The journal

How to Embrace the Trend for Yellow Living Rooms

30 November 2022 5 min read

After such a wonderfully warm summer, the thought of darker days ahead may fill you with dread; we'd all grown rather used to that golden glow. So now is the time to keep the sunshine feeling year-round with an injection of yellow at home. Yellow living room décor is a positive statement and a joyful expression, and who doesn't want more joy and positivity in their life? Yellow may feel like a bold choice, but its many shades give it real range and versatility, from rich ochre and mustard to zesty lemon and soft pastels.

Georgian drawing room with walls in warm yellow Cornhill No.128, white cornice and tall sash windows — Cornhill No.128 walls in a period drawing room, a warm mellow yellow

Is yellow a good colour for living rooms?

The answer is definitely yes. Yellow can warm up a cool space and enhance natural light, and depending on the shade it makes a room feel uplifting in daylight and cosy as night falls, creating a truly inviting, welcoming feeling. Here are some yellow living room ideas to help you find the tones that work best for your home.

Sitting room with upper walls in Honest John No.58 and lower walls in Haymarket No.47 below a dado rail — Warm grey Honest John No.58 upper walls above a dado in yellow Haymarket No.47 in a sitting room

Modern mellow yellow

Soft, elegant yellow can make a living room feel welcoming and comforting, a traditional colour that enhances period features, especially with white. A modern take pairs pale yellow with vibrant jewel tones; below, Cornhill™ No.128 provides a mellow backdrop to stronger colours in the textiles, also using the classic pairing of pale grey (on the sofa) with warm yellow (on the walls).

Living room with pale yellow Cornhill No.128 walls, a pale grey sofa and cushions in emerald and sapphire — Cornhill No.128 walls as a mellow backdrop to a pale grey sofa and jewel-toned textiles

Retro mustard yellow living room

Earthy tones have been a strong trend for modern living rooms, and with echoes of mid-century styling, natural shades like olive green, burnt orange and mustard yellow work well together; paired with mid-to-dark woodwork, like the coffee table below, they create a stylish yet homely space.

Mid-century style living room with neutral Limestone No.55 walls, mustard curtains, olive armchair and teak coffee table — Limestone No.55 walls with mustard yellow curtains, an olive green armchair and a dark wood coffee table

Below, neutral walls (Mylands Limestone™ No.55) let the dusky tones in the upholstery and textiles stand out, while an olive-green accent chair and mustard curtains add depth and warmth. Mylands Freegrove Mustard™ is a bespoke colour that adds real spice and heat, more of a statement shade, ideal as an accent wall or eye-catching contrast to neutral or black.

Vibrant bright yellow

If you want a blast of sunny brightness, try Mylands Verdure Yellow No.148, a vibrant yellow full of fun, joy and positivity, great as a feature wall or an accent on furniture, cabinets or shelving. For a modern look, try a bold, vibrant yellow like Pimlico™ No.136 on your woodwork, adding energy, interest and a touch of drama, and perking up an otherwise neutral room.

Neutral living room with built-in alcove shelving painted bright yellow Pimlico No.136 either side of a chimney breast — Alcove shelving in vibrant Pimlico No.136 against Maugham White No.2 walls

Soft golden yellow

A pale, gentle yellow needn't be reserved for the nursery; a soft yellow bedroom is gorgeous, but so is a soft yellow living space, and pale golden yellow is a traditional, heritage colour for a living or dining room. Golden yellows layer beautifully; below, Lemon Salts™ No.43 on the woodwork with Golden Square™ No.131 on the walls, both natural shades complementing each other for a light, inviting space.

Regency living room with pale golden Golden Square No.131 walls and window, shutters and skirting in Lemon Salts No.43 — Golden Square No.131 walls with Lemon Salts No.43 woodwork in a light-filled living room

Sunny natural yellow

The colour of sunflowers and buttercups, yellow is familiar and comforting, and in a small living room it enhances natural light and the sense of space. If you're not ready for a fully yellow room, add a splash through furnishings and accessories; even yellow cushions or a throw make an impact, and a lovely idea is a warm reading nook, painting an alcove or shelving unit in buttercup yellow to draw you in.

Small cottage sitting room with sunny yellow Beehive Place No.140 walls and a reading nook in a window alcove — Beehive Place No.140 walls and a buttercup-yellow reading alcove in a small cottage sitting room

Subtle neutral yellow

Yellow needn't be zesty and bold; it can be a subtle, neutral colour, a softer, warmer alternative to white. Below, the subtle yellow of Mylands Sella creates a stylish, grown-up room where striking wall art stands out against the neutral paint, and natural light streaming through the feature windows is enhanced by this pale shade.

Loft living room with walls in subtle cream-yellow Cavendish Cream No.120 and tall industrial windows — Cavendish Cream No.120 walls, a subtle neutral yellow, in a living room with tall feature windows

Which colours go well with yellow?

We've mentioned yellow's versatility, and that means many colours pair well with it. Take a look at these schemes: yellow and pale blue, calm and reassuring; yellow and jewel tones, an elegant combination; yellow and pale grey, soft brightness; yellow and burgundy, adventurous; yellow and dark blue, natural contrast; yellow and black, sleek and sophisticated; and yellow and white, light and fresh.

How to add pops of yellow

If fully yellow walls feel too bold, try accents, a yellow throw, sofa, rug or cushions, a simple way to update and liven up a neutral, white or grey living room. Dip your toe into this uplifting trend; even a small splash of yellow can make an impact. Thinking of updating your living room? See our full yellow paint range here.