Hawthorne Yellow HC-4 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room bathed in soft, golden light—the kind that makes everything feel just a little more welcoming. That’s the magic of Hawthorne Yellow, Benjamin Moore’s HC-4. It’s not just a paint color; it’s a mood booster, a space enhancer, and a design secret weapon all rolled into one. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room or dreaming up a cozy nursery, this warm, buttery hue might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

Hawthorne Yellow is the kind of color that plays well with others. Its gentle warmth makes it incredibly versatile, fitting effortlessly into farmhouse kitchens, modern home offices, or bohemian bedrooms. With an LRV of 74.45%, it reflects a ton of light, which means it’ll make even the smallest room feel airy and open. But don’t let its brightness fool you—this shade has depth. Its yellow undertones give it a creamy, earthy richness that keeps it from feeling flat or sterile.

One of the best things about this color is how it adapts to different lighting. In a sun-drenched room, it glows like morning light, while in a space with softer illumination, it takes on a cozy, candlelit warmth. That said, lighting can also shift its appearance slightly, so always test a swatch on your walls before committing. Paint a small section and observe it at different times of day to see how it behaves in your specific environment.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. It’s roller-ready and brush-smooth, with good coverage in one to two coats. The finish options—flat, eggshell, or satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. Eggshell and satin are particularly great for high-traffic areas like kitchens or hallways since they’re wipeable and scuff-resistant. Just keep in mind that lower-sheen finishes (like flat) might not hold up as well to frequent cleaning, so choose wisely based on how the space will be used.

Now, let’s talk pairings. Hawthorne Yellow loves company. For a serene, timeless look, pair it with crisp whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove on trim. If you want to lean into its warmth, try earthy neutrals or natural wood tones. Feeling bold? Contrast it with deep blues or greens for a vibrant, modern twist. And don’t forget about metallics—brass fixtures against this yellow are a match made in design heaven.

Small rooms? No problem. This color’s light-reflecting properties make it ideal for tight spaces, creating the illusion of more square footage. Just balance it with lighter furniture and avoid overcrowding to keep the airy feel. In larger, open-concept areas, it can unify the space with a consistent, uplifting vibe.

As for durability, Hawthorne Yellow holds its own. It’s low-VOC, quick-drying, and touch-up friendly, making it a practical choice for busy households. While it might need an extra coat for full coverage, the payoff is worth it—a rich, even finish that doesn’t sacrifice warmth for brightness.

So, is Hawthorne Yellow right for you? If you’re after a color that’s equal parts cheerful and sophisticated, with the flexibility to work in almost any room, the answer is probably yes. It’s a shade that doesn’t just sit on your walls—it interacts with your space, your light, and your life, adding a layer of warmth that feels both intentional and effortless.

Still on the fence? Grab a sample. Paint a corner. Live with it for a day or two. Because the best way to know if a color belongs in your home is to see how it makes you feel when you’re in it. And my guess? Hawthorne Yellow will make you feel right at home.

Real Room Photo of Hawthorne Yellow HC-4

Undertones of  Hawthorne Yellow ?

The undertones of Hawthorne Yellow are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #F5E1A4

RGB code: 245, 225, 164

Is  Hawthorne Yellow Cool or Warm?

Hawthorne Yellow leans warm, making it an inviting choice for spaces where you want to create a cozy, friendly atmosphere. Its warmth is balanced enough that it won’t feel too overwhelming, allowing it to enhance the natural light in a room without making it feel stuffy or overly bright.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Hawthorne Yellow

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Hawthorne Yellow

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Hawthorne Yellow is 74.45%, which places it in the Off‑White colors category. This means it reflect a lot of light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Hawthorne Yellow

Hawthorne Yellow is a stunning choice for anyone looking to infuse their home with warmth and light. Its soft, buttery hue can transform a dull space into a lively area, making it ideal for family rooms or kitchens where you want to foster a cheerful environment. The color works beautifully in both natural and artificial light, maintaining its charm throughout the day. Whether you’re going for a modern farmhouse look or want to add a fun twist to a traditional space, this shade adapts seamlessly. Just keep in mind that depending on the lighting, it can appear slightly different at different times of the day, so testing a sample is always a smart move.

Pros & Cons of  HC-4 Hawthorne Yellow

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Hawthorne Yellow

FAQ on HC-4 Hawthorne Yellow

Can I use Hawthorne Yellow in a small room?

Absolutely! Hawthorne Yellow is an excellent choice for small spaces. Its warm and light-reflective qualities can make a room feel larger and more open. Just consider pairing it with lighter furnishings to maintain that airy feel. If you’re worried about it being too bright, test a small area first to see how it interacts with your lighting.

What colors work well with Hawthorne Yellow?

Hawthorne Yellow pairs beautifully with earthy tones, soft whites, and muted greys. For a more vibrant look, consider contrasting it with deep blues or greens. It also complements natural wood finishes and brass accents, making it a flexible choice for various decor styles.

Comparisons Hawthorne Yellow with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Hawthorne Yellow HC-4