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Room with yellow wall, white decorations, dresser, vases, and small tables with clear chairs and black carpet and lamp

PPG Evolution of Color

Yellow throughout the decades

Room with yellow wall, white decorations, dresser, vases, and small tables with clear chairs and black carpet and lamp

The Background of Yellow

The oldest yellow pigment is yellow ochre, which was amongst the first pigments used by humans. Egyptians and the ancient world made wide use of the mineral orpiment for a more brilliant yellow than yellow ochre. In the Middle Ages, Europeans manufactured lead tin yellow. They later imported Indian yellow and rediscovered the method for the production of Naples yellow, which was used by the Egyptians. Modern chemistry led to the creation  of many other yellows, including chrome yellow, cadmium yellow, lemon yellow, and cobalt yellow.

Like a ray of sunshine, Yellow has a positive effect on mood. Yellow is credited for stimulating the intellect and offering an overall feeling of vitality. Yellow and white are the ideal pair for maximum light and joy. 

Harvest Yellow

The 1970's

Aligning with the first mass Eco-movement, the 70s embraced a very organic palette of earthy tones lead by, the then famous, Harvest Yellow.

Tuscan Yellow

The 2000's

Everywhere in the early 2000’s, the traditional Italian-inspired kitchen had us dream of living “la dolce vita” under the Tuscan Sun.

Cheerfulness of Gen Z Yellow

2018

Optimistic and committed to make things happier, this buoyant Yellow is attached to the energy of Generation Z.