Yellow color living room


20 Yellow Living Room Ideas for a Bright and Sunny Space

Dazey Den

While yellow might not be the first color that comes to mind when you’re selecting a palette for that long-awaited living room refresh, the bright shade's popularity is very much on the rise. Case and point: Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year. A vibrant yellow hue entitled, "Illuminating," the color is “aspirational and gives us hope,” according to Pantone. It was selected specifically for its brightness—a metaphor for finding the light in every day. Universally, yellow is a zesty, energetic, and happy color choice. By using it to decorate, you’re infusing a zing of boldness and warmth into your space, reminiscent of the sun streaming in from outside.

However, the variety the comes from tons of different yellow tones can make it tricky to decorate with in a way that feels cheerful and cozy without being overwhelming. From mellow marigold and golden mustard to striking lemon, the shade of yellow—and how you use it—can make a huge impact on the vibe of the room.

For a little inspiration on how to use this statement-making color in your living room, we tapped interior designers. These yellow living room ideas will have you feeling like you’re walking on sunshine all year long.

01 of 20

Design by Annie Elliot Photo by photo by Michael Wilkinson

Designer Annie Elliott fully embraces the vividness of yellow with this egg-yolk color that she painted on all four walls of her living room. True white baseboards and accents (such as a fireplace, lamp, coffee table, and rug) juxtapose the electric tone of the walls, while colorful furniture completes the funky vibe.

02 of 20

Design by Annie Elliott Photo by Angie Seckinger

"There's nothing like yellow to give a room a beautiful warm glow," says Elliott. Here, she uses a classic yellow on a board and batten accent wall across from the open-concept kitchen and living room area to give the industrial space a more colorful, contemporary feel.

03 of 20

Black and Blooms

You don't have to use yellow paint to give your living room a dose of cheerful sunshine. This white room sets the stage for a warm sunset-inspired palette of rust, red, and gold that compliment—rather than compete with—one another. The golden accent pillows complete the cohesive color scheme.

04 of 20

Dazey Den

Not ready to take the plunge and paint an entire wall yellow? Try using it as an accent color to give your walls more depth. Here, Dazey Den uses a buttercup color to carve out this cozy reading nook—strategical including monochromatic yellow decor pieces to let the color really shine, instead of distracting from it.

05 of 20

Dazey Den

If pop art were a living room, it would look something like this. A warm, canary yellow with orange undertones packs a serious punch on one accent wall while black accents ground the rest of the room. Orange drapes make the space feel warm and inviting.

06 of 20

Design by Emily Henderson Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

One creative way to warm up a basic white room is to experiment with ceiling paint colors. Here, a light buttermilk yellow contrasts nicely with a warm-toned white paint and is further complemented by pops of yellow in the soft goods (like the throw pillows, blankets, and rug) spread throughout the space.

07 of 20

Faye C Ryan

A dreamy goldenrod color like this is the epitome of cozy living. Enveloping the room, it instantly creates an inviting, lived-in vibe that's not distracting to the eye. Keep the rest of the room bright and airy so there's nothing to compete with the standout color of the walls.

08 of 20

Julian Design

In large living rooms, a citrusy yellow tone may come off as claustrophobic. Instead, select a creamier, sandy yellow tone that shows off the size of the space but still brings in plenty of warmth. Dark wood accents ground the grandness of the space.

09 of 20

K Shan Design

"If you’re looking for that cheery pop of yellow, opt to incorporate it in small furniture and decor such as an accent chair, art, and pillows/throws," suggests Alessandra Wood, VP of Style, at Modsy. This is a great way to incorporate yellow with styles such as mid-century modern and transitional.

10 of 20

Design by Marian Louise Designs Photography Kaley Elaine Photography 

Say goodbye to gray, beige, and brown couches and instead opt for a plush yellow one. Just be sure to select the right shade for your room. "For instance, a pale buttery yellow is a great alternative to white for walls, whereas a mustard or deep yellow makes for a better accent color via furniture or decor," says Billie Tharaldson of Julian Design.

11 of 20

Kendall Wilkinson

To keep your room from looking too electric, try a buttery shade of light yellow. According to Elliott, "Yellow is tricky because it can go green in certain light. It's safest to stick with a light yellow that's creamy, rather than lemony—especially in upscale rooms like a formal living room."

12 of 20

Kendall Wilkinson

Gray, blue, and light yellow are a color palette match made in heaven and, since gray was another one of Pantone's 2021 Colors of the Year, we love the idea of using the two together. Soft yellow accent pillows instantly transform this cool color scheme and draw the eye in.

13 of 20

Design by KT2 Design Photo by Michael J Lee

Incorporating yellow into your living room is easy with the help of some strategic artwork. Offset an otherwise neutral, natural palette with some bold daffodil prints and colorfully patterned curtains to add character.

14 of 20

Leanne Baker Interiors

"We love yellow for its versatility," says Rebecca Johnston of R.Johnston Interiors. "It also helps anchor your color palette in a way that will make defining the rest of the space that much easier." Try a warm, pale yellow on the walls with cream-colored furniture and heavy, deep blue drapes for a space that's both cozy and timeless.

15 of 20

Louis Duncan-He Designs

Interior designer Kalah Talancy of KTII Design Group's biggest tip for decorating with yellow is to use the color wheel. "Yellow pairs beautifully with purple, blue, and green, and is a great counter to softer colors," she says.

16 of 20

Meg Lonergan

Yellow decor can instantly add visual interest to an otherwise neutral room. Grab some fluffy yellow throw pillows and a rug to instantly elevate your living space.

17 of 20

Rikki Snyder

Think of bright yellow paint like a life-sized highlighter; because of its vibrance, the eye is instantly drawn to it. Amp up a window frame or built-in bookcase by opting to strategically paint them an eye-catching yellow.

18 of 20

M-Teriors

Certain yellows have a richness to them, so it only makes sense to complement that richness with luxe finishes. Gold, velvet, and, white lacquer create a glam aesthetic when matched against yellow-biege paint.

19 of 20

Nile Johnson

Not all yellow has to be in your face. For a more natural, earth-toned living space, go for a creamy off-white with tinges of yellow. Then, use accents of deep amber and marigold to create depth.

20 of 20

Design by R. Johnson Interiors Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Yellow doesn't have to be the main focus of a room to have an impact. Try looking for a rug with subtle peeks of warm yellow. Then, bring out those hues with glimmering gold accents.

These 17 Yellow Bedrooms Will Have You Waking up Happy

10 yellow living room ideas - how to do the sunshine shade stylishly

Livingetc is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s why you can trust us.

(Image credit: Chris Everard)

We've spotted a crop of cool yellow living room ideas - and it's clear this spectrum of golden shades is having its moment in the sunlight. 

With tastemakers and designers from Suzy Hoodless and Lucy Barlow to Tricia Guild and Matthew Williamson stylishly splashing yellow into their living rooms and design schemes, more of us are taking a shine to this joyful hue. The love of these sunny shades had started before the grey days of the pandemic, but with its warm, energetic and optimistic overtones, unsurprisingly, the yearning for yellow has gathered pace.

It also coincides with color authority, Pantone releasing its Colours of the Year 2021, Ultimate Grey and Illuminating Yellow and the slew of stylish furniture and accessories that followed to suit yellow and grey living rooms. 

Forget play school primary tones, these yellow modern living room ideas are all about bursts of rich ochre through to zingy citrus and the palest sherbet shades, delivered boldly and beautifully. 

1. Opt for earthy tones

India Yellow, Farrow & Ball

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

'Yellow is the ideal color to use in a living room, because although it can sometimes appear raw in bright light, if the right tone is used in the right space it can feel uplifting during the day and then have a magic glow at night,' says Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball , Colour Curator. 

In the more contemporary home, earthier yellows used on both walls and woodwork create the ultimate in relaxed warm rooms that contribute to our wellbeing. These deeper, more muted yellows create a more sophisticated, cozy feel than the more vibrant yellow hues so ideal if you want a more  subtle, toned-down look that still feels sunny and warm. 

2. Balance a yellow living room with neutrals

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Grey and yellow living rooms are popular for a reason; yellow warms up the cool tones of grey and grey balances out the vibrant tones of yellow.  Pair yellow walls with a grey sofa and layers of neutrals or bring a pop of yellow into an all grey living room for a lift

'Shades of yellow and ochre balanced with neutrals, such as Dulux's  Brave Ground, can help create a classic contemporary backdrop that will work with any mix of furniture, and that won’t date,' says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director, Dulux .

3. Add subtle pops of yellow

(Image credit: Barlow & Barlow)

Introducing a new color doesn't mean a total overhaul though, a subtle hint can work well too. Here, Lucy Barlow of design studio, Barlow & Barlow has enlivened an elegant neutral scheme with splashes of gold, brass, and buttercup yellow cushions.  

4. Blend yellow with warm brown tones 

(Image credit: Designers Guild)

For a cool 70s feel, brown and yellow can totally work. Be inspired by this yellow living room idea and back soft ochre tones with Mid-century modern furniture and vintage-inspired prints. 

'Delicate, poetic or vibrantly zingy – decorating with yellow can deliver a dash of optimism and joy to your space. These warming hues open the door to a new perspective to our palette, that brings a modern twist to what is typically referred to as a retro mood,' says Tricia Guild, OBE. Founder & Creative Director, Designers Guild

'We especially love the golden glow of our 'Shore Lichen ’paint shade from our Earth Tones range - with cool undertones this soft rich ochre looks wonderful with greys and sepia tones for a sophisticated, contemporary look. Inspired by the soothing beauty of the natural world - many are looking to nature, more than ever and are inspired by shades of lichen, smoky mushroom and ochre to offer a natural warmth and richness.'

5. Team rich yellows to black 

Little Greene

(Image credit: Little Greene)

If yellow seems overpowering, ground it by teaming it with accents of black or chocolate brown for a sophisticated look that will appeal to classicists and mid-century modernists alike. In this yellow living room the bold ochre walls are tempered with dark architraves and skirting boards.

'Ochre can come into its own in darker spaces,' says Lucy St George, co-founder of Rockett St George . ‘It adds a happy glow to any room and is perfect for north-facing rooms that need to bring their own sunshine’. 

6. Layer up yellows 

(Image credit: Chris Everard)

'In terms of sheer joyfulness, no hue can quite rival yellow and it will instantly add life and vitality to a space,' says Claire Hornby, Head of Creative at Barker & Stonehouse .  

'When it comes to creating a living room scheme, I would always recommend picking an array of tonal shades and textures to create variation and tactility, especially if you have a strong block of one color in the form of a sofa or chair. This can be easily achieved using a mix of soft furnishings such as cushions, throws and rugs.'

You'll find plenty of seating options in all shades of upholstery from lemon yellow to mustard ochre in our guide to the best sofas of the year. 

7. Go for barely there yellows

(Image credit: Coat Paints)

If you are after a more subtle living room color scheme, opt for a barely-there pale yellow on the walls and pair it with soft neautrals and pale wood. The overall look is almost neutral, just with a more uplifting feel. 

'2021 is a year pinned with hope for lots of us and yellow can help us fill our homes with the kind of optimistic vibe we're after,' says Rob Green Founder, Coat Paints . 'Fantone 21 channels that. As a muted pastel yellow, it works well as a versatile color in most homes.'

8. Paint the woodwork yellow

(Image credit: James Merrell)

A dash of incandescent yellow – Trumpet by Little Greene – delivers a burst of energy and links the front living room to the middle sitting room in the home of interior designer Suzy Hoodless . It also saves the two spaces from being 'too polite'. 'Color is an easy way to create a dramatic effect.' says Suzy. 

9. Add some heat with deep mustard shades

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

Designer, Matthew Williamson has used hot mustard hues on the walls of his living room, at the dining end, which opens onto a beautiful outdoor terrace, so it feels sunny even on the greyest of days. 

'Without doubt, color affects your mood,' says Matthew. 'It’s such a powerful tool for both fashion and interiors. To keep things contemporary yet uplifting, I team classic colors with a pop of neon or an unexpected contrasting tone. '

10. Have fun with paint effects

Charmed and Lillium paints, Graham & Brown

(Image credit: Graham & Brown)

Color blocking has been a strong trend for years now, and the easiest way to get this look is using paint. Painted just a section of the walls yellow and choosing a neutral for the rest of the wall creates a striking effect in this yellow living room.

Paula Taylor, Colour & Trend Specialist at Graham & Brown , says. 'The juxtaposition of steely monochrome and vibrant yellow strikes a harmonious balance between warm and cool, denoting resilience and hope for the coming year. Grey has long been the go-to for an on trend modern aesthetic, providing a neutral base for statement home accessories to stand out. Yellow, on the other hand, cuts through the cool grey hue adding dimension and a splash of freshness.'

Is yellow a good color for a living room?

Yellow is a perfect color for a living room if you want to create a warm, sunny space that always feels bright and inviting. This lovely versatile color can work with all styles too, from deep ochres for a moody and dramatic dark living room to light and bright primrose shades for more traditional spaces. And it can be paired with so many other colors too so really easy to incorporate into your current color scheme.

What color goes with a yellow living room?

Yellow can be paired with so many different colors depending on the look you are going for. Grey and yellow are a classic combination and a good option if you are a neutrals lover but want you to add just a hint of warmth to a grey living room. Green is also a lovely fresh color to pair with yellow if you want a really nature-inspired color palette, and warm tones like pink and orange look lovely with deep yellow tones. 

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites

A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration. 

Yellow living room - stylish and cozy design in 80 photos.

> Living room > Yellow living room - 80 photo options for the perfect combination of a yellow living room

There is information that each color has an impact on the human psyche and health in a certain way. Actually, some designers skillfully use this today.

So, using a certain color as a base, you can easily achieve this or that effect. The living room in yellow perfectly cheers up, making your stay in the room in this design more joyful and happy.

At the sight of this color, an association with summer and the sun immediately arises.

It's clear that if you are going to arrange a cold and dark room, in particular a hall, then you need to choose yellow and its shades, because that is how the very comfortable atmosphere will be created.

Contents:

Color features

Yellow is considered the brightest color in the spectrogram, it is the main one, along with red and blue. This color has a beneficial effect on brain activity, because it activates it.

But that's not all! The color contributes to the activation of mental activity, new thinking, encourages to engage in a new business, as well as physical exercises.

That's why color is not used in the bedroom, because before going to bed you need to relax as much as possible, and the yellow color is not inviting.

But yellow is perfect for a child's playroom, office and hall.

Yellow in the interior is perfectly combined with other colors, but at the same time, the color is not used in its pure form, but only together with some other color.

The range of all shades of color is impressive - acidic or too colorful, golden, sandy, creamy.

Bold living room

Sunny decoration of the guest room is definitely a very bold decision and an extraordinary choice. If the chosen yellow color is too intrusive, then the impression of an excess of heat cannot be avoided.

Moreover, the appearance of such a room is not at all solid. It is the “sun” in the interior that captures all the attention, and therefore it is difficult to be focused on business.

If you correctly design a living room in yellow tones, then the color will bring special pleasure to guests and friends, presenting the owner in their eyes as nothing more than an original personality. It is important to choose the right decor and accessories.

Designers recommend

The interior uses yellow very carefully. It is not necessary to decorate extensive surfaces in this color - in particular, the entire ceiling and walls, floor.

If a clear overkill is obtained with the shade used, then the room will be repulsive as well as annoying. It is better to use color in some strokes. Textiles, furniture, and accessories will perfectly enliven the interior.

Compatibility

In the interior of the living room, yellow is wonderfully combined with other shades - with brown, light gray, sky blue, green, blue, and such juicy shades as orange, red.

White in combination with pale yellow looks harmonious in the classics, both in the living room and in other rooms. The room is filled with light, it becomes sunny.

Yellow and brown - the most advantageous option. The combination is bright, contrasting and at the same time warm, gives warmth to the room. This interior is perfectly complemented by gray accessories.

A yellow living room with burgundy accessories will look luxurious. In addition, this combination makes the room cozier and calmer.

Regardless of the chosen combination, yellow makes any interior brighter, more interesting, clearer. Such a shade will cheer up guests, and you will be presented in front of them as a bright and cheerful, contact person.

White, grey, yellow - all come together to create a unique design. You just look at the photo of the yellow living room what chic design options this sunny color gives! A real ball of colors that will create a particularly cozy atmosphere in the house.

Yellow living room design photo

Living room in yellow tones, 27 photos. Beautiful interiors and design

What is your favorite color? Yellow? Didn't guess? But he could very well be! Especially if you are looking for ideas for your new living room. Yellow is the color of the sun, energy, even canaries, after all, are also yellow. Any doubts left? Throw them aside, because it is yellow that can become a source of daily inspiration and additional energy. It can be used in a variety of spaces and today we will show you how to best decorate a yellow living room.

Yellow has many shades and can be applied in many different ways. In the interior with yellow accents, all shades are used - from bright neon to calm pastel colors. In addition to the energy we talked about, yellow can be soothing and relaxing. So, below are a few ideas on how to make a living room with yellow elements.

Gray-yellow living room

The photo shows one of the typical projects of a gray-yellow living room interior with two zones - a kitchen and a seating area. As an unobtrusive partition, tinted doors are used, which, on the one hand, separate the premises, and on the other, create a feeling of a single space. With the help of yellow accessories - pillows, flowers in a vase, cups and even yellow books - light is added to the room, and it transforms from a boring office space into a lively family living room. The fresco on the wall in the colors of the interior complements the image and fills the empty space of the wall near the balcony.

Bright yellow living room

This living room is, of course, for everyone. It cannot be said that such bright colors will appeal to all customers, but, of course, there are lovers of bright emotions and colors who decide to decorate the living room in yellow in this way. They can and should experiment! More ideas and decor elements that will emphasize the image, for example, a yellow rug and a “brick” wall in a different tone. Don't forget the lemons and the yellow box.

Adding life to a dark gray living room

Surprising contrasts can be achieved if you manage to dilute the cool office dark gray colors with bright elements. You can design your living room in an ultra-modern style and add warm elements to breathe life into it. Use black plastic, dark glass, metal - all this is not a problem if there is a yellow sofa nearby.


SEE ALSO: Yellow bathroom interior


Yellow pillows in the living room interior0152

Yellow with its variety of shades - from yellowish green to delicate lemon - can be used in almost any room. The yellow color of the walls will make a small room lighter and visually larger. In a narrow living room, you can paint the wall opposite the door yellow, this will also add space. If you need to make a bright contrast, use red and yellow objects nearby; if you need to add freshness, combine yellow with green.

Living room with expensive materials and yellow accessories

Yellow transparent glass in the living room

Yellow elements on black clothes - just class!

Sometimes quite yellow chairs and floor lamps

and sometimes only a yellow sofa

pastel-yellow sofa for peace

Yellow mood for dining area


Read also: blue shades in the interior


Yellow floor in the light living room

Yellow inserts in decor elements

Luhanton-yellow 9000

Golite yellow worker.


Learn more