Mine is very bright white. My room is in the basement with no natural light. DH put in lots of good overhead lights and tried to talk me out of white walls, but I said no, I need light. Well its light! Everybtime I flip the light it reminds me of that bright light that is the last thing you see before they put you out for surgery! Then my middle age eyes adjust and its all good. With your decision being lavender or yellow, I would choose a cheerful yellow.