Yellow is a bright, cheerful color that allows for many exciting color combinations. From lemony yellows to golden yellows, many hues look great with different shades of yellow.
In this article, we’ll explore over 45 colors that complement yellow wonderfully. Discover vivid yellow color palettes and schemes to use in your home decor, outfits, and designs.
Table of Contents
What is Yellow?
Yellow is a primary color on the color wheel. In painting, yellow pigment is created from mixtures like cadmium yellow. In light, yellow is one of the three primary additive colors along with red and blue.
The hex code for pure yellow is #FFFF00. Yellow is associated with joy, happiness, optimism, sunshine, and warmth. It’s an uplifting, energetic color.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Yellow
Here are some of the common symbolic meanings associated with yellow:
- Cheer – Yellow represents joy, positivity, hope, and good vibes. It uplifts spirits.
- Energy – Yellow conveys vigor, vitality, and zeal for life. It’s the color of activity.
- Clarity – Bright yellows evoke mental clarity, intellect, and learning.
- Sociability – Yellow is friendly and approachable, signaling interaction.
- Optimism – Yellow inspires motivation, confidence, and sunny perspectives.
- Creativity – Radiant yellows spark imagination, originality, and innovation.
- Warmth – Golden yellows represent coziness, hearth, and sunshine.
Shades of Yellow
Yellow has many shades ranging from lemony tones to golden hues. Here are some major types of yellow:
| Color Name | Hex Code | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon Yellow | #FFFF00 | |
| Canary Yellow | #FFFF99 | |
| Sunflower Yellow | #FFED00 | |
| Banana Yellow | #FFE135 | |
| Gold Yellow | #FFD700 | |
| Mustard Yellow | #FFDB58 | |
| Corn Yellow | #FFF380 | |
| Olive Yellow | #C2B280 | |
| Khaki Yellow | #C3B091 | |
| Amber Yellow | #FFBF00 |
Complementary Colors of Yellow
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel, creating striking contrast. The complementary color for yellow (#FFFF00) is purple (#800080).
Purple (#800080)
Purple balances yellow with its cool, calming energy. Vibrant purples like orchid (#DA70D6) or violet (#8F00FF) make yellow pop. Avoid pale purples, which can look dull.
Incorporate saturated purples throughout yellow interiors and fashion. Add orchid (#DA70D6) pillows to a sunshine yellow (#FFF700) sofa. Style a golden yellow (#FFDF00) dress with vibrant violet (#8F00FF) accessories. Mix different shades of purple and yellow for contrast.
Analogous Colors of Yellow
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating harmonious combinations. Analogous colors for yellow (#FFFF00) include:
Orange (#FFA500)
Warm oranges like peach (#FFE5B4) and coral (#FF7F50) enhance yellow’s inherent brightness and cheer. Avoid neon oranges (#FF5F1F), which may overwhelm soft yellows.
Use coral (#FF7F50) and peach (#FFE5B4) to warm up yellow palettes. Add peach throw blankets to a lemon yellow (#FFF700) chair. Style a daisy yellow (#FFF550) dress with muted coral (#FF7F50) heels.
Green (#00FF00)
Greens create a vibrant yet soothing pairing with yellow (#FFFF00). Lime (#00FF00) and chartreuse (#7FFF00) work best. Olive (#808000) and sage (#BCB88A) are harmonious. Avoid neon greens (#39FF14).
Incorporate greens to balance bright yellows. Try chartreuse (#7FFF00) wall art against a golden yellow (#FFDF00) wall. Pair a vibrant yellow (#FFFF00) top with olive green (#808000) pants.
Triadic Colors of Yellow
Triadic schemes use three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. The triadic colors for yellow (#FFFF00) are red (#FF0000) and blue (#0000FF).
Red (#FF0000)
Red injects bold energy and liveliness into yellow palettes. Cherry (#DE3163), crimson (#DC143C), and tomato red (#FF6347) work well. Avoid neon reds (#FF00FF).
Use red accents sparingly against yellow backdrops. Add a cherry (#DE3163) throw rug to a sunny yellow (#FFF700) room. Style a mustard yellow (#FFDB58) dress with matching crimson (#DC143C) accessories.
Blue (#0000FF)
Blue balances lively yellow with its inherent calm. Navy (#000080), cobalt (#0047AB), and royal blue (#4169E1) complement yellow nicely.
Incorporate rich blues into yellow spaces and outfits. Paint a cobalt (#0047AB) accent wall in a lemon yellow (#FFF700) room. Accessorize a golden yellow (#FFDF00) dress with royal blue (#4169E1) jewelry.
What Colors Go With Yellow?
45 beautiful color palettes featuring different shades of yellow. Discover gorgeous ways to use yellow color schemes throughout your home.
Vibrant Yellow Color Palettes
Bold lemon and sunshine yellows look best paired with other primary colors and vivid rainbow hues. These energetic combos add fun pops of color to modern spaces.
1. Sunshine Yellow, Royal Blue, Cherry Red
Hex Codes: #FFFF00, #4169E1, #DE3163
Bright sunshine yellow complements regal royal blue and playful cherry red beautifully. A perfect primary color palette for kids’ spaces.
2. Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Tangerine Orange
Hex Codes: #FFFF4D, #2000B1, #FF9E6B
Zesty lemon yellow makes a stunning color combo when mixed with rich ultramarine blue and tangy tangerine orange.
3. Dandelion Yellow, Fuchsia, Lime Green
Hex Codes: #FEDF00, #FF00FF, #AAD417
Warm dandelion yellow walls look lively alongside shocking fuchsia and fresh lime green accents. A fun, psychedelic palette for modern rooms.
4. Goldenrod Yellow, Cerulean Blue, Apple Green
Hex Codes: #FCD917, #2A52BE, #63FF3C
Vibrant goldenrod yellow complements electric cerulean blue and crisp apple green beautifully. Youthful and energetic.
5. Buttercup Yellow, Magenta, Turquoise
Hex Codes: #FCE22A, #CA1F7B, #04CFAD
Happy buttercup yellow enhanced by sensational magenta and refreshing turquoise makes for an eclectic, tropical palette. Great for kitchens and bathrooms.
6. Mustard Yellow, Purple, Robin’s Egg Blue
Hex Codes: #FBC15E, #9900FF, #1CAC78
Warm mustard yellow walls punctuated by regal purple and playful robin’s egg blue accents have a retro, cottage charm.
Earthy Yellow Color Combinations
Golden hues like saffron, wheat, and ochre complement natural materials beautifully. These laidback palettes have an organic boho vibe.
7. Saffron Yellow, Jute, Walnut Brown
Hex Codes: #F99E1C, #CCC19F, #6E3C12
Glowing saffron yellow walls enhanced by textural natural jute rugs and rich walnut brown wood furniture create cozy boho harmony.
8. Wheat Yellow, Sandstone, Chestnut Brown
Hex Codes: #F5E06F, #C38855, #AC8A56
Warm wheat yellow complements earthy sandstone finishes and rugged chestnut brown leather perfectly in this nature-inspired palette.
9. Ochre Yellow, Beige Linen, Umber Brown
Hex Codes: #CC7722, #F5F5DC, #635147
Vintage ochre yellow walls look stylish against breezy natural beige linen upholstery and organic umber brown wood accents.
10. Mustard Yellow, Khaki Cotton, Espresso Brown
Hex Codes: #FBC15E, #C3B091, #4E342E
Zesty mustard yellow punctuated by casual khaki cotton fabric and strong espresso brown wood creates an eclectic boho interior.
11. Maize Yellow, Chambray, Dark Walnut Brown
Hex Codes: #F4D054, #375E97, #6E3C12
Bright maize yellow walls pop beside soft faded chambray denim upholstery and dramatic dark walnut brown wood beams.
12. Corn Yellow, Navy Blue Cotton, Chestnut Brown
Hex Codes: #FFF380, #232E50, #7B3F00
Vibrant corn yellow looks lively alongside casual navy blue cotton and rugged chestnut brown leather. Great for boho living rooms and bedrooms.
Retro Yellow Color Schemes
Sunny yellow and golden hues complement heritage greens, blues and oranges beautifully. Use these fun combos to create spirited retro charm.
13. Buttercup Yellow, Avocado Green, Cherry Red
Hex Codes: #FCE22A, #87A96B, #DB243B
Cheery buttercup yellow looks fab alongside groovy avocado green and nostalgic cherry red. Channel 70s style with this combination.
14. Goldenrod Yellow, Olive Green, Burnt Orange
Hex Codes: #FCD917, #708238 , #CC5500
Bold goldenrod yellow punctuated by earthy olive green walls and spicy burnt orange accents makes for a striking, retro palette. Great for kitchens and dining rooms.
15. Corn Yellow, Seafoam Green, Raspberry Red
Hex Codes: #FFF380, #B4FFE6, #E30B5C
Vintage corn yellow walls enhanced by retro seafoam green cabinetry and tangy raspberry red backsplash tiles create playful cottage charm.
16. Daffodil Yellow, Denim Blue, Fire Red
Hex Codes: #FFF46E, #1560BD, #DE3163
Bright daffodil yellow front door makes a cheery statement against faded denim blue siding and bold fire red window shutters.
Soft Yellow Color Palettes
Buttery pastels like lemon chiffon and cream yellow complement other spring-inspired hues beautifully. These palettes feel fresh and romantic.
17. Lemon Chiffon, Lavender, Ice Blue
Hex Codes: #FFF9E3, #B57EDC, #DBF0F7
Sweet lemon chiffon walls enhanced by soothing lavender and cool ice blue accents create bright, ethereal harmony. Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms wanting a relaxed mood.
18. Cream Yellow, Lilac, Pearl White
Hex Codes: #FFFDD0, #C8A2C8, #FDEEF4
Warm cream yellow complements airy lilac tones and pearly pearl white accents beautifully in this dreamy, feminine palette.
19. Pale Yellow, Aqua Green, Sand
Hex Codes: #FFFFC2, #95E0E8, #F2E9E1
Delicate pale yellow matched with cool aqua green and earthy sand creates a peaceful, Zen-like atmosphere. Great for spa-inspired spaces.
20. Banana Yellow, Mint Green, Dove Gray
Hex Codes: #FFE135, #C2FFC5, #707070
Energizing banana yellow makes refreshing mint green details pop against soothing dove gray walls. Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.
21. Butter Yellow, Lavender Gray, Silver
Hex Codes: #F1E9C5, #C7B8DA, #C0C0C0
Warm butter yellow furniture complements elegant lavender gray walls and sleek silver light fixtures beautifully.
22. Lemon Yellow, Blush Pink, Pale Blue
Hex Codes: #FDFF52, #F8C3CD, #DBF0F7
Zesty lemon yellow accent wall adds cheerful contrast to romantic blush pink and breezy pale blue. A bright springtime palette.
Gray Yellow Color Combinations
Muted mustard yellow tones look effortlessly chic against lighter grays and cream. These versatile combos add warmth to minimalist spaces.
23. Mustard Yellow, Light Gray, White
Hex Codes: #FBC15E, #D3D3D3, #FFFFFF
Earthy mustard yellow walls warm up airy light gray bookshelves and bright white trim. A vibrant yet soothing palette for living rooms and bedrooms.
24. Khaki Yellow, Pale Blue, Bone White
Hex Codes: #ADA652, #DBF0F7, #F8F4E8
Natural khaki yellow walls complement breezy pale blue furnishings and organic bone white architectural accents beautifully.
25. Sand Yellow, Silver Gray, Cream
Hex Codes: #F1E7AF, #C0C0C0, #FFFFF0
Creamy sand yellow looks stylish and refined paired with sophisticated silver gray furniture and fizzy cream accents.
26. Golden Wheat, Heather Gray, Linen White
Hex Codes: #F1E398, #B6B095, #FAF0E6
Warm golden wheat walls create cozy contrast beside soft heather gray cabinetry and natural linen white open shelves.
27. Corn Yellow, Dove Gray, Pearl White
Hex Codes: #FFF380, #707070, #FDEEF4
Vintage corn yellow walls punctuated by soothing dove gray wainscoting and pearly pearl white ceilings make for a versatile, minimalist palette.
Rich Yellow Color Palettes
Pure yellow takes on an exotic, vibrant flair when accented with jewel tones and metals. These bold combos make a dramatic design statement.
28. Sunshine Yellow, Emerald Green, Rose Gold
Hex Codes: #FFFF00, #028A0F, #B76E79
Radiant sunshine yellow walls complemented by verdant emerald green plants and romantic rose gold accents create an indulgent indoor jungle vibe.
29. Saffron Yellow, Ruby Red, Copper
Hex Codes: #F99E1C, #9B111E, #B66325
Warm saffron yellow dining room walls enhanced by sensational ruby red chairs and glimmering copper light fixtures makes for modern luxury.
30. Mustard Yellow, Eggplant Purple, Gold
Hex Codes: #FBC15E, #3F012C, #D4AF37
Spicy mustard yellow wallpaper punctuated by deep eggplant purple velvet furniture and glamorous gold accents makes a dramatic artistic statement.
31. Lemon Yellow, Navy Blue, Brass
Hex Codes: #FDFF52, #000080, #C88A65
Zingy lemon yellow walls pop against classic navy blue wainscoting and glimmering brass sconces for nautical elegance with a twist. Playful yet sophisticated.
Vintage Yellow Color Combinations
Warm golden hues complement heritage blues and reds beautifully. Use these nostalgic palettes to give interiors old-world character.
32. Ochre Yellow, French Blue, Rustic Red
Hex Codes: #CC7722, #436CB9, #C04749
Rustic ochre yellow walls enhanced by classic French blue architectural accents and earthy rustic red decorative tiles create old-world European charm.
33. Mustard Yellow, Denim Blue, Cherry Red
Hex Codes: #FBC15E, #1560BD, #DB243B
Spicy mustard yellow walls look perfectly nostalgic complemented by worn-in denim blue furniture and retro cherry red metal lockers. Great for a mudroom.
34. Corn Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Terracotta
Hex Codes: #FFF380, #2000B1, #E2725B
Vintage corn yellow kitchen cabinets pop against bold ultramarine blue walls and organic terracotta tiles. A dramatic, contrasting combination.
35. Butter Yellow, Navy Blue, Fire Engine Red
Hex Codes: #F1E9C5, #000080, #CE2029
Warm butter yellow walls enhanced by classic navy blue wainscoting and retro fire engine red cafe chairs create playful old-fashioned charm.
High Contrast Yellow Color Schemes
Sunny yellow pops dramatically against black and white backdrops. Add more saturated colors for maximum energy and impact.
36. Sunshine Yellow, True Blue, White
Hex Codes: #FFFF00, #01028C, #FFFFFF
Happy sunshine yellow makes a lively statement against electric true blue details and bright white wainscoting. Youthful and fun.
37. Saffron Yellow, Charcoal Gray, Chartreuse
Hex Codes: #F99E1C, #333D49, #C5E384
Glowing saffron yellow dining room walls contrast beautifully beside smokey charcoal gray chairs and vivid chartreuse linen napkins.
38. Lemon Yellow, Black, Cyan
Hex Codes: #FDFF52, #000000, #00FFFF
Zesty lemon yellow complements sophisticated black furniture and electric cyan throw pillows for an energizing modern palette.
39. Goldenrod Yellow, Cool Gray, Fuschia
Hex Codes: #FCD917, #95A3B3, #FF00FF
Vibrant goldenrod yellow entryway makes a bold impression against heathered cool gray wainscoting and shocking fuchsia front door. Makes a vibrant first impression.
40. Maize Yellow, Pewter Gray, Vermillion Orange
Hex Codes: #F4D054, #798A97, #F4320C
Bright maize yellow dining room punctuated by sophisticated pewter gray chairs and fiery vermillion orange art creates exciting contrast.
Yellow and Pastel Color Schemes
Sunny yellow sings when paired with other soft pastels like mint, peach and periwinkle blue. These cheerful combos evoke springtime style.
41. Daffodil Yellow, Lilac, Mint Green
Hex Codes: #FFF46E, #C8A2C8, #C2FFC5
Happy daffodil yellow walls complemented by airy lilac furniture and refreshing mint green accents makes for a lively spring palette. Use this combo in any room needing a cheerful lift.
42. Sunflower Yellow, Lavender, Seafoam
Hex Codes: #F2E314, #B57EDC, #94FFDD
Bold sunflower yellow enhanced by soothing lavender gray and cool seafoam green creates bright, inviting harmony.
43. Lemon Chiffon, Peach, Robin’s Egg Blue
Hex Codes: #FFF9E3, #FFCBA4, #1CAC78
Sweet lemon chiffon walls look cheerful alongside juicy peach orange pillows and playful robin’s egg blue ceramics. Youthful and fun.
44. Pale Yellow, Periwinkle Blue, Buttercream White
Hex Codes: #FFFFC2, #C5C9EA, #F3EBC2
Delicate pale yellow enhanced by pretty periwinkle blue and creamy buttercream white makes for an ethereal, romantic palette.
45. Banana Yellow, Lavender, Mint Green
Hex Codes: #FFE135, #C8A2C8, #C2FFC5
Energizing banana yellow makes cheerful lavender and refreshing mint green details pop. A mood-lifting combo for any room.
Design Tips for Decorating With Yellow
Yellow is cheerful, friendly and energetic. Follow these tips when incorporating yellow into your home:
- Use lemony yellows in kitchens for a fresh, sunny look
- Add golden yellow accents to rooms as warmth
- Pair yellow with whites and neutrals for a clean, bright look
- Combine yellow with grays and blacks for an elegant contrast
- Mix yellow with orange tones for a bold, vibrant scheme
- Incorporate yellow into kids’ rooms to inspire creativity
- Use yellow in home offices for concentration and productivity
- Add yellow flowers like sunflowers for joyful pops of color
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors complement yellow?
Blues, purples, greens, oranges, browns, neutrals like white and black, and metallics like gold and silver beautifully complement yellow.
What colors should be avoided with yellow?
Don’t pair yellow with extremely bright, loud colors like neon pink or lime green. Avoid combining yellow with dull earth tones like brown or olive green.
What colors make yellow pop?
Contrasting colors like blue, purple, and black make yellow stand out. Neutral white backgrounds also make yellow pop.
What color furniture works with yellow walls?
White, gray, black, wood tone, or navy blue furniture look great against yellow walls. Silver and mirror accents also complement yellow nicely.
What color bedding goes with yellow?
White, gray, light blue, and neutral patterned bedding coordinate well with yellow walls. You can also use yellow bedding in varying shades.
Final Takeaway
With its many lemony, golden, and organic shades yellow allows for lots of exciting color combinations. Use these vibrant yellow palettes in your home, outfits and designs to create a cheerful, inspiring look and feel.