FibreGuard upholstery and colour psychology: a winning combination for classroom success

In this blog post, we're looking at the impacts of colour in school environments, focusing, as always, on FibreGuard's upholstery. How can it affect the learning process? Let's find out.

Creating Optimal Learning Spaces with Colour Psychology

Colour psychology, based on the research of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, shows that colours can have a profound impact on the human mind. There is a growing body of research that explores the impact of colour on cognition and behaviour, including in educational settings. While colour can influence learning and behaviour, it should be considered as one of many factors that play a role.

Cultural context and personal preference play a part too, but that doesn’t mean school designers can’t incorporate colours based on research.

Designing Better Learning Environments with Colour Psychology

In the past, schools often used monotonous colours like off-white, beige, and grey. However, recent research suggests that incorporating vibrant and stimulating colours can have several benefits.

The colour yellow, for example, has been found to release serotonin in the brain, a chemical that can reduce anxiety and depression. It can also promote awareness of the environment and workspace. Yellow is often associated with positivity, energy, and creativity.

Blue, on the other hand, is known for its calming and relaxing effects. It can help promote focus and concentration, making it suitable for study areas and classrooms where students need to concentrate on tasks. Blue is often associated with stability, trust, and intelligence.

Green is often associated with nature and has a soothing effect on the mind. It can promote a sense of balance and harmony, making it suitable for spaces where students need to feel calm and relaxed. Green is also linked to creativity and can enhance a sense of inspiration and productivity.

Red is a vibrant colour that can stimulate energy and excitement. It can be used strategically in areas where physical activity or attention is required, such as gymnasiums or common areas. However, it is important to use red sparingly, as it can also be associated with aggression if used excessively. Orange is a warm, energetic colour that can create a lively and welcoming atmosphere. It can stimulate social interaction and communication, making it suitable for common areas or collaborative spaces. Orange is often associated with enthusiasm and creativity.

Finally, purple is a colour often associated with creativity and imagination. It can evoke a sense of tranquillity and introspection, making it suitable for quiet areas or libraries where students can engage in focused reading or reflection. It's important to strike a balance when using colours in school interiors: too many excessively bright colours can be overwhelming, while drab or monotonous colours can be uninspiring.

Creating colourful and engaging school environments with FibreGuard

By choosing FibreGuard textiles, which offer a wide range of bright and inspiring colours, educational institutions can create a visually appealing environment that stimulates creativity and engagement.

Here are our top suggestions for incorporating our stain resistant fabrics throughout the school:

Upholstery: Use FibreGuard fabrics for upholstery on chairs, sofas, and benches in common areas, libraries, or study lounges. They’re perfect for high-traffic areas due to their stain resistance and durability, making them ideal for spaces prone to spills and accidents. Our FibreGuard Pro range of high performance fabrics are also treated with an anti-microbial agent to protect against the growth of bacteria, making them an even better choice for those looking for a fabric that is both durable and hygienic.

Curtains and Drapery: Choose FibreGuard fabrics for curtains and drapes in classrooms or auditoriums. They’re have a marked effect on the acoustics of a space - but are also easy to maintain. In a recent case study, we saw how clever use of interior curtains played a leading role in the redesign of the main Antwerp city library. Check it out here.

Wall Panels: Consider using FibreGuard fabrics for wall panels in common areas or collaborative spaces. Fabric wall panels can add texture, colour, and visual interest to the environment, enhancing the overall design and creating a comfortable atmosphere.

Pillows and Cushions: Incorporate FibreGuard fabrics for pillows and cushions in reading nooks or relaxation areas within the school.

Touch and texture are like the secret ingredients that, when combined, make interior spaces outstanding. It's like a special invite for our senses to join the party and connect with the space and the current moment. - The sensory delight of velvet upholstery

Upholstery for schools: focus on durability, colourfastness, and health

There are three key aspects of our fabric collections that we’d like to highlight for school designers:

1. Our fabric collections boast exceptional durability and stain-resistance properties. This means that school furniture can withstand spills, stains, and heavy use, ensuring a long-lasting investment. Learn more: About Our Stain-Resistant Drapery and Upholstery
2. FibreGuard textiles are colourfast, thanks to our rigorous testing procedures that ensure that their colours don’t fade or deteriorate even after repeated cleaning or prolonged sun exposure. Learn more: 5 colourfastness tests that secure FibreGuard fabrics’ optimal fade protection
3. At FibreGuard, the safety of our customers is our top priority. That's why all our upholstery fabrics are free of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS/PFCs): otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’. By choosing FibreGuard, you can have peace of mind knowing that our fabrics are free from risks associated with chemicals like these. Learn more: Why FibreGuard upholstery fabrics are safe and non-toxic

Designing Better Learning Environments with Colour Psychology and FibreGuard Upholstery

Educational institutions can create learning environments that harness the power of colour through combination of FibreGuard's high-performance textiles and thoughtful design choices.

Through understanding the principles of colour psychology and selecting furniture that meets durability, colourfastness, and sustainability standards, the classroom really can have a positive effect on the young minds of the future.

Get in touch with us at FibreGuard today.