Yellow is often overlooked when it comes to interior decor, but there's no reason why it should be! While yellow is certainly one of the most vibrant colors, it's also one with many different moods. That makes it ideal for infusing your spaces with a bit of personality. Before you go splashing the walls with yellow paint and picking out sunny window treatments however, consider these tips.
1. The shade of yellow that you pick is important. Real Simple Magazine points out that some yellows are warm, while others are cold. Those with a hint of red are best used in large areas, like on walls or big pieces of furniture, as they're very welcoming. Cooler shades with blue undertones would do better on smaller accents, like throw pillows or side tables. Of course, there are also some yellows that can be used as neutrals, which are typically pale and on the warmer side.
2. You can create a cohesive look in any room by using a couple different shades of yellow on different surfaces. For example, in the kitchen you might paint the ceiling a pale version of yellow, then the walls a richer hue. The floors, while they don't have to be yellow, should be on the lighter side to blend in.
3. Use gold accents. If you chose yellow bathroom window curtains, it would be beneficial to infuse the rest of the space with golden fixtures. This could mean the faucet, toilet handles, toothbrush holders or even the curtain rod. Even cheap curtains will look luxe with this pairing.
4. Get creative with stripes. Better Homes and Gardens Magazine recommends adding a sense of height to your room with yellow stripes, which are unexpectedly cheerful. You may choose to go bold with thick white and yellow stripes, or more subtle with thinner, variegated strips of color. Using either paint or striped curtains, you'll be able to achieve this elongated effect.
5. Use yellow in rooms that have striking architectural elements. Things like crown molding, built-in cabinets, paneled chair rails or fireplaces take center stage in places like dining rooms or living rooms, so you want a neutral yellow that won't vie for attention while still lending visual interest to the room. This idea also works well in rooms that have many different textures and shapes.