Decorating Guides
Transform a Room With a Splash of Yellow
A beautiful piece of yellow furniture can give a room an instant shot of joy
A shot of yellow can add a zesty energy to our homes. If you haven’t embraced this color yet, a simple yellow chair is an easy starting point — it’s not scary, and it will definitely lift your decor. Shades of yellow range from pale primrose to muted mustard, with lots of hues in between, so there’s bound to be one to suit you.
Or paint the entire thing. Here, yellow paint has transformed a traditional chair, giving a calm, traditional piece a whole new vibe. The depth of color is similar to that of the gray wall and table it sits with, so although the chair is clearly much brighter, the look is still balanced.
Highlight a gray scheme. Gray and yellow are a great combination. This bedroom is soft and muted, with a restful ambience, while the desk area has been given a zesty energy with a yellow designer chair.
If you prefer to keep things relatively plain, this is a good way to introduce color without its being overwhelming.
If you prefer to keep things relatively plain, this is a good way to introduce color without its being overwhelming.
Make a plain desk more fun. A desk area is a practical space, but it can be attractive too. A yellow chair adds add a little zing to any task.
Go for bold designs with muted tones. The two muted yellow elements in this room work to bring the eye around the space.
Bring life to a breakfast table. Sunshine-yellow chairs help get the day off to a bright start.
If you have a set of tired old wooden chairs and want a speedy way to update them, apply some primer, then arm yourself with a can of spray paint and transform them to yummy yellow in just a day.
See how to paint a chair
If you have a set of tired old wooden chairs and want a speedy way to update them, apply some primer, then arm yourself with a can of spray paint and transform them to yummy yellow in just a day.
See how to paint a chair
Pair a mellow yellow with navy. An egg-yolk-yellow velvet chair warms up the deep tones in this room. The hue has a depth similar to the wood tones, so it doesn’t shout or overpower the other elements.
Wake up your bathroom. A white bathroom can look somewhat clinical, but a yellow chair and some matching furniture can add energy. If you’re short on space, opt for a stool instead, which will be just as useful to throw a towel over while you shower.
In a steamy environment, a plastic or acrylic piece is ideal, as it won’t be affected by the humidity.
In a steamy environment, a plastic or acrylic piece is ideal, as it won’t be affected by the humidity.
Don’t forget the garden. Yellow chairs brighten a courtyard and invite you to come outside more often.
More: See more on decorating with yellow
More: See more on decorating with yellow
Try it yourself with secondhand chairs with good lines. Tape off the seats and backs, sand down the legs and apply at least two coats of semigloss paint, allowing the paint to dry throughly between coats.