While yellow might not be typically a "go-to" color to decorate with it is trending in a big way this year thanks to its unique power to invigorate a mundane space into something much sunnier. But would you consider a yellow bedroom?
Often associated with happiness, decorating with yellow can be used in all its forms from the softest, most buttery tones to bold, highlighter hues, and right through to the richest of mustards and ochres. And it's surprisingly versatile.
Whether you are aiming for a subtle, calming ambiance or a bold, energizing look, incorporating yellow into your bedroom can breathe new life into your space. Here, we ask interior designers for their favorite ways to bring yellow into the bedroom.
5 Sunshine Yellow Bedroom Ideas
‘Our homes are a place where we want to surround ourselves with joy, colors, and patterns that make us happy,' says Ruther Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. 'Yellow is a shade that brings positivity to a space and makes us feel uplifted, happy, energized, and invited.'
'Yellow paint colors have an inherent brightness, freshness, and warmth that makes them an ever-popular color all around the home, creating a feeling of warmth and coziness,' she adds. Which does sound pretty ideal for a bedroom.
Here are 5 cheerful ways to introduce yellow to your bedroom.
1. Start with some sunshine accessories
Accessories allow you to experiment with yellow, and adjust its presence to suit your mood and style without committing to a full-color overhaul.
'Yellow can be a tricky color to incorporate into a bedroom space, but it's really beautiful and cheerful when done well,' advises Kathy Kuo. 'I love the idea of bedroom wall art featuring pops of yellow, and also the idea of adding decorative pillows to your bed that feature yellow subtly in a pattern.'
Start by incorporating small items such as throw pillows, blankets, and decorative cushions in various shades of yellow. These items can be easily swapped out, giving you the flexibility to change your color scheme with the seasons or as trends evolve. In addition to textiles, consider yellow accent pieces like lamps, vases, and picture frames. A bright yellow bedside lamp or a collection of yellow ceramic vases on a dresser can enhance the room's overall optimism.
Art is also a powerful tool for bringing color into a space, and yellow artwork can make a striking impact. By starting small, you can gradually build up the yellow theme in your bedroom, creating a joyful retreat.
2. Paint the unexpected
For those looking to push things a little further with a total color drench (although that certainly makes a statement), consider painting unexpected pops of yellow on the ceiling, wood trims, or window reveals to dramatically enhance the feel of a neutral bedroom.
'Bring in a touch of sunshine and paint your window reveals in a bright yellow such as Babouche from Farrow & Ball,' suggests Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. 'This will bring a little hint of summer, even on the gloomiest of days.'
You could start by adding a hint of the hue with door frames, skirting boards, architraves, and other details in your bedroom. Experiment with different shades and finishes of yellow to see how they interact with light and choose a shade that complements the primary color palette of the room. Or, look to go more intentional with an accent ceiling. A yellow ceiling can create a warm, sunny canopy that is sure to spark joy every morning.
3. Choose softer tones suitable for sleeping
Of course, you still want your bedroom to feel restful and conducive to a good night's sleep. More muted tones like cream, lemon, pastel yellows, and soft golds will provide a gentle backdrop that will provide warmth without being too stimulating.
'A bold yellow may be a little vibrant for the bedroom, so consider softer hues or wallpapers with elements of yellow,' suggests Ruther Mottershead. 'Be it a pretty yellow base or pops of yellow in a wallpaper pattern,' she adds.
Choosing the right shade of yellow is crucial for setting the desired tone in your bedroom. This can be done with wallpaper, as Ruth suggests, or your wall paint. Using pale yellow on the walls can make the room feel airy and light, which is ideal for creating a soothing space. Pairing these soft hues with neutral tones like white, beige, or light pink can further amplify the calming effect.
Soft yellow accents can be used to complement existing decor and tie the room together. Subtle touches like lampshades, rugs, and textiles can bring a sense of continuity and warmth to the bedroom, making it feel cohesive and inviting without dominating the room.
4. Lean into playful print
Introducing prints into your bedroom design is an excellent way to embrace the cheerful nature of yellow. Whether through wallpaper, soft furnishings, or upholstery, incorporating patterns can add personality to the space. From bold florals to subtle geometric patterns, there are countless options to explore that can suit various tastes and styles.
'Bright and bold yellows instantly give rooms a playful edge,' says Holly Vaughan of Vaughan Design & Development. 'We would suggest pairing this type of yellow with a neutral, milky tone, and then to carry on the joyful thread, go with a small print wallpaper on the ceiling, joinery, or window dressings,' she suggests, which you can see in the bedroom scheme she designed above.
A well-chosen wallpaper can set the tone for the entire room. Consider patterns that incorporate different shades of yellow for a balanced look. Florals, stripes, or even abstract and retro-inspired prints can bring the room to life. Of course, soft furnishings can also achieve the same impact so don't forget to layer up your textures and textiles.
5. Consider 2024's favorite hue: Butter Yellow
Butter yellow is one of 2024's hottest hues. This soft, creamy shade of yellow has captured the hearts of designers and homeowners alike for its warm, inviting, and versatile nature. Even Shea McGee is a fan.
Butter yellow strikes the ideal balance between being cheerful and soothing. It's a color that can easily adapt to different styles and settings and is being dubbed as the new Magnolia.
'There’s nothing more timelessly elegant than a beautiful buttery yellow bedroom,' agrees designer Benji Lewis. 'My ideal buttery yellow bedroom wouldn’t be filled with linens and instead, I’d look to bring in silk, mohair velvet, and a quilted silk eiderdown, and to keep the timeless vibe going I’d explore velvet pile carpet options so that the walls and flooring meld into one another.'
'I know yellow’s a thing at the moment, but if painted walls are your thing then I’d veer towards something softer, with a more traditional feel, something like Weld Yellow from Fired Earth,' he suggests. 'You can always add a punch of color with burnt orange details, like an armchair or just a couple of throw pillows.'
For walls, this gentle hue exudes warmth and its light-reflective quality helps brighten the room, making it feel more spacious and airy. Butter yellow also pairs well with pair cool and warm tones, so can be happily introduced to your existing scheme.
Incorporating yellow into your bedroom ideas can transform the space into a vibrant, cheerful, and inviting sanctuary. From the subtle introduction of sunshine accessories to the bold choice of painting unexpected areas like ceilings and trims, there are numerous ways to bring this joyful color into your room.
Opting for softer hues can create a serene and restful environment, while playful prints add personality and charm. And of course, embracing 2024's favorite hue, butter yellow, offers a trendy yet timeless touch.
