The paint color and finish that you choose for your office can affect the mental health and productivity of your staff. You need colors that are professional but that don't induce stress so that the office is a comfortable place to work.

1. Choose Calm Colors

The office is no place for overly bold colors that can distract or leave people feeling on edge. The bright reds, intense pinks, or over the top oranges can leave people feeling stressed and too energetic for office work. Instead, opt for subdued but bright colors that instill feelings of productivity. Pastel colors, particularly those that are warm like yellow, can foster a feeling of alertness but calm productivity. Calming colors like lavender are also suitable for an office where you don't want stress to be the reigning emotion. Most neutral colors include white, tan, and gray, also work well in an office because they don't create a stress response.

2. Skip High Gloss Options

All too often high gloss paint is chosen for commercial settings because it is easy to wipe clean. Unfortunately, it also creates a glare underneath office lights, which can make uncomfortable fluorescent lighting seem even harsher and more uncomfortable. Yet, at the same time matte paints, which have no gloss, also aren't a good choice because they show every smudge or bit of dirt that gets onto them. Instead, opt for an eggshell or satin paint finish. These aren't as glaring as high gloss paint but they can still be wiped clean with a damp cloth, so your maintenance crew will have no problems keeping the walls in good shape.

3. Maximize Light

The paint you choose should also maximize natural light when it is available in the office. Once again, this is where an eggshell finish shines because it doesn't absorb light like a matter finish can. If maximizing light is the primary goal, then the lighter the paint color the better. White or near-white paint will maximize the light the most, but it can seem start and dreary. A cream color is a bit warmer but still provides a lot of light reflectivity in the office.

4. Add Some Highlights

If the office seems a bit too stark, even with a warm but reflective color, add a few pops of bright color to help brighten the room further without overwhelming it. Painting the trim a bold color like red or bright blue isn't stress-inducing if the color is used sparingly, but it can help add some beneficial energy to the feel of your office. Another option is to paint a bright accent wall on one side of the office, such as around the elevators or reception desk while choosing more subdued colors everywhere else.

Contact a commercial interior painting firm for more help with choosing your office paint.