Q&A: Should I Go Yellow?

Question from a reader:

I'm moving into an apartment that receives northwest light and the living room feels dark. I've read that painting a room yellow can help brighten it, but I don't know if the yellow paint will be too much or end up giving the room a weird ambiance.

What do you think? I really like blue colors, but I've also read that they might not help my 'dark room' situation.
-Vanessa

We found a photo (above) of what your room might look like if painted yellow and in my opinion the color yellow doesn't seem to "brighten" the light so much as it sets a different tone and mood for the room. A semi-gloss white may be more appropriate for this situation if light is the main concern.

Any other ideas to help Vanessa?

Charles & Hudson | Comments () |

Kathy Price-Robinson

I vote for yellow. I have my office in a walk-out basement that also faces northwest, and I painted the walls a soft, buttery yellow. It tends to be cool down there, and the yellow warms it up. Blue would be a cold disaster in a north-facing room, in my opinion.

Sarah

I once had a room very similar to this, which only got eastern light. It was painted a color not too far removed from this when I moved in. At first I thought it was a really fun color, but after a while I felt like it was too visually assaulting and that it sort of 'fought' with other colors in the room. I painted it some light cream color eventually (I think SW's Interactive Cream), which lightened it up considerably and gave it a much more serene feel. When my realtor staged it, he went even lighter, something called BM Little Petal I think. While they may not be the most exiting colors, I think they'll give you much more light, and you can punch the room up with furniture and accessories.

Charles & Hudson

Great suggestion. "Yellow" is available in many varieties and it doesn't always have to be of the "visually assaulting" kind.

Theresa

Pick a mirror with a beveled edge which is anything but modern.
http://www.homedepot.com/webap...

Vanessa

One of my friends suggested an orange tone because it might give the living room a more 'denlike' feel and also complement the blues in the bedroom and bathroom. Any input?

Joanne

Orange can be as subtle as off white with a peach undertone. I've used it successfully with northern rooms. Especially with blues.

Theresa

2nd for orange

Will Barrow

It sounds like you are open to colors so I say go for it. Blue and orange could be fun for awhile and if you hate it just paint it again. Make sure and check some swatches before you start.

sassy girl

Some strategically placed mirrors always help in dark rooms. Large full-length floor mirrors work but wide hanging mirrors with ornate frames have always done wonders for my space.

Vanessa

Thank you Sassy Girl! I like the mirrors idea a lot. But all the mirrors I like (modern looking), are always so expensive. Any suggestions on where to get this at a reasonable price?

KatyRyan

I would check all of the usual inexpensive subjects -- CB2, Ikea, West Elm, Room & Board, etc.

I also lean more toward using a paler shade on the walls and punching things up with bright accessories -- that also allows you more flexibility if you want to change color schemes without completely repainting, too.

Hope to see a picture when you're finished!