toki mats in different colors stacked on top of each other
child-development

Using Color Psychology to Choose Your Toki Mat

December 5, 2022

It’s well known that color is a powerful tool that can influence our mood and even our behavior, which is the reason that artists and interior designers very purposefully use it to evoke certain feelings. Sitting in a room with blue walls may make you feel calm and relaxed, while the color yellow might make you feel happy and optimistic. While even adults are strongly impacted by colors, children can be even more receptive due to their increased sensitivity. Color is a tool used by children to express themselves creatively, and because kids are drawn to bright primary colors, yellows, reds, and blues are often used in children’s spaces. With all this in mind, you can purposefully choose the decor in your own home to have an influence on your little one’s mood, as well as yours. If you’re on the fence about which Toki Mat to choose for your baby’s play room or nursery, use color psychology to pick the perfect design to evoke different feelings. 

WHITE

The color white represents purity, innocence, and cleanliness. Because it’s such a bright, illuminating shade, it can create a sense of space that will make a room seem larger and more open. Although stark white shades can look sterile and cold (think hospital walls), our white mats are more cream-colored for a sense of warmth and comfort. 

two babies sitting on a toki mats mudcloth cream colored mat

Rainbow Stamp in Cream: A rust-colored print on a cream background looks warm and inviting.

Mudcloth: This cream-colored mat features a simple line design to create a minimalistic, clean look.

Twinkle Stars: A creamy white mat with small blue and gold stars creates a simple and clean, yet magical effect. 

Wildflower: This soft white mat features a floral outline print in charcoal that looks clean and creative. 

Fairy Lights: Soft white with a simple print in earthy shades looks playful and inviting. 

Pastel Shapes: A cream-colored background with pastel shapes creates a soft and playful effect. Because they’re less saturated than regular colors, pastel colors create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

ORANGE

The color orange is vibrant and bold, making you feel both energized and enthusiastic. Because it’s such an energetic color, it improves concentration and encourages creativity. It’s associated with feelings of joy, warmth, and compassion, and is the perfect color to brighten a room and your mood.

toddler laying on a toki mats play mat in blooms

Blooms: This retro print features pastel pinks and oranges that evoke a happy, cheerful feeling.

YELLOW

Yellow is a stimulating color that can increase concentration and create a cheerful atmosphere. It is one of the most visible colors to the human eye, and often associated with sunshine, happiness, warmth, laughter, and energy. 

baby laying on a toki mats play mat in daisy yellow

Daisy: A sunny yellow that brightens any space for a cheering effect.

Tutu + Daisy: This reversible mat features one side in a cheerful yellow, and the other in a pastel pink.

GREEN

Because the color green is strongly associated with nature, it represents harmony, peace, and tranquility. Green is a very calming and refreshing color that is emotionally positive and makes us feel rested and secure. Using this color in your home can greatly improve your mood and space. 

 

toki mats play mat in color sage green

 

Sage: Soft sage green is reminiscent of nature and its muted tone creates a soothing feeling.

Sage + Breeze: With a soft sage green color on one side and a sky blue color on the other, this two-sided mat creates a peaceful, calming atmosphere.

BLUE

The color blue is a soothing color that encourages serenity and relaxation. Because it’s such a peaceful color, blue can increase productivity and creativity. Blue is also associated with large, open spaces in nature like the sky or the ocean, which is why the color promotes relaxation and alleviates stress.

three children laying on a toki mats play mat in color breeze

Breeze: A soft sky blue promotes calmness and relaxation, and creates a sense of vast, open space.

Sage + Breeze: With a soft sage green color on one side and a sky blue color on the other, this two-sided mat creates a peaceful, calming atmosphere.

Denim: This gorgeous blue tie-dye adds dimension and movement for a water-like effect. More stimulating than lighter shades of blue, these darker, muted tones evoke feelings of security.

PINK

Pink is a calming color that is associated with love and kindness. Although vibrant shades of pink can be stimulating, paler shades are relaxing and suggest safety, hope, and vulnerability. It’s a positive color that inspires warm feelings and calms emotional energies. 

baby laying on a toki mats play mat in color tutu

Petal: This pastel pink is a soft, warm color that feels inviting and happy.

Tutu: The perfect shade of ballerina pink, this color looks innocent and comforting, inspiring nurturing feelings. 

Tutu + Daisy: This reversible mat features one side in a cheerful yellow, and the other in a warm, friendly pink.

Blooms: This retro print features pastel pinks and oranges that evoke a happy, cheerful feeling.

BROWN

Because the color brown is associated with the earth, it inspires feelings of resilience and dependability. It’s a warm, relaxing color that is grounding, practical, and makes people feel cozy and safe. The color brings to mind comforting things like soil, wood, chocolate, and can make your home feel warm and inviting. 

baby doing tummy time on a toki mats play mat in color sand

Sand: A warm caramel brown, this earthy shade feels pleasantly safe and comforting.

Sandcastle: This light camel brown in sandy tones evokes warm, comforting feelings that promote relaxation. 

Cloud + Sandcastle: A stone grey on one side and a warm caramel brown on the other, this neutral-hued mat creates an inviting, reassuring atmosphere.

Blended: This cream-colored mat features warm, earth-toned shapes for a playful and inviting print.

Desert: This copper mat has earthy, rust-colored hues that create a warming effect.

GREY

Because grey is a still and emotionless color, it can make people feel very calm and composed in a chaotic world. The shade between black and white, grey represents neutrality and balance. Light grey is a soothing color that does not stimulate or energize, and is perfect for creating a sense of calm and relaxation. 

baby laying on toki mats play mat in pebble

Cloud: This stone grey has a slightly warm hue that looks soft and relaxing. 

Cloud + Sandcastle: A stone grey on one side and a warm caramel brown on the other, this neutral-hued mat creates an inviting, reassuring atmosphere.

Pebble: A warm-toned grey, this neutral-colored mat is soothing and non-stimulating.

Stripe in Light Grey: This light, warm grey features white stamped dashes to create a gentle pattern that’s neutral and relaxing.

Daisy Jersey Mat

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Daisy Jersey Mat

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Meet the perfect play mat for your baby’s tummy time or toddler’s playtime! They're super comfy, easy to clean, and easy to carry. With all natural materials, we made

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Using Color Psychology to Choose Your Toki Mat

About the Author: Alice

Alice Mendoza is a copywriter and blog writer based in Los Angeles. She began writing for a baby brand while on maternity leave, and realized she had found her niche. Today, she writes exclusively within the baby space, using her BFA in Creative Writing and her own experience as a mother to guide her. When she’s not working, you can find her chasing down her toddler, going on walks around the neighborhood, or watching reality TV.

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