History of Yellow Color
Yellow is one of the three primary colors of light, along with red and blue (or magenta and cyan in printing). The word yellow comes from the Old English geolu or geolwe, meaning "yellow" or "yellowish". The earliest known use of yellow as a color name in English was in the year 700.
Yellow has been used as a symbolic color in many cultures and civilizations throughout history. In ancient Egypt, yellow was associated with gold and the sun god Ra. In ancient China, yellow was the color of the emperor and the center of the universe. In ancient Greece and Rome, yellow was linked to Apollo, the god of light and music. In medieval Europe, yellow was often worn by nobles and merchants as a sign of wealth and status.
Meaning of Yellow Color
Yellow is a bright and cheerful color that evokes feelings of happiness, optimism and energy. It is also a color of intellect and creativity, as it stimulates the left side of the brain. Yellow can inspire curiosity and learning, as well as communication and expression. However, yellow can also have negative connotations, such as cowardice, jealousy and deceit. Too much yellow can cause anxiety and irritation.
Yellow is often used to attract attention and create contrast in design. It can also be used to convey warmth and friendliness, as well as freshness and vitality. Yellow is commonly associated with sunshine, flowers, lemons, bananas and other fruits.
Applications of Yellow Color
Yellow has many applications in different fields and industries. Some examples include:
Art and culture: Yellow is often used to create contrast with other colors or to highlight important elements in paintings or sculptures. Some famous artists who used yellow extensively are Vincent van Gogh (Sunflowers), and Wassily Kandinsky (Composition VIII).
Marketing: Yellow is often used to catch the eye of consumers or to convey a positive message about a product or service. Some famous brands that use yellow in their logos or packaging are McDonald's (golden arches), IKEA (blue-yellow combination) and National Geographic (yellow border).
Science: Yellow is often used to indicate caution or danger in scientific experiments or equipment. Some examples are warning labels on hazardous substances or materials (biohazard symbol), protective clothing for workers exposed to radiation (yellow suits) or high-voltage electricity (yellow gloves).
Yellow Color in Combination with other Colors
Yellow is a bright and cheerful color that can create a variety of effects when combined with other colors. Yellow can enhance the warmth, energy, and optimism of a color scheme, or it can contrast with cooler and darker colors to create a dynamic and eye-catching contrast. Here are some examples of how yellow can work well with other colors:
Yellow & blue: A classic combination that evokes the freshness and harmony of nature. Think of sunflowers and blue skies.
Yellow & green: Another natural and soothing combination that reminds us of springtime, fields, and forests. Yellow and green can create a sense of growth, health, and vitality.
Yellow & purple: A striking and dramatic combination that creates a strong contrast between warm and cool colors. Yellow and purple can add a touch of elegance, creativity, and mystery to any design.
Yellow & orange: A warm and vibrant combination that radiates joy, enthusiasm, and positivity. Think of sunsets. Yellow and orange can create a cozy and cheerful mood.
Yellow & red: A bold and energetic combination that commands attention. Think of fire trucks and traffic lights.
Shades of Yellow Color
There are many shades of yellow color that can create different moods and effects. Here are some of them:
Sunny yellow: A bright and warm shade of yellow that resembles the sun. Sunny yellow can make feel happy, energetic, and confident. It can also inspire to be more creative and productive. It pairs well with white, gray, blue, or green for a fresh and modern look.
Olive: A muted and earthy shade of yellow that has a green undertone. It is a sophisticated and elegant color that can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Olive can also evoke a sense of nature and harmony. It can be combined it with brown, beige, cream, or gold for a rich and luxurious feel.
Ivory: A soft and creamy shade of yellow that has a white undertone. It is a neutral and versatile color that can suit any style and theme. Ivory creates a sense of elegance and simplicity, and it can be used as a background color. Ivory can also be mixed with black, navy, burgundy, or purple for a contrast and drama.
Sand: A pale and subtle shade of yellow that has a brown undertone. It is a natural and soothing color that can bring some warmth and comfort. Sand can also remind of the beach and the summer vibes, and it can be used as an accent color. It can also be matched with turquoise, coral, mint, or peach for a tropical and fun look.
Pesto is a dark and bold shade of yellow that has an olive undertone. It is an edgy and trendy color that can add some spice and personality. Pesto can also stimulate appetite and enhance mood. It can be combined with orange, red, pink, or magenta for a colorful and eclectic look.
On this page you find a wide range of yellow swatches, from light to dark, bright to pastel, and everything in between. Explore the variety of yellow shades and find your perfect candidates.