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There’s just something about butter yellow.
Maybe it’s the way it reminds me of warm croissants on a Sunday morning. Or maybe it’s because it makes a room feel like it’s been kissed by sunlight, even on the dreariest days. Either way, if you’re on the hunt for the just right butter yellow paint color, you’re in the right place.
I’ve tested more paint colors than I care to count, and today I’m dishing on the best butter yellow hues—colors that feel soft, sunny, and stylish without screaming banana pudding. So let’s get into it.
What Exactly Is a Butter Yellow?
Not to be dramatic, but not all yellows are created equal. Butter yellow is that soft, creamy, light-to-medium yellow that looks like—well—butter. Not neon, not mustard, not highlighter. Think French countryside kitchens, golden hour lighting, and warm toast with a generous smear of Kerrygold.
The Best Butter Yellow Paint Colors I Swear By
Here are my tried-and-true favorites—from warm undertones to ideal room pairings.
1. Benjamin Moore Weston Flax (HC-5)
LRV: 76.45
Undertones: Creamy yellow with a soft golden warmth
Why I Love It:
This one is my go-to for clients who want that sunny-but-not-too-bright look. Weston Flax brings the cheer without being loud. It’s charming in a kitchen, guest bedroom, or paired with white trim and antique brass accents.
Real paint, no mess. Peel. Stick. Love it or leave it.
2. Sherwin Williams Friendly Yellow (SW 6680)
LRV: 76
Undertones: Light golden with just a whisper of orange
Use it in: Nurseries, powder rooms, and spaces that need an energy boost
Real Talk:
If butter yellow had a peppy cousin, it’d be Friendly Yellow. This shade is on the vibrant end of butter yellow—great for when you want your walls to give you a pep talk.
No paint cans. Just stick-on samples shipped to your door.
3. Behr Pale Honey PPU6-08
LRV: 70
Undertones: Warm, golden cream
Pairs well with: Earthy greens, terracotta, or white oak floors
Why It Works:
Pale Honey walks that line between creamy yellow and soft caramel. It has just enough depth to feel grounded without tipping into beige territory.
4. Farrow & Ball Hay No. 37
LRV Equivalent: 77.3
Finish: More muted and traditional
Perfect for: Historic homes, moody English kitchens, or pairing with darker cabinetry
My Take:
Hay feels like butter yellow aged in a wine cellar—it’s deep, mature, and very Farrow & Ball. A great option if you like your yellows with a little patina.
No paint cans. Just peel & stick samples shipped to your door.
5. Benjamin Moore Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4)
LRV: 71.33
Undertones: Warm golden yellow with just a touch of historic charm
Perfect for: Front doors, traditional dining rooms, or paired with crisp white trim
Why I Recommend It:
Hawthorne Yellow is like the grown-up, classy cousin of your average butter yellow. It’s soft but has presence. It shows up just enough in spaces with lots of natural light and still holds its own in artificial lighting. It’s also part of Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, so it adds a timeless, elegant touch.
No paint cans. Just stick-on samples shipped to your door.
6. Sherwin Williams Banana Cream (SW 6673)
LRV: 75
Undertones: Pale yellow with a creamy white base
Where it works: Ceilings, laundry rooms, or anywhere you want a kiss of sunshine without a color commitment
Why I Love It:
Banana Cream is the lightest of the bunch—think whipped butter. It’s perfect for adding a warm glow without overwhelming a space. Great in rooms with lower natural light where white might fall flat.
No paint cans. Just stick-on samples shipped to your door.
7. Benjamin Moore Soleil (AF-330)
LRV: 79.4
Undertones: Rich yellow with golden amber notes
Use it when: You want more depth and drama in a traditional or Tuscan-style space
My Take:
Soleil means sun in French, and this color lives up to the name. It’s bolder than your typical butter yellow, but still elegant, not garish. Use it where you want warmth and character, like a cozy dining room or breakfast nook with antique accents.
No paint cans. Just stick-on samples shipped to your door.
8. Behr Corn Stalk M290-3
LRV: 74
Undertones: Creamy yellow with soft beige-y warmth
Pairs beautifully with: Warm whites, medium woods, or even muted sage greens
Why It’s a Winner:
Corn Stalk is a crowd-pleaser. It’s buttery but grounded. If you’re afraid of yellow turning too “pastel baby room,” this color reins it in with sophistication.
| Paint Color | Brand | LRV | Undertones | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weston Flax (HC-5) | Benjamin Moore | 76.45 | Soft creamy yellow with warm gold | Kitchens, guest bedrooms, white trim |
| Friendly Yellow (SW 6680) | Sherwin Williams | 76 | Golden yellow with a hint of orange | Nurseries, powder rooms, energetic spaces |
| Pale Honey (370A-3) | Behr | 70 | Creamy yellow with golden beige | Living rooms, earthy palettes |
| Hay No. 37 | Farrow & Ball | 77.3 | Muted butter yellow with old-world depth | Historic homes, moody kitchens |
| Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4) | Benjamin Moore | 71.33 | Warm golden yellow with historic charm | Dining rooms, trim contrast, exteriors |
| Banana Cream (SW 6673) | Sherwin Williams | 75 | Pale creamy yellow | Ceilings, laundry rooms, subtle glow |
| Soleil (AF-330) | Benjamin Moore | 79.4 | Golden yellow with amber warmth | Formal dining rooms, traditional decor |
| Corn Stalk (370A-2) | Behr | 74 | Creamy yellow with beige warmth | Living rooms, sage greens, warm whites |
FAQ: All Your Questions—Answered
Is butter yellow too outdated?
Nope, it’s actually very trendy at the moment! Stick to soft, creamy shades and avoid anything too saturated or neon. The right tone reads classic and cozy.
What white goes best with butter yellow?
Stick to warm whites. My go-to pairings:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Sherwin Williams Alabaster
- BM Swiss Coffee
Will butter yellow make my room look smaller?
Nope! Lighter butter yellows with higher LRVs (Light Reflectance Values) actually bounce light around and make a space feel bigger and sunnier.
Can I use butter yellow in a modern space?
Absolutely. The key is in the execution. Pair it with minimal furniture, warm wood accents, and clean lines. Try it on a statement wall or powder room vanity.
Want More Paint Wisdom?
You’re in luck. I’ve got you covered with more expert picks and honest reviews:
Shopping Tip: Try Before You Paint
Before you commit to a whole gallon, do yourself a favor and grab a Samplize peel-and-stick swatch. It’s mess-free and gives you a real-life look at how the color plays with your lighting.
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Now’s the perfect time to grab those peel & stick paint samples and finally test your dream shades without the mess.
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I’m Cate. As a seasoned paint color consultant and former proprietor of the highly regarded painting company WOW 1 Day Painting in Bergen County, my journey in the world of design and home improvement has been a colorful one, quite literally. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, I’ve cultivated a passion for transforming spaces through the power of paint, furniture restoration, and thoughtful home decor.