Your building’s paint job matters. It’s one of the first things passersby see, and you can only make a first impression once. A well-maintained exterior can help ensure this impression is positive and potentially attract new customers. The interior is also important as it creates a visually pleasing experience for anyone who walks through your doors.
Selecting the correct color of paint can go a long way in creating the desired perception of your business.
The Importance of Commercial Building Paint Colors
Rather than slapping on any coat of paint to keep up with maintenance needs, choose your building’s color scheme wisely. Did you know that different colors evoke certain emotions and feelings? This is known as color theory — a concept that focuses on how colors interact and possibly influence people’s perception and behavior.
Red can make people hungry, which explains why many fast-food chains use it. On the other hand, blue can create a calming environment. Depending on your business, you must consider which color will have the desired effect on your customers and employees.
The Best Exterior Paint Colors for Commercial Buildings
When choosing a color for the exterior of your business, the first thing you should consider is the type of service you offer or which products you sell. The ideal commercial building paint scheme will differ depending on a company’s industry. For example, the color choices for a warehouse would likely vary significantly from those of a retail store carrying cosmetics.
Warehouses
While you might think neutral colors such as gray and beige are safe choices to paint the exterior of a warehouse, these may create a gloomy impression and lead to feelings of sadness among employees. Instead, opt for earthy tones like terracotta or sage — these can foster a sense of trust and reliability. Warehouse owners can also incorporate colors that align with their logo’s design, increasing your building’s recognizability and making it easily identifiable.
Hotels
In contrast to warehouses, hotels can benefit from the use of neutrals. Freshly painted white or beige exterior walls can convey cleanliness and dedication to guests’ well-being. Business owners in hospitality can also choose green, a refreshing color representing nature and tranquility.
Hoteliers should consider the message they want to convey when choosing paint colors. They must also determine which colors work well with the building’s existing aesthetic, including landscaping, walkways and architectural style.
Restaurants
Whether restauranteurs want to create a fun and vibrant space or a more sophisticated eatery, the choice of paint plays a key role in setting the tone. White is a timeless option that contributes to a clean aesthetic, while black can create a more modern and refined appearance.
As color theory shows, red stimulates the appetite, making it great for restaurant exteriors. It is also associated with excitement and energy, making it ideal for a lively establishment. Yellow is another option, as this color is associated with happiness and can create an inviting feel.
Retail Stores
Regarding retail stores, the building’s exterior should grab customers’ attention to promote more sales. Bright and vibrant colors like yellow, red and orange can stimulate energy, spark curiosity and encourage shoppers to enter a store.
Painting the outside of a department store blue is a good move because it has a soothing effect and can make customers feel more secure. For beauty, perfume and fashion stores marketed toward women, colors like pink can give off a feminine vibe.
Regardless of the chosen color, make sure it aligns with your brand identity. For example, green is excellent for stores specializing in sustainable products, whereas black can create a sleek look for a cutting-edge tech retailer.
Offices
Warm neutrals, like creams and tans, are great commercial office paint color ideas, especially for buildings that house numerous companies. These can make an office block feel welcoming and inviting while still projecting a sense of professionalism. Sky blue can promote feelings of calmness amongst employees and visitors, making it another option for office owners.
A pop of color can help an office building stand out. However, it should avoid distracting attention from visible logos or other essential signage. The use of bright colors should also be mindful of the brand’s color palette, the surrounding environment and whether the building is a shared space with lessees.
The Best Interior Paint Colors for Commercial Buildings
While the exterior of your business creates the first impression, the color you choose to paint the interior sets the mood. The optimal commercial building paint color for your company’s indoor space is also determined by the service you offer or the products you sell.
Warehouses
While the inside of warehouses should always look professional and well-maintained, safety comes first. Warehousing business owners should opt for color schemes offering maximum organization and visibility. Contrasting color pairings of yellow, red and black are typically associated with caution and safety, as they do a good job of catching people’s attention.
Hotels
Hotels are ultimately places of relaxation, where guests go to escape their daily stressors. Earthy tones like rust and pale shades of green can create a serene atmosphere. Like most commercial businesses, the choice of interior paint depends on the nature of the hotel. Purple is a fantastic pick for luxurious establishments — this color is linked to extravagance.
Restaurants
Although black can be a good color to paint the outside of a stylish restaurant, owners should avoid using it for interior walls — it can make the dining area or kitchen feel boxed in and doesn’t showcase the establishment’s cleanliness as well.
As mentioned, red and yellow are useful colors for restaurants, especially casual eateries and those serving fast food. Neutrals like white are more suited to upscale establishments, as they can create a fresh and crisp feel. Green can benefit restaurants specializing in healthy, vegetarian or vegan food.
Retail Stores
Just like the exterior of a retail store, the interior should feature eye-catching colors to draw shoppers in and speed up the purchasing process. Retailers should also consider their target market and the function of their store to guide their paint color scheme. For example, pastels are lovely for businesses selling children’s clothing and toys, but as soon as this palette is combined with black, it can also work for a homeware boutique.
Offices
While neutrals are excellent for office exteriors, they can create a dull environment when used inside. Instead, experiment with color combinations that promote employee productivity and creativity. Blue can help workers stay stress-free and focused, whereas splashes of orange accents can promote energetic feelings. Colors can also communicate a company’s culture and values. For example, green can represent a business’s commitment to sustainability.
Tips for Choosing Commercial Paint Colors
Choosing the right paint color for your commercial building can be tricky. In addition to capturing the essence of your business, it should be aesthetically pleasing. Follow these tips to help you make a selection:
- Stay on-brand: The paint you choose for your business’s interior and exterior should reflect your brand’s visual identity. Color can help increase brand recognition, especially when you use the same color scheme across your logo, website or other assets.
- Use color theory: This can guide you in creating a harmonious commercial building paint scheme. For example, complementary colors like red and turquoise sit opposite each other on the color wheel, while monochromatic combinations feature shades or tones of one color.
- Consider your surroundings: Think about your local environment, such as whether you’re in a more urban area or one with a lot of greenery. If many other businesses surround you, you’ll want to stand out by choosing a color that sets you apart. If you’re surrounded by trees, earthy tones can help you blend in with the natural landscape.
- Get a sample: Sample your chosen colors in your space before making a final decision. This can help avoid surprises, as paint can look different in the store compared to what it looks like in person.
Paint Your Commercial Building With Ryan Amato Painting
Ryan Amato Painting, LLC is a trusted painting contractor in Allentown, Lehigh Valley and surrounding Pennsylvania locations. Whether you own a warehouse or a hotel, we provide reliable commercial painting solutions that can transform your business’s interior and exterior. Our team of experts has a keen eye for detail and will collaborate with you to deliver on your unique requirements and preferences. To schedule a free estimate for your commercial painting project, contact us today!
