Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Daffodil

Sherwin-Williams · SW6901

The Analysis

Daffodil is a high-energy yellow with an LRV of 71.35, meaning it reflects a significant amount of light to make small or dark rooms feel instantly brighter. Because it is a saturated warm tone, it tends to pull walls inward, making a large room feel more intimate and cozy rather than spacious.

Due to its intensity, this is best used as a bold accent wall or in small, dedicated spaces like a powder room or breakfast nook. It is rarely used as a full-room wall color because it can quickly overwhelm a space and dominate the visual environment.

LRV 71

History & Origin

This color leans into the classic, cheerful palettes found in mid-century kitchens and country-style homes. It avoids the muted, muddy tones of modern minimalism, opting instead for a traditional, sunny aesthetic.

Undertonewarm-green
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with crisp white trim to keep the yellow from looking dirty, and use black metal hardware or dark walnut wood tones to ground the brightness. It works exceptionally well in kitchens or mudrooms where you want to introduce a sense of cleanliness and vitality.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels consistently upbeat and energizing, as it mimics the psychological warmth of sunlight. It is an active color that promotes focus and cheerfulness, making it ideal for spaces where you want to feel awake and productive.

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.

  • June Day

    Behr · 370B-4

  • Dalila

    Benjamin Moore · 319

  • Easter Morn 3

    Dulux

  • Spirited Yellow

    Behr · P290-4

  • Amber Pearl

    Valspar · 3006-3C

  • Happy Daze®

    Crown Paints

Lighting

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

  • Natural