Is Yellow a Good Colour for a Bedroom

When it comes to decorating your bedroom, picking the right colour can sometimes feel like a really big decision. After all, you do spend a good portion of time there – whether that’s sleeping, lounging, reading, or maybe just going for a bit of peace and quiet. For those of you who love your bold colours, I'm sure you’ve wondered before: is yellow a good colour for a bedroom? 

Now, it's understandable this may not be to everyone’s taste. For some yellow would be considered far too bright to be a relaxing bedroom colour, but for others it could be that cosy sunshine room that just makes you feel warm inside.  

Simply put, yellow is one of those colours that can either be absolutely brilliant or a bit of a disaster – depending on how you use it. So, let’s look into it a bit further. 

The psychology of yellow 

First of all, we thought we would quickly mention colour psychology – that’s just a fancy way of saying how different colours make us feel. Yellow has long since been associated with happiness, optimism, warmth and an inviting energy (1). Think all things beautiful - sunshine, daffodils, lemons – all giving cheerful, feel-good vibes. 

But yellow can also be a bit too visually stimulating if overdone. In large doses or a shade that’s just a smidge too bright, it might actually make a room feel overwhelming. Some people even find that an intense yellow can be agitating, with it seriously impacting their ability to sleep or relax. 

So, in a bedroom, where the main goal is usually winding down, the shade of yellow and how you choose to use it are the key to having that pop of colour without it feeling ‘too much’. 

Different shades of yellow

Not all yellows are created equal. There’s a world of difference between a soft buttery yellow and a neon highlighter shade. We’ve made a quick rundown of the most common shades: 

• Pale Yellow / Buttermilk / Creamy Tones: These shades can work really great for bedrooms. They have a light, airy and calming feel to them – certainly a good alternative to plain white. They beautifully bounce the light around, making the room feel bigger and brighter, without being in-your-face. 

• Sunflower / Mustard / Ochre: These deeper, richer yellows can add warmth and character while having a luxurious feel to them. When used wisely, they can make a bedroom feel cosy and inviting. They pair wonderfully with greys, navy, or natural wood elements to bring a modern, grown-up vibe. 

• Bright Neon Yellow / Canary: These bright yellows are better used as accents rather than committing to painting your entire room – some throw cushions, a chunky blanket, a bit of artwork or a lampshade could work great. But hey, if you love this neon yellow vibe then who are we to judge, you do you.  

Light and space – it makes a difference 

Here’s where it gets interesting. The direction your bedroom faces (north, south, east or west) makes a big difference to how yellow appears visually. Lighting plays a huge role: 

• North-facing bedrooms: These can feel a bit cold and dark, especially in the winter months. A soft warm yellow can really lift the space, give it that glow and make it feel more welcoming. 
• South-facing bedrooms: These lucky spaces already get loads of natural light. A more muted yellow would work well so it doesn’t feel too bright or extreme. 
• East-facing bedrooms: Get that beautiful morning sunshine peeking through. A cheerful yellow can work really nicely here, waking you up in the best way. 
• West-facing rooms: These catch the evening sun. A mellow yellow will help to further enhance that golden-hour glow making the space feel warm and restful. 

So, before you grab the paint roller, have a little sit in your room and see how the light moves through it. That’ll give you a better idea of what sort of yellow (if any) could work best. 

How to use yellow in the bedroom without regret 

You don’t have to go full commitment on all four walls to enjoy yellow in your bedroom. Here are a few more subtle (and less risky) ways to bring it in: 

1. Accent walls 

If you’re a bit hesitant, why not try painting just one wall yellow – maybe the wall behind your bed. It can add warmth and interest without taking over the whole room, plus your headboard will help to break the yellow up visually, stopping it from feeling like a big blank yellow wall. 

2. A yellow bed frame or statement headboard 

How about a yellow, gold, or mustard bed frame instead? Our Staples & Co Divan base is available in a warm muted golden upholstery; and our mellow yellow ELLE Home Emmeline Ottoman bed frame is a great option for those looking to the paler of the yellow colour spectrum. 

And if you’re not ready to commit to a gold or yellow bed just yet, how about an Indian gold statement headboard? With floor standing headboards, strutted ones, and more to consider, you can enjoy being spoilt for choice at Bensons. 

3. Soft furnishings 

Throws, cushions, curtains or bedding in shades of yellow can completely change the feel of a room. Plus, they’re easy to swap out if you change your mind later on. You could even just start with a couple of yellow items, paired with complementary colours like navy or grey. 

4. Artwork and accessories 

A yellow lamp, some sunny artwork, or a statement rug can really brighten up a neutral room. It’s a great way to experiment with the colour without making too big a commitment. 

5. Furniture 

A yellow bedside table (like our ELLE Home upholstered yellow bedside table) or chest of drawers can be a bold unique touch in an otherwise calm space. Just try to make sure it’s not too garish – think matte, mustard, or even vintage tones. 

Yellow + other colours = magic (or mayhem) 

Yellow on its own can be a bit much, but paired with the right colours, it can really shine. Here’s what we think of popular colour combos: 

• Yellow + Grey: A modern classic. Grey tones down the brightness of yellow, while yellow lifts the coolness of grey. 
• Yellow + Navy: Bold, dramatic and sophisticated. Add some brass accents or a wooden bed frame and you’ve got a seriously stylish room. 
• Yellow + White: Clean, fresh, and bright. Great for smaller spaces. 
• Yellow + Green: Done carefully, this can feel very earthy and natural – think lemon and olive, not neon and lime. 

Just be careful to avoid mixing yellow with too many other bold shades, unless you’re going for that very eclectic, maximalist look. 

So, is yellow good for a bedroom? 

In short, we may be biased but yes – yellow can be a brilliant colour for a bedroom. It just needs to be used thoughtfully. The right tone, the right placement, and the right combinations can transform your space into something that feels warm, uplifting and unique. 

If you're aiming for a calming bedroom retreat, opt for soft buttery tones. If you want something more dramatic or vintage, then mustard or ochre might be your best bet. And if you're still not sure, start small – a cushion here, a lampshade there. You can always build from there. 

So go on, give yellow a chance – it might just surprise you. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-color-psychology-of-yellow-2795823