Why certain shades make you feel more relaxed, how they influence your mood and which colours to bring into your home for a more soothing space

Walk into a room painted in a soft sage green or a gentle sky blue, and your shoulders often drop before you even notice. Colour has a quiet way of shaping how we feel, which is why hospitals, spas and meditation studios tend to avoid loud, harsh shades. Researchers say the effect is real but not identical for everyone, since personal taste, culture and memories all play a part. Still, certain shades are widely linked with calm and comfort. Here is a five-part guide to how colour affects mood and which ones can make your home feel more soothing.