10 Everyday Objects That Are Colored for Very Specific Reasons (12 photos)

You might not realize it, but many everyday items are painted or made in specific colors for very practical reasons—not just personal preference or design whim. Read on to find out why toilet paper is white, fire hydrants come in different colors, school buses are yellow, and much more.





School Buses



We've all seen the iconic yellow buses in American movies picking kids up for school. But why yellow? The answer is surprisingly practical. The decision to paint school buses this color was made in the US back in 1939. Bright yellow immediately grabs attention, making it easy for other drivers to spot the buses—even in low light.

Taxis





Yellow cabs share their signature shade for the exact same reason. The bright color makes them stand out in traffic, making them instantly recognizable to passengers looking for a ride.

Passenger Airplanes



Most commercial airliners are painted white to reflect sunlight. This simple trick reduces solar radiation damage and stops the aircraft from overheating on the tarmac. White paint also keeps the cabin cooler while parked at the gate, reducing the time and energy needed to cool it down.

Fire Hydrants



In many places, fire hydrants are color-coded to indicate their water flow rate in gallons per minute. Firefighters use this color system to quickly determine which hydrant is best suited for a specific fire. The most common colors are red, orange, green, and blue.

Tires



Rubber is naturally white, but manufacturers add carbon black to tire compounds to make them last longer—which gives tires their classic black color. Carbon black significantly improves durability by conducting heat away from critical areas and protecting the rubber from UV damage.

Crosswalks



High-contrast black-and-white stripes make crosswalks easily visible from a distance, giving drivers plenty of time to slow down. The contrasting pattern also makes pedestrians stand out against the road surface, helping prevent accidents.

Soccer Balls



When synthetic soccer balls were first introduced, they were plain white. Adidas changed that by adding black pentagons, creating the iconic pattern. The black-and-white design made the ball much easier to spot on black-and-white television screens back in the day.

Traffic Lights



The choice of red, yellow, and green for traffic lights is backed by science and psychology. Red has long been associated with danger and has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum, making it visible from the farthest distance. Green suggests safety and calm. Yellow was picked for warnings because its wavelength sits right between red and green, making it easy to distinguish.

Toilet Paper



Raw wood pulp is naturally brownish, but most toilet paper is bleached white. Manufacturers do this for a few reasons. First, white is universally associated with cleanliness and hygiene. Second, the bleaching process removes lignin, a natural polymer that makes wood fiber stiff. Removing lignin softens the paper and extends its shelf life, allowing rolls to be stored for long periods without yellowing or deteriorating.



Colored toilet paper was once a trend, too. In the mid-20th century, companies introduced pastel rolls to match bathroom decor. However, colored paper quickly fell out of favor after health experts raised concerns about the safety of added dyes.

Social Media Apps



Have you ever noticed how many social media app logos are blue? Designers favor blue because it is associated with intellect, communication, and clear thinking. It also evokes feelings of trust, reliability, and calm—which is why political campaigns frequently use blue branding as well.