Does anyone else have deja-vu? Headlines naming butter yellow as a trending colour for 2025 have cropped up in the worlds of fashion, interior design and more.
Butter yellow has woven its way onto runways, with icons like Timothée Chalamet and Sabrina Carpenter embracing the hue from head to toe. Even a version of this creamy pastel has been dubbed Drew Barrymore Yellow by Pantone, in honour of her 50th birthday.
Interior design and home appliances have jumped aboard this pastel wave. For instance, KitchenAid’s newly released colourway is butter yellow. The colour is everywhere right now, but is it just a passing fad?
Butter yellow: the colour trend that won’t quit
Vogue claims that this colour trend kicked off in 2024, when Louis Vuitton sent butter yellow pieces down their spring 2024 runway. However, we would argue that this particular shade is evergreen, especially in your home.
In fact, Princess Diana’s Kensington Palace in the 80’s featured this popular pastel yellow. She worked with British interior designer Dudley Poplak, and included butter yellow walls in the drawing room, the dining room, and the nursery suite. No one questions her impeccable taste.
Some believe that this “it” colour feels like a more exciting neutral. One that allows you to step outside the mundane off-whites without jumping into the deep end of rich blues and greens.
“For several years, neutrals took over, and homes felt tonal and beige,” says designer Autumn Hachey. “Now, people are craving colour. Yellow is a beautiful, bright colour that feels opposite to beige in terms of energy, but in a buttery tone, it still feels safe to explore.”
Others believe that it is the “foodification of colour” — attaching food to colour to make it more sumptuous and attractive — is the reason butter yellow has such a pull. We’re inclined to agree. We wordsmiths know the power of describing something as buttery, creamy and soft, even as a wall paint colour.
Then again, we’d be remiss not to mention the contentious history of butter yellow synthetic dyes, and the rise and scandal of the margarine industry. We’ll save that rabbit hole for later.
There’s something about butter yellow that keeps us coming back. Unlike bold, punchy yellows that scream for attention, butter yellow is soft, creamy, and effortlessly inviting. It’s the colour of warm morning light, golden-hued kitchens from childhood memories, and the kind of glow that makes any space feel cosier.
The psychology of butter yellow
Colour plays a huge role in how we experience our surroundings, and butter yellow is all about comfort and joy. It sits between the vibrancy of classic yellow and the calm of neutral tones, making it the perfect balance of uplifting and soothing.
While some view this colour like a ray of sunshine, there are people who feel this shade unlocks irritability. So if you’re considering a drastic change in your living space with the colour yellow, ensure that everyone in your household has a positive reaction to your chosen hue.
In a kitchen, butter yellow adds a sense of warmth and cheer, making it the perfect place to gather. For your bedroom, it can bring a gentle glow that feels relaxing yet uplifting. In a living room, it can create an inviting atmosphere that feels both fresh and nostalgic.
5 ways to incorporate butter yellow into your living space
Butter yellow has a way of making any room feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether you’re drawn to its soft, sunlit glow or just looking for a fresh pop of colour, there are plenty of ways to work this trending shade into your home. Here’s how to do it without overwhelming your space.
1. Set the tone with wall paint
If you love the idea of waking up to a room bathed in warmth, butter yellow walls might be your perfect match. This shade works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens, creating a soft, inviting backdrop without feeling too bold.
There is a selection of butter yellow wall paints to choose from but we are partial to Spring Breeze 5 by Dulux and Florence by Edward Bulmer.
Pair it with crisp white trim for a classic look or muted earthy tones for a cosy, modern feel. And if painting an entire room feels like too much, try a feature wall or a butter yellow ceiling for a subtle but stunning effect.
If you want your sofa to match (without investing in a brand new one), we’d go with:
- Everyday Cotton sofa covers in White for a fresh and clean look.
- Everyday Weave couch covers in Rust or Maroon to bring out the warmth in your wall colour.
- Signature Microfiber sofa covers in Silver Sage or Care+ Canvas in Sage for a soft, nature-inspired contrast that pairs beautifully with butter yellow accents.
2. Anchor the room with a butter yellow rug
A butter yellow rug brings just the right mix of cheer and sophistication. Whether you choose a plush or a patterned rug, this is a great way to introduce colour without a massive investment.
Plus, it grounds the room (literally) tying together all the other elements in your space.
We’ve been eyeing IKEA’s RINGKLOCKA because its abstract pattern is quite fun and the texture can make your room feel interesting. If you’d prefer something more geometric, have a look at IKEA’s flat-woven TELEGRAFLINJE.
3. Add warmth through art
Butter yellow artwork instantly lifts a space, whether it’s a large statement piece or a small framed print on a gallery wall.
Abstract paintings, vintage posters, or even DIY pieces with soft yellow hues add depth and personality without overwhelming your decor. Check out these stunning butter yellow prints from Michelle McGuire.
The best part? Art is easy to swap out, so you can easily experiment with colour. Don’t limit yourself when it comes to art. Even decorative pieces count.
If you want something out of the box, there’s this Off-White Blob Candle Holder by James Shaw or a decorative Toikka Mari Bird from iittala. For our function and form lovers, think of furniture that doubles as art. Our favourites are Hem’s Yellow Glyph Beta Side Table and Kartell’s Componibili Bio Storage Unit.
4. Layer in textiles with pillows and throws
One of the easiest (and cosiest) ways to introduce butter yellow into your home is through pillows and throws. A soft, buttery-hued throw casually draped over your sofa instantly warms up the space, while cushions in complementary shades help balance the look.
Mixing different textures, like linen, velvet, or chunky knits, adds depth and keeps things visually interesting. We like the Kyree Textured Throw from Pottery Barn and the Moroccan Ocher Throw Pillow from Crate & Barrel.
And the beauty of textiles? They’re completely flexible. When you’re ready for a new look, simply swap out your cushions and throws for a fresh take. Even a beanbag like the Cleo Pouf or is a great way to incorporate yellow textiles that can be moved into another space if you’re bored.
5. Go bold with a butter yellow sofa — without the long-term commitment
For those who love a statement piece, a butter yellow sofa is a bold yet beautiful choice. It instantly becomes the heart of the room, adding warmth and character.
But what if you get tired of it? That’s where our sofa covers come in. With a custom couch cover from Comfort Works, you can switch up your sofa’s look whenever you want — keeping things fresh without buying a brand-new piece of furniture.
Alternatively you could try our Mod Boucle or Performance Weave sofa covers in Amber, if you’d like a richer yellow on your current sofa.
Summary
Butter yellow is back — and it’s not just for runways and retro kitchens. This soft, feel-good shade is making waves in interior design, and we’ve shared five easy ways to incorporate it into your space — from wall paint to rugs, artwork, textiles, and even your sofa.
Not quite ready to commit to a full-on yellow couch? No stress. A neutral sofa cover gives you the perfect base to layer in colour through accessories — and makes it easy to switch things up when the next trend rolls in.
Feeling inspired? Explore our custom slipcovers.