Color Palette: What is the right shade of yellow for my walls?

by Gina
(Villa Hills, Kentucky, U.S.)

I painted my living room a color called Citrus (Behr paint) and I hate it. It looks like a highlighter. I want a warmer yellow color but am having a difficult time choosing a shade. Can you help me choose a popular shade that will work?

Citrus by Behr**

Answer:

It has been my personal experience that yellows are difficult to choose, as they always appear more intense once the color is on the walls.

This particular color, Citrus, is quite intense, and it also has a good deal of orange in it, which may be why you don't like it.

If you liked that color on the paint swatch, then it might help to simply choose a yellow on the same paint strip that's a few shades lighter. For example, you could use Banana Split, which is two shades lighter than Citrus, or Morning Sunlight, which is three shades lighter than Citrus.

Banana Split by Behr**

Morning Sunlight by Behr**

However, if you would like to go with a yellow that still has the same depth of color (in other words, not a lighter yellow), then I would suggest a color like Chilled Lemonade. This color will give you the same depth of color, but because it is a truer yellow without the orange, it will be much easier on the eyes.

Chilled Lemonade by Behr***

**Please note: Colors on monitor may not be true representations of paint colors. To see the true color, please use the Behr paint strips.

Happy Decorating, Gina!