How Colour Affects Mood: The Psychology of Colour in Glass Art

Ever noticed how a certain colour can instantly lift your spirits—or make you feel calm, cosy, or even a bit nostalgic? Colour is powerful. It can shape the way we feel, the way we behave, and even the way we experience art.

In glass art, colour isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s one of the most important tools we have to express emotion, tell a story, and create atmosphere. Whether it’s a soft sea-glass green or a bold splash of sunshine yellow, every hue carries its own energy.

Let’s explore how colour affects mood—and how you can use that knowledge in your own glass creations.

The Basics of Colour Psychology

Colour psychology is the study of how colours influence human behaviour and emotions. It’s why fast food logos are often red and yellow (hunger and energy), while spas lean into cool greens and calming neutrals.

In glass art, we use these same principles—intuitively or intentionally—to bring certain feelings to life.

Here are just a few examples:

- Blue: Calming, trustworthy, serene. Think ocean waves and wide-open skies.

- Green: Refreshing, grounding, and often linked with growth or renewal.

- Red: Passionate, intense, and full of energy—ideal for bold, dramatic pieces.

- Yellow: Bright, joyful, and uplifting. It’s a mood-booster in glass form!

- Purple: Creative, luxurious, and a little mysterious.

- Orange: Warm, playful, and sociable—great for pieces that feel inviting.

- White and clear: Clean, peaceful, and often used to create balance or lightness.

Of course, how we personally respond to colour also depends on memories, culture, and associations. That’s why glass art feels so personal—it allows you to bring your own story to each creation.

Colour in Glass: A Different Kind of Magic

Unlike paint or fabric, glass doesn’t just hold colour—it transforms it. Light filters through, changes it, dances with it. That’s why glass art can feel so alive. It isn’t static. It shifts depending on where it’s placed, the time of day, and the colours around it.

And this is exactly why choosing colours in your glass pieces is such a joyful, expressive process.

In our two-hour beginner workshops, we often see people instinctively gravitate towards colours that match how they’re feeling—or how they want to feel. Someone stressed might pick gentle blues and soft greens. Someone looking for energy might reach for fiery reds or juicy oranges. There's no right or wrong—just the mood you're in and the story you want to tell.

Create Your Mood: Try It for Yourself

If you’re curious about the power of colour and want to explore it through glass, our workshops are a perfect place to start.

We run a variety of creative sessions designed to suit different moods, occasions, and groups:

- Just want a little taster? Our Umbellifer Mini Taster Session is a great bite-sized introduction to glass fusing. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to get hands-on and creative with colour.

- Looking for something with friends or a group? Our Basket of Flowers Workshop is ideal for the WI, community groups or team-building days. You’ll create a gorgeous floral glass piece, full of vibrant colours and positive energy.

- Want the full creative experience? Our Two-Hour Beginner Workshop is a brilliant way to try your hand at glass fusing in a relaxed, friendly environment. You'll learn the basics, play with colour and shape, and after kiln firing, you will have a unique piece of your own making.

Each session gives you space to explore, play, and discover which colours speak to you. And it’s a lovely way to practise mindfulness too—letting yourself slow down and be present in the process.

You can browse all of our workshops here.

The Joy of Colour in Everyday Life

Of course, you don’t have to be making your own glass to enjoy the emotional lift that colour can bring. A handmade glass piece in your home—sunlight glinting through vibrant petals or shimmering patterns—can brighten up even the greyest of mornings.

If you’re looking for something special for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, our online shop is full of artisan glass treasures. Each piece is handmade with care and designed to bring a little joy, colour and creativity into everyday life.

You can explore our full collection of glass gifts here.

In a Colourful Mood Now?

Whether you're drawn to calming tones or eye-catching contrasts, there's something so wonderfully therapeutic about working with colour. And in glass art, you don’t just see it—you feel it. Through the warmth of the kiln, the coolness of the glass, the way light dances through your finished piece.

So if you’re feeling inspired, we’d love to welcome you into the studio soon. Come along, play with colour, and create something that reflects you.

It’s amazing what a little glass—and a lot of colour—can do for the soul.