Citronella

Technical Profile

What color is Citronella? It's a light cool yellow with the hex code #B9C660. Colors similar to Citronella include Dunn-Edwards Asparagus Fern, Colorhouse Thrive .03, PPG Boogie Blast. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Citronella has a cool (green) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Citronella (#B9C660) by MPC is a light yellow paint color with a balanced saturation that feels natural and approachable. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. In its RGB breakdown, green is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle earthy, organic quality even under different lighting conditions. Its Light Reflectance Value of 74 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. Light yellows brighten bathrooms, laundry rooms, and north-facing spaces that crave extra warmth. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Citronella pairs beautifully with blue tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring green and orange hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its cool (green) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If MPC is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Dunn-Edwards, Colorhouse, PPG and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Citronella offers a breezy, coastal serenity that keeps spaces feeling clean and refreshed. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for cottage-core, transitional, and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. As part of the MPC palette, Citronella benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Citronella are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Citronella (MP491) directly from MPC or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.