my guide to north-facing rooms
Let’s talk about the cruel trick that architecture and physics sometimes play on us: You fall in love with a room. Gorgeous bones. Dreamy trim. Perfect for your vintage furniture.
But it’s north-facing.
And suddenly every paint color you try looks… weird.
Why North-Facing Rooms Are So Tricky
Here’s the science part (because yes, your house and the laws of physics are conspiring against you):
North-facing light is cooler than south-facing light.
It filters in with a bluish-grey cast.
And it’s generally softer and dimmer—especially in the mornings and late afternoons.
This happens because of Rayleigh scattering—a fancy way of saying the atmosphere scatters blue light more than warm reds and yellows. North-facing windows let in more of that cool, scattered light and less direct sun.
Result? Even your favorite warm colors can suddenly look cold, dingy, or sad in a north-facing space.
My Advice as a Designer (and Old House Whisperer)
Don’t fight the light—work with it.
Here’s how:
Embrace warmth.
Lean into warmer undertones. Soft creams, gentle ochres, spicy corals, muted mustards, and warm taupes all help balance the coolness of northern light.
Avoid icy shades.
Cool greys, stark whites, or steely blues can feel sterile in a north-facing room.
Consider depth.
North-facing rooms can handle stronger color. Darker hues often look stunning because the light softens them instead of making them harsh.
Test before you commit.
Always paint swatches and check them at different times of day.
My Favorite Paint Picks for North-Facing Rooms
Because you know I’m going to bring receipts—and color decks.
Farrow & Ball
India Yellow No. 66 → Deep mustard that sings in dim light.
Setting Plaster No. 231 → A gentle, warm pink that never feels bubblegum.
Sulking Room Pink No. 295 → A muted rose that adds warmth without shouting.
Jitney No. 293 → Soft taupe-brown, cozy and grounding.
Little Greene
Tuscan Red → Rich, earthy red that glows in cool light.
Clay Mid No. 154 → Warm taupe-beige that reads balanced in north rooms.
Tea with Florence → Lively but warm green perfect for period homes.
Mischief → A daring coral red that feels inviting in muted light.
Edward Bulmer Natural Paint
Brick → Deep terracotta that feels historic and modern.
Trumpington Pink → A soft but spicy pink that looks romantic in north light.
Invisible Green → A mid-tone green that holds its warmth beautifully.
Light Olive → Soft earthy warmth that counteracts chilly shadows.
(Note: Edward Bulmer isn’t widely available in the U.S. yet—but I dream of the day.)
Alkemis
Warm Ochre → Glows like sunlit plaster.
Clay → Earthy, warm, perfect for historic walls.
Soft Rose Quartz → Subtle warm blush that reads cozy.
Cinnabar → Deep earthy red that thrives in low light.
(Alkemis is U.S.-based and completely natural—ideal for breathability on old plaster walls.)
A Few Final Tips
North light softens color.
Don’t be afraid of bolder shades—they’ll often appear lighter and more muted than you expect.
Check your trim.
White trim can look stark in north rooms. Try a softer off-white or a tonal color instead.
Trust the test swatch.
Paint a big patch. Live with it for a week. Watch it morning, noon, and night.
Remember, it’s not just paint.
Warm up north rooms with wood furniture, textiles, warm metals (brass, bronze), and layered lighting.
The Restoration Ryann Philosophy
An old house deserves color that feels alive.
Even if the sun never quite swings around to say hello, your north-facing rooms can still feel warm, cozy, and vibrant.
So go forth. Pick colors with courage. Trust your instincts. And remember: even a cool northern light can shine on something beautiful.
Have a north-facing room you’re wrestling with? Drop me a message. I’m always ready to talk paint swatches and old house soul.
