Back to School -- Can Certain Colors Make Kids Smarter?

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Yes, it's true…certain paint colors can enhance learning.  While parents may not have much control over the colors in their kids' classrooms, they can certainly make sure the study area in the home is conducive to learning. Dunn-Edwards, a leader in ultra premium, low and Zero VOC paints, provides paint for thousands of schools and universities throughout the Southwest, often consulting on color. 

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"The best palette is a range of colors using lighter hues with deeper accents to provide a stimulating environment," explained Dunn-Edwards color expert Sara McLean. "For example, a softened, sage green paired with a pop of orange catches the eye without being overwhelming. Creating a monotone color scheme tends to not work for children, as the lack of color doesn't engage the senses." She points out that nature-based greens create an atmosphere of calm and restfulness, therefore, easier places to study and learn.

Productivity or creativity?  Choose your paint color. Softened yellows are cheery and warm, and if not too bright, yellow can assist in productivity. Blues tend to be spa-like and restful, and reminders of oceans and tranquility; studies have shown that blue rooms assist in more creativity. Violets and softened lavenders also are shown to engage children in increasing their creative senses.

Young children tend to be attracted to warm, bright colors. "Parents and teachers can see that just by looking down the toy aisles and looking at the brighter toys for young age groups. As children age, they grow to an interest towards pastels in elementary school to brighter medium-cool colors in middle school," McLean points out. "In high school, darker colors are preferred and there is less preference for primary colors."

If parents have any input on colors in school rooms, opt for blues, greens, violet and turquoise. "Classrooms should incorporate a variety of colors to reduce the monotony and increase mental acuity. Warm colors tend to make large spaces feel more intimate, while cool colors make smaller rooms appear larger. By moderating the use between warm and cool, a classroom environment can make a child feel engaged without feeling overly stimulated," she added.

McLean is a member of the Color Marketing Group and editor of the Dunn-Edwards specs+spaces design blog. Her resources for this article include professional seminars at NeoCon, the world's largest international trade show for the commercial design industry, the International Center for Leadership in Education, various university white papers and input from manufacturers of educational furnishings such as Steelcase. Here are some of her color palette suggestions for enhanced learning:

Color Palette 1: DE6128 Sand Dune, DE5852 Rainy Lake, DEA103 Striking Red, DE5653 Green Lane

Color Palette 2: DE6115 Practical Tan, DE5534 Pine Mist, DE5988 Lavender Princess, DE5054 Candied Apple

Color Palette 3: DE5323 Quiet Splendor, DEW318 Cottage White, DE5589 Greenhouse Glass, DE5780 Water Baby

Color Palette 4: DEC737 Jakarta, DE5569 Hidden Hills, DE5227 Rich Honey, DE5171 October Haze

Color Palette 5: DE6122 Dry Creek, DE5859 The Blues, DE5699 Emerald Pool, DEC728 Madera

About Dunn-Edwards Corporation
Dunn-Edwards has produced and sold premium paint products for more than 85 years throughout the Southwest. With 113 company stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, and 35 authorized dealers throughout the Southwest, Dunn-Edwards is one of the nation's largest independent manufacturers and distributors of architectural paints and paint supplies. Dunn-Edwards' international presence includes authorized dealers in China, Guam, Korea, Lebanon, Mexico and Philippines. The company is dedicated to a greener by design® philosophy and produces its coatings in the world's first LEED® Gold-certified manufacturing plant. Based in Southern California, the company is composed of approximately 1,400 employees. www.dunnedwards.com. Its award-winning specs + spaces blog can be found at www.specsspaces.com.

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