What do we associate yellow paint with? Sun. Bright. Happiness. Relaxation. The right shades of yellow paint are actually more versatile than you would think. It can be soft and relaxing or it could be sophisticated and bold. Also, yellow is still very much a traditional colour, so it has never gone out of style. Lastly, there are many yellow paint swatches and shades to choose from, and whatever you decide, yellow is a vibrant colour prone to brighten up any space. However, if you are lost, feel free to keep reading about what yellow paint colours are best for your home!
Shades of Yellow Paint
- Wax Pepper: This shade of yellow is probably the most bold one! If you truly love the colour yellow, then you should definitely embrace this shade. It screams sunshine! Also, in places that receive a lot of sunlight like the kitchen or playrooms, this shade will work very well because its undertones are so bright!
- Behr Turmeric M290-7: Going from bold to dark yellow, look no further than this Turmeric shade. If you apply this in the right room, it adds a layer of personality and mood to that space. What is the right room for this shade? The living room and dining room would also work well when paired with other bold colours (like teal and orange). Are you looking for a knock-out punch? This shade does just that!
- Sherwin Williams Cachet Cream SW 6365: Now, if you’re a person who likes to be neutral, not a fan of bold or dark yellows, this shade of yellow is what you need. Although not quite yellow like Curious George, this peachy and neutral yellow paint is perfect for dining rooms, living rooms, or even hallways. In addition, it would work well with reddish woods and its ginger tones will help magnify green accents (if you have that in your home).
- Magnolia Heirloom Yellow: Many homeowners are transitioning from bright and bold colours to earthy tones. This shade is just that: earthy and plain. Also, it works well in just about any space in your home and is grounded, yet mature in its appearance.
- Behr Bicycle Yellow 370A-3: This is another bright shade of yellow that will enlighten you with energy and happiness. Rather than just simply being bright, when surrounded by white or black accents, your room will actually look much more refined and modern.
Yellow Harmony: Choosing Complementary Colours
Yellow, with its undeniable radiance and uplifting qualities, can make a significant impact on any interior. However, pairing this sunshine hue with its ideal complementary colours is key to achieving balance and harmony in your space. So, what colour compliments yellow the most? Read on to explore the best complementary colours to consider when working with yellow.
Understanding Colour Relationships
The standard colour wheel, which was created by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, consists of 12 colours. The primary colours – red, blue, and yellow – are equally apart on the wheel. Secondary colours – green, orange, and violet – are created by mixing equal amounts of two primary colours. Tertiary colours are created by mixing equal amounts of primary and secondary colours. Knowing the relationships between colours will help you better understand which hues complement each other.
Complementary Colours
These are the colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel and create a strong contrast, making each colour stand out. For instance, yellow’s complementary colour is purple.
Analogous Colours
Analogous colours are the ones adjacent to each other on the colour wheel. They have a close relationship and blend well together. In the case of yellow, the analogous colours are green and orange.
Triadic Colours
Triadic colour schemes include three evenly spaced hues on the colour wheel. In the case of yellow, the triadic colours are blue and red.
Choosing Complementary Colours
Now that we’ve explored the different colour relationships, let’s delve into some winning colour combinations for yellow.
Yellow and Purple
Using the complementary colour spectrum, pairing yellow with a shade of purple can create a high contrast and bold look. This combination is perfect for those who seek a dramatic, eye-catching design. To avoid overwhelming the space, choose a specific shade of purple, like lavender or deep plum, and use it sparingly as an accent colour.
Yellow and Blue
Being a triadic partner to yellow, various shades of blue can contribute to a soothing and harmonious colour scheme. A pale yellow paired with a soft blue can establish a serene and calming atmosphere perfect for nurseries or bedrooms. For a more energetic look, opt for a combination of mustard yellow and navy blue, which can work wonders in living rooms or even kitchens.
Yellow and Green
An analogous pairing of yellow and green is a brilliant choice for a fresh and revitalizing appearance. Lime green, olive green, or forest green all blend effortlessly with yellow, whether it’s a pastel hue or a more vibrant shade. This colour combination is excellent for outdoor spaces or areas that benefit from natural lighting.
Yellow and Gray
Not all complementary colours are found on the standard colour wheel. Sometimes, a neutral colour like gray can bring out the best in yellow. The blending of these two tones can create a striking balance of warmth and sophistication, adding depth to any room. Light gray paired with soft yellow paint colours allows for a soothing environment, while dark or charcoal gray can elevate the elegance of a space in combination with mustard yellow.
Creating a Cohesive Palette
When you have chosen the complementary colours you’d like to work with, remember to consider other aspects like the 60-30-10 rule, which has a main colour covering 60% of the space (walls, large furnishings), a secondary colour taking up 30% of the area (accent chairs, drapes), and an accent colour making up the remaining 10% (accessories, artwork). Maintaining balance is key when working with yellow, and keeping these elements in mind will result in a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
Using Yellow Paint Swatches to Brighten Up Your Home
Some people may have dark rooms that do not illuminate much sunlight, and that’s okay. The best alternative is to use bright paint(s) to feel like there is sunlight coming into your room. Yellow paint does just that. It adds a layer of brightness and happiness to your life and your room. Let’s be real: the colour yellow (the colour of the sun) has to be one of the best options to brighten up a dark room, right? In addition, it looks great with warm wood tones and when it is the dominant colour with an all-white setting, it makes for a spectacular view. So, if you are lacking natural light in your room, yellow paint will be a dominant and bright colour to help combat that issue.
It could make you feel More Active!
It’s pretty safe to say that the lighter the shade, the more energy and positivity it gives. As we know, yellow is the colour of the sun and the epitome of vibrancy! The moment you lay eyes on a yellow wall, you instantly feel good. Also, a research study has found that shades of yellow paint in a room cause people to become more active in their day-to-day tasks and are more conscious of their surroundings. So, in the event that you are feeling a little lazy and out of sorts, a yellow wall can change that instantly. So, why not consider a yellow wall in your office? You could find that it boosts productivity and even helps you enjoy your day more!
Other colours that help to boost energy
There are other colours you might consider in terms of interior painting to help boost your energy as well. Red is a great choice for a powerful colour that will really get your blood pumping. If you want something a little more zen that will help with balance, consider green. It won’t strain the eyes and helps with creating balance. Also, if you find that you have trouble concentrating while working from your home office, maybe paint it blue. Blue can help keep you feeling more awake and is actually said to sustain better communication.
To Sum Up
Yellow can truly bring life to any interior, as long as you pair it with the right complementary colours. Let’s not forget that the beauty of painting lies in its versatility and ability for personal interpretation. It’s always recommended to get a few of your favourite swatches and test them out in your space to see how the colour shifts in different lights and against your furniture.
Every yellow paint swatch brings something unique to the table, and how you utilize them can radically transform the look and feel of your space. Remember, it’s not only about the colour, but also about the energy, mood, and ambience it creates. So, dip your brush into the limitless possibilities of yellow and make your living spaces a canvas of sunshine, warmth, and happiness.
Are you looking to have some professional painting services do your interior painting? Home Painters Toronto has been in service for over 35 years now. Our expert interior house painters are quality-obsessed! Call 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a FREE quote. And don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels below!
