What Top Brands Are Really Saying With Their Colours.
Did you know that colour can influence how we feel about a brand before we even know what it sells?
That’s the power of colour psychology in branding — and it’s one of the most subtle yet powerful tools in marketing.
In this post, we’ll break down what different colours really say about a brand, and look at some iconic companies that use them to perfection.
Blue – Trust, Reliability, Calm
What it says: Blue is often linked with dependability, intelligence, and professionalism. It creates a feeling of trust and stability — which is why it’s so popular with tech and finance companies.
Famous brands that use blue:
Facebook – Community, trust, and reliability.
LinkedIn – Professionalism and confidence.
PayPal – Secure, dependable payments.
Why it works: Blue makes us feel safe and in control. It’s rarely overbearing, which makes it ideal for brands that want to project confidence without arrogance.
Red – Energy, Passion, Action
What it says: Red is a colour of urgency, power, and emotion. It grabs attention and can even trigger appetite — perfect for impulse buys or exciting experiences.
Famous brands that use red:
Coca-Cola – Joy, excitement, and energy.
YouTube – Bold, action-driven content.
Netflix – Emotional engagement and drama.
Why it works: Red increases heart rate and urgency. It’s great for brands that want to spark quick decisions or emotional connection.
Green – Growth, Health, Nature
What it says: Green represents harmony, freshness, and balance. It’s often used by brands that want to associate with sustainability, wellness, or calm.
Famous brands that use green:
Starbucks – Calm, comforting, and socially conscious.
Whole Foods – Organic, natural, and healthy.
Spotify – Fresh, youthful, and always growing.
Why it works: Green soothes and restores. It’s ideal for brands that promote wellbeing, the environment, or financial growth.
Yellow – Optimism, Warmth, Clarity
What it says: Yellow brings out joy, clarity, and friendliness. It’s a mood-lifter and a strong attention-getter — but it needs to be used carefully to avoid looking cheap.
Famous brands that use yellow:
McDonald’s – Happiness, speed, and positivity.
IKEA – Affordable, cheerful design.
Snapchat – Fun, fast, and youthful.
Why it works: Yellow grabs attention in a positive way. It’s ideal for brands with a playful or energetic personality.
Black – Sophistication, Power, Luxury
What it says: Black is sleek, elegant, and high-end. It’s often used in luxury branding, but also by tech and fashion brands looking for a modern edge.
Famous brands that use black:
Apple – Minimalist, premium design.
Chanel – Timeless luxury.
Nike – Bold, powerful identity.
Why it works: Black creates contrast and authority. It’s the go-to for premium, timeless, or high-performance brands.
Purple – Creativity, Luxury, Spirituality
What it says: Purple has long been associated with royalty, wisdom, and creativity. It’s ideal for brands that want to feel imaginative or elite.
Famous brands that use purple:
Cadbury – Premium indulgence.
Twitch – Creativity and imagination in gaming.
Yahoo – Unconventional and expressive.
Why it works: Purple combines the calm of blue and the energy of red. It’s perfect for brands in the creative, spiritual, or luxury sectors.
Orange – Fun, Enthusiasm, Affordability
What it says: Orange is friendly, energetic, and youthful. It’s inviting and confident — without being as aggressive as red.
Famous brands that use orange:
Fanta – Fun and fruity vibes.
Amazon – Friendly yet fast.
Nickelodeon – Youthful entertainment.
🔍 Why it works: Orange is playful and energetic. It works well for brands targeting younger audiences or promoting accessibility and value.
Bonus: White & Neutral Colours – Simplicity, Clarity, Space
While not “colours” in the traditional sense, white, grey, and beige are used to create clean, minimal, and versatile brand identities.
Used by:
Apple – Clean user experience.
ASOS – Modern, fashion-forward.
Zara – Minimal, European style.
Final Thoughts: Choose with Intention
When picking brand colours, it’s not just about what looks good — it’s about what feels right to your audience. The best brands align their colour palette with their core values, target market, and desired emotional impact.
If you’re building or refreshing your brand, think about what you want people to feel. Colour can be your most powerful first impression.
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