Classrooms and lecture rooms need colors that will be comfortable for students as their attention moves from work station to various parts of the room. Mild colors for walls and floors will minimize glare and brightness contrast between work stations and the surroundings. Tones may be warmer or cooler as climate and orientation may suggest. A stronger color may be used for the front wall with color related to or contrasting with the light green, white, or blue of the marker board. The idea is to get away from an institutional implication (dark green and black boards). Classrooms for young children may use stronger colors, usually in warm tones. Strong tones are not desirable. Gymnasiums, auditoriums, and large lunchrooms are best in lighter tones, warm to neutral, possibly with some bright colors accents in small areas. Stairways and corridors can use some areas of bright color - ends of corridors and doors, for example - to provide variety and stimulation while passing between other spaces.

The SDPL recommends this excellent book on color.

Posted by Ken Tanner (May 1999)