According to Sherwin-Williams, the winner is—gasp—not a neutral
Sherwin-Williams has found one issue many Americans can agree on: their favorite paint colors. The new National Painting Week Color Psychology Study, conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Sherwin-Williams and released last week, reveals that 62 percent of Americans chose blue as their favorite hue. People’s love for the color of skies, oceans, and cornflowers was gleaned from a survey of more than 2,000 Americans and analysis of social media data. According to the study, 45 percent of people associate it with calmness, something we all crave in this go-go-go world.
In its press release, Sherwin-Williams turned to color psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin to offer more context. “Blue is often subconsciously linked to trust, dependability, and competence. It can also be associated with rest and provide a cooling environment, making it a great choice for a bedroom or office,” she says. The runner-up paint color couldn’t be more different—32 percent of Americans named black as their top choice. But whether you’re drawn to soothing or dramatic hues, one thing’s for sure: You can always cover up your decision with a fresh coat.
