8 ways to introduce butter yellow into your bedroom

Credit: @lorisarah_home

There’s no doubt about it: the colour of the moment, if not the year, is butter yellow. Here’s how to use it in your bedroom. 

 You’ve likely seen this bright, uplifting shade everywhere by now. On fluffy cardigans, stripey shirts, trainers, handbags, even nails – but we’re here to tell you that it works wonderfully for interiors, too.   

If you needed proof, the colour gurus at Pantone even re-named their butter yellow shade the ‘Drew Barrymore Yellow,’ in honour of the sunshine-loving celebrity’s 50th birthday in February. It seems everybody is going crazy for the buttery soft hue this year.  

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make the most of this fresh, cheerful shade and incorporate it into your bedroom design, from big changes like butter yellow paint and wallpaper ideas to using it as an accent in bedding, furniture and accessories. Warning: this blog post may trigger feelings of pure happiness…  

It’s easy to see why butter yellow has captured the attention of so many. It’s revitalising and joyful and evokes a sense of optimism – exactly the kind of vibe we need right now.   

Plus, it’s perfect timing for spring. Whilst most pastel shades tend to make a comeback when spring rolls around each year, there’s something a little more exciting about this buttery shade of yellow, which has undertones of warmth for a deeper, subtler take on the classic bright yellow.   

When it comes to interior design, butter yellow can totally energise a space, whilst remaining soothing and relaxing, making it ideal for a bedroom colour scheme. 

Fancy injecting some joy into your sleeping space? Here are eight inspiring ways to introduce butter yellow into your bedroom decor.  

1. Start with butter yellow foundations

Let’s start with your foundations. For those looking to transform their bedroom into a calming oasis, butter yellow makes for a wonderful backdrop. We love Little Green’s French Stone paint shade, which could go all over your bedroom walls, just like a warm hug. You could even take it one step further and colour drench your room, by painting the floors, ceiling, skirting boards and radiators in the same buttery shade.   

Or, if you’d prefer just a splash of colour, why not create an accent wall by wallpapering the wall behind your bed? There are plenty of butter yellow wallpapers on the market, from elegant, preppy stripes to delicate florals for a rustic, ​​vintage look.   

Colour doesn’t always have to be reserved for your bedroom walls. How about creating a statement with a butter yellow headboard or bed frame? Our Flaxby Rainton Headboard in gold is the perfect thing for instantly cheering up a bland space. Either place against a plain white or cream wall for a pop of colour, or consider layering in front of butter yellow walls for a cool, tone on tone look.  

P.S. The Flaxby collection also features a Sprung Divan Bed Base in gold, if you fancy a matching set…  

3. Wake up to sunshine with butter yellow bedding

One of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to update your bedroom look is by switching up your bedding. We love butter yellow bed linens in the spring and summertime to freshen up a space.  

Choose from plain yellow to patterns like stripes, spots or gingham to add some extra visual interest. To finish the look, add a blanket in a darker, tonal yellow and matching cushions to tie everything together. Or, if you prefer a more maximalist aesthetic, try a contrasting colour such as blue or pink.  

4. Add a yellow accent chair for style and comfort

Credit: @that__berry__house

Next, it’s time to pay some attention to your bedroom windows. Nobody wants to be looking out of streaky, finger-marked windows. For best results, spray a window cleaner solution directly onto the glass and use a microfibre cloth to clean away. Or, if you’re looking for a more natural solution, simply mix lukewarm water with white vinegar (and a few drops of dish soap) to cut through any tougher stains.   

To finish, open your windows wide and let the fresh air flood in. Not only is this great for air circulation, but it can regulate the temperature of your bedroom and even improve your sleep if you keep them open come bedtime. Result! 

5. Create a cosy 90s look with plenty of soft furnishings

There’s something about the warm, butter yellow shade that makes us think of a 1990s Nora Ephron film. Think of When Harry Met Sally…, Sleepless in Seattle, or You’ve Got Mail – what do they all have in common (other than a romantic plotline…)? The answer: cosy interiors!  

Ephron often used butter yellow as a base colour in her set design, complete with upholstered furniture and tonnes of soft furnishings.  

 To get the look, think about investing in a frilly bed skirt, curtains for your windows, and lots and lots of cushions. For more tips on creating a Nora Ephron-style bedroom, check out our nineties bedroom design blog.  

6. Experiment with playful yellow patterns

Credit: @ein_ty_glas_ni_

Patterns are a fantastic way to add some extra depth and texture to the look of a room. Before selecting yours, think of what kind of vibe you’d like to create in your room. For example, dainty yellow florals will add some elegance and a vintage aesthetic, whereas yellow spots or thick, preppy stripes, like the wallpaper here, will add a more contemporary look.  

Whatever your preference, don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with different patterns to strike the right balance for you.  

7. Switch your lightbulbs to yellow for a warm glow

Don’t forget about lighting! Smart lamp placement can completely transform a room’s ambience. Our top tip is to switch your light bulbs to warm yellow bulbs, bringing a buttery yellow glow into your space. Yellow bulbs are warmer, softer, and generally far cosier than white bulbs.   

Next, place your lamps around your bedroom to create small, pockets of sunshine in every corner. Adding yellow to a room was never easier!  

8. Add fresh flowers and greenery to bring the outside in

There’s something about fresh flowers in a bedroom that makes us so happy. Plus, there are so many gorgeous yellow flowers that you can easily source to coordinate with your butter yellow colour palette – from roses and daffodils to sunflowers and tulips, or even dried gypsophila like in this image.

Place in a pretty vase on your dresser or bedside table, make sure they’re in reach of direct sunlight, and don’t forget to water them! 

Credit: @lorisarah_home

It’s true that some colours can help us sleep better than others. But what about butter yellow? Well, in terms of colour psychology, the colour yellow represents warmth, happiness and positive energy. The sunshine tone can help lift our spirits, improve our moods and alleviate stress, making it perfect for promoting peaceful sleep.

Whilst vibrant yellow tones can sometimes overstimulate us, butter yellow is the perfect muted shade of yellow to bring cheeriness into a room, whilst also carrying a sense of calm and tranquillity.  

Credit: @ourcolourfulrosedale

Teaming up shades to go with another bright colour can feel like a daunting task. Luckily, butter yellow is actually a lot easier to pair than you might think. Thanks to its muted, levelled saturation, it can act as a neutral shade, making it easy to coordinate with other tones.  

Butter yellow looks amazing with bold tones such as burgundy and brown, or softer shades like baby blue, sage green, or grey. If you don’t believe us, check out how fashion influencer, @lara_bsmnn styles her butter yellow outfits – it works the same for interiors!  

Credit: @lara_bsmnn

If you’re a little nervous about going for a colour clash in your bedroom, you can always contrast butter yellow with a crisp white for a fresh, calming atmosphere. This perfect pairing instantly brings an elegant feel to any space.  

Need more ideas? Check out our complete guide to the best colours that complement yellow.  

Mastering the colour of the season needn’t be difficult. With a few thoughtful splashes of butter yellow here, maybe some new throw cushions there, you can transform your bedroom into a bright, joyful and trendy space.