can even guarantee success in a variety of endeavors (at work, dating, getting to know someone important people And so on).

Understanding what certain shades and combinations carry, it will be easier for each person to navigate and even direct the course of events in the right direction. You can understand your condition, see changes in your friends and acquaintances, help improve your mood, and much more by correctly selecting and combining certain colors in your style and environment (items on your desktop, home interior, etc.).

Experts have proven that certain events or memories are directly related to one color or another. Almost everyone associates various holidays and events with bright colors such as red, orange, green, pink, yellow, etc. Sad events always have a black or gray tone.

Subconsciously, people perceive and react to colors in a similar way. Since childhood, a person gets used to perceiving red as a warning sign, prohibition and anxiety. Green, on the contrary, allows you to perform desired actions, confidently move forward, without feeling danger. Each of them has its own characteristics, affecting the perception and psychological state of a person in different ways.

Purple color in psychology

By combining red and blue, you get purple. Deciphering this shade has certain difficulties and several nuances. Most artists in ancient times painted pregnant girls using this shade of the palette. This phenomenon is explained by its consonance with sensuality.

IN modern world experts claim that it has a negative and even depressive effect on a person. Most self-critical, gloomy, dissatisfied individuals with life prefer to surround themselves with purple objects and clothes. By using it in small quantities you can get benefits, because purple increases self-esteem. It is worth noting that this color is not used when working with elderly people and small children.

Blue color in psychology

The blue option is preferred by many people. This happens due to tangible magnetism. It is when contemplating deep blue things that a person tends to immerse himself in thought, to reflect on the meaning of life and the eternal. In films and stories, magicians are depicted in blue robes. Buddha and Krishna are blue in color, which speaks of wisdom and inner harmony.

Most often, this option is preferred by purposeful, selfless people with personal views and point of view. Clothing in similar colors exudes austerity, high spirituality and a serious position in life. Blue has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, has calming properties and extinguishes excessive passion.

Yellow color in psychology

This color is one of the brightest and most positive. The color of summer, sun and warmth has a positive effect on brain activity, improves mood and makes the imagination work. Of course, excessive use of yellow shades in clothing and interior design can lead to overstimulation. In the interior it must be harmoniously combined with darker and soothing tones.

Positive and talented individuals prefer yellow. Those who have a huge amount of ideas and talents. Purposeful, positive people who are able to adapt to their interlocutor. In addition to all these positive characteristics, yellow has a second side to the coin. It is he who is considered a symbol of dementia and madness.

Green color in psychology

The symbol of spring, rebirth and peace of mind is precisely green color. The healing and relaxing properties have long been proven. Prolonged contemplation of green brings with it absent-mindedness and boredom.

Lovers of the green palette have balance, efficiency, internal harmony and the ability to logically assess the situation. Green extinguishes the negative effects of depressive and negative colors. That is why it is combined with dark depressive tones (purple, black, etc.) creating ideal clothes and interiors.

Red color in psychology

A victorious color characterized by excessive activity, determination, rigidity and even aggressiveness. It is also red that is associated with passion, love and self-sacrifice. It is most often used in marketing concepts (posters, advertising, etc.) and in danger warning signs (road, traffic lights). Experts do not recommend getting carried away and looking at the red color of the palette for a long time.

People who sympathize with red have a strong character, obvious courage and determination. Passion, impulsiveness, power and perseverance can play both to the benefit and to the detriment of a person.

Orange color in psychology

Orange is pretty close to yellow. It has similar features and properties. Cheerfulness, positive attitude, passion, willingness to solve complex tasks, joy and spontaneity - all this carries with it this version of the palette. Orange has a positive effect on a person and lifts him out of a depressed state after heavy losses and disappointments. Included in the list of the best flowers for psychotherapy.

Lovers of this color have forgiving, easy-going, bright character traits. It is worth considering that their characteristic is inconstancy and arrogance.

Lilac color in psychology

The color lilac is a symbol of affection and warm feelings. It evokes philosophical views on life, peace of mind and the feeling of flight.

Lilac lovers are very romantic, sentimental, dreamy, romantic and sensual people. Despite their gentle nature, they have impeccable mental abilities and excellent ingenuity. Attentive attitude towards your appearance and to the appearance of others, the willingness to help is another quality inherent in “lilac” people.

Blue color in psychology

Surrounding yourself with blue flowers, a person feels comfort, security and reliability. It allows you to disconnect from all problems, not think about tomorrow and existing problems.

All those who prefer this shade option are concentrated, self-confident, straightforward and focused individuals. These are excellent office workers. Those who know how to quietly but confidently achieve the desired result.

Pink color in psychology

The color of naivety, childhood, carelessness and love is pink. Naive dreams and fantasies, calm and distraction from bad thoughts - these are the properties that pink colors have.

Pink lovers are very hardworking, dreamy and dedicated to their work. They are touchy, whiny, have a kind temperament and even childish naivety.

Black color in psychology

Despite the associations with grief and sadness, black always attracts the attention of others. The embodiment of strength, confidence, intrigue, wealth and mystery also carries with it this variant of the palette. In moments of depression, it only aggravates the situation, prolongs the process of sadness and detachment from the world around us.

Black lovers are most often gloomy, self-contained and overly serious individuals.

White color in psychology

Purity, innocence and exceptionally light associations are carried by white tones. New beginnings, a symbol of freedom, inspiration, peace and faith.

Medical workers wear white coats. This is due to the color's associations with goodness, honesty and perfection. In many countries, this color is present in traditional attire. It is impossible to accurately reveal the character of white lovers, since it is widely used as work clothes. It looks impressive in combination with other color options and is a classic option.

Turquoise color in psychology

It is the coldest of the entire palette of shades. It has a very attractive appearance and leaves no one indifferent. Brings the coolness of the sea waves, healing, peace and creativity. Many people prefer to wear turquoise jewelry, which brings good luck and protects its owner.

Gray color in psychology

A mixture of completely opposite colors (black and white) carries a neutral feeling. The “golden mean” is mostly ignored by people and is associated with workdays and everyday life. Despite the fact that few people pay attention to the color gray, it conveys friendliness, calmness, stability, realism and common sense.

A small percentage of those who prefer gray are friendly, courteous and patient by nature. Preferring and surrounding oneself with gray tones indicates a person’s emotional exhaustion and nervousness.

Brown color in psychology

A symbol of hard work, reliability, stability, dedication to work and one’s business - this is cinnamon. Negative side is the association of brown with doubts and disappointments.

Those who prefer brown colors palettes are purposeful and loving life personalities. They are thoughtful, rational and optimistic.

Psychology of color in clothing

For business meetings and promotion at work, formal outfits in blue, light blue, brown, and gray are ideal. Combinations of white flowers with black also have a positive effect.

Meeting with friends and relatives, walks in the park, around the city require brighter and richer colors, especially if it is a warm period of time. Clothing in green, yellow, turquoise, lilac, and orange tones cannot be ignored and left hanging in the closet.

On a date and romantic dinner The weaker sex quite often resorts to outfits with red inserts and elements. This move ignites passion and has an exciting effect on partners.

Psychology of color in the interior

Bright shades (yellow, orange, green, red) are most often used when decorating a kitchen. Furniture in these colors helps increase appetite and improve mood.

Blue, violet and cyan are actively used in bathrooms.

It is not advisable to use blue, purple and White color in children's rooms. It is best to organize children's rooms in pink, peach and other warm colors.

Very often, public institutions (cafes, restaurants, hotels) resort to decorating their premises using brown and red shades.

Gray color is more endowed with negative characteristics, since it symbolizes depression. However, this tone also has positive sides. What does gray tone mean in psychology, clothing and interior design? You will find all the details in the article.

Gray color: symbolism

If you look at the structure of gray, you will notice that this shade consists of black and white. The combination of completely opposite tones has led to the fact that gray is considered boring and inconspicuous. It is enough to remember the expression “gray mouse” - and everything becomes clear.

There is another theory - it is believed that gray was the result of mixing red, blue and green. All these shades are bright and self-sufficient in themselves, but their combination carries a negative message.

Even though gray seems dull, it comes in many tones. The most common shades of gray are: light gray, dark gray, ash, pewter, wet asphalt, charcoal, dove and others.

What does gray mean? In most cases, its symbolism is negative. The tone denotes depression, boredom, sadness, anger. Gray also speaks of sadness, illness, and fatigue.

However, this is not all the symbolism of the gray tone. There are also the following designations:

  • among the inhabitants of France, gray defines repentance;
  • among eastern peoples - routine;
  • in Europe, gray became the color of gentlemen and high-class people;
  • among African tribes, gray is considered the color of ashes and sorrow;
  • also in ancient France there was the concept of “gray cardinal”, which meant a powerful person who manipulated, for example, a king;
  • in religion, gray means renunciation, repentance, justice;
  • in esotericism, the tone is considered the color of Jupiter - the tone of time and maturity;
  • In the Russian Empire there was a concept of “gray peasant”, which meant “commoner”.

As for the influence of gray on humans, there are several assumptions. It is believed that tone can somewhat inhibit any processes in the body and reduce excitement. Therefore, it is used to reduce temperature, during meditation, and to reduce blood pressure.

As you can see, gray is not as boring as it seems at first glance. The versatility of this tone determines many meanings. Which one to believe in, decide for yourself.

As for clothing, here gray color occupies one of the leading positions. Recently, the tone is considered very fashionable and stylish. It is valued for its versatility and compatibility with almost all shades. You can wear things of this tone both in summer and in winter, and it does not make you look old.

People who prefer gray in clothes are considered free individuals. They want to stay out of trouble and do not want to take part in solving any problems.

If you dress completely in gray outfits, you can become invisible. Even if you are outgoing by nature, people may not notice you because you are too pale. Therefore, be sure to introduce a combination of gray with other bright shades into your wardrobe.

Also, the gray tone gives self-confidence and has a calming effect. So if you're on the verge of a nervous breakdown, wear something gray. This will help you avoid conflicts with others and excessive outburst of emotions.

Dark gray color and its variations are often used in business fashion. These shades not only look stylish, but also allow you to avoid distractions. Therefore, gray can often be seen on teachers and office workers.

If you want to look bright, move away from the classic tone and try other shades. For example, gray color, steel color, monsoon or graphite look great.

Speaking about clothes, one cannot help but touch upon the importance of color in the overall image. Nowadays not only clothes are in fashion, but also, for example, gray hair color. It looks very stylish and has been at the peak of popularity for more than one season.

Gray is also used for eyeliner or tinting eyelashes with mascara. However, be careful if you have grey eyes: They may lose expressiveness.

Gray tone can and should be introduced into the wardrobe, but you should be especially careful. Too much tone can make a person overly serious and depressed.

Gray color in the interior

Gray is very actively used for interior decoration. Moreover, fragments of this tone are used to decorate absolutely any room - from the bedroom to the bathroom. Gray visually expands the room and increases space. However, here you should be especially careful with shades.

Gray is able to quickly calm down and reduce the level of negative emotions, relax and drive away sad thoughts. This tone is chosen by people who want to gain confidence in the future. You should use it in the interior if you strive for stability and balance.

Gray color in the interior is well suited both for the background and for individual accents. If you use it for a children's room, you can calm an overly active and irritable child. A gray kitchen evokes a feeling of cleanliness and stimulates the appetite. If you choose this tone for your office, you can quickly focus on important details.

Gray is used as the main color in high-tech style. It is better not to take him as the dominant one in the bedroom, as he can be oppressive. However, there may be several accents, for example, a gray wall or furniture will do.

If you want to add some color to your interior, you are probably wondering what color gray goes with. To decorate rooms, you can use a combination of gray with:

  • blue and its shades, such as turquoise, creates the impression of lightness and spaciousness;
  • purple and its shades are a spectacular and delicate combination;
  • pink - the combination can relieve apathy;
  • yellow - will give optimism and summer warmth;
  • red or orange - will give the room energy;
  • beige - creates an atmosphere of relaxation;
  • green - will calm and give peace.

Knowing what colors go with gray, you can create not only interesting design premises, but also to improve mental and physical condition.

However, please note that gray walls in the interior can have different effects on the subconscious. Therefore, it is better to paint them in neutral gray or light colors.

Also, if you choose gray wallpaper for the interior, make sure there is enough light in the room. You can paint the floor, ceiling, or purchase gray furniture in this tone.

If you like this shade, don't decorate your whole apartment with it, as you might get depressed. You remember the basic symbolism of gray, right? Therefore, everything is good in moderation.

You have learned detailed information about the color gray. You shouldn’t be afraid of it, but too much of it won’t lead to good things either. Remember that in most cases the effect of color depends on your perception and sensitivity. Therefore, feel free to use gray in your wardrobe and interior in small quantities.