You can almost smell the zest of the color lemon yellow thanks to its association with the namesake fruit. A lemon yellow color exudes the vibrance of a sunny summer’s day. On the other hand, you don’t want a lemon color palette that is garishly bright. Here are 7 of the best lemon yellow color combinations that makes sure your look pops in all the best ways. From lemon color combinations that are playful like lemon yellow and green to sophisticated like lemon yellow and grey, there’s bound to be a lemon yellow combination that works for you.
What Color is Lemon Yellow?
The color lemon yellow is a highly saturated hue known for being bright and fresh. Obviously the color lemon yellow is supposed to represent the color of lemon fruit. Lemon yellow is a bold color even in all of its various shades. A small amount can create a bold contrast that provides a major pop when needed.
Lemon yellow shades from pale yellow to green yellow.
Lemon yellow is a vibrant yellow with a hint of orange. Crayola retired the color lemon yellow from in 1990. Crayola now goes with a color called Brilliant Yellow, similar to the sunshine yellow we saw trend in 2021.
Lemon Yellow Color Code
A particularly vibrant shade of yellow, the lemon yellow color RGB value is made with the primary colors 250 (red), 250 (green), 51 (blue). Note that its equal parts red and green. The lemon yellow hex code is FAFA33.
The closest Pantone lemon yellow is called lemon tonic which channels the cheerfulness of yellow.
Lemon Yellow Color Theory
Monochromatic colors are different shades of the same color ranging from darker to lighter shades. You get lemon yellow shades by adding black to a color. Different shades of yellow can go as dark as an olive green. A monochromatic color scheme for lemon yellow can get as dark as golden yellows.
Other useful elements of traditional color theory that you can try include analogous colors, complementary colors, split complementary colors and triad colors.
Analogous colors are near other on the color wheel and provide a visually soothing color scheme. In the case of lemon yellow, the analogous colors are royal orange and inchworm green (a vibrant green).
Complementary color schemes go together because they are opposite colors on the color wheel. A complementary color scheme has a high contrast and catches a viewer’s attention. The complementary color for lemon yellow is ultramarine blue.
Split complementary colors are the two colors on the opposite side of the complementary color (i.e., the one right across from lemon yellow on the color wheel). The split complementary colors for lemon yellow are light blue and a bluish purple like lavender indigo. The use of contrasting colors makes a lemon yellow color palette pop even more.
A triadic palette are three colors evenly spaced out on the color scheme. In the case of lemon yellow, a triadic palette is created with aqua and fuchsia (aka Shocking Pink in your favourite Crayon box).
A chart that shows what colors go with lemon yellow color
You get tints of lemon yellow by adding white to the color and tones of lemon yellow by adding grey to the color.
Along with lemon yellow, you get colors that range from a light lemon yellow like lemon meringue to a deep yellow. They have such evocative names like lemon cream (a light yellow almost champagne color), laser lemon, lemon chiffon (a light yellowish green) and bitter lemon, all of them warm yellows.
A lemon yellow Eames Eiffel rocking chair provides an unexpected splash of color in this white bathroom.
What Colors Go With Lemon Yellow?
A lemon yellow combination can work in many settings and amp up the color temperature. A great color reminiscent of citrus fruits, lemon yellow is attention-grabbing but also warm and cheerful.
The best qualities of yellow is that it is a happy color associated with flowers, sunshine and summer. Work with its happy connotations by pairing it with green, blue and pink for a youthful, optimistic vibe.
Lemon yellow and green are a natural color combination.
Tone down lemon yellow’s energy by pairing a neutral with a lemon yellow color combination like grey, white or brown.
Green and lemon yellow
The color green and the color yellow go hand in hand in many ways. Green is a secondary color that contains a fair bit of yellow within it.
On the analogous color scheme inchworm green goes well with lemon yellow. Other color theory greens that go well with lemon yellow is a light malachite green.
The lemon yellow vase really pops in a green room (Image credit: Audenza)
The color scheme of lemon yellow and green is young and fresh and easy to pair, as analogous colors. Keep in mind how great a bowl of lime green and lemon yellow looks together!
For example, adding a sharp accent piece in lemon yellow, along with some vibrant houseplants, can really breathe new life into the room.
Lemon yellow and grey
Yellow and black are a popular color combination but if you don’t want to be associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers and/or a bumble bee, try a lemon yellow combination with grey tones.
Yellow wisteria wallpaper looks clean and crisp in a grey kitchen.
For an equally sophisticated feel, rather combine lemon yellow and grey. Multiple shades of grey can be combined for depth and splashes of yellow add interest to the otherwise subdued color scheme. The cheerfulness of the yellow will add dimension and interest to the grey especially if you are not comfortable with bright colors.
Lemon yellow and blue
Blue colors create one of the most dynamic color combinations for lemon yellow. Navy blue can teeter between upscale chic and new age nautical. Pair yellow and navy blue for a fresh look, perhaps for a Fall wedding colors?
Brighter blues such as a royal blue and yellow can bring a balance of playfulness and sophistication. A lemon yellow and blue color that goes well together is the complementary color, ultramarine blue. Other favorite ways of pairing lemon yellow and blue include electric blue and blue jeans or even cobalt blue.
Lemon yellow and blue coordinating beautifully in Taormina, Sicily.
Fully immerse a room into the cottage core aesthetic with delft pottery filled with actual lemons or bright yellow tulips as an accent choice.
Lemon yellow and pink
For something bold, the popular choice hot pink and lemon yellow is a playful nod to the 60s.This retro-inspired combination is reminiscent of pop art from the likes of Warhol and Keith Haring.
A lemon yellow combination with grey and pink and white. (Image credit: Talking Tables)
Consider hot pinks as an accent color like brilliant rose, shocking pink or fuchsia.
Lemon yellow and white
This is a super simple color combination and a great idea for lemon color palettes seeing as lemon yellow has a fair bit of white in the mix. Lemon yellow offers plenty of contrast to white accents creating a clean, crisp look.
Check out the lemon yellow color combination made with white.
Lemon yellow and white is one of the favourite ways of making wedding colors modern and fresh making for a clean chic contrast look. It’s the perfect yellow color scheme for symbolising happiness and new beginnings.
Lemon yellow and brown
Lemon yellow and brown is a calming color combination. Both colors are warm and welcoming, yet lemon yellow accents adds a brightness to brown making it look modern.
Rich tones from wooden furniture are the perfect complement to lemon yellow. Dark chocolate brown leather and walnut or mahogany wood latches on to the warm nature of lemon yellow.
For a brighter alternative, choose light brown wood along with earthy textiles and beige accents to play with the white tones in lemon yellow.
A lemon color palette with browns.
Lemon yellow and turquoise
Yellow and turquoise is an eye-catching combination if you like bright colors. Yellow and turquoise are opposites on the color chart yet together they provide a vibrant look. Turquoise can either be a cool color or a warm color which works with the brightness of the yellow.
Lemon yellow and turquoise really pop as a color palette.
You can go slightly lighter and pair lemon yellow with aqua, or go slightly darker and pair lemon yellow with teal. Check out British artist’s The Cure (top left) which uses a color combination of teal, coral and lemon yellow.
Remember a small amount of lemon yellow and turquoise goes a long way!
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