Print production, trade shows, events, promotional products.

Exhibit Design Search / Trade Show and Event Tips / Design, Lighting, and Graphics Tips /

Setting the Mood with Color at Your Next Trade Show

Using Colors to Set the Mood

  • The color scheme you select for your trade show booth is critical
  • Many colors are associated with temperature or with certain emotions
  • You should consider color selection to be one more item in your “marketing arsenal”

The color scheme you select for your trade show booth is critical. Color affects our perceptions of a space, so when planning your booth, choose your colors carefully. If you’ve hired an exhibit designer, the designer can help determine the most appropriate color scheme for your booth based on your overall corporate colors, your marketing goals, and your color preferences. Don’t forget the flooring. The right flooring color in your exhibit will enhance (or diminish) your trade show booth design. .

How individuals react to colors depends on their cultural, historical, and personal background. A great deal of research has been conducted surrounding the psychology of color. However, in Western societies, the following is generally found to be true.

Recent Studies

A recent study published in Nature analyzed the effect of uniform color on athletes, such as soccer players, boxers, and wrestlers. The study concluded that athletes wearing red won more than sixty percent of the time. The scientists who conducted the study were convinced that the red uniforms gave the winning team a psychological edge. However, unless the client is Coca-Cola, most designers use red as an accent color rather than the primary color since red often evokes such strong emotions.

Many colors are associated with temperature or with certain emotions.These are culturally derived meanings can have a very real affect on people. Colors such as red, orange, and yellow are considered “warm” colors and can have a stimulating effect. The New York Times recently published an article concerning color schemes for schools and found that reds, yellows, and oranges were often used in hallways to “speed up children in halls and gyms.” Yellow, in particular, is often used in postcard marketing campaigns because studies have determined that recipients read yellow postcards more than any other color.

Other Colors

Blues and greens are considered “cool” colors and can have a calming effect, especially when combined with fluorescent lighting. Blues and grays are also associated with ice, snow, or winter. If your company sells snow skis for example, you might want to consider using these colors. Gray and beige, are more neutral colors, and have associations as well. Gray or silver can take on a futuristic, “gee-whiz” connotation. Beiges and browns can be used to suggest a nostalgic, retro feel in a booth. White can be used to create a more expansive feel in a space, while black creates a more confined feel.

Factor in your company’s home base or the location of the show when considering color schemes. If your company is based in the Southwest, browns and tans might work for you. Or, if the trade show is located near the coast, consider blues or greens. You should consider color selection to be one more item in your “marketing arsenal” as you compete for the customer’s attention at a busy trade show or corporate event.

Contact Us

For more information about trade show or event marketing, give us a call or Contact Us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your next show.

Article Author:

Mel White, CEI

Add designs and photos to your personal gallery simply by clicking on the +My Gallery links

Then email your "My Gallery" to colleagues, friends, or your favorite exhibit designer. There's no better way to begin designing a display that reflects your exhibit marketing goals.

Note: My Gallery uses a temporary browser cookie to store your gallery. We recommend that you send your gallery to your email address if you need to retain it for longer than 30 days.

  • Suggested lead times may vary depending on current orders. Please check with Customer Service.
  • Production lead times are based on business days and DO NOT include any shipping days.
  • Production-ready artwork (when applicable) must accompany the order confirmation. Delays in uploading artwork may lead to expedited charges or shipping changes.
  • No order will be released to Production without a signed order confirmation.
  • Shipping is based on the availability of materials and graphics. Additional charges may apply if materials or graphics must be expedited.
  • Standard lead times do not apply to orders of multiple quantities.
Exhibit Weight varies depending on the packaging and the shipping method. Variables include but are not limited to:
  • Dimensional Weight vs. Actual Weight: Dimensional weight is defined as crate or case size. On most air shipments, the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight
  • Portable Cases vs. Wood Crates or Molded Tubs (where applicable): Exhibit designs that require one wood crate would require multiple portable cases. Selecting one vs. the other affects the total weight (dimensional or actual).
  • Freight Carrier: LTL carriers (Less than Truckload) quote freight based on space used. UPS, FedEx, and air freight carriers quote freight based on either the dimensional or the actual weight of the shipment.
  • Freight Service Level (number of days): Service levels range from Same Day Delivery to Two Week Delivery.
For more information about exhibit weights and freight options, please contact your local exhibit representative.
Electrical, Cord, and Wire Management varies depending on the display and each exhibitor's requirements. When ordering your trade show display, consider the following electrical/wire management issues and discuss your options with an exhibit professional:
  • Inline vs. Island Displays
  • Lead Retrieval Devices
  • Computer and Monitor Cables
  • Demo Equipment
  • Overhead Lighting
  • Grommets and Grommet Placement in Counters
  • Overhead vs. Floor Power Supply
  • Flooring and Electrical Wiring
  • Options for Hiding Cords and Cables
  • Flat vs. Round Electrical Cords
  • Multi-Plug Outlets and Extension Cords
By reviewing your wiring options BEFORE you order your display, you'll save TIME and MONEY and ensure your exhibit exceeds your expectations and your installation is trouble-free.