The Best Colours for North & West Facing Rooms: How to Work with Natural Light

Lighting is one of the most important factors when choosing paint colours. North and Wes facing rooms receive very different types of natural light, which can impact how colours appear throughout the day.

• North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light, often making colours look darker and cooler.

• West-facing rooms receive warm light in the afternoon and evening but can appear dull in the morning.

Understanding these nuances will help you choose colours that enhance your space rather than fight against the light. 

Best Colours for North-Facing Rooms

North-facing rooms often feel cool and shadowy, with light that can make some shades appear grey or muted. The key is to choose colours that add warmth and depth to counteract the cool lighting.

Warm Neutrals

Soft, warm neutrals can make a North-facing room feel more inviting.
- Warm Greige – A mix of grey and beige, like Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath.
- Soft Creams – A warm off-white, like Dulux Timeless, prevents the space from feeling too stark.

Earthy & Warm Tones

Adding warmer undertones balances the cool light.
- Terracotta & Clay – Shades like Little Greene’s Tuscan Red bring warmth and richness.
- Muted Mustard – A warm ochre like Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow adds vibrancy.

Soft, Warm Blues & Greens

Cooler colours can work in North-facing rooms if they have a warm undertone.
- Teal with a Green Base – Like Little Greene’s Mid Azure Green, avoids looking icy.
- Sage Green – A soft green with warmth, such as Farrow & Ball’s French Gray.

Colours to Avoid

• Cool greys & blues – Can make the room feel colder and shadowy.

• Bright whites – Can look dull and lifeless rather than fresh.

Best Colours for West-Facing Rooms

West-facing rooms experience changing light throughout the day—cooler in the morning and warmer in the afternoon. The key is to choose versatile, balanced colours that adapt well to shifting light.

Soft & Muted Neutrals

West-facing light can be golden in the evening, so neutrals with subtle warmth work well.
- Greige – A beige-grey mix like Dulux Perfectly Taupe balances the changing light.
- Warm White – Soft whites with a yellow or beige undertone, like Farrow & Ball’s Slipper Satin.

Rich, Earthy Tones

West-facing rooms can handle deeper, moodier tones that come alive in the evening.
- Deep Olive or Moss Green – Like Little Greene’s Olive Colour for a cozy feel.
- Rusty Reds & Burnt Oranges – Work beautifully with warm afternoon light.

Cooler Tones for Balance

If you want a more balanced look, use cooler colours to offset the warm afternoon glow.
- Muted Blues – Like Farrow & Ball’s De Nimes, a soft, lived-in blue.
- Soft Lavender or Mauve – Adds depth without feeling too cold.

Colours to Avoid

• Overly warm yellows & oranges – Can feel overwhelming in the afternoon light.

• Very dark colours – Can look heavy and flat in low morning light.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Colour for Your Space

Whether your room faces North or West, the trick is to work with the light, not against it:
- North-facing rooms need warmth and depth to counteract the cool light.
- West-facing rooms need colours that transition well from cooler morning light to golden evenings.

At Studio Five, we help clients choose the perfect shades to enhance their home’s natural light and character.