Choosing a shade of yellow color can be a bit of a task. Three common shades of yellow are Tuscany, laguna, and bumblebee. This article will compare these yellow colors to help you decide which is best for you.
Tuscany vs Laguna vs Bumblebee Paint Colors
Yellow is a color with a lot of variety. In fine art and stained glass, it’s fairly common. Many yellow pigments had urine as a base.
It’s found in the shade of sunlight and in fresh flowers; it’s also found in old fabric, stone, and paper.
Tuscany Yellow
Tuscany yellow is a lush shade of amber. In the RGB spectrum, this color leans toward red; if you want to use a warm yellow in your decorating palette, be aware that it will tend toward orange if you put it against a cool color such as a blue.
While there’s nothing wrong with orange, it may be too intense for your taste over time.
This shade pairs beautifully with rich greens and teal shades. Both greens and blue-greens will fade and allow Tuscany yellow to stand out.
Curiously, this yellow has enough body to also step back and serve as a foil for other shades.
Pale aqua will stand out nicely against this shade of yellow. You can also put this color to use in a child’s room by pairing it with raspberry or a bright purple.
Do pay careful attention to the amount of natural light a room gets if you want to use this as a primary wall color.
Yellow is an extremely energizing color. It can be a great choice for a kitchen, an office or a crafting studio but it may be too much for a bedroom or a family room where you try to relax and wind down.
If you live in cold country and suffer a lack of sunlight in the winter months, soft goods such as drapes, valances, throws and pillows that feature this shade can be incredibly soothing.
RGB: 245, 164, 55
Hex Code: #F5A437
Laguna Yellow
Laguna yellow is a warm, chalky tone that can easily fade into the background. If you saw it in a flower garden, it would be the bashful flower that needs a bit of shade to thrive.
If you’ve ever driven past an old limestone building and noted the gentle strength found in this yellow stone, you will appreciate laguna yellow in your home.
This color will tend toward other colors. If you put it near peach or pink, it will drift a bit towards orange.
If you put it next to cobalt blue, it will “read” or appear to be closer to lemon.
This is a shade that works well with cream and ivory. Avoid pairing it with a bright white.
Bright shades of white include blue and blue is a contrasting color to yellow. Your laguna yellow will look dirty and your bright white will look grey.
Laguna yellow pairs beautifully with browns. If you’re looking for a wall color that will work well with your brown sofa, your green armchair and your blue rug, laguna will brighten, soften and embolden those three colors in that order.
Hawthorne Yellow Paint Color (HC-4) Benjamin Moore
It’s an excellent choice for a wall color in a home that includes eclectic furniture colors.
Like many yellows, this color will not dim when you turn down the lights. It’s not an ideal bedroom color, though it’s not as energizing as the other yellow shades in this listing.
Because it’s a bit on the chalky side, this color will work well in a flat or eggshell finish on walls that have some texture. If your home includes concrete or rough plaster texture, this color can pull the space together.
RGB: 235, 214, 137
Hex Code: #EBD689
Bumblebee Yellow
Like Tuscany yellow, bumblebee yellow has a strong red tone included in the mix. Unlike a chalkier color that will fade into the background, this yellow will hold place against other strong tones.
This is a rich color to use if you love to decorate with jewel tones, such as:
- royal blue
- cherry red
- emerald green
If you’re interested in mixing your own paints, get a quart of this color in a flat latex and mix it with flat white ceiling paint in small batches.
Because ceiling paint has a more opaque finish, a little will go a long way in your mix.
Additionally, because ceiling paint has a higher viscosity, you can actually cut down on the mess with your custom blend. Don’t make your final decision until you put it on the wall and let it dry completely; your wet blend may be the exact color you want but it will probably change when fully dry.
Something to remember when mixing your own paint: You have now created a custom color and making a match will be pretty challenging. Mix enough to cover the whole space and make yourself a dry sample that you can use if you need another batch.
Because yellow colors can happen over time, you can create an old-world feel with a yellow accent wall that features cream accents.
Engage your inner scientist to create your own collection of yellows and creams in one room, such as an office or a craft room, before using it throughout the home. Label cans, not lids.
Use a permanent marker and label the sides and bottoms of your mixing cans once you have a color you like.
If you want to use a variation of your custom yellow as a trim paint color, let the hardware store mix it. Find the closest shade you can come up with, or bring your dry sample into a paint shop and get a semi-gloss or satin trim paint mixed up.
Trim paint has a different viscosity and a flat trim paint will hold onto dust and dirt on the flat planes.
Paint is one of the cheapest ways to remake your space. Go ahead and experiment with a miniature low-nap roller to avoid building up a lot of texture.
Study your favorite colors in all levels of natural light before making your choice.
RGB: 251, 188, 57
Hex Code: #FBBC39
Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4) by Benjamin Moore
Description:
- Hawthorne Yellow is a warm, inviting yellow with a slight hint of gold. It exudes a cheerful and uplifting ambiance, adding warmth and brightness to any space.
Best Uses:
- Living Rooms: Creates a welcoming and sunny atmosphere, perfect for gathering and relaxation.
- Kitchens: Adds a cheerful and vibrant feel, making it an excellent choice for kitchen walls or cabinetry.
- Dining Rooms: Enhances the dining experience with its warm, inviting tone.
- Bedrooms: Provides a cozy and comforting environment, promoting a positive and relaxed mood.
- Bathrooms: Brightens up the space, adding a spa-like, refreshing feel.
- Entryways and Hallways: Creates a warm and inviting first impression for guests.
Colors that Complement Hawthorne Yellow:
- Whites and Off-Whites:
- Chantilly Lace (OC-65): A crisp, clean white that offers a bright contrast.
- Simply White (OC-117): A warm white that complements the warmth of Hawthorne Yellow.
- White Dove (OC-17): A soft, warm white that provides a harmonious balance.
- Light Grays and Neutrals:
- Revere Pewter (HC-172): A light gray that offers a subtle, sophisticated contrast.
- Edgecomb Gray (HC-173): A warm, light gray that blends beautifully with Hawthorne Yellow.
- Classic Gray (OC-23): A soft gray that enhances the warmth of Hawthorne Yellow.
- Soft Blues and Greens:
- Palladian Blue (HC-144): A soft blue-green that adds a refreshing touch.
- Wythe Blue (HC-143): A muted blue-green that creates a calm and balanced contrast.
- Tranquil Blue (2051-50): A soft, serene blue that pairs well with the warmth of Hawthorne Yellow.
- Warm Tones:
- Lenox Tan (HC-44): A warm tan that provides an earthy, natural balance.
- Manchester Tan (HC-81): A light, warm beige that complements the sunny hue of Hawthorne Yellow.
Practical Considerations:
- Lighting: Hawthorne Yellow works well in both natural and artificial lighting, enhancing the brightness and warmth of the space.
- Balance: To avoid overwhelming the room with too much yellow, balance it with neutral or cool-toned accents and furnishings.
- Texture and Finish: Using different textures and finishes, such as matte, eggshell, or satin, can add depth and interest to the color.
Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4) by Benjamin Moore is an excellent choice for creating warm, cheerful, and inviting spaces, especially when paired with complementary whites, neutrals, and soft blues or greens.
Hex Code: #F6DBA4
LRV: 71.33
Peel-and-Stick Paint Sample – Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4) – Benjamin Moore