As the days grow shorter and darker, many of us find ourselves seeking ways to brighten our homes and lift our spirits. While we often think about wall colours and lighting, the floor beneath our feet can play a crucial role in setting the mood of a space.
Ben Herbert, Director at Designer-Carpet.co.uk and an expert in flooring, explains more about how your choice of flooring can affect our mood, especially during the gloomier seasons.
“When it comes to flooring, both colour and texture significantly impact our mood, Colour psychology research published in 2015 has shown that certain hues can affect our attention and behaviour. For instance, studies have found that red stimuli receive an attentional advantage, though that doesn’t mean we should all rush for red carpets!”
Ben Herbert
| Colour | Associated Emotion(s) |
| Red | Energy, excitement, passion, sometimes anger |
| Blue | Calm, serenity, trust, stability |
| Green | Nature, growth, harmony, freshness |
| Yellow | Happiness, optimism, cheerfulness |
| Orange | Warmth, enthusiasm, creativity |
| Purple | Luxury, creativity, mystery |
| White | Cleanliness, purity, spaciousness |
| Grey | Neutrality, balance, sometimes melancholy |
| Brown | Earthiness, stability, comfort |
| Black | Sophistication, power, sometimes heaviness |
| Beige | Warmth, neutrality, calmness |
Herbert notes that lighter colours are often best for creating a sense of space and brightness. “Pale wood tones or light-coloured carpets can make a room feel more open and airy, which is especially beneficial during the gloomy winter months,” he suggests.
But colour is only part of the story. Herbert points to a 2019 study by Iosifyan and Korolkova that explored emotional responses to different textures. “This research offers fascinating insights into how the feel of our surroundings affects our mood,” he says. “For example, smooth and soft textures, as well as velvet-like surfaces, were associated with happiness.”
| Texture | Associated Emotion(s) |
| Rough/Coarse | Anger, Disgust |
| Smooth/Soft | Happiness |
| Abrasive | Anger |
| Sticky | Disgust |
| Velvet-like | Happiness |
| Wet | Surprise, Fear |
Applying these findings to flooring, Herbert advises, “Consider plush carpets or smooth, polished hardwood floors. These textures align with the ‘happiness’ response identified in the study and could contribute to a more positive atmosphere in your home.”
However, Herbert cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach. “While the study found that rough or coarse textures were associated with negative emotions like anger, some people might find a natural, textured stone floor grounding. It’s about understanding these general principles and then tailoring them to your personal preferences and needs.”
For those looking to create a cosy, uplifting environment, Herbert recommends exploring soft, plush carpets in warm, neutral tones or smooth-finished wood flooring in light colours. “These options not only look inviting but, based on the research, might actually contribute to a happier mood in your home,” he explains.
Herbert’s top colour and texture combinations
| Combination | Good for |
| Soft Beige Plush Carpet | The warm, neutral tone of beige promotes calmness and comfort, while the soft, plush texture is associated with happiness. This combination can create a cosy, inviting space. |
| Light Oak Smooth Hardwood | Light wood tones can make a space feel open and airy while its smooth texture correlates with positive emotions to create a fresh, cheerful ambiance. |
| Soft Green Low-pile Carpet | Green evokes nature and harmony. Paired with a soft, low-pile texture, this could create a fresh, peaceful environment that’s easy to maintain. |
| Pale Textured Sisal | The pale yellow hues of sisal are associated with happiness and optimism while natural materials like sisal can provide a grounding effect. |
| White Polished Stone | White promotes feelings of cleanliness and spaciousness and the smooth, polished texture of stone tiles can create a luxurious feel that’s associated with positive emotions. |
