What Color Goes With Yellow?
Discover which colors go well with yellow using our free color matching tool. Get instant color combinations across 60+ color palette themes.
#FFFF00Yellow, a bright and cheerful primary color, creates energetic combinations with many colors. This vibrant hue brings warmth and positivity to any space or design.
Contents
Optimal Color Combinations for Yellow
Based on scientific color theory principles, these combinations create strong and effective contrasts with yellow.
- Yellow + Purple:A complementary contrast that creates dynamic visual tension.
#FFFF00#800080 - Yellow + Blue:A warm-cool contrast that produces strong visual interest.
#FFFF00#0000FF - Yellow + Black:The highest legibility contrast for maximum visibility.
#FFFF00#000000
Popular Uses for Yellow
Interior Design
Yellow's proven visibility led to its iconic use in McDonald's early restaurant design. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recognizes its ability to increase perceived space in small rooms, while construction safety protocols mandate its use in hazard warnings.
Fashion & Accessories
Featured regularly in Pantone's Spring/Summer Trend Reports, yellow dominates safety wear due to OSHA visibility requirements. Sports brands incorporate it extensively in high-visibility athletic wear.
Graphic Design
ANSI and ISO safety color standards mandate yellow for warning signs, particularly in ISO 3864 safety signals. Digital accessibility guidelines consistently recommend yellow with black for maximum readability contrast.
Color Psychology
Yellow significantly increases measured alertness in test subjects compared to neutral environments.
Source: Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2019
Yellow has the highest visibility rating of any color in the spectrum, making it exceptionally noticeable.
Source: Color Research & Application, 2020
Yellow stimulates mental activity and generates muscle energy in controlled studies.
Source: Faber Birren, "Color Psychology and Color Therapy"
Color Schemes with Yellow
Below, explore a variety of color schemes with yellow.
Complementary
High contrast and vibrant combinations using colors opposite each other on the color wheel.
Analogous
Harmonious combinations using colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel.
Triadic
Dynamic and balanced combinations using three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel.
Split Complementary
High contrast but less tension than complementary, using a base color and two colors adjacent to its complement.
Tetradic
Rich and bold combinations using four colors arranged into two complementary pairs.
Square
Four colors evenly spaced around the color wheel, creating a balanced and dynamic palette.
Compound
A combination of complementary and analogous colors, creating rich and sophisticated palettes.
Monochromatic
Subtle and sophisticated combinations using variations in lightness and saturation of a single color.
Achromatic
A range from white to black through your chosen color, perfect for creating depth and hierarchy.
Shades & Tints
Lighter and darker variations of the base color, perfect for creating depth and hierarchy.
Pastel Variation
Soft, light, and desaturated versions creating a gentle and soothing palette.
Earth Tones
Natural and warm combinations inspired by soil, wood, and stone.
Jewel Tones
Rich, deep, and saturated colors reminiscent of precious stones.
Vintage
Muted and timeless combinations with a nostalgic feel.
Neon
Vibrant and energetic combinations with maximum impact.
Muted
Subtle and sophisticated combinations with reduced saturation.
Deep
Rich and intense combinations with darker values.
Metallic
Sophisticated combinations reminiscent of metallic finishes.
Retro
Bold and nostalgic combinations inspired by vintage design.
Nature
Organic combinations inspired by natural landscapes and flora.
Sunset
Warm and dramatic combinations inspired by dusk skies.
Ocean
Cool and calming combinations inspired by marine depths.
Forest
Deep and rich combinations inspired by woodland scenery.
Autumn
Warm and cozy combinations inspired by fall foliage.
Spring
Fresh and vibrant combinations inspired by spring blossoms.
Winter
Cool and crisp combinations inspired by winter landscapes.
Summer
Bright and cheerful combinations inspired by summer days.
Minimalist
Clean and simple combinations with reduced complexity.
Futuristic
Bold and dynamic combinations with a modern tech feel.
Energetic
Vibrant and dynamic combinations full of movement and life.
Serene
Peaceful and calming combinations for relaxing atmospheres.
Dramatic
Bold and intense combinations that command attention.
Elegant
Refined and sophisticated combinations with subtle transitions.
Urban
Modern and sophisticated combinations inspired by city life.
Japanese
Subtle and balanced combinations inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Nordic
Clean and minimal combinations inspired by Scandinavian design.
Art Deco
Luxurious and bold combinations inspired by the Art Deco movement.
Tech
Modern and sleek combinations inspired by technology and digital design.
Mediterranean
Warm and sun-washed combinations inspired by coastal Mediterranean style.
Industrial
Raw and utilitarian combinations inspired by industrial design.
Bohemian
Free-spirited and eclectic combinations with rich, varied tones.
Tropical
Vibrant and exotic combinations inspired by tropical landscapes.
Modern Luxury
Sophisticated and premium combinations for luxury branding.
Natural Wood
Warm and organic combinations inspired by wood grains and textures.
Glass
Transparent and light combinations inspired by glass and crystal.
Stone
Natural and timeless combinations inspired by stone textures.
Digital
High-tech and dynamic combinations for digital interfaces.
Fashion
Trendy and contemporary combinations for fashion design.
Wellness
Calming and balanced combinations for health and wellness.
Gaming
Bold and energetic combinations popular in gaming aesthetics.
Royal
Majestic and opulent combinations inspired by historical royal palaces and regalia.
Chinese
Rich and symbolic combinations inspired by traditional Chinese culture.
Indian
Vibrant and festive combinations inspired by Indian art and culture.
Desert
Warm and earthy combinations inspired by desert landscapes.
Aurora
Ethereal and luminous combinations inspired by the Northern Lights.
Cyberpunk
High-contrast and neon-inspired combinations for futuristic designs.
Baroque
Opulent and dramatic combinations inspired by 17th-century Baroque art and architecture.
Gothic
Dark and mysterious combinations inspired by Gothic architecture and aesthetics.
Safari
Wild and adventurous combinations inspired by African landscapes and wildlife.
Nautical
Classic maritime combinations inspired by the sea, ships, and sailing traditions.
Romantic
Soft and dreamy combinations perfect for romantic and tender themes.
Medieval
Rich and historical combinations inspired by medieval art and heraldry.
Celestial
Ethereal and mystical combinations inspired by stars, nebulae, and cosmic phenomena.
Moroccan
Exotic and rich combinations inspired by Moroccan architecture and textiles.
Greek
Mediterranean-inspired combinations with a focus on blues and whites.
Zen
Minimal and balanced combinations promoting tranquility.
Abstract
Bold and unconventional combinations for creative expression.
Botanical
Fresh and natural combinations inspired by plants and gardens.
Rustic
Warm and weathered combinations inspired by country living.
Cosmic
Deep and mysterious combinations inspired by space and galaxies.
Scandinavian
Clean and minimal combinations inspired by Nordic design.
Neon Pop
Ultra-vibrant and electric combinations for maximum visual impact.
Watercolor
Soft and flowing combinations reminiscent of watercolor paintings.
Steampunk
Industrial and vintage combinations with a mechanical aesthetic.
Candy
Sweet and playful combinations inspired by confectionery.
Film Noir
Dramatic and moody combinations inspired by classic film noir.
Art Nouveau
Elegant and organic combinations inspired by the Art Nouveau movement.
Psychedelic
Intense and vibrant combinations inspired by 1960s psychedelic art.
Frozen
Cool and crystalline combinations inspired by ice and snow.
Desert Night
Deep and mysterious combinations inspired by nighttime desert landscapes.
Rainforest
Lush and vibrant combinations inspired by tropical rainforests.
Volcanic
Hot and intense combinations inspired by volcanic landscapes.
Coral Reef
Vibrant and diverse combinations inspired by coral reef ecosystems.
Crystal
Clear and prismatic combinations inspired by crystal formations.
Neon Nights
Electric and vibrant combinations inspired by city nightlife.
Mystic
Mysterious and enchanting combinations with a magical feel.
Holographic
Iridescent and prismatic combinations inspired by holographic effects.
Neon Tokyo
Vibrant and futuristic combinations inspired by Tokyo's neon cityscape.
Synthwave
Retro-futuristic combinations inspired by 80s synthwave aesthetics.
Fairy Tale
Whimsical and enchanting combinations for magical storytelling.
Neon Sunset
Electric sunset combinations with vibrant neon accents.
Underwater
Serene and mysterious combinations inspired by deep ocean environments.
Neon Jungle
Tropical combinations with electric neon accents.
Stained Glass
Rich and luminous combinations inspired by stained glass windows.
Neon Retro
Nostalgic combinations with bright neon highlights.
Enchanted Forest
Mystical and verdant combinations inspired by magical forests.
Neon Dawn
Energetic combinations inspired by sunrise with neon accents.
Cosmic Storm
Dynamic and turbulent combinations inspired by cosmic phenomena.
Bioluminescent
Glowing and ethereal combinations inspired by bioluminescent organisms.
Quantum
Mysterious and complex combinations inspired by quantum physics visualizations.
Origami
Precise and delicate combinations inspired by the art of paper folding.
Plasma
Energetic and fluid combinations inspired by plasma physics.
Constellation
Sparkling and celestial combinations inspired by star patterns.
Prism
Spectral and refractive combinations inspired by light through crystal prisms.
Iridescent
Shimmering and color-shifting combinations inspired by butterfly wings and soap bubbles.
Vapor
Dreamy and ethereal combinations with a misty, translucent quality.
Gemstone
Brilliant and faceted combinations inspired by precious and semi-precious stones.
Textile
Woven and textural combinations inspired by fabric and fiber arts.
Porcelain
Delicate and refined combinations inspired by fine ceramics.
Opal
Delicate and iridescent combinations inspired by precious opals.
Terracotta
Warm and earthy combinations inspired by sun-baked clay.
Phosphorescent
Glowing and luminescent combinations inspired by bioluminescent organisms.