Dark yellow is a darker shade of the color yellow. It sits between regular yellow and brown on the color spectrum. Dark yellow has a few other common names that are used to refer to this darker yellow shade.
Other Names for Dark Yellow
Here are some of the other common names used for dark yellow:
- Brownish-yellow
- Mustard yellow
- Golden yellow
- Amber
- Gold
- Honey
- Butterscotch
Each of these names conjures up a slightly different shade, but they all refer to a yellow color that is deeper, muted, and lower in saturation than primary yellow. The names evoke natural colors like amber resin or honey.
Defining Dark Yellow
So what exactly constitutes a “dark yellow” shade? Here are some key characteristics:
- Lower luminance/value – Darker, lower intensity than pure yellow
- Lower saturation – More muted, grayish, less vivid than pure yellow
- Warm hue – Falls on the warm end of the color wheel next to orange and brown
There are no strictly defined boundaries for dark yellow, but it generally refers to yellow tones with values between 50-80% on a hue/saturation/value scale. It retains the fundamental yellow hue but with more muted saturation.
Comparing Dark Yellow Shades
The most common dark yellow shades include:
| Shade Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Mustard yellow | Deep golden yellow, slightly greenish bias |
| Golden yellow | Richer, more saturated yellow |
| Amber | Orange-yellow, reminiscent of resin |
| Honey | Desaturated, pale yellow beige |
| Butterscotch | Yellowish light brown |
As you can see, dark yellow covers a wide range from just-off-yellow amber tones to the brink of yellowish-browns. The common thread is a lower value, saturation, and brightness than pure vivid yellow.
Dark Yellow in Nature
Dark yellow shades are very common in nature and organic materials. Here are some examples:
- Sunflowers – The centers of sunflowers are a rich golden yellow
- Honey – Honey can range from light to dark amber yellow
- Autumn leaves – Leaves turn mustard and amber shades in the fall
- Bananas – Overripe bananas develop dark yellow skins
- Yolks – Egg yolks are a vivid golden yellow
- Pollen – Pollen from flowers and plants is often a mustard hue
Dark yellow evokes warmth, richness, and organic natural materials. It differs from bright lemon yellow by appearing softer, mellower, and more muted.
Using Dark Yellow in Design
In design and printing, dark yellow can make for an attractive, versatile color choice. Some key uses of dark yellow include:
- Accent color – Mustard or amber makes a bold accent color
- Backgrounds – Softer dark yellows work well for web backgrounds
- Food packaging – Dark yellow fits packaging for grains, mustard, honey, etc.
- Fall themes – Evokes autumn leaves, sunflowers, pumpkins
- Warning signs – A bold mustard catches people’s eye
Dark yellow has an energizing warmth while still feeling mellow. It fits well with analogous earthy color schemes. Compared to bright yellow, dark yellow has a more relaxing, gentle tone suitable for backgrounds. Using tints of dark yellow can make it work in many contexts.
Shades of Dark Yellow
Like other colors, dark yellow takes on many shades when you adjust its tint, tone, and shade. Here are some examples of common shades:
| Shade | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Mustard | Vivid golden yellow, hint of green |
| Goldenrod | Slightly desaturated yellow, beige-like |
| Navajo yellow | Earthy reddish tone |
| Maize | Muted corn yellow |
| Amber | Orange biased yellow |
| Honeydew | Pale greenish yellow |
These demonstrate the wide range within dark yellow shades. By modifying the saturation, brightness, and hue bias, designers can fine-tune the exact tone. Subtly different shades evoke different natural associations.
Dark Yellow Color Codes
In digital design, dark yellow is defined by hex color codes like:
| Shade | Hex Color Code |
|---|---|
| Mustard | #FFDB58 |
| Golden brown | #996515 |
| Amber | #FFBF00 |
| Honey | #F2E2BF |
These codes allow digital designers to precisely apply dark yellow tones in graphics, web design, print materials, and more. The hex codes define the exact combination of RGB values.
History of Dark Yellow
Some key historical notes about dark yellow pigments:
- Ochre – One of the earliest natural yellow pigments, used since prehistoric times
- Indian yellow – Made from urine of cattle fed mango leaves, used until 1908
- Cadmium yellow – Toxic cadimum sulphide, replaced earlier pigments by 1900s
- Naples yellow – Invented in Naples using antimony, used from 17th to 19th century
- Chrome yellow – Discovered in 1809, made from lead chromate
Many issues surrounded earlier yellow pigments, such as toxicity and impermanence. Modern hansa and cadmium yellows were more stable. Today, most yellow pigments are synthetic, allowing consistent and long-lasting dark yellow tones.
Dark Yellow in Art
Some examples of dark yellow in famous paintings:
- Sunflowers by Van Gogh – Prominent golden yellow
- The Kiss by Klimt – Shimmering gold background
- The Starry Night by Van Gogh – Yellow stars and crescent moon
- The Scream by Munch – Dramatic amber sky
- Wheatfield with Cypresses by Van Gogh – Golden yellow fields
Dark yellow evokes warmth, energy, and emotion in painting. Van Gogh, in particular, took advantage of the striking contrast between orange, yellow, and yellow-greens in post-impressionist works.
Dark Yellow in Culture
Some symbolic associations with dark yellow include:
- Sunshine, summer, warmth
- Wealth, gold, prosperity
- Caution, uncertainty, deceit
- Purity, wisdom, spirituality
- Food, ripe crops, nourishment
Its multiple meanings stem from the dual nature of yellow – part joyful and auspicious, part ominous and sinister. Darker yellow leans more positive than light yellow but retains some ambivalence.
Psychology of Dark Yellow
Psychologically, dark yellow promotes:
- Optimism – Uplifting sense of sunshine and light
- Confidence – Powerful but not overbearing
- Creativity – Energizing, sparks imagination
- Wisdom – Sense of maturity and intelligence
- Calmness – More relaxing than true yellow
While bright yellow can be overstimulating, dark yellow murmurs encouragement rather than shouting. Still cheerful but in a gentler, more thoughtful way than bright hues.
Dark Yellow in Branding
Some iconic brands that have adopted dark yellow:
- McDonalds – Golden arches evoke happiness and hunger
- Best Buy – Blue and gold for a rich, upscale image
- Milky Way – Brown and gold wrapper signals sweet indulgence
- DHL – Bold yellow and red for energy and urgency
- LDC – Mustard and green for an earthy, organic vibe
Dark yellow helps brands feel welcoming yet distinguished. It provides warmth without seeming childish like bright primary yellow. Its versatility aids recognition across industries.
Conclusion
So in summary, dark yellow encompasses a range of golden, amber, and mustard shades. It provides the energetic spirit of yellow in a deeper, mellower form. Nature is full of dark yellow tones, which are widely used symbolically in art and culture. Dark yellow promotes optimism and confidence while feeling wise and relaxed. Brands leverage its ability to attract attention while remaining organic and sincere.
