Colors are a part of our everyday lives. From the naturally occurring colors in the world around us to the colors used in commercials, marketing, and design, color is undeniably everywhere. Have you ever stopped to wonder about colors and why they’re chosen for specific design elements?

Keep reading to learn more about the color white, the psychology behind it, and how it can be used to evoke emotion and expression in thoughtful design.

What does the color white mean

What is color psychology?

Color psychology is the study of hues and shades and how they affect people in all aspects of their lives. Believe it or not, colors have meaning, and their psychology influences your perceptions of all types of things, from the taste of food to the effectiveness of placebos. They have a subtle — or not so subtle — influence on your moods and attitudes, and can even cause physiological reactions.

Ultimately, colors are more than just visual experiences — they’re psychological ones. Knowing what each color means can be exceptionally helpful for picking winning color schemes.

What is the meaning of white?

The color white often evokes ideas of purity, simplicity, and cleanliness. But why does this matter in design?

Typically, white serves as a background rather than a color in its own right, to provide ample breathing room on a page or a platform to prevent overcrowding. White can represent a natural, clean slate that helps to provide contrast, focus attention on specific elements, and prevent a cluttered-looking design.

Unlock your color palette potential.

Ready to effectively create with all the colors of the rainbow? Color is a powerful tool for artists, designers, and more — learn how to harness it with innovative, color-empowering tools and tips.

Unlock your potential and make everything from logos and icons to illustrations and poster art with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.