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When you’re in the planning stages of your school refurbishment project, choosing a colour scheme is easier said than done. Do you just go for a neutral white to please everybody? Or maybe let the kids decide?

It’s hard to know where to begin, but there are a number of determining factors that can help to narrow down your search.

Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider…

The Children’s Age

When selecting a colour for your school interior design, the children’s age is an important factor. For example, younger children of primary school age are attracted to warm, lively colours like red, orange and yellow. Older children on the other hand react better to blue, green and mauve due to their calming effect.

However, too much of one colour may be ineffectual. Being surrounded by one bold colour can lead to over-stimulation, while an all-white room can result in boredom and introversion. It is therefore best to take the edge off with a support colour (white being a classic example) to create the perfect balance.

Different Subjects Call For Different Colour Schemes

Each subject is different, and therefore you should select colours based on the unique impact they have on students. For example:

  • Science and maths – A cool blue is said to lower heartrate and improve concentration, which is particularly important in subjects that require problem solving.
  • PE and drama – For more physical activities, opt for happy, energetic colours like orange and peach.
  • Creative subjects and languages – Gentle yellow tones off optimistic energy, which is ideal for getting the creative juices flowing.
  • History and social sciences – A calm and creative mindset is needed for these subjects. With green being a natural collision of yellow and blue, this provides the perfect balance.

Autistic Children May React Badly To Certain Colours

85% of autistic children see colours with greater intensity, so it is crucial that you consider this before starting your school refurbishment.

In terms of the colours you should avoid, red and white are big no-nos. Red can make an autistic child feel angry or even cause them pain, while the overwhelming brightness of white can hurt their eyes.

For a much safer alternative, try cooler, calming colours such as blue, purple or green. Warmer colours like brown and orange are also preferable, as they make you feel warm and cosy!

What About The Library?

Libraries are an extended learning environment, and therefore the colour selection is very important. Ideally you want to create a relaxed environment for reading, so green is perfect due to its calming influence.

Libraries are also useful for students staying after-school to finish coursework, so alternatively you could opt for blue to aid concentration.

Want to make your library really funky with green? Then how about an enchanted forest? Pantone’s colour of the year is “greenery,” a beautiful shade of green that resembles nature. Recently we’ve been incorporating greenery into our library designs, withSouthmead Primary School requesting an enchanted forest (above) to encourage reading and learning. Check out the finished school interior design, complete with an artificial tree and log stumps!

Don’t Forget The Sixth Formers!

For many sixth formers, hanging out in the common room is the best part of coming into school. Given that the common room is a place of conversation and fun, the excitement should be reflected with bold, energetic colours.

Orange, for example, is a great colour for common rooms. Not only is it warm and welcoming, but it is also very energetic. In order to avoid overkill, however, a great idea is to go for neutral walls and compliment them with funky orange school furniture.

Rap Interiors has 25 years of experience delivering exceptional school refurbishments and fit outs. For more school interior design ideas and solutions, contact us on 0333 600 1234 or email refurb@rapinteriors.co.uk.