How do I choose a paint color that doesn't look yellow?
Understand Undertones
Every paint color has an undertone, which is the subtle hue beneath the main color. If you want to avoid a yellow look, steer clear of colors with yellow, gold, or orange undertones. Instead, choose colors with blue, green, or violet undertones, or true neutrals that don't lean warm.
For example, a beige with yellow undertones can look downright yellow in certain lighting, while a greige (gray-beige) with a hint of green or blue will stay cooler. Check the paint chip in different lighting and compare it to a pure white to see its undertone more clearly.
- Look for terms like 'cool', 'northern', or 'blue-based' in color names.
- Compare the chip to a true white to spot any yellow cast.
- Avoid colors with 'cream', 'ivory', or 'butter' in the name if you don't want yellow.
- Test the color on a large sample board in your room before committing.
Consider Lighting
Lighting dramatically affects how a paint color appears. Incandescent bulbs cast a warm, yellow glow that can amplify yellow undertones, while cool white LEDs or daylight can make colors look bluer or greener. North-facing rooms tend to have cooler light, while south-facing rooms have warmer light.
To minimize yellow, choose a color that is slightly cooler than you think you want. In a room with warm lighting, a cool color will balance out and appear more neutral. Always test paint samples in your actual space under your actual lighting conditions.
- Test samples on all walls, as light varies throughout the day.
- Use daylight bulbs for a more accurate color representation.
- If your room has warm light, pick a cooler paint color to counteract it.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a paint chip will look the same in your room as it did in the store.
- Choosing a color based only on its name, which can be misleading about undertones.
- Ignoring the effect of artificial lighting, which can turn a neutral color yellow.
