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The best paint colours for north facing rooms

By Lydia Tobin | 11th December 2025 | 4 min read

Choosing a paint colour for your north facing room can be difficult. With less natural light, these spaces can sometimes feel a bit gloomy and small. But don’t worry, the right shade can instantly warm up your room. In this guide we’ll reveal the best colours to give you the confidence to transform your north facing room.

What to look for when picking a colour for your north facing room

When browsing through paint colours, the key is to look at the undertones. To counteract the cool light, the paint you choose should have warm undertones like red, pink or yellow. Often you can read the description of a paint to discover it’s undertone, but you can also place the shade against a true white piece of paper, which will make it easier to spot and avoid any green, grey or blue undertones. 

Our favourite colours for north facing rooms

A living room with white sofa and colourful accessories painted in the neutral shade, Valspar Puppy Paws.

Neutrals

If you’re feeling minimalistic, neutral shades are the way forward. However, a common misconception is that you should choose a bright white shade to counteract the darkness. But, against the cool, north light, pure white walls can feel stark and clinical. Instead, opt for warm-toned neutrals with yellow or pink undertones to bring a sense of cosiness.

Shades like GoodHome Toronto and Lick White 05 give you that crisp, clean white look, but with a subtle warmth that keeps the space feeling inviting. For something a little richer, Farrow & Ball Joa’s White offers a creamy taupe that adds depth, while Valspar Puppy Paws brings a soft pink undertone for a cosy, welcoming backdrop.

Shop neutral paints
A dark dining room with 3/4 panelled walls painted in Lick Supreme Green 05.

Greens

A colour that has recently become a beloved favourite in many homes is green. And just because you have a north facing room, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on this versatile shade. Earthy and rich greens are especially perfect for adding depth and character to a north facing room. Look for shades with warm undertones like olive and sage to balance the cool light.

For a cocooning colour that embraces the darkness rather than fighting it, choose something that’s deep and rich like Lick Green 05 or V&CO Green Shade 5. Or, if you want to go a little lighter, you can soften things with a pastel olive shade like Laura Ashley Hedgerow or Dulux Overtly Olive which bring a sage-like softness that still feels warm and natural.

A dark hallway painted in Valspar Deep Ocean Floor with wall art and staircase

Blues

While blue is naturally a cool colour, deep, saturated shades can still work beautifully in north facing rooms by embracing the cool light rather than fighting it. We recommend rich tones like GoodHome Vence or Valspar Deep Ocean Floor which are perfect for a cosy yet dramatic look. Or for a dark and sophisticated edge, you can try Farrow & Ball Railings or V&CO Blue Shade 6. These darker blues are all about leaning into the moodiness of the space, resulting in a warm, intimate retreat which perfectly pairs with soft lighting and plush textiles.

A warm terracotta living room painted in Lick's orange 02 with a brown sofa and gold lamp.

Reds and oranges

Reds and oranges are a brilliant for north facing rooms. Their natural warmth works it’s magic to make your space feel cosy and warm. Terracotta tones, like Lick Orange 02 or GoodHome Naturéa Crocosmia add a natural charm that feels instantly inviting. Or, for something moodier, deeper brick reds such as V&CO Red Shade 4 or GoodHome Fulham create a rich and snug atmosphere. These colours don’t try to brighten the space, they lean into its character, wrapping the room in warmth.

Our top tips for north facing rooms

1. Test colours in natural light

Always sample paint on your walls and check it at different times of day. North-facing rooms often look darker, so colours can appear cooler than they do on a swatch.

2. Don't fear dark shades

You can embrace the lack of light with deeper, richer colours. Dark tones create a cocooning, cosy atmosphere rather than trying to make the room artificially bright.

3. Layer warm lighting

Compliment your paint colour with warm toned light bulbs to bring in extra cosiness. Combine table lamps, floor lamps and ceiling fixtures for a layered effect. 

4. Add natural elements

Pair your paint with natural materials like wood, wool, and linen to bring a tactile warmth that softens the cooler light in north-facing rooms. These textures add depth and comfort, making the space feel more inviting and balanced.