The psychology of flooring colour in healthcare
Dr Axel Buether, one of the world’s leading colour experts and a pioneer of modern evidence-based colour psychology, has worked in collaboration with flooring supplier, Bona, to develop a new colour collection

Dr Axel Buether
I have studied the effects of colour for decades, and while a lot of my work has fallen across different industries, much has centred on the healthcare sector.
The impact of colour is astounding, and the colour of our surroundings significantly influences our moods and emotions and, ultimately, our wellbeing.
The applied research projects that I have been involved in focus on the effects of the environmental factor colour, the processing of which takes up more than 60% of the neuronal capacities of our brain, on human experience and behaviour as well as wellbeing and health.
Indeed, the psychology of colour is a fascinating topic.
The use of colour has astonishing results on people and different colours have different purposes.
In a healthcare environment, the colours used need to work in harmony.
There needs to be a balance because too much, or too little, of one colour may have negative effects, and, as an example, could make people feel anxious or unwell.
Equally, bright red or green are often used to create stimulating environments and therefore are not often found in healthcare.
Creating a sense of serenity
Colour is an atmospheric environmental factor that can make us tired, listless, and sick, or keep us awake, active, and healthy.
It therefore has the strength to change people’s healthcare journey.
My research has taken me to more than 100 different hospitals in Europe over many years, and has covered a wide and diverse area – all with colour as a core focus.
For instance, I have explored innovative colour concepts which have proven to have a positive impact on the wellbeing and health of patients and staff.
The use of colour is not only about creating great aesthetics, it’s so much more.
It can facilitate positive interactions in a healthcare environment which can, in turn, lead to many benefits.
Historically, the interior design and feel of healthcare organisations such as hospitals were often referred to as ‘clinical’ – the colour scheme was commonly restricted to white, which, while it makes spaces feel clean, it can also feel sterile, lacking character and warmth.
Today, there has been enormous progress and a move away from how healthcare organisations looked in the past.
Colours are now being factored into the design process to make healthcare settings look and feel more appealing.
By incorporating the right colours, spaces can be transformed into warm and welcoming areas that meet the needs of those using the facilities.
Surface colours
The incorporation of colour into design was often focused on the walls, and I was quite fascinated by the positive contribution that a floor’s colour could have on people’s overall experience.
It’s a pioneering concept and plays a vital role in how we feel.
My latest collaboration, the development of the Bona Resilient Colour Collection, is a brand-new range of flooring products which has been tailored to the unique needs of the healthcare environment.
The collection, which draws inspiration from the natural world, can be successfully applied on resilient floor surfaces in any setting – from nursing and care homes, to therapy centres, hospitals, or children’s clinics.
Resilient surfaces are widespread in healthcare and include materials such as PVC, rubber, vinyl, and linoleum – and hence the impact of flooring colour is vast.
Colour matters
In healthcare, staff are often under enormous stress and pressure, working long-hours, sometimes with little or no breaks.
It’s a high-paced, demanding environment where many life-changing decisions are made.
To relieve some of this pressure, and reduce the level of stress and anxiety that people experience, a calming atmosphere is essential, and, remember, colour can evoke positive feelings and be used to elevate our mood.
As well as supporting everyone’s wellbeing, a relaxing, calm atmosphere can also support the patient recovery process.
Furthermore, by improving the mental health and wellbeing of staff, and relieving the pressure of the hectic work-life for healthcare professionals, it can, in turn, facilitate the delivery of better patient care.
The connection between colour and wellbeing
By incorporating natural elements into interior spaces, starting with the floor colour, it can profoundly enhance wellbeing and improve physical health; increase trust and confidence; and improve staff focus and experience.
Recent research, Colour as a design tool: The design of the effects of light and surface colours in relation to the experience and behaviour of people in the built space, reports that a positive atmosphere can improve the wellbeing of building occupants, visitors and staff by up to 100%.
The 2020 report also reveals that a colour concept that takes into consideration daylight conditions, structural context, and usability criteria, improves workplace identification by more than 50% and reduces sick leave by around 30%; while the rating of the working environment among staff improved by 40%.
When considering the ongoing difficulties that healthcare faces around workforce recruitment and retention, of which burnout and stress are one of the key drivers, the colour of flooring delivers additional relevance.
Turn to nature
People work and feel their best when they are in a natural environment, and connecting with nature has a myriad of benefits, therefore any design should be developed in harmony with nature.
The best colour schemes in healthcare are those that consist of colours found in nature as these promote a positive atmosphere – soft, natural, earthy shades radiate warmth and comfort and create a calm and healing environment.
The right balance of colours not only makes an area feel more open and spacious; it is crucial for maintaining a professional-yet-comforting atmosphere, without evoking a sense of coldness, and by using earth tone colours on flooring such as a grey-green, or grey-blue range, it projects seriousness and credibility which is particularly important for patient trust.
Harness the power of colour
The positive effect of carefully-selected surface colours on patients, staff, and visitors has been scientifically proven, and there are hospitals and other healthcare facilities that are setting the standard and successfully demonstrating the innovative impact of colour.
While this has often largely focused on the walls, the colour of flooring can also deliver many benefits; helping to improve our overall experience in healthcare.