Shades of Yellow – Our 100 Most Popular Yellow Tones

When you think of shades of yellow, you think of emotions such as encouragement and happiness because it is usually a warm and inviting color. However, yellow is more than just the color of the sun or a bright beach ball! Both light and dark shades of yellow color are found almost everywhere, the shades of yellow are endless! Some of these shades of yellow include lemon yellow, bananas, pineapples, and roses. The popular yellow names and the yellow hex codes will be discussed in today’s article, as well as how they are used in marketing, design, and art. If you have been hoping to use this color in your digital design project, your home, or even for clothing design, keep reading!

The Various Shades of Yellow

There is a multitude of yellow shades names to choose from. Next, we will explore a short list of commonly used yellow hex codes and shades of yellow names you may use for digital design or painting. If your project is lacking something, perhaps one of these shades of yellow could be the answer!

Amber

Amber is a warm, golden-yellow shade that evokes the essence of fossilized tree resin. It’s a rich, honey-like color that conveys a sense of antiquity and warmth.

Apricot

Apricot is a soft, light orange with a hint of pink. It’s reminiscent of the fruit and brings a gentle, comforting warmth to any design.

Arylide Yellow

Arylide Yellow is a bright, lemony shade, often used in artistic painting. It’s a vivid, cheerful color that captures the eye with its brightness.

Aureolin

Aureolin is a transparent yellow pigment, historically made from cobalt and potassium. It’s a clear, bright yellow, perfect for a sunny and uplifting effect.

Banana

Banana is a cheerful, light yellow, similar to the inside of a ripe banana. It’s playful and light, suitable for soft, joyful themes.

Banana Mania

Banana Mania is a pale, creamy yellow shade, resembling a banana smoothie. It’s a soothing, mellow color, ideal for serene and soft backgrounds.

Beige

Beige is a versatile, neutral color, a mix of light brown and white. It’s a classic, understated shade that pairs well with almost any color.

Blond

Blond is a pale, golden color, often associated with hair color. It’s light and airy, providing a subtle, yet warm presence in designs.

Bright Yellow

Bright Yellow is an eye-catching, vivid yellow. It’s a stimulating color that exudes energy and optimism.

Bright Yellow Crayola

Yellow Crayola is a classic, bright shade of yellow, familiar from the Crayola crayon. It’s a playful and cheerful color, perfect for creative and youthful projects.

Buff

Buff is a light, yellowish-brown color, similar to the color of buff leather. It’s a warm and earthy shade, versatile for various design contexts.

Bumblebee

Bumblebee is a striking pattern of black and bright yellow, reminiscent of the insect. It’s a bold and dynamic combination, perfect for capturing attention.

Butter

Butter is a creamy, soft yellow, reminiscent of the dairy product. It’s a gentle and comforting color, ideal for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Cadmium Yellow

Cadmium Yellow is a bright, intense yellow, often used in painting for its high pigment quality. It’s a lively and bold color that stands out.

Canary Yellow

Canary Yellow is a pure, bright sunny yellow, reminiscent of a canary bird. It’s a cheerful and lively color that brings a sense of joy and vibrancy.

Chartreuse Traditional

Chrome Yellow

Chrome Yellow is a bright yellow, historically made from lead chromate. It’s a striking, bold color often used in industrial and artistic contexts.

Citrine

Citrine is a deep, pale yellow color, named after the gemstone. It has a warm, golden hue that’s elegant and timeless.

Corn

Corn is a warm, maize-like yellow, reminiscent of ripe corn kernels. It’s a comforting, natural color that evokes a sense of harvest and abundance.

Cornsilk

Cornsilk is a pale yellow, like the silky threads of corn. It’s a light, airy color, perfect for a delicate and soft touch in designs.

Cream

Cream is a soft shade of yellow, like the dairy product. It’s a smooth, calming color, often used to create a gentle and soothing atmosphere.

Cyber Yellow

Cyber Yellow is a bright, almost fluorescent yellow. It’s a modern, energetic color that stands out, perfect for digital and high-tech designs.

Dark Yellow

Dark Yellow is a deeper, more subdued shade of yellow. It’s a rich, warm hue that adds depth and sophistication to designs.

Deep Champagne

Deep Champagne is a rich, warm blend of yellow and pink, reminiscent of the bubbly drink. It’s an elegant and celebratory color.

Dijon

Dijon, like the mustard, is a dark, muted yellow. It’s a sophisticated, earthy color that adds depth and richness to a palette.

Earth Yellow

Earth Yellow is a deep, natural yellow. It’s a warm, grounding color, reminiscent of earth and clay, perfect for natural and rustic themes.

Flax

Flax is a pale, grayish-yellow, similar to the color of flax fibers. It’s a subtle and natural shade, versatile for serene and understated designs.

Gold Crayola

Gold Metallic

Gold Metallic is a shiny, reflective yellow, similar to polished gold. It’s a luxurious and opulent color, ideal for elegant and high-end designs.

Golden Yellow

Golden Yellow is a warm, bright yellow, like sunlight. It’s a cheerful and inviting color, perfect for creating a sense of happiness and warmth.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a dark, earthy yellow, like the wildflower. It’s a natural and unassuming color, great for autumnal themes and rustic designs.

Green Yellow

Green Yellow is a light, yellowish-green shade. It’s a fresh and spring-like color, perfect for adding a natural and lively touch to designs.

Greenish Yellow

Greenish Yellow is a blend of green and yellow, a versatile color that brings a sense of freshness and vitality.

Honey

Honey is a rich, warm, golden color, reminiscent of the sweet substance. It’s a comforting and inviting shade, perfect for cozy and welcoming designs.

Hunyadi Yellow

Hunyadi Yellow is a historical shade, rich and deep, often associated with medieval heraldry. It’s a color that conveys tradition and richness.

Icterine

Icterine is a bright, lemon-lime yellow, named after the icterine warbler bird. It’s a lively and vibrant shade, perfect for adding a pop of color.

Indian Yellow

Indian Yellow is a deep, golden-orange yellow, originally made from cow urine. It’s a rich, historic color with a warm, exotic feel.

Jasmine

Jasmine is a delicate, light yellow, like the flower. It’s a soft and romantic color, perfect for creating a gentle and inviting atmosphere.

Jonquil

Jonquil is a bright, golden-yellow, named after the daffodil-like flower. It’s a cheerful and sunny color, evoking feelings of joy and springtime.

Laguna

Laguna is a soft, greenish-yellow, like the light over a lagoon. It’s a tranquil and serene color, perfect for creating a peaceful and calming space.

Laser Lemon

Laser Lemon is a bright, neon yellow, almost electric in intensity. It’s a modern, energetic color, great for bold and contemporary designs.

Lemon Chiffon

Lemon Chiffon is a pale, pastel yellow, like the dessert. It’s a light and airy color, perfect for creating a soft and delicate feel in designs.

Lemon Curry

Lemon Curry is a deep, spicy yellow, combining the zest of lemon with the warmth of curry. It’s an exotic and flavorful color, great for adding depth and spice.

Lemon Yellow

Lemon Yellow is a true, bright yellow, like the fruit. It’s a fresh and vibrant color, perfect for adding a zesty and energetic touch to designs.

Light French Beige

Light French Beige is a soft, warm, yellowish-beige, reminiscent of French countryside designs. It’s a sophisticated and versatile shade, great for elegant themes.

Light Canary

Light Canary is a pale, soft yellow, like the bird. It’s a gentle and cheerful color, perfect for creating a light and uplifting atmosphere.

Light Goldenrod

Light Goldenrod is a pale, soft yellow, like the early bloom of goldenrod flowers. It’s a gentle and serene color, perfect for soft and subtle designs.

Light Khaki

Light Khaki is a light, sandy yellow, like khaki fabric. It’s a practical and versatile color, great for designs that require a neutral, yet warm tone.

Light Yellow

Light Yellow is a soft, pale yellow. It’s a subtle and delicate color, perfect for creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Maize Crayola

Mango

Mango is a vibrant, fruity yellow, like the tropical fruit. It’s a playful and exotic color, perfect for adding a touch of tropical warmth to designs.

Maximum Yellow

Maximum Yellow is an intensely bright and pure yellow, evoking a sense of vivid energy and radiance. It’s a color that captures the essence of sunshine and joy.

Maximum Yellow Red

This color blends the brightness of yellow with a hint of red, creating a warm, inviting hue that’s reminiscent of late summer sunsets and rich autumn leaves.

Medium Champagne

A sophisticated, muted gold, Medium Champagne exudes elegance and subtlety. It’s perfect for creating a luxurious and refined atmosphere.

Mellow Yellow

Mellow Yellow is a soft, soothing yellow that offers a gentle, calming presence. It’s reminiscent of early morning light and the softness of spring flowers.

Middle Yellow Red

This color is a warm, earthy shade that sits between yellow and red. It’s reminiscent of terracotta and autumnal landscapes, offering a sense of groundedness and warmth.

Mikado Yellow

A deep, rich yellow with a hint of orange, Mikado Yellow is bold and regal. It’s a color that commands attention while maintaining an air of classic elegance.

Mindaro

Mindaro is a fresh, lively greenish-yellow, reminiscent of new leaves in spring. It’s a color that feels rejuvenating and full of life.

Minion Yellow

Popularized by animated characters, Minion Yellow is a vibrant, playful shade of yellow. It’s energetic and fun, perfect for capturing the essence of joy and playfulness.

Moccasin

Moccasin is a light, creamy beige that evokes the softness of leather. It’s a versatile and warm color, providing a neutral yet inviting backdrop.

Mustard

Mustard is a dark, warm yellow reminiscent of the condiment. It’s a bold yet earthy color, perfect for creating a sense of depth and richness.

Naples Yellow

A warm, earthy yellow, Naples Yellow has been used by artists for centuries. It’s a classic color that brings a sense of history and richness to any palette.

Navajo

Navajo is a light, peachy hue, similar to the color of traditional Navajo pottery. It’s a warm and inviting color that feels both natural and soft.

Neon Yellow

As the name suggests, Neon Yellow is a strikingly bright and fluorescent shade. It’s an attention-grabbing color that conveys energy and modernity.

Ochre

Ochre is an earthy, yellow-brown color, reminiscent of natural clay pigments. It’s a timeless and versatile shade, often used in artistic and rustic settings.

Old Gold

Old Gold is a deep, rich yellow with a hint of brown, evoking a sense of antiquity and luxury. It’s a regal and sophisticated color, perfect for elegant designs.

Old Lace

Old Lace is a soft, off-white color with a warm yellow undertone. It’s delicate and subtle, reminiscent of vintage lace and classic elegance.

Olive

Olive is a dark, yellowish-green color, similar to the green olives. It’s a natural and earthy shade that evokes a sense of nature and stability.

Orange Yellow

A vibrant mix of orange and yellow, this color is bright and energetic, capturing the warmth of the sun and the zest of citrus fruits.

Orange Yellow Crayola

This shade is a playful, bright yellow with a hint of orange, designed to be vivid and cheerful. It’s perfect for creative and youthful designs.

Pale Goldenrod

Pale Goldenrod is a soft, muted yellow, offering a gentle and soothing presence. It’s reminiscent of late summer fields and delicate wildflowers.

Papaya Whip

Papaya Whip is a creamy, soft shade of orange-yellow, reminiscent of the flesh of a ripe papaya. It’s a smooth and calming color, perfect for a gentle accent.

Peach

Peach is a soft, warm blend of pink and orange, evoking the color of the fruit. It’s a gentle and approachable color, perfect for creating a soft and nurturing atmosphere.

Peach Puff

Peach Puff is a light, airy shade of peach, with a delicate and fluffy quality. It’s a playful and charming color, perfect for a light and feminine touch.

Pear

Pear is a fresh, yellowish-green color, reminiscent of the skin of a ripe pear. It’s a natural and refreshing shade, ideal for bringing a touch of nature indoors.

Royal Yellow

Royal Yellow is a bright, regal shade of yellow, associated with luxury and majesty. It’s a bold and confident color, perfect for making a grand statement.

Safety Yellow

Safety Yellow is a bright, fluorescent yellow, designed to be highly visible and attention-grabbing. It’s used in safety gear and signs for its unmistakable presence.

Saffron

Saffron is a rich, golden-yellow, named after the spice. It’s an exotic and luxurious color, evoking a sense of warmth and opulence.

Sand

Sand is a pale, neutral color, reminiscent of sandy beaches. It’s a versatile and calming color, offering a sense of simplicity and tranquility.

School Bus Yellow

A bright, medium shade of yellow, School Bus Yellow is designed for its high visibility. It’s a familiar and reassuring color, often associated with safety and reliability.

Selective Yellow

Selective Yellow is a bright, pure yellow, often used in traffic lights and road signs for its excellent visibility and clarity.

Sizzling Sunrise

Sizzling Sunrise is a vibrant, warm blend of yellow and orange, evoking the beauty and energy of a sunrise. It’s an inspiring and uplifting color.

Straw

Straw is a pale, yellowish-tan color, reminiscent of dried straw. It’s a natural and understated color, offering a sense of rustic charm and simplicity.

Sunflower

Sunflower is a bright, cheerful yellow, reminiscent of the vibrant petals of a sunflower. It’s a color that symbolizes happiness and vitality.

Sunglow

Sunglow is a radiant, golden-yellow color, evoking the warm, glowing light of the sun. It’s a cheerful and energetic color, perfect for adding a touch of sunshine.

Sunray

Sunray is a warm, golden hue that captures the essence of a sunbeam. It’s a comforting and optimistic color, perfect for creating a cozy and inviting space.

Sunshine Yellow

Sunshine Yellow is a bright, happy yellow that brings to mind a sunny day. It’s a color full of energy and positivity, perfect for creating a joyful and lively atmosphere.

Titanium Yellow

Titanium Yellow is a pale, slightly greenish-yellow, offering a modern and industrial feel. It’s a subtle and sophisticated color, perfect for contemporary designs.

Trombone

Trombone is a deep, brassy yellow, reminiscent of the musical instrument. It’s a rich and resonant color, perfect for adding depth and warmth.

True Yellow

True Yellow is a pure, bright shade of yellow, offering a sense of clarity and simplicity. It’s a fundamental color, perfect for creating a focal point or accent.

Tuscany

Tuscany is a warm, muted shade of yellow, reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside. It’s a sophisticated and earthy color, perfect for creating a rustic and cozy atmosphere.

Unmellow Yellow

Unmellow Yellow is a bright, intense yellow, offering a bold and energetic presence. It’s a color that stands out and makes a statement, perfect for dynamic and lively designs.

Wheat

Wheat is a light, neutral tan with a warm yellow undertone, reminiscent of fields of wheat. It’s a calming and versatile color, perfect for creating a natural and relaxed atmosphere.

Xanthic

Xanthic is a bright, lemon-yellow color, named after the yellow pigment found in plants. It’s a vibrant and lively color, perfect for adding a pop of brightness.

Yellow Munsell

Yellow Munsell is a standardized shade of yellow in the Munsell color system, known for its purity and consistency. It’s a fundamental color, perfect for accurate color matching.

Yellow Crayola

Yellow Orange

Yellow Orange is a warm blend of yellow and orange, evoking the colors of autumn leaves and sunsets. It’s a cozy and inviting color, perfect for adding warmth and vibrancy.

Yellow Tan

Yellow Tan is a muted, tan color with a yellow undertone, offering a subtle and warm presence. It’s a versatile and comforting color, perfect for creating a soft and inviting space.

Shades of Yellow and Interior Design

Interior designers use colors to set moods, and the yellow shades are set for making warm, bright, and sunny atmospheres. Generally used to stimulate communication and energize people. However, there is a chance of yellow overstimulating the mind if used incorrectly or excessively.

Usually, light-yellow shades are better suited for interior wall colors. You will then be able to add a hint of brighter yellow shades as accent accessories such as rugs, pillows, and lampshades. Some say that using yellow in a baby’s room can overstimulate a child, which may result in lots of tears and too many sleepless nights, however, there is not anything to back this claim up.

Choosing the best yellow shades to use for interior design is very important because this color can create a positive or negative effect on a room. In other words, your entire space relies on the hues you select! Light yellow shades could be used as an accent wall alongside neutral tones such as beige, white, and gray. As we discussed previously in this article, excessive use of yellow can produce irritation and nervous feelings. The best way to combat this would be to only use hints of bright yellow shades in moderation. Have a look at our list to see how you could incorporate yellow into your home:

• You can use light yellow shades to coat the walls of rooms that have little natural light.
• Use yellow-colored décor to bring warmth to an otherwise boring, neutral-colored room.
• Design a yellow color scheme by choosing one dark neutral color and balancing it with two shades of yellow and use as accents
• A trendy color combination with shades of yellow is a mix of gray, white, or cream and vibrant colors with red, blue, and black to be used as accents.
• The ideal contrasting colors to yellow are navy blue and purple
• Try to combine mustard yellow and teal color
• Consider using pastel shade combinations such as pink and yellow
• Various yellow shades work well together with shades of green

Shades of Yellow and Digital Marketing

Using yellow shades for digital marketing is often seen as a warm and welcoming color. When it comes to branding, this is a less aggressive choice, compared to the attention-grabbing color red! Using light yellow shades is not used for web design as it doesn’t overwhelm the onlooker. The yellow color is often used to market products for children and food and some designers feel that yellow is seen as a childish color. Accordingly, we see it used more often for children’s products.

Branded products such as DHL courier, McDonald’s restaurants, Cheerios cereal, and National Geographic have chosen to use the yellow color as part of their logo design.

All of these brands have something in common, they wanted to create something memorable and also promote a sense of happiness and sunny disposition for their brilliant service. Using yellow in their marketing design has allowed them to cement their brand in our lives forever.

When designing your brand’s color palette, you must decide what your brand’s association with that specific color will be. When choosing yellow, you will need to experiment with yellow shades and possibly use light yellow shades. You may otherwise look too similar to the bigger, more well-known brands that use the yellow color.

In web design, it is best to use shades of yellow as the accent color and hints to create a balanced feeling, consider trying a monochromatic approach and explore the color combination hues of yellow, oranges, and pinks. Choosing the best color to represent your brand needs a lot of thought and planning.

Shades of Yellow for Fashion Design

Pantone paints declared that in 2021, the colors of the year would be Ultimate Gray and Illuminating Yellow. This paired color combination would provide a state of harmony, hope, and stability. Gray is one of the most versatile colors to work with, combined with hints of yellow, such as a scarf or a yellow hat or handbag, you would look incredibly eye-catching and unique!

The numerous ways to complement light yellow shades with other colors. Below are some suggestions when including yellow shades in your attire.

• Try a basic yellow top or pullover, perfect for a pair of jeans, black tights, or white slacks.
• If plain yellow is too overwhelming, a yellow striped top could be an option Pair this with neutral colors.
• Consider wearing light yellow shades instead of bright yellow garments.
• Try on a pretty yellow color dress combined with neutral color sandals or petite black shoes paired with a short yellow skirt. Wearing light yellow shades can make an individual look healthy and youthful.
• A blazer or smart-casual jacket in yellow, combined with classic pants, or a pair of jeans, can make any outfit pop. This sort of outfit can be dressed up or dressed down.
• A warm shade of yellow sweater with dark pants on a night out. Yellow is generally seen as a warm color making it a fantastic contrast to the cool night air.
• Try on a pair of yellow shorts or pants. This combination may not suit everyone, but when paired with a white or dark top or other neutral colors, it can make for a lovely smart casual look.
• A pair of yellow gumboots or shoes brings fun to any outfit.

As you can see, yellow shades are everywhere around us. There is no need to shy away from the color yellow, even though it can seem like an intimidating color. Using shades of yellow can bring warmth, happiness, and fun to your home and design work, but it can be an overbearing color in some circumstances. Luckily, there are many shades of yellow to choose from to suit your specific project, be it in fashion, digital media, or even within your home!

Charlene Lewis( Content Creator and Creativity Writer )

In 2005, Charlene completed her Wellness Diplomas in Therapeutic Aromatherapy and Reflexology from the International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy. She worked for a company offering corporate wellness programs for a couple of years, before opening up her own therapy practice. It was in 2015 that a friend, who was a digital marketer, asked her to join her company as a content creator, and this is where she found her excitement for writing.

Since joining the content writing world, she has gained a lot of experience over the years writing on a diverse selection of topics, from beauty, health, wellness, travel, and more. Due to various circumstances, she had to close her therapy practice and is now a full-time freelance writer. Being a creative person, she could not pass up the opportunity to contribute to the Art in Context team, where is was in her element, writing about a variety of art and craft topics. Contributing articles for over three years now, her knowledge in this area has grown, and she has gotten to explore her creativity and improve her research and writing skills.

Charlene Lewis has been working for artincontext.org since the relaunch in 2020. She is an experienced writer and mainly focuses on the topics of color theory, painting and drawing.

Learn more about Charlene Lewis and the Art in Context Team.