Hello, Yellow: 5 Ideas to Brighten a Room

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Loaded paintbrush across an open can of bright yellow paint
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Overview

Nothing lights up a room like yellow. One of the three primary colors, it can work with nearly any other color in the rainbow. Yellow definitely demands attention. But that's no problem as long as you balance the intensity of the shade you choose with the amount you use. Sprinkle in a dash of bright yellow to create sparks or spread on a coat of buttery yellow to warm up a dark room.

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3d rendering loft black wall with sofa in living room
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Count On Contrast

Yellow and white blend into one another and can look bland without some contrast. Wood in rich dark shades of chestnut or maroon -- think mahogany and antique cherry — punctuate two-tone color schemes and keep them from becoming monotonous.

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Yellow and gray modern bedroom
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Mix It Up

Despite its energy, yellow can work in bedrooms. Muted shades have a calming effect, especially when combined with ivory and beige. When mixing shades of yellow, aim for least four or five. Using only two or three shades can look mismatched instead of eclectic.

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living room or saloon interior design rendering
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Hang Some Sunshine

Yellow window treatments fill a room with warmth, even on dreary days. Yellow is especially effective in north-facing rooms and other rooms that don't receive a lot of direct sunlight.

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