Citronella

Technical Profile

What color is Citronella? It's a light warm yellow with the hex code #CBA901. Colors similar to Citronella include Vista Paint Mustard Field, RAL Broom Yellow, Behr Citronette. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Citronella has a neutral 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 (#CBA901) by Sherwin-Williams is a light yellow paint color with a striking intensity that commands attention. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. In its RGB breakdown, red is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle rosy warmth even under different lighting conditions. Its Light Reflectance Value of 64 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 neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Sherwin-Williams is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Vista Paint, RAL, Behr and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Citronella radiates an inviting, sun-washed warmth that makes guests feel immediately at ease. 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 Sherwin-Williams palette, Citronella benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Citronella can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. 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 (6915) directly from Sherwin-Williams or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.