When choosing an accent color for yellow walls, it’s important to consider which shade of yellow you’re working with. Yellow is a bright, cheerful color that can instantly liven up a space. However, pairing the wrong accent colors with yellow walls can make the space feel chaotic or dated. The key is to choose accent colors that complement the yellow walls without clashing. Accent colors will be used in smaller touches around the room, like throw pillows, area rugs, artwork and decorative accessories.
Consider the Undertones of the Yellow
Not all shades of yellow are created equal. The undertones of the yellow paint color will impact which accent colors work best. Here are some common shades of yellow and how to accent them:
Warm Yellow
Warm yellows have orange or golden undertones. Think of the color of a lemon or sunflower. Warm yellows work beautifully with other warm accent colors like red, orange, terra cotta, cream and brown. Cool accent colors like blue and green can clash with warm yellow walls.
Cool Yellow
Cool yellows have hints of green or sometimes grey undertones. Think of the color of a daffodil. Cool yellows pair nicely with other cool accent colors like mint green, sage green, soft blue and lavender. Avoid pairing cool yellows with warm reds and oranges.
Bright Yellow
Bright primary yellow is the color most people think of when they imagine yellow. This clear, vibrant shade works well with nearly any accent color. From bright primaries like red and blue to neutrals like grey and brown, there are endless options for accenting a true yellow wall. Just be sure the accents have enough contrast from the main yellow walls to make an impact.
Best Accent Colors for Yellow Walls
Now that you know how to assess the undertones of your yellow, here are some of the best accent colors to consider:
Red
A classic color combination, red is an eye-catching accent against yellow walls. For warm golden yellows, try pairing with brick reds, cranberries and rust colors. For bright primary yellow, primary red is a bold but balanced contrast.
Navy Blue
The classic combination of yellow and navy blue is always in style. Navy adds a preppy vibe against bright yellow. For a more sophisticated look, pair navy with a muted golden yellow. Use navy in furniture, pillows and other accents.
Charcoal Grey
For a trendy, modern look try charcoal grey with yellow walls. Grey nicely balances out the brightness of yellow without dulling the space. Charcoal grey can be used in furniture, rugs, pillows and art.
Sage Green
Green is complementary to yellow on the color wheel, making it a great accent choice. Sage green has an earthy, relaxing vibe that prevents yellow from feeling overwhelming. Use sage green accents with any shade of yellow, especially for bedrooms.
Robin’s Egg Blue
This slightly retro shade of light blue looks playful and fresh against yellow walls. Robin’s egg blue accents add a fun pop of color. Try it with bright primary yellow or lighter golden yellow walls. Use in small accents like decorative floral pillows.
Lavender
For a soft, feminine accent try pale lavender with light yellow walls. Lavender can read as pink or purple, adding nice contrast to yellow. Use lavender in floral accent pillows, area rugs and artwork. Lavender accents are pretty in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Mint Green
Mint green has a crisp, cool look when paired with lemon yellow or lighter shades. The two colors enhance each other, creating a lively spring-like feel. Use mint green with cool yellows and avoid pairing it with warm golden yellows.
White
Crisp white trim is a classic and timeless accent color with any shade of yellow walls. White ceiling, baseboards and crown molding help brighten up a space and highlight the cheery yellow walls. White also complements yellow as the color of artwork mats and frames.
Cream
For a softer contrast with yellow walls try an off-white cream color. Cream has a slight warmth that suits golden yellow walls. Use cream in slip-covered furniture, shabby chic wood accents, decorative pillows and curtains. Cream prevents the space from feeling too bright.
Tips for Combining Accent Colors
When putting together accent colors for yellow walls, follow these tips:
– Stick to a color scheme of 2-4 accent colors for unity. Choose accent colors from the same color family for harmony.
– Vary textures and patterns between the accents to add visual interest. Try glossy pillows, nubby rugs, smooth vases and distressed wood accents.
– Anchor the scheme with plenty of solids and neutrals to prevent overwhelm. Keep accent colors to smaller touches like artwork and pillows.
– Remember the 60-30-10 rule. 60% of the room should be a neutral base color, then 30% and 10% for accent colors.
– Lighting impacts color perception. View paint and fabric swatches in the room’s actual lighting.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors! Yellow encourages playfulness.
Accent Colors for Specific Yellow Rooms
Not sure where to start? Here are accent color ideas for yellow walls in specific rooms:
Kitchen
In a yellow kitchen try red, sage green or navy accents. Use navy and white dishware, red potholders, and green and white checkered curtains. Add a red or green fruit bowl on the counter.
Bedroom
For a restful mood in a yellow bedroom use lavender, light blue or sage green accents. Try lavender sheets, blue patterned blankets, and green and white accent pillows.
Bathroom
In a yellow bathroom try green, blue or white ceramic accents. Mint green towels, blue bathmats, and white shower curtains keep the space feeling clean and bright.
Living Room
Make a yellow living room cheery with red, grey and white accents. Use a charcoal grey sofa, red geometric pillows, white console tables and fresh flowers.
Home Office
Keep a yellow home office energizing with navy, white and wood accents. Try a white desk, navy upholstered chair, and natural wood organizer trays.
Kid’s Room
For a playful kid’s room pair yellow walls with red, blue and green accents. Opt for a blue area rug, red bedding, green desk lamp and fun art prints.
Do’s and Don’ts of Matching Accent Colors
Follow these basic rules when selecting accent colors:
DO:
– Do choose accents with enough contrast. Accents should stand out from the main yellow walls.
– Do stick to 2-4 accent colors maximum for a cohesive look.
– Do pick accent colors from the same palette, like all warm tones or all cool tones.
– Do use plenty of solids and neutrals in bigger furniture pieces as an anchor.
DON’T:
– Don’t choose clashing undertones like warm and cool accents together.
– Don’t pick accent colors that are too similar to the main yellow walls.
– Don’t use too many competing accent colors in the space.
– Don’t overwhelm the room with bright patterns everywhere. Keep patterns to smaller accents.
Conclusion
The key to choosing accent colors for yellow walls is considering the undertones of the yellow and finding colors that complement them. Warm yellows look best with other warm accent colors like red, orange and brown while cool yellows pair better with greens, blues and greys. Bright primary yellow is versatile to accent with any color. Remember to vary textures and patterns between the accents and anchor them with plenty of solids and neutrals. With the right accent colors, your yellow walls will transition from bright to beautiful in no time.
