Jane Lockhart of Colour Confidential runs down five colours and their general affects on moods.

The significance and meaning of colours greatly differs from culture to culture. For example, in North America, white is worn by brides to signify purity and innocence, while in traditional Chinese cultures white is worn to funerals.

Colours do have general affects on moods. For example:

Yellow

Heightens energy levels
Cancels out feelings of heaviness or oppression
Can bring feelings of warmth and joy

Blue

Peaceful and relaxing in some shades
Cold and depressing in other shades
In the correct shade and application, blue can relieve headaches, migraines and muscle cramps

Red

The colour of life (blood), the glowing sun and fire
Red can represent love and passion
Red can also represent anger and rage
Too much red can raise the blood pressure and the rate of breathing

Green

Harmonizing and balancing
The colour of concentration and intellect
Calming in a neutral, positive sense
Green can represent nature
The most restful colour to the eye

Orange

A mix of red and yellow
Orange stands for kindness and cheerfulness
Orange inspires appetite and aids digestion, which is why it is found in many restaurants