Carpeting can have more impact on how we feel in our homes, offices, and schools than many people realize. 

According to Mark Baxter, an engineer and product manager with U.S. Products, a manufacturer of carpet cleaning equipment, "Carpet can even stimulate or depress your appetite, lift or lower your spirits, and has the potential to improve or reduce student performance and worker productivity."

This is why more and more architects, designers, and facility managers are taking a bit more time when selecting carpeting that not only fits their décor, but the mood of building users as well.

While there can be differences, says Baxter, certain colors seem to affect most people about the same way.  Because of this, he says the four carpet colors listed below tend to have the following impacts on most building users:

Red: Red is one of the most stimulating colors.  People working in a "red environment" often work faster and harder.  "However, red can cause some people to feel tense so use it wisely and sparingly."

Yellow: Surprisingly, while yellow is often viewed as a soft color, it is associated with aggressive behavior.  But, in combination with other colors, it can stimulate learning in a school environment.

Blue: Considered the most calming color, many blue tones stimulate harmony, loyalty, and trust.  "However, too much blue can...well it can make you feel 'blue,' so once again use it sparingly or with other colors."

Green: Ever wonder why some TV shows have a "Green Room" for their guests to wait in prior to an appearance?  Green tends to make people feel balanced, comfortable, and mentally prepared.  "In other words, it takes away the nervousness people feel before going on television." 

"There are some colors that probably should be avoided altogether in a commercial setting, such as pink and purple," says Baxter.  "But, the most important thing to know is the color of carpet can have a lot to do with how people feel so it should be selected prudently."