North-Facing Rooms

The amount of light that comes from each direction—be it north, south, east, or west—has a powerful effect on a paint color's intensity and cast. Here are some common characteristics of northern light:

• A north-facing room tends to get consistent light throughout the day.
• The natural light in a room with northern exposure can be muted and toned down
• Cool, blue-gray tones are popular for a room with northern exposure.

How can you balance some of the qualities of northern light? Choose a paint color with the right amount of warm and cool undertones, and consider its brightness.

Let’s look at recommendations for north-facing rooms handpicked by our color experts.

White Paint Colors for North-Facing Rooms

Counterbalance the cast of cool northern exposure with a clean, fresh white paint that has a hint of yellow. The three go-to white paint colors below provide varying levels of warmth, depending on how cool (or blue) the lighting is in your north-facing space.

Gray Paint Colors for North-Facing Rooms

We’re often asked to name our “perfect gray” or “true gray.” Our answer? It depends on the lighting. We selected the gray paint colors below for their warm undertones. Each one softens the crisp nature of northern light. And while north-facing rooms may be a bit darker than those with southern exposure, we love leaning into the moody ambience of northern lighting with these three shades of gray.

Neutral Paint Colors for North-Facing Rooms

The muted natural lighting of a north-facing space holds great appeal for many. These neutral paint colors provide soft yellow undertones that balance the coolness of a north-facing room. Hints of golden earth and soft sand add a grounded sensibility and overall warm ambience.

Our Color Experts’ Top Picks for North-Facing Rooms

Bring warmth to the cool, muted lighting of northern exposure with sunny yellows, peachy pinks, and orange-tinged hues. Use the colors below as a starting point to find the perfect color for your space.