Creating an engaging classroom environment involves more than just lesson plans—it’s about the atmosphere, too! Did you know that the colors in a classroom can significantly impact student focus, mood, and creativity? In this blog, we'll explore the best colors for boosting engagement and productivity in students, whether it’s calming blues to foster concentration or vibrant yellows to spark energy. Read on to discover how a simple change in your classroom's color palette can make a big difference in your students' learning experience!
How we chose the best and most engaging colors
What do you remember about your childhood classrooms?
Do you see your Kindergarten class with the small blue plastic chairs and the green fuzzy rug for story time? Or maybe you remember your Jr. High homeroom that had a crisp, clean feel with light blue walls.
Whatever colorful memories you hold, one thing is certain: color played a huge role.
For centuries, humans have explored and studied how color is entwined in the human experience.
And recently, those studies have focused on how color plays a crucial role in learning environments. According to NeuroLaunch, “For children, whose brains are like sponges eagerly soaking up every sensory experience, the impact of color is particularly potent.”
We know teachers want to do everything in their power to make sure their classrooms provide the best learning experience possible.
So, if you’re looking for colorful ways to spice up your classroom this year, sit back and relax, because we’ve done the research to find the best colors for your students and classrooms.
Best colors for kindergarten classrooms
The most colorful classroom, of course, is Kindergarten. Primary colors are bright, fun, and energizing. So, it’s no surprise we find them everywhere in kindergarten classrooms. Fun colors, like red, orange, and yellow can create feelings of excitement and stimulate alertness in young children.
As you create your learning environment for your smallest students, make sure to check out these fun products:
If you want to take color and collaboration to the next level, check out this colorful desk/chair combo.
Best colors for grades 1-3
Bring some color to the walls of your 1st – 3rd grade classrooms with these colorful magnetic dry erase boards. Three vibrant color options make it easy to match any décor. Choose red for energy or blue for calm.
These solid colored classroom rugs add long-lasting comfort to any learning environment. Designed to withstand daily use in busy classrooms, these durable, stain-resistant nylon rugs will look great in your classroom for years.
As children reach school age, they develop a more sophisticated understanding of color and learn that colors can represent abstract concepts. Colorful visual aids like these plastic tubs are great tools for organization and teaching independence.
What’s your color vibe? The right color choice for middle school and high school classrooms
As students get older, their color preferences tend to change and mature. The best thing educators can do is to make sure their classrooms evolve with their students. The best way to do that is to pick a color pallet that speaks to your specific classroom’s vibe. Color can influence a variety of emotions: trust, energy, happiness, peace, or warmth. Use our color guide to set the tone and pick the right classroom furniture and accessories for your learning space.
For feelings of credibility, trust, and communication, pick these pieces from the blue family:
Looking to win? Choose red. According to Very Well Mind, “In the arena of sports, wearing the color red can increase your chances of winning.” Whether you’re inspiring athletes, the next science fair genius, or an E-games prodigy, red is the right color to pick for all your winners.
It’s not hard to guess the color associated with optimism, sunshine, and warmth.
Yellow, of course! Bring sunshine and inclusion into your classroom with these bright additions.
Need to grab your student’s attention? Adding orange to your classroom can help. Orange makes us feel energetic and excited – all the things we want our students to feel about learning. Check out these fun ways to add pops of orange to your classroom.
After all that energy and excitement, students need a place to go that’s peaceful. Look to the color green to bring tranquility to both your indoor and outdoor classroom spaces. Here are some great products we think you will love.
Where to buy the best colorful classroom furniture, storage, and more for your K-12 Classrooms
Look no further than School Outfitters! Creating the right space for your classrooms using color is more important now than ever. We strive to provide the safest, functional storage and organization needed for your learning spaces. There’s a reason why 97% of the top 1,000 districts are our repeat customers. We make every step of the room design and product ordering process a breeze with quick shipping, contracts and co-op savings, and more.
Why buy colorful K-12 furniture through School Outfitters?
Our school furnishings experts know the best ways to use all the colors of the rainbow in your classrooms and are here to help. Buy all your favorite classroom colors and coordinate with your school hues with us because we have thousands of comfortable, durable, and flexible furniture products. Trust us with your school furniture orders because we offer the best pricing and quick shipping. Contact us to get help and inspiration with your room designs. Get a free quote and start designing your color-perfect classroom today!