There’s just something about a yellow kitchen that feels right. It’s warm, welcoming, and has this special way of making a space feel full of life. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of sunshine, fresh lemons, or that first cup of tea in the morning – either way, yellow just belongs in a kitchen.
If you’ve been here a while, you might remember my post on yellow kitchen décor that so many of you loved. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check it out [here]! It’s packed with ideas for adding yellow to your kitchen – whether you’re ready to go all in or just want to ease into it with a few accents. And with spring just around the corner, there’s no better time to bring a little sunshine indoors.
But we all know- choosing a yellow paint can be tricky. Too bright, and suddenly your kitchen feels overwhelming. Too muted, and it might not have that happy, cozy glow you’re after. The key is finding the just right shade that works with your cabinets, countertops, and natural light.
That’s exactly why I put together this list of 11 yellow paint colors I’m completely crushing on for kitchens. Whether you want something soft and subtle or bold and loud, there’s a shade here for you. Let’s dive in!
1. Sudbury Yellow – Farrow & Ball
If you love the idea of a yellow kitchen but don’t want anything too bright or trendy, Sudbury Yellow might just be the one. This deep, historic yellow has rich ochre undertones that give it a beautifully aged, lived-in feel – like it belongs in a charming old farmhouse (in the best way possible). It’s warm, full of character, and has just the right amount of depth to keep it from feeling too “sunny.”
Via: unshobbs
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: This shade works like magic with natural wood tones and classic white trim, making it a dream for traditional and rustic kitchens. It brings that perfect golden-hour glow to the space, making everything feel cozy, inviting, and just a little bit timeless. If you love a kitchen that feels warm and welcoming – without being overpoweringly bright – Sudbury Yellow is an absolute winner.
2. India Yellow – Farrow & Ball
Via: Sophie Dow
If you’re looking for a yellow that means business, India Yellow is it. This rich, earthy mustard hue has deep golden undertones that make it feel bold, sophisticated, and just the right amount of dramatic. It’s got that old-world charm – think antique European kitchens and well-loved patinaed walls – but still works beautifully in modern spaces. If you want a color that feels warm and luxurious, this is the one.
Via: devolkitchens
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: India Yellow brings an instant dose of coziness and depth – making your kitchen feel like the perfect place to linger over a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine). It pairs effortlessly with brass hardware, deep wood finishes, and even dark countertops. If you’re ready to make a statement without going too bold, this color is a dream.
Via: https://studioshamshiri.com/
3. Scullery Yellow – deVOL Kitchens
For those who love a soft, vintage-inspired kitchen, Scullery Yellow is pure perfection. It’s a beautifully muted yellow – gentle, warm, and joyful. Think of the kind of color that looks like it belongs in a charming country kitchen, nestled between well-loved wooden cabinets and antique crockery. It’s got that familiar, slightly lived-in feel that can make a space feel instantly cozy.
Via: devolkitchens
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: This shade was practically made for shaker-style cabinetry, aged brass accents, and farmhouse sinks. It’s subtle enough to be a neutral but still has just enough warmth to give your kitchen that soft glow. If you want a yellow that feels classic, unpretentious and timeless (without ever looking outdated), Scullery Yellow is a keeper.
4. Farrow’s Cream – Farrow & Ball
If you love the idea of yellow but don’t want to fully commit to a bold hue, Farrow’s Cream is the perfect compromise. This pale, creamy yellow has just a hint of warmth, making it feel soft, and quietly elegant. It’s one of those colors that works beautifully in any style of kitchen, from modern to traditional, because it’s subtle but still adds a little sunshine to the space.
Via: tapet-cafe
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: Farrow’s Cream is the ultimate light-and-airy shade, perfect for brightening up a kitchen without making it feel too yellow. It’s a great choice if you want your space to feel warm and welcoming but still fresh and neutral. Pair it with crisp white, soft grays, or natural wood for a timeless, serene kitchen that you’ll never get tired of.
5. Hay – Farrow & Ball
If a kitchen could feel like a warm summer afternoon in the countryside, Hay would be the color to make it happen. This soft, earthy yellow has just a hint of green, giving it a natural, organic feel. It’s warm but never too bold, making it the kind of color that feels like it’s always been there – easy, effortless, and perfectly at home in any cozy space.
Via: Itsmargoroth
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: Hay was made for farmhouse and country-style kitchens. It complements wooden accents beautifully, whether it’s butcher block countertops, open shelving, or rustic dining tables. If you want your kitchen to feel relaxed, laidback, and just a little bit snug, this shade is a perfect choice.
6. Oak Apple – Little Greene Paint Company
Not too bold, not too pale – Oak Apple is that happy medium of yellow that adds warmth without overwhelming a space. It’s got a soft golden undertone with just the right amount of depth, making it a shade that feels cheerful but still toned down. If you want your kitchen to have a subtle glow without going full-on sunflower, this is a great pick.
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: Oak Apple is incredibly versatile, working beautifully in both modern and classic kitchens. It’s warm enough to make a space feel cozy but muted enough to act almost as a neutral. Whether paired with crisp white, rich wood tones, or even deep blues and greens, this shade brings just the right amount of sunshine into your space.
7. Muga – Paint & Paper Library
For those who love deep, moody yellows with a Mediterranean edge, Muga is an absolute stunner. This shade leans into the richer, golden side of yellow, with a warmth that almost borders on terracotta. It has an old-world elegance that feels a little bit European, a little bit vintage, and totally chic.
Via: .theidlehandsblog
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: Muga is one of those shades that instantly adds depth and drama to a space. It looks incredible on kitchen cabinetry or as a wall color paired with natural stone countertops and warm wood accents. If you want a yellow that feels elevated and a little bit unexpected, this one’s for you.
8. Butter Up – Sherwin Williams
If the name alone doesn’t make you smile, the color definitely will. Butter Up is a classic buttery yellow that feels soft, warm, and just the right amount of sunny. It’s bright enough to bring energy into a space but muted enough to never feel overpowering. Think of the kind of color that makes a kitchen feel instantly happy and inviting – this is it.
Via: Mainehomesmagazine
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: Butter Up is especially great for kitchens that don’t get a ton of natural light since it brings a natural brightness to the space. It makes everything feel warm and cozy, perfect for a welcoming, homey kitchen. If you want a cheerful yellow that isn’t too bold or too pastel, this one is a winner.
9. Saffron – Neptune Kitchens
If you want a yellow that feels warm, bold, and just a little bit spicy, Saffron is the way to go. This deep golden hue leans into the richer side of yellow, bringing instant depth and warmth to any space. It has that slightly exotic, well-traveled feel – like something you’d find in a sun-drenched Mediterranean kitchen. It’s dramatic, but in a way that still feels good and cozy.
Via: Neptune
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: Saffron makes a statement without being too loud, making it perfect for anyone who wants a bolder kitchen that still feels timeless. It pairs beautifully with deep blues or forest greens, creating a striking contrast that feels rich and layered. Whether used on cabinetry or as a wall color, this shade will bring an intimacy that makes your kitchen feel like the heart of the home.
10. Lemonade – Tikkurila Paint
Light, fresh, and simply uplifting, Lemonade is like a burst of sunshine in paint form. It’s a soft pastel yellow that feels crisp and invigorating – never too bold, never too dull. If you love the idea of yellow but want something that feels airy and modern, this is a perfect pick.
Via: Cooneynest
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: This shade is ideal for brightening up a kitchen without dominating the space. It works beautifully in modern designs, pairs effortlessly with white, soft gray, and even pale blues for a fresh, clean aesthetic. If you want a kitchen that feels light, happy, and sunlit, Lemonade is a great way to go.
11. Quince – Neptune
Rich, deep, and full of cottagecore charm, Quince is one of those yellows that feels like it belongs in a cozy, well-loved kitchen. With just a hint of ochre, it has that slightly aged, old-world feel – like something you’d see in a classic English country home. It’s warm, rustic, and has just the right amount of depth to make it interesting without feeling too heavy.
Via: Neptune
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: Quince works beautifully in shaker-style kitchens, pairing effortlessly with rustic wood tones, antique brass, and soft neutrals. It’s a color that feels nostalgic but not outdated – perfect for anyone who wants a kitchen that’s both cozy and rustic. Whether on cabinetry, walls, or even just an accent piece, this shade will bring warmth and character to any kitchen.
12. Trumpington – Edward Bulmer Paint
Elegant, soft, and full of vintage charm, Trumpington is a beautifully muted yellow with a gentle, creamy warmth. It leans toward a classic, heritage-inspired palette – tasteful but approachable. This shade has a subtle depth that keeps it from feeling too pastel and therefore a great choice for both traditional and modern spaces.
Via: katycronk
Why it’s perfect for the kitchen: Trumpington brings warmth and character to a kitchen without overpowering the space. It pairs neatly with natural wood tones, off-whites, and soft greens – perfect for a cozy, welcoming kitchen. On cabinets, walls, or just a pop of color on an island, this shade is bound to infuse a gentle, laidback mood into your kitchen.
My Tips for Choosing the Perfect Yellow for Your Kitchen
Well, finding the right yellow for your kitchen isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal – it’s more about striking the perfect balance between warmth, vibrancy, and the overall vibe you want to create. Yellow can be cheerful and energizing, but if you’re not careful, it can also overwhelm the space or fall flat.
The trick is in choosing a shade that feels just right for your kitchen’s style and natural light. So, before you dive into the world of yellows, here are a few tips to help you pick the one that’ll make your kitchen the right amount of sunny:
Consider the Light:
Natural light plays a huge role in how yellow will look in your kitchen. If your space gets a lot of sunlight, a deeper golden or ochre-toned yellow can balance the brightness without looking washed out. In a darker kitchen, softer, buttery yellows can help lift the space and make it feel warmer and more intimate. Always test a sample at different times of the day!
Think About the Undertones:
Not all yellows are created equal! Some have green undertones (like Hay), giving them a more earthy, organic feel, while others lean into orange or mustard tones (like India Yellow or Saffron) for a richer, deeper look. If you want a fresher, crisper yellow, look for one with cooler, pastel-like undertones (like Lemonade).
Pair It with the Right Materials:
Yellow works beautifully with a variety of finishes, but certain pairings can make or break the look. Soft, creamy yellows play well with warm wood tones and classic white trim, while deeper, golden yellows look incredible alongside brass hardware, deep greens, and dark countertops. If your kitchen has a lot of stainless steel, consider a muted or earthy yellow to keep things balanced.
Decide How Bold You Want to Go:
If you’re not quite ready to paint all your walls yellow, you can start small! Try it on a feature wall, inside glass cabinets, or even just on an island. If you do want to go all in, make sure the tone works with your cabinetry and flooring for a seamless look.
Test, Test, Test!
Yellow can be tricky – it often looks much brighter on a full wall than it does on a tiny paint swatch. Always sample a few shades before committing. Paint a large section on your wall or use peel-and-stick samples to see how the color shifts throughout the day. You might be surprised by which one ends up being the perfect fit!
At the end of the day, the best yellow is the one that makes your kitchen feel warm, cozy, and so very you. Whether you like to go soft and subtle or deep and dramatic – there’s a yellow out there waiting to bring some sunshine into your space.
As we head into spring, there’s no better time to inject a little sunshine into your home. The days are getting longer, the flowers are starting to bloom, and your kitchen is just begging for a burst of color. Yellow is the perfect way to bring that fresh, happy energy indoors – whether you’re ready to commit to a bold new hue or simply add a few subtle accents. It’s a color that feels like the season itself – bright, warm, and full of life.
If you’re loving the idea of yellow but are also curious about how it works in other rooms, I’ve got you covered! You might want to check out my posts on yellow bedroom decor and yellow living room decor– they’re packed with ideas for bringing this cheerful color into your entire home.
And if yellow isn’t quite your thing (or if you’re looking for more color inspiration), don’t worry! I’ve got a whole collection of paint color posts to inspire you, from dark and moody to warm neutrals. Just head over to my list of color posts for more vibrant ideas to update your space!
- 20 Best Neutral Paint Colors Of All Times: Part 1 & Part 2
- 20 Best Paint Colors for Small Laundry Rooms
- 20 Best Colors for Small Bathrooms
- Best Paint Colors for Your Home’s Interiors
- 10 Dark & Moody Paint Colors for Your Laundry Rooms
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