21 Best Butter Yellow Paint Colors That’ll Brighten Your Home in an Instant!
So, you’re thinking about painting your walls butter yellow? Good choice. Seriously,
if there’s one color that can make your space feel like a ray of sunshine (without the risk of UV damage), it’s butter yellow.
It’s warm, it’s soft, and it instantly gives off those cozy, happy vibes. And honestly—who doesn’t want a home that feels like it’s always basking in golden-hour light?
I’ve played around with yellows in my own home, and trust me, not all yellows are created equal.
Why Choose Butter Yellow Paint?
Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly talk about why butter yellow works so well. Ever walk into a room and instantly feel happier without knowing why? That’s what this shade does.
- It reflects light beautifully, making small rooms look bigger.
- It pairs with literally everything—white trim, wood furniture, even navy accents.
- It sets the mood: calm in the morning, warm at night.
Plus, IMO, butter yellow is a lot less trendy (read: less likely to make you cringe five years from now) compared to bolder colors. It’s timeless in the best way.
21 Best Butter Yellow Paint Colors
Alright, here’s the fun part. I’ve pulled together a list of the best butter yellow shades from brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr, and more. Whether you’re going for farmhouse cozy, modern chic, or just “I want my kitchen to look like sunshine,” there’s something here for you.
1. Benjamin Moore – Hawthorne Yellow
This one is a classic. It’s bright without being overpowering, and it works especially well in kitchens and entryways. Pair it with crisp white trim, and you’ve basically got a magazine cover.
2. Sherwin-Williams – Butter Up
The name says it all. This shade is creamy, soft, and perfect if you don’t want anything too bold. It’s like spreading sunshine on your walls (without the calories).
3. Behr – Summer Harvest
This color leans warm and golden, almost like the morning sun. I’ve seen it in dining rooms, and wow—it makes every meal feel fancier.
4. Farrow & Ball – Dayroom Yellow
A sophisticated take on butter yellow. It’s subtle but chic, making it perfect for modern or minimalist homes.
5. Valspar – Butter Cream
If you’re after a barely-there yellow that still brightens the space, this one’s for you. It’s almost off-white with a buttery glow.
6. Benjamin Moore – Soleil
Soleil means “sun” in French, and this shade definitely lives up to the name. It’s cheerful, bold, and great for accent walls.
7. Sherwin-Williams – Friendly Yellow
Want your living room to feel instantly welcoming? Friendly Yellow gives you that soft, cozy vibe without overdoing it.
8. Behr – Corn Stalk
A richer butter yellow that pairs beautifully with farmhouse décor. Think rustic wood, iron fixtures, and cozy vibes.
9. Farrow & Ball – Citron
This one has a little more punch. It’s butter yellow with a hint of zest, perfect if you want something livelier.
10. Valspar – Golden Moon
Softer than it sounds, Golden Moon is warm, glowy, and perfect for bedrooms if you want a relaxing but cheerful space.
11. Benjamin Moore – Weston Flax
A pale, creamy yellow that almost feels vintage. Works amazingly well in historic-style homes.
12. Sherwin-Williams – Afternoon
This shade is warm and full of energy, perfect for a family room where you want lively, happy vibes.
13. Behr – Pale Honey
Soft and smooth, this one feels like it was made for kitchens and breakfast nooks. Imagine sipping your morning coffee surrounded by it—instant mood boost.
14. Farrow & Ball – Yellow Ground
Another elegant pick, Yellow Ground has a slight warmth that keeps it from feeling flat. It’s perfect for sophisticated spaces.
15. Valspar – Sunny Butter
Yes, it’s literally called Sunny Butter, and yes, it’s as delightful as it sounds. It’s creamy but still bright enough to pop.
16. Benjamin Moore – Concord Ivory
This one leans slightly toward golden-yellow, making it a great transitional color if you’re nervous about going too light.
17. Sherwin-Williams – Lantern Light
Delicate, soft, and dreamy. This one is subtle but makes a big impact in natural light.
18. Behr – Candlelight
A shade that looks amazing with wood tones. I’ve seen it in cabins, and it seriously makes the space glow.
19. Farrow & Ball – Hay
Hay has a muted, earthy undertone. Perfect if you want butter yellow that feels a little more grown-up.
20. Valspar – Dandelion Wish
A playful and cheerful yellow that works in kids’ rooms or creative spaces. It’s fun but not overwhelming.
21. Benjamin Moore – Straw
A gentle butter yellow with a golden undertone. It works in any room, but I especially love it for hallways where you want to brighten things up.
Where Butter Yellow Works Best
So, where should you actually use butter yellow? Short answer: pretty much anywhere. Long answer: let’s break it down.
Kitchens
Kitchens and butter yellow go together like pancakes and syrup. It’s warm, inviting, and makes you want to spend more time cooking (or at least ordering takeout in style).
Living Rooms
Pair butter yellow walls with neutral furniture, and you’ve got a cozy yet stylish vibe. Throw in some navy or emerald accents for extra drama.
Bedrooms
If you pick a softer butter yellow, it makes your bedroom feel calming instead of loud. It’s like waking up in a bed of sunshine every day.
Bathrooms
Small bathroom? Butter yellow can make it look twice the size. Just balance it with crisp whites or light grays.
Tips for Using Butter Yellow Paint
Choosing the right shade is only half the battle. Here are a few tips from experience:
- Always test swatches: Yellows look completely different depending on the light in your room.
- Pair it wisely: Butter yellow works best with white, cream, navy, or warm wood tones.
- Don’t overdo it: If you’re nervous, start with an accent wall or a smaller space.
- Balance with décor: Keep furniture and accents simple to let the color shine.
Ever seen someone paint their entire house neon yellow? Yeah… don’t do that.
Butter Yellow vs. Other Yellows
You might be wondering: why not just pick a random yellow? Here’s the deal.
- Mustard yellow: trendy but heavy. Can feel dated quickly.
- Neon yellow: unless you’re going for “tennis ball chic,” skip it.
- Butter yellow: timeless, soft, and versatile.
Butter yellow has that unique ability to feel warm without overwhelming your space. That’s why it’s worth the hype.
FAQs About Butter Yellow Paint Colors
Q: Is butter yellow paint too bright for small rooms?
A: Nope! In fact, it often makes small rooms feel larger by reflecting more light.
Q: What colors go well with butter yellow?
A: White, cream, gray, navy, and natural wood tones pair beautifully with butter yellow.
Q: Can I use butter yellow in modern décor?
A: Absolutely. Pair it with clean lines, minimal furniture, and bold accents, and it looks fresh and stylish.
Q: Does butter yellow work better in natural light?
A: Yes, but don’t worry if your space doesn’t have tons of windows. Soft artificial lighting can also bring out its warmth.
Q: Is it okay to paint ceilings butter yellow?
A: Honestly? Yes, if you want a cozy, enveloping vibe. Just keep the walls neutral to avoid overload.
Final Thoughts
Butter yellow is one of those shades that never lets you down. It’s warm, versatile, and has that magical ability to brighten a space instantly. Whether you’re going all-in with a living room makeover or just testing the waters with a bathroom update, one of these 21 butter yellow paint colors will definitely hit the mark.
And hey, worst case? If you don’t like it, paint over it. But honestly—I think you’ll love it. After all, who doesn’t want a home that feels like sunshine every single day?
