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Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Citrine

Benjamin Moore · AF-370

The Analysis

Citrine is a saturated, golden-yellow tone that brings immediate warmth to a room. With an LRV of 42.53, it absorbs a fair amount of light, which prevents it from feeling clinical and instead makes a large, cavernous space feel more grounded and intimate.

This color acts as a bold statement piece rather than a neutral backdrop. It works best as an accent wall or on cabinetry to add personality without overwhelming the architecture of the entire home.

LRV 43

History & Origin

Citrine reflects the vibrant, sun-drenched palettes popular in mid-century design. It moves away from the muted historical tones of the Victorian era, offering a fresher, more optimistic aesthetic.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

It excels in kitchens or mudrooms, pairing exceptionally well with matte black hardware or warm oak wood tones. Avoid pairing it with cool, blue-toned whites, as these will make the yellow appear muddy; stick to creamy, off-white trims.

The Mood

This is an energizing, optimistic color that promotes an active and social environment. Because of its intensity, it is best suited for rooms where you want to feel alert and upbeat, rather than spaces intended for quiet relaxation.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Princeton Gold

    Benjamin Moore · HC-14

  • Cork

    Benjamin Moore · 2153-40

  • Dried Chamomile

    Behr · M320-5

  • Gemstone

    Benjamin Moore · 265

  • Chilled Wine

    Behr · M310-5

  • Mustard Seed

    Benjamin Moore · 222

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
  • 3500K
  • 4000K
  • 5500K