Choosing the Best Paint Colours for your North Facing Room
Written by Catherine Seagrave
A north facing room has a pretty bad reputation - cold, gloomy and a bit dismal. No matter how large the windows are, the room will lack sunlight. Not the best start! However, all is not lost. Your cold dark room doesn’t have to stay that way. Understanding the light you do have can help you choose the right paint colours to cosy it up and make it an inviting space.
Less sun in a room equals a darker and cooler light. This means that any colour you put in this room will reflect back more of the blue and grey undertones. It can make colours appear darker and duller, and even off-whites can look flat and dingy.
Often people try to brighten a north facing room by painting it white. Sadly this doesn’t have the effect they are after. A light colour in this setting doesn’t mean a brighter room. No matter how white the paint, it can only reflect back the cold light that is available. Brilliant white in a north facing room will have the opposite effect of what you are after as it contains no warm pigments. The room will feel chilly and soulless - brrrrr!
Instead you need to consider the undertones in the paint colour. They can change the atmosphere of the room and make it feel snug and cosy. You are actually much better off with a warmer, stronger tone that brings something extra to the room. Yellow and red undertones will warm things up and won’t look too creamy in the northern light.
So whether your preference is for a light shade of paint, or for a dark and dramatic look, or even a brighter colour, you can make them all work providing you choose the shade with the right undertones.
Take a look at our recommendations below to help you get it right. There’s something for everyone!
White, light and neutral paint colours
These lighter shades have warm undertones of yellow, pink and brown. They are neutral and light, but will add depth and cosiness to your north facing light.
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Lick Greige 02 - a warm grey beige with a hint of a green undertone. This is an easy to use colour that will slip into the background in the best possible way. Try adding some plants to the room to bring out the green.
@lifeatnumbersixtyeight
Farrow and Ball White Tie No 2002 - this white is the colour of old pre-brightened starched cotton. The yellow undertones will envelop the room in gentle warmth.
Paint and Paper Library Slate III - a very versatile colour that can look bright or moody when needed and goes well with everything in any light. It’s an easy win, especially if you like to use the same colour throughout the house to create a flow.
@no.65housediaries
@londonhomeproject
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Little Greene Slaked Lime 105 - a firm favourite here at The Living House. This colour has a warm and soft appearance, a great option if you want to use a white but avoid the gloomy feel due to its mellow taupe tones in the background.
@mabel.in.the.house (Slaked Lime 105 on wardrobes and woodwork)
Dark and moody paint colours
If you fancy embracing the dark and adding richness to your north facing room, check out these options. Choosing a deep, enveloping shade can add a whole new level of cosiness to the room. Be bold and look for colours with red in the undertones or warm greens.
Farrow and Ball Green Smoke No. 47 - this colour has an inviting deepness that will cosy up your room. It evokes calm and serenity and is more intense than khaki with a real richness. Pairing this smoky green-blue with pink makes something special happen. Each colour makes the other sing, and depending on the shade you opt for, the effect can be subtle or a real pop!
@hall_farm_cottage
@ohmyedwardian
@little_savage_life
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Little Greene Etruria 326 - a colour inspired by the potter Josiah Wedgwood who named his factory Etruria. With a good dose of teal, this colour has depth and warmth whilst still remaining blue. It works beautifully with a pop of red or coral to ensure it brings out the right notes.
Image from Little Greene website
Farrow and Ball Railings No. 31 - dramatic and enveloping, cosy and cocooning, this colour has everything you want from a dark shade. The bronze undertones make the colour warm and alive rather than flat and dull.
@houseabovetheriver
@the_foreverhome_project
@pasturesgreenhome
Coat Pan - a warm green deeply saturated with yellow undertones. This colour is guaranteed to banish the chill, and it looks great with pink and coral accents.
@coatpaints
@coatpaints
Colourful paint colours
A strong colour can have a more warming effect than their paler cousins. Rich in pigment, these colourful options will bring personality and vibrancy to your north facing room.
Earthborn Flowerpot - this warm terracotta colour is taken from the colour of natural clay. Reminiscent of Mediterranean holidays it is sure to give your north facing room a welcome uplift.
@earthbornpaints
Dulux Blush Pink - a soft shade that feels cosy and welcoming, without being too pink. Try painting the ceiling in this colour too for an intimate and restful feel.
@diy_a_home
Little Greene Air Force Blue 260 - to achieve the true deep richness of Air Force Blue, paint all the walls the same colour rather than just an accent wall. It will build the intensity and add to the warmth in the room.
@blue_piccadilly
Coat Mr Clifton - although this is a blue grey it does still have warm undertones. It is a fantastic colour that effortlessly goes with everything.
@coatpaints
@coatpaints
Paint and Paper Library Aeoli - the colour of creamy custard, this yellow has warmth in abundance, but still remains fresh too.
Lick Green 07 - the sunny character of this vibrant green makes you feel alive! With yellow undertones it has a hint of retro about it. It would look amazing with a touch of zingy orange.
@ourcolourfulrosedale
We always recommend getting a tester pot of the paint before you make your decision. No matter how quickly you need to decide, it really is worth taking the time. Paints can look so different in the light of our homes, compared to the small chip on the paint chart. Paint onto a large piece of lining paper so you can move the piece around the room. That way you can see how it appears as the light changes, and in artificial light too.
If you have any questions about using colour in your home, get in touch! We’d love to hear from you. We can offer personalised help and advice, to any budget, from only £295.
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