Yellow paint colors can completely transform a home inside or out, making it feel more welcoming and lively.
Whether you're drawn to pale yellow paint colors for their subtle charm or warm yellow paint colors for their cozy vibe, the right yellow can add an incredible touch of personality to your space.
Yellow can be a surprisingly tricky color to get right. As an interior designer with years of experience helping people choose the perfect paint, I’ve seen how easily the wrong yellow can go completely wrong.
In today’s post, I’m sharing the best yellow paint colors from real homes that bring warmth, light, and just the right mood to a room. Some I have used while others were recommended by brands and other designers.
Let's dive into some fantastic yellow options by Sherwin Williams to brighten your home.
Best Yellow Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams offers a delightful array of yellow paint colors that truly enhance any room. After doing research, these are the top colors recommended by designers, including myself.
Now, before we dive into these colors, I have a confession. There are 10 yellow colors in this blog post because the yellow front door you saw in the introduction is my front door, and I have been dreaming of painting it yellow for some time now.
Peace Yellow (SW 2857)
I love the blue French country color on my front door now, so I wasn’t 100% sure I wanted yellow. How did I test it out? I went to AI and asked it to make my door Peace Yellow by Sherwin Williams, and this is what it came up with.
Peace Yellow has an LRV of 65, which is one reason I was considering it. Lower LRV colors tend to feel more muted and cozy, and this color is a part of Sherwin-Williams' historic colors. I love a color with a little history!
It also contains much more red, giving it a warm undertone. It is growing on me, but I am still not sold on painting my door. While I keep thinking, let's look at nine more yellows to consider.
Friendly Yellow (SW 6680)
Friendly Yellow is a lovely option that exudes warmth and comfort, making it a great choice for living rooms or kitchens.
With an LRV of 76, it is on the brighter side and leans toward red, making it a warm yellow. This yellow would work well in a room with little natural light because of its vibrancy.
A few fun places to try Friendly Yellow are kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and your front door, as shown in the Pinterest image above.
Banana Cream (SW 6673)
Banana Cream is a soft, creamy yellow that adds warmth without being too bold. With an LRV of 81, it reflects lots of light and makes rooms feel sunny and inviting.
It’s perfect for kitchens, breakfast nooks, laundry rooms, and so much more.
Lemon Chiffon (SW 6686)
Lemon Chiffon is a cheerful, pale yellow with a hint of sweetness. Its LRV is 79, so it brightens up spaces nicely.
Great for laundry rooms, hallways, or kids’ rooms—anywhere you want a light, fresh look.
Full Moon (SW 6679)
Full Moon is a mellow, buttery yellow that leans soft and subtle. With an LRV of 75, it still reflects plenty of light but feels calm.
Lovely on bedroom walls or as an accent in a farmhouse-style kitchen.
Lemon Meringue (SW 7561)
Lemon Meringue is a gentle yellow that feels light and airy, almost like a hint of sunshine. The LRV is 77, making it a smart choice for ceilings, trim, or entryways that need a touch of warmth.
Pale Yellow or Biltomore Buff (SW 9021)
Pale Yellow, also known as Biltmore Buff, is a rich, golden yellow that feels warm and cozy. It reminds me of honey on a sunny morning.
But you may be wondering… why does it have two names?
When I searched on the Sherwin-Williams website, it was listed as Pale Yellow. But in my designer paint color books, using the same location number, it appears as Biltmore Buff.
So, for now, to keep things simple, I’ll call it Pale Yellow. And either way, it’s a beautiful, welcoming shade that brings so much warmth to a space.
Its LRV is 61, so it's a nice, warm, muted yellow leaning toward red undertones. Ideal for doors, cabinets, or even a fun front porch ceiling.
Butter Up (SW 6681)
For those who prefer a pure creamy yellow, Butter Up is a soft yellow paint color that gives any room a cozy, calming feel. With an LRV of 74, this color will put a spring in your step.
Butter Up is definitely vibrant, so it’s great if you love a bright, happy yellow. But if you want something calmer and more neutral, I’d recommend looking at a few other shades before deciding.
Convivial Yellow (SW 6393)
Convivial Yellow has a peachy-gold tone that feels welcoming and full of charm. Its LRV is 69, which means it’s slightly deeper than the others.
It is beautiful for living rooms, exteriors, accent walls, kitchens and bathrooms. I love how it looks in this kitchen by nicolahuthwaite.
White Resin (SW 7554)
White Resin is a creamy off-white with a soft yellow tint. With an LRV of 86, it reflects a lot of light but feels warmer than a stark white. Try it on walls or accent walls for a cozy, neutral backdrop. It will look great on exterior doors, too.
Remember, the key to finding the perfect yellow is to experiment with samples and see how they look in your specific space.
Sherwin Williams provides a wide selection of yellows, making it easy to find the right shade that suits your taste and enhances your home’s ambiance.
What to Consider when Picking Your Yellow Paint Color
Soft yellow paint colors can be very calming and work well in relaxing spaces like bedrooms or reading nooks. On the other hand, a more vibrant yellow can energize a living room or kitchen, making these areas feel more dynamic and engaging.
The versatility of yellow also extends to its ability to complement a wide range of decor styles and color schemes. A soft yellow can act as a neutral, seamlessly blending with your existing furnishings, while a bolder shade can stand out as a striking accent.
Mix and match different shades of yellow to create depth and interest in your decor.
It’s also helpful to consider how different shades of yellow will interact with the natural light in your room. Light can change the color's appearance, so it's a good idea to test a few samples on your walls and observe them at different times of the day. This will help you choose the perfect shade that maintains its appeal under various lighting conditions.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Yellow
Choosing the right yellow paint color for your space involves thoughtful considerations.
- Lighting: Start by looking at the room’s lighting. Natural light can make yellow hues pop, while artificial lighting can sometimes alter their appearance.
- Sample Testing: To get a true sense of how a yellow will look, it's a good idea to test a few samples on your walls and observe them at different times of the day.
- Size of Room: Next, consider the room's size. Soft yellow paint colors can help a small room feel more open and spacious, while deeper, warmer yellows can add a cozy vibe to larger spaces.
Yellow can be incredibly versatile, working well as a neutral backdrop or standout accent. Pair it with neutral tones like gray or white for a sophisticated look or blues and greens for a fresh, vibrant feel.
Don't forget to take your existing furnishings into account. A soft yellow can blend seamlessly with various decor styles, while a bolder yellow can serve as an exciting accent that draws the eye.
Whether you're painting an entire room or just an accent wall, a little bit of yellow can go a long way in transforming the space.
Lastly, consider the overall mood you want to set. Do you want a room to feel calm and inviting or lively and energetic? The right shade of yellow can help you achieve that perfect ambiance, making your home feel uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
These are the best yellow paint colors according to designers and me. I have one more I want to include, which is actually a Benjamin Moore color.
I came across the yellow door when beginning my search. I couldn't resist sharing it. It is Benjamin Moore Leap of Faith. So what a fun way to end our search. Are you ready to take a leap of faith and paint a room, door, accent wall, furniture, or anything with yellow?
Share in teh comments what color you are thinking of, what you are considering painting.
Looking for More Inspiration?
Looking for home paint color inspiration? Check out these posts:
- Best Warm White Paint Colors for Your Home Interior or Exterior
- Ultimate Guide to Sherwin Williams Off-White Paint Colors
Happy Decorating!
