Yellow is one of the primary colors along with red and blue. But unlike red and blue, yellow’s categorization as a “warm” or “cool” color is not quite as straightforward. There are differing opinions on whether yellow should be considered a warm color or a cool color.
The color wheel
On the standard color wheel used by artists and designers, yellow sits between the warm colors of red and orange and the cool colors of green and blue. Based on color wheel placement alone, yellow contains both warm and cool properties, making it neither fully warm nor fully cool.
Some color theorists argue that since yellow is next to orange on the color wheel, it takes on some of orange’s warmth. The same could be said about yellow’s proximity to cool green. This leads to the perception of yellow as a neutral color in terms of temperature.
Color temperature
When looking at light and color temperature, yellow falls in the middle of the visible color spectrum. Blues and greens are on the cooler end of the spectrum while reds and oranges are on the warmer end. The yellow wavelength of visible light measures at about 580 nanometers, landing it squarely between the two temperature extremes.
So in terms of physics and color temperature, yellow is considered a moderate, neutral color. But some scientists and artists argue that even though yellow may be physically neutral, it is often perceived as a warm color by the human eye and brain.
Psychology of yellow
There are several psychological and symbolic associations with the color yellow that give it a warmer feel.
- Yellow is associated with sunshine, summer, and warmth
- Yellow can increase mental stimulation, energy, and metabolism
- Pure yellow is bright, cheery, uplifting, and energetic
- Yellow reminds us of toys from childhood
Additionally, many fast food brands use yellow in their logos to stimulate feelings of happiness and cheer. Think of the bright yellow arches of McDonald’s or the yellow Subway logo. These associations lead our brains to categorize yellow as a warm, energizing, fun color.
Use in design
In design and decor, yellow takes on a warm, inviting personality. Its stimulating nature brings excitement and warmth to designs. Some of the ways yellow exhibits warmth in design include:
- Yellow creates a warm, welcoming entrance when used on front doors
- Yellow kitchens feel bright, uplifting, and energizing
- Yellow evokes sunshine and summer in home decor
- Yellow is often paired with reds, oranges, pinks, and other warm colors
Cooler yellows, like lemon and daffodil, come across as slightly less warm than bright, pure yellow. But even these paler shades contain enough pure yellow to give them a cozy vibe.
Cooler yellows
Some specific shades of yellow do fall into the cool color palette. These include:
- Pastel yellow
- Buttercup
- Primrose
- Lemon chiffon
These muted, softer yellows contain a higher mixture of white. The white softens yellow’s intensity, making these shades feel cooler and more subtle. But the vast majority of true medium to bright yellows skew warm.
Warm color combinations
Here are some examples of warm color palettes that include yellow:
| Color Combo Name | Colors |
|---|---|
| Citrus | Yellow, orange, lime green |
| Sunshine | Yellow, orange, red |
| Tuscan | Yellow, red, brown |
| Provence | Yellow, lavender, pink |
These combinations showcase yellow’s ability to liven up and add warmth to any palette.
Cool color combinations
And here are some examples of cool color schemes that use pale or muted yellows:
| Color Combo Name | Colors |
|---|---|
| Pastel | Pastel yellow, light blue, pale pink |
| Vintage | Pale yellow, faded blue, muted green |
| Earthy | Buttercup yellow, sage green, tan |
| Soft | Primrose yellow, robin’s egg blue, lavender |
These combinations use yellow’s softer side to create tranquil, delicate palettes.
Warm or cool?
So is yellow a warm or cool color? There are good arguments on both sides of this debate. From a technical perspective, yellow falls right in the middle of the color spectrum in terms of temperature. But from a psychological and design standpoint, yellow’s brightness, energy, and associations with sunshine and summer definitely give it a warm personality.
Bright, pure yellows are almost always categorized as warm. Softer pastel yellows can go either way depending on the colors they are paired with. Overall, yellow’s warmth likely outweighs any cool properties it might have.
Conclusion
Based on an analysis of color theory, design principles, and psychological associations, yellow is best classified as a warm color. Its location on the color wheel gives it some cool aspects. But yellow’s positive, stimulating qualities closely align with the properties of other warm colors like red, orange, pink and brown.
There are certainly applications for yellow in cool color palettes, especially when using muted shades. But pure, vibrant yellows skew warm in most cases. So while opinions may vary, the evidence points toward yellow being generally categorized as a warm color.
The brightness and warmth of yellow makes it a wonderful accent color. It brings energy and positivity wherever it goes. Although context matters, yellow’s warmth prevails in most design and decor applications. So don’t be afraid to add a splash of sunshine with yellow!