What Color is Jonquil
Jonquil is a vivid, golden-tinged yellow that captures the essence of late spring sunshine. It possesses a high saturation that feels energetic without drifting into the harshness of neon. This shade embodies radiance and organic vitality, sitting comfortably between primary yellow and goldenrod.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Yellow
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #153EF4
- Brightness: 194/255
- Saturation: 91%
Colors That Pair Well With Jonquil
Complementary
Pair with Dark Blue for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Dark Blue for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Jonquil History
The name of this color derives from the Spanish word junquillo, referring to the rush-like leaves of the Narcissus jonquilla flower. First recorded as a color name in English in 1789, it emerged during a period of botanical classification where precise nomenclature was essential for documenting the natural world.
Historically, achieving such a stable, bright yellow was difficult for artists until the 19th-century invention of Chrome Yellow and Cadmium Yellow pigments. Impressionist painters later embraced these high-chroma yellows to capture fleeting luminosity and sunlight, moving away from the darker, earth-toned ochres of the Renaissance.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Jonquil is the color of the mind and the intellect, stimulating mental activity and clarity. It is naturally associated with happiness and optimism, triggering the release of serotonin and evoking a sense of cheerfulness in the viewer.
However, because yellow is the most visible color in the spectrum, it is difficult for the eye to process in large quantities. While it represents enlightenment, excessive exposure can cause visual fatigue and feelings of agitation or anxiety, requiring careful balance in spatial application.
In Nature
This specific shade is inextricably linked to the central cup of the Narcissus flower, from which it takes its name. In the animal kingdom, this vibrant yellow appears on the plumage of the American Goldfinch and the wings of Clouded Sulfur butterflies, serving as a signal for mating or a warning of toxicity to predators.
How To Use Jonquil
In design, Jonquil demands attention and is best used to establish visual hierarchy or as a call-to-action button. It pairs elegantly with deep, cool tones like slate grey, navy, or violet, which anchor its brightness and provide necessary contrast.
Regarding accessibility, avoid using white text on a Jonquil background, as the ratio fails WCAG standards. To ensure legibility, always opt for dark charcoal or black ink when layering typography over this intense hue.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Botanical Study
A classic spring arrangement based on the Narcissus flower and its foliage.
Urban Concrete
High contrast industrial palette using Jonquil as a safety-inspired accent.
Regal Complement
A rich, split-complementary scheme leveraging the tension between yellow and violet.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #F4CA16;
color: rgb(244, 202, 22);
background-color: #F4CA16;
border: 3px solid #F4CA16;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #F4CA1666;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #F4CA16 0%, #ffffff 100%);

Shop Premium Products in Jonquil
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout
Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
- Print: Edge-to-edge vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Jonquil?
Explore color palettes containing Jonquil and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Polychromos
cadmium yellow
#107 • #FFD530
Prismacolor
Sunburst Yellow
#PC917 • #FFD62F
Prismacolor
Yellow Chartreuse
#PC1004 • #FFF991
Polychromos
light yellow glaze
#104 • #F3EF6F
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Naples Ochre
#821 • #F4DAA3
Similar Colors
View all Yellow colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Jonquil
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Jonquil?
What colors go with Jonquil?
Is Jonquil accessible for text?
How do I use Jonquil in CSS?
You can use Jonquil in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.jonquil {
background-color: #F4CA16;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.