Neutral Paint Colours for North-Facing Rooms

Choosing the right neutral paint colour for a north-facing room can make all the difference in how your space feels throughout the day. North-facing rooms typically receive cooler, indirect light, which can make some colours appear darker or slightly blue. To counteract this, choosing warm-toned neutrals that add balance, warmth, and brightness to your space is important.

Why light matters in north-facing rooms?

Unlike south-facing rooms that are bathed in warm sunlight, north-facing spaces tend to have a cooler, more muted light that can make colours appear darker and sometimes even a little dull. This means that some neutral shades, particularly those with cool grey or blue undertones, can feel cold or uninviting in these spaces. Instead, look for neutrals with warm undertones—hints of beige, taupe, or creamy whites—to bring in a soft, welcoming glow.

North-facing rooms don’t have to feel cold or dim. By choosing the right warm-toned neutral, you can create a space that feels cosy, elegant, and inviting all year round. Whether you prefer soft beige, warm greige, or creamy whites, selecting a colour with warm undertones will ensure your room feels balanced and beautiful.

Neutral Paint Colours for North-Facing Rooms

Dulux Trade Evening Barley

Little Greene Rolling Fog Light

Farrow and Ball Skimming Stone

Crown Trade Wheatgrass

Craig and Rose Deep Sung Cream

Dulux Trade Natural Hessian

The Best Neutral Paint Colours for North-Facing Rooms

1. Soft Beiges

Warm beiges are a classic choice for north-facing rooms. A shade like Whippet, a soft beige with subtle grey undertones, strikes a perfect balance—light enough to brighten a space but with enough warmth to counteract the cool light. Beiges with a hint of taupe or yellow undertones can help create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.

2. Warm Greiges

Greige (a mix of grey and beige) is an excellent neutral option, but for north-facing rooms, it's best to lean towards greiges with warm undertones. Shades like Edgecomb Gray or Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore offer a perfect mix of warmth and softness, preventing the space from feeling too cool or stark.

3. Creamy Whites

If you want a light and airy feel, opt for warm whites with creamy or beige undertones rather than stark, crisp whites. A shade like Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball or Timeless by Dulux provides a gentle warmth that brightens the space without feeling cold or clinical. Avoid pure whites with blue or grey undertones, as they can enhance the coolness of the natural light.

4. Soft Taupes

For those who prefer a bit more depth in their neutrals, taupe is a fantastic choice. A colour like Perfectly Taupe by Dulux adds a sophisticated warmth that works beautifully in dimmer, north-facing light. It’s a subtle, earthy tone that creates a cosy and elegant atmosphere.

5. Muted Warm Greys

While cool greys can feel too stark in a north-facing room, warm greys (often called "greige") with beige or brown undertones work wonderfully. Shades like Ammonite by Farrow & Ball or Pavilion Gray add a touch of sophistication without feeling overly cool or uninviting.

Tips for Choosing the Right Neutral for a North-Facing Room

Order Sample Pots: Always order paint samples to try your chosen colours at home in your space and observe them throughout the day. The changing light can make a colour look different at various times.
Pair with Warm Lighting: Using warm-toned bulbs can help counteract the cooler light from the north, enhancing the warmth of your chosen paint colour.
Layer Textures and Accents: Pairing your neutral walls with warm textiles, wooden furniture, and soft lighting can make a north-facing room feel more inviting.