Why are Hospital Signs Blue?

Blue conveys calmness and trust.

Hospitals are often associated with anxiety and stress. Blue is a colour that is often used to create a sense of calm and tranquillity, which can help to put patients at ease. It is also associated with trust and reliability, which are important qualities for a hospital to convey.

Blue is easy on the eyes.

Patients who are in the hospital are often feeling unwell and may be sensitive to light. Blue is a colour that is easy on the eyes and does not cause glare, which can be important for patients who are trying to rest.

Blue is associated with healing.

In some cultures, blue is associated with healing and purity. This may be because blue is the colour of the sky and the ocean, both of which are often seen as symbols of hope and renewal.

Blue is a good choice for wayfinding.

Hospitals are often large and complex buildings, and it can be easy for patients and visitors to get lost. Blue is a colour that is easy to see and follow, which can help to make wayfinding easier.

It's a hospital tradition

Blue hospital signs have been around since the 1800's when most hospitals were run by the Catholic church. Blue is the color traditionally associated with the Virgin Mary, so these hospitals' signs were blue.