When we think of clinical spaces, our minds often jump to sterile whites, cool blues and generic greys. These colours have long been associated with cleanliness, calmness and professionalism.
However, from cabinetry to counters, colour can not only be decorative, but it’s becoming a tool for navigation, emotional wellness and operational efficiency.
Improving Efficiency: Organising the Chaos
Clinical spaces can be complex and fast-paced. Without a clear and intuitive system, staff often waste valuable time searching through unmarked or disorganised storage, increasing the risk of delays, inefficiencies, and even errors in patient care.
As time is critical, colour-coded space solutions can create visual systems that reduce thought processes and speed up daily operations.
Faster Identification: for example, a nurse looking for emergency supplies can immediately locate them if red cabinets are always designated for urgent care materials. Likewise, blue may be used for general medication storage, yellow for infection control and green for reusable equipment.
Reduced Errors: Consistent colour-coding helps minimise mistakes, especially in high-stress situations. Colour serves as an immediate visual indicator, so no need to read small labels in a hurry.
Training and Orientation: For new staff, colour-coded systems simplify orientation. They can learn faster, find supplies more efficiently, and feel more confident navigating their environment.
Enhancing Infection Control
Colour coding can play an important role in keeping infection prevention standards. Differentiating clean and dirty zones, for example, becomes easier when reinforced with colour. A system where clean utility storage is always in light tones and dirty spaces are marked with darker hues creates an added layer of awareness that helps reduce cross-contamination.
Simplifying Operations: Creating Zones
Quite often a larger space will be used for multiple purposes. For example, drug preparation rooms may be used to collate and dispense medications for various wards or different teams and services so they can be in one place.
Colour coding complete zones make it easier to identify them and can also streamline operations when there are different services or delivery points.
Boosting Wellbeing : Colour Psychology
There are multiple studies into the positive effects of colour on physical and mental well-being. Colour Therapy using light has been used for centuries to improve healthcare outcomes.
Choosing the right palette of colours for clinical spaces allows design to respond to the specific needs of different patient populations and clinical functions.
For example, in paediatric settings, bright and playful hues can help reduce anxiety and make exam rooms feel more approachable for children. Example Case Study.
In oncology centres, soft, muted pastels may promote a sense of calm and emotional ease during what can be lengthy or emotionally difficult treatments.
The use of colour in staff areas as well can improve their emotional wellbeing and give them a welcome break from the high pressures and emotions of work.
Enhanced Decoration: Improved Aesthetics
In addition to the benefits in highlighting areas or supporting well-being, colour can just be used to enhance the styling of a space. Whether to communicate branding, tie designs together, give a more modern and personal feel or just because it looks better and less clinical than the traditional white.
It doesn’t have to be the whole decor either. There are so many options on doors, worktops, accessories, and even interiors where visible to add in colour that it doesn’t mean walls need to be painted or floors re-laid. Colour can be introduced in many ways making budgets go further and giving all the impact and benefits in short lead-times with minimum disruption.
When colour is applied thoughtfully, it can be both useful and visually appealing. It can match the overall look and feel of the facility while also make the space easier to use.
Contact us to get your copy of our latest colour chart.