Trending: Yellow living rooms

A bright and uplifting colour, yellow possesses the power to energise and add a dose of happiness to every space.

Though it may seem like a daunting colour to work with, yellow’s wide variety of shades makes it a versatile colour: from vibrant mustard and zesty lemon tones to softer variations like pale sherbet or corn yellow.

No matter which shade takes your fancy, knowing how to make it work for your home is essential when planning your décor.

These are my top tips to help you get started:

Do

• Consider what other colours you want in your room to ensure they compliment each other
• Create balance with neutrals, such as grey, white or beige
• Pair with natural materials, such as wood and greenery
• Experiment with different shades: pale yellows provide a subtle touch, whilst bold hues can make a statement
• Consider starting off by introducing yellow through accessories, such as cushions, throws, curtains and artwork before going too bold

Don’t

• Overwhelm the space - using too much of one shade or multiple shades can make the room feel too intense
• Clash with competing colours, which can be visually unappealing
• Neglect lighting as this can influence how a colour appears. I recommend testing your chosen shade under different lighting before committing to it
• Ignore your personal preferences - just because a colour is 'on-trend' doesn't mean you have to use it if you really don't like it
• Forget about balance to ensure that your overall design is pleasing and enjoyable

Is yellow a good colour for a living room? 

If you’re looking to create a warming and inviting atmosphere, then yellow can be the perfect choice for your living room. It's sunny disposition and ability to enhance natural light helps to create a room you'll be happy to spend time in.

In fact, integrating any bright colour into your home is brilliant for lifting spirits and creating feelings of contentment. 

Yellow decorating ideas

If you want to add some yellow to the walls, I'd suggest trying an earthy hue, with slightly red or brown undertones, which will give a warm and comforting feel to the space. If your room is a little smaller, a pale shade will help it feel lighter, airier and create a sense of calm. 

If something bold takes your fancy, try it on a feature wall first in case it threatens to dominate the space. A block of colour amongst a white or pale décor can add a brilliant burst of colour without overwhelming the room. Use yellow to brighten up an alcove or a child’s play space.

If yellow walls feels too much, use bright furnishings to add splashes of the colour. Liven up a sofa with some yellow accent cushions or add a large bold rug to create an attention-grabbing focal point in the middle of a room.

The wall above a sofa is often crying out for a mirror or picture to add interest; for ultimate drama add one large piece to add scale to your room. 

An effective way of adding colour to your room is by choosing a picture that lets the colours inspire and dictate the scheme for the entire room. Modern artwork helps to create a style statement in an otherwise neutral space; this works particularly well with yellow/ochre tones.

You can also add pops of yellow with cushions and interior accessories, such as a vase or plant pot.