Despite its popularity, yellow has a reputation for being a bit difficult. It's easily influenced by what's around it and it can change dramatically with the amount of light that comes into the room. It can appear warm or cool; bright or dark; civilized or outlandish; all depending on what it's paired with and the type and amount of light that enters the space. For example, when paired with red, yellow takes on a reddish hue. When paired with green it takes on a citron-ish hue. No matter how much time you spend pouring over paint chips, you never really know how yellow will look until the room is complete.
If you want to decorate with yellow you just have to go for it. Just try to follow a few rules.
Tips for Decorating with Yellow
- If you're nervous about decorating with this tricky color, start small. Some accent pillows, a footstool, or a few decorative accents like vases are a great way to start without making a big investment.
- Pale and muted yellows are easier to use than bright hues, which can become overwhelming. Use soft tones for walls and large pieces of furniture and save the stronger shades for accent pieces.
- Since it's a primary color, yellow can be paired with just about any other color. Try mixing it with pink, turquoise, green, or even purple and orange. Even the most unlikely pairs can work if you use the right amount and intensity.
- Don't be afraid to mix several shades of yellow in the same room. Just be sure to ground it with something else. Black is always a good choice. It will connect all the shades together and give the eye a place to rest.
- Because yellow is a strong color, you might not want to have too many large scale pieces done in it. It can become overwhelming so it's well-suited to side chairs and accent pillows than it is large sofas.
- When it comes to bright hues, a little yellow goes a long way. Always balance it with another color.
- A yellow and white room tempered with bits of black is guaranteed to be cheerful.
- If you want to paint the wall in a strong yellow, try to balance it with neutral furnishings. Paint the trim white to give it a crisp look.
Decorating with yellow may be difficult, but the rewards are worth it. When done properly a yellow room can be bright, cheerful, dramatic, and debonair.