Painting can be a fun and creative way to decorate and enhance the look of a space. When it comes to choosing paint colors, the options seem endless. One interesting combination that has grown in popularity is yellow green. This unique pairing of a warm and cool tone results in a lively, vibrant shade. Keep reading to learn more about mixing yellow and green paint to achieve different hues perfect for any interior or exterior project.
Understanding Color Theory
Before diving into the specifics of blending yellow and green paint, it helps to understand some basic color theory. The color wheel consists of three primary colors – red, yellow, and blue. When you combine two primary colors, you get a secondary color:
| Red + Blue = Purple |
| Red + Yellow = Orange |
| Blue + Yellow = Green |
Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary and secondary shade. For example, red and orange makes red-orange.
The color wheel also contains complementary colors directly across from each other that create a high contrast (like red and green). Analogous colors sit next to each other on the wheel and have a lower contrast, creating harmony (like yellow, yellow-green, and green).
So where does yellow green come in? Since green is a secondary color made by mixing blue and yellow, adding more yellow will shift the green into a vibrant, energizing tertiary yellow-green hue.
Different Types of Yellow Green Paint
There are many varieties of yellow green paint to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options:
Lime green – This bright, zesty shade has a higher concentration of yellow. It pops against other colors and is associated with growth, renewal, and acidity.
Chartreuse – Moving closer toward green, chartreuse has golden undertones. This hue got its name from French liqueur made by Carthusian monks.
Green apple – Slightly muted, this refreshing green has a crisper, tangier vibe. It’s a bit retro and playful.
Avocado – Deeper and more vegetal, avocado green has an earthy 70s feel. This versatile neutral can work with warm or cool palettes.
Seafoam green – With a touch of blue added, seafoam is a soft, soothing pastel reminiscent of ocean waves. It pairs nicely with coral and salmon colors.
Yellow olive green – As the name suggests, this shade mixes green with yellow olive for a retro, militaristic aesthetic.
Chartreuse yellow – Here yellow takes the lead for a summery, radiant tone. This bright hue energizes spaces.
Peridot – Named after the gemstone, this lively light green has a tinge of yellow. It’s associated with healing, clarity and strength.
With so many options, it’s easy to find the perfect balance of yellow and green to suit your style and space.
Tips for Mixing Yellow Green Paint
If you want more control over the exact shade of yellow green, you can mix custom colors right at home. Here are some tips for blending paint to achieve different hues of green with yellow undertones:
Start with white – For lighter shades, use white paint as your base. Add small amounts of green and yellow until you get the desired tone.
Use green as base for deeper hues – To reach richer, darker yellow greens, start by adding larger portions of green paint to the mix. Slowly add yellow to warm up the tone.
Understand undertones – Look for green paint with blue, yellow or neutral undertones. Complementary undertones in the green and yellow will create a vivid secondary shade. Clashing undertones can make muddy colors.
Use high quality paint – In general, craft paint won’t mix as smoothly as artist-quality acrylics. But any latex wall paint can be blended successfully with proper mixing.
Add white to lighten – If your custom color turns out too dark, add a bit of white paint to lighten it up again. White helps brighten and soften hues.
Mix in a larger container – To ensure uniform pigment distribution, use a paint tray, disposable bowl or lidded container to blend several cans of paint together.
Stir thoroughly – Use a wooden paint stir stick, folding motion, and elbow grease to fully incorporate the green, yellow and white paint together.
Test on sample boards – Brush out samples of each mixture on boards before committing to painting an entire wall. Allow paint to fully dry to see true color.
With the right yellow and green acrylic or latex paints, you can easily mix up fresh, vibrant yellow greens. Experiment to find your perfect match.
Popular Brands of Yellow Green Paint
Many major paint companies offer premixed yellow green shades so you don’t have to blend custom colors yourself. Here are some of the top options:
Behr – Energy Yellow, Chartreuse, Limelight
Benjamin Moore – Lime Green, Chartreuse, Melon
Sherwin-Williams – Green Flash, Verdant, Jalapeno
Valspar – Lime Juice, Green Apple, Neon Green
Pratt & Lambert – Citron, Chartreuse, Peridot
PPG – Green Goblin, Gargoyle, Envy
Glidden – Bright Green, Kiwi, Green Bay
Dutch Boy – Limetime, Green Genie, Green Sizzle
Rust-Oleum – Kermit the Frog Green, Golf Green
KILZ – Sidekick Green, Lucky Green
Check out paint sample cards or chips to find a factory-mixed yellow green from these or other trusted brands that fits your needs. Having the exact swatch makes matching additional paint cans easier.
Where to Use Yellow Green Paint
Yellow green paint works in all sorts of indoor and outdoor spaces. Here are some fun ways to utilize this lively color combination in your home:
Kitchens – Energize a outdated kitchen with minty or lime green cabinets or an accent wall. Complement with stainless steel appliances.
Bathrooms – A splash of yellow green on walls or tile breathes youthful vibrancy into bathrooms. Pair with fresh white.
Living rooms – Limewash one brick wall for a pop of retro flavor. Or paint built-in shelving a rich avocado tone.
Bedrooms – Seafoam walls cultivate a relaxing retreat. Accent with natural wood and billowy white bedding.
Home offices – Boost focus and creativity with invigorating kelly green or chartreuse. Tone it down with crisp white trim.
Dining rooms – Make a bold statement by painting one wall spicy jalapeno green. Ground it with neutral furnishings.
Entryways – Welcome guests with a punchy yellow green front door in a high-gloss finish. Keep trim and walls light.
Outdoor furniture – Refinish a wooden bench or chairs in weather-resistant apple green. Let the color pop against nature.
Front doors – A coat of golden chartreuse sets your home apart with a fun, contemporary vibe.
Go bold or subtle with yellow greens to add a lively focal point while still feeling grounded.
Design Considerations
Yellow green is an eye-catching color that looks best when balanced with neutral tones. Here are some tips for working it into your design aesthetic:
Go for the accent – Use yellow green on one wall or set of cabinets rather than overwhelming a whole room. Paint the rest a neutral white or tan.
Mixing metals – Match cool greens with sleek chrome or stainless steel. Warm yellow greens pair better with polished brass or bronze.
Consider furnishings – Rich avocado greens fit nicely with warm woods like oak or cherry. Bright yellow greens pop against black and white.
Watch lighting -Yellow undertones can take on a neon vibe under LED or fluorescent lights. Soft incandescent bulbs keep the hue natural.
Repeat the tone – Tie everything together by adding yellow green accent pillows, art and accessories to a painted room.
Mind the moldings – For a clean look, opt for crisp white trim along ceilings and baseboards when using yellow green on walls.
Go glossy – Gloss and semi-gloss sheens make yellow greens even more vivid. Eggshell and satin are more muted.
Be aware of size – Deeper greens tend to feel cozier in smaller rooms, while bright shades suit large open spaces.
Keep these tips in mind to effortlessly integrate yellow green paint into any design scheme.
Pairing Yellow Green With Other Colors
The key to making yellow green work is combining it with complementary hues that enhance it beautifully. Here are some of the best color schemes:
Yellow green + Blue – Analogous colors like aqua blue and lime green are made for each other. The union feels fresh, peaceful and intuitive.
Yellow green + Red – For high-energy contrast, ruby red makes citrusy greens pop even more. Touches of red feel whimsical against green.
Yellow green + Purple – From pale lilac to violet, soft purples strike an artsy, retro balance with yellow greens.
Yellow green + Pink – Juicy watermelon, peachy or coral pinks bring out the playfulness in yellow green for a tropical vibe.
Yellow green + Orange – If you want to dial up the intensity, combine with tangerine, burnt orange or terra cotta.
Yellow green + Neutrals – For a more soothing look, pair kelly green with clean whites, sand, dove gray, taupe or wood tones.
Yellow green + Metallics – For contemporary pop, accent with gold, rose gold, bronze or copper lighting and decor.
Yellow green + Black and white – High contrast black and white, like graphic prints, creates a mod vibe next to bright greens.
Choose companion colors based on whether you want to energize a space or promote relaxation. Yellow green is endlessly versatile.
Feng Shui Meaning of Yellow Green
In the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, practitioners believe that color carries energy capable of attracting certain qualities into a space. So what is the significance of yellow green according to feng shui principles?
Renewal and freshness – The union of yellow and green represents the life-giving powers of spring and new beginnings. The hue echoes sprouting plants and nature’s renewal.
Health and healing – In feng shui, verdant shades of green promote stability, growth and healing. Yellow provides optimism. Together, they boost wellbeing.
Focus and clarity – Yellow sharpens focus and concentration, while green stimulates intelligence. Blending the two helps mental clarity.
Creativity and innovation – The vibrancy ignites creativity and new ideas. Use yellow green to inspire unique solutions.
Prosperity and success – Green relates to financial wealth in feng shui. Yellow represents golden success. Yellow green can attract abundant prosperity when used mindfully.
Productivity and energy – This zesty color combination activates spaces and energizes the body and mind. It inspires drive and efficiency.
Paradise – Yellow green’s link to nature’s beauty and fruitfulness conjures images of paradise, oases and magical rainbows in feng shui.
Harness the positive chi energy of yellow green paint by being thoughtful about placement in your home’s bagua map. Use it to enhance specific life areas.
Psychological Effects of Yellow Green
Beyond visual appeal and design, color can influence our moods and emotions in powerful ways. Here’s how yellow green may impact people psychologically:
Uplifting and optimistic – The cheerful hue resonates with creativity and imagination. It boosts positivity.
Energizing and motivating – Yellow green’s vibrancy activates mental alertness, spurring productivity and drive.
Visionary – The color awakens innovative thinking, unique ideas and new perspectives.
Balance and harmony – Green is centering, and yellow is uplifting. Together they provide steadiness with vibrancy.
Youthful and playful – The vibrant shade evokes growth, compassion and fun.
Retro and nostalgic – Vintage styles often featured yellow green, eliciting 1970s kitsch.
Earthy and organic – The hue connects to nature, vegetation and environmentalism.
Healing – Being affiliated with renewal, yellow green promotes therapeutic, restorative energy.
Clarity and concentration – Yellow focuses the mind, while green soothes. The mix creates attentive relaxation.
Harness yellow green’s psychological influence to inspire creativity, productivity and healing in any space.
Conclusion
The fusion of lively yellow and balanced green makes yellow green paint a versatile, energizing choice. Vibrant shades provide fun pops of color, while deeper hues lend an earthy, retro vibe. Mixing your own custom yellow greens allows creativity. Pre-mixed brands offer convenience. Th
