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ScandinavianNorth-Facing

Swallowtail

Valspar · V017-1

The Analysis

Swallowtail is a high-LRV yellow, meaning it reflects a significant amount of light back into the room. This makes smaller or darker spaces feel immediately more spacious and prevents them from feeling boxed in.

It works best as a primary wall color in spaces where you want to boost the mood, like a kitchen or a breakfast nook. Avoid using it in bedrooms if you are sensitive to morning light, as it will amplify brightness significantly.

LRV 83

History & Origin

This shade leans toward a fresh, modern aesthetic. It lacks the muted, muddy undertones often found in traditional period paint palettes, making it better suited for contemporary updates.

Undertonecool
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with matte black hardware to ground the brightness or warm oak woods to lean into a natural, organic feel. It works best in kitchens or entryways where you want a welcoming, high-energy impact.

The Mood

This color provides an energizing, cheerful atmosphere that feels like constant sunshine. Because it is so bright, it creates a clean, alert environment rather than a sleepy or restful one.

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.

  • Rite Of Spring

    Behr · P300-3

  • Banana Split

    Behr · 360A-3

  • Sweet As Honey

    Behr · P290-2

  • Squish-Squash

    Benjamin Moore · 311

  • Pale Daffodil

    Behr · 370A-2

  • Gold Strand 0812

    Colourtrend

Lighting

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

  • Natural