Walking into a room that instantly makes you feel better is like a little bit of everyday magic. It’s not just about fancy lights or tricks—it’s about picking the right paint color for rooms that face north and don’t get a lot of sun. Trying to find the best color for these rooms might seem tough, like looking for a tiny needle in a big ol’ haystack. But don’t worry! We’ve got the scoop on the best colors that’ll make even the darkest rooms feel cozy and bright.
Think of painting your room as adding a little sunshine where it’s needed most. From cozy creamy whites that hug you when you walk in, to gentle pastel blues that sprinkle a bit of cheer, every color choice is like a step towards making your home shine. So, let’s grab our paintbrushes and get ready to turn those darker spots into your favorite cozy corners, all with a splash of the right paint.
Table of Contents
The Influence of Color on Mood in North-Facing Rooms
The colors we choose to surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our emotions and well-being, especially in spaces where natural light is a precious commodity. North-facing rooms, often bathed in cooler, softer light, present a unique opportunity to harness the power of paint colors to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Understanding how different hues influence mood can transform a dimly lit north facing space into a sanctuary of peace and warmth.
Warm Whites
Warm whites are the secret to adding a subtle glow to north-facing rooms, mimicking the gentle embrace of sunlight on a crisp morning. These hues bring an inherent brightness that can lift the spirits, making spaces feel more open and airy. By reflecting the limited light available, warm whites with their warm undertones can counteract the cool undertones typical of northern exposure, fostering a serene and welcoming environment that encourages relaxation and contemplation.
Sherwin Williams Origami White:
Recommended by interior designer Stephanie Brown, this warm white is ideal for offsetting the cooler tones and darker aspects of north facing rooms. Its light, warm hue brings a sense of warmth and brightness, making it perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in spaces that receive less natural light.
Benjamin Moore Cotton Balls (OC-122)
Described by Hannah Yeo, color marketing & development manager at Benjamin Moore, as a bright white paint color with a touch of warmth. Cotton Balls is great for counterbalancing the cool tones in north facing rooms, creating a brighter and more inviting space.
Benjamin Moore White Chocolate (OC-127)
Another recommendation from Benjamin Moore, White Chocolate offers a creamy warmth that can soften the cool light in north facing rooms. Its rich, inviting tone makes it a popular choice for those looking to enhance the sense of light and space.
Benjamin Moore Powder Sand (OC-113)
Powder Sand is a soft, warm hue that brings a gentle brightness to north facing rooms. It’s an excellent option for those seeking to create a serene and welcoming environment without the starkness of pure white.
Rich Hues
Rich hues bring a depth and intensity to north-facing rooms that few other colors can achieve, transforming these spaces into areas of profound beauty and sophistication. These darker hues and deeper toned colors not only absorb the cool northern light but also radiate a warmth and complexity that can make a room feel more enveloping and luxurious. The strategic use of rich hues can create a dramatic backdrop for artwork and furniture, highlighting textures and colors with a boldness that enhances the room’s overall aesthetic.
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168):
For a moodier, more atmospheric approach, Chelsea Gray offers a deep, rich tone that can make north facing rooms feel more intimate and cozy. This paint is perfect for creating a statement wall color or enveloping a room in a sophisticated shade.
Benjamin Moore Wheeling Neutral (HC-92)
Wheeling Neutral is a versatile, warm hue that can add depth and warmth to north facing rooms. Its neutral tone makes it an excellent backdrop for various decor styles, from modern to traditional.
Benjamin Moore Pale Moon
Adds a buttery warmth and softness to north facing spaces, as per the company’s description. This shade is ideal for those looking to inject a subtle, warm glow into their room, enhancing the natural light available.
Cool Shades
Cool shades, with their ability to evoke the tranquility of the sky and sea, introduce a calm and refreshing energy into north-facing rooms. These blue paint colors can expand a space, bringing a sense of freedom and creativity. When used thoughtfully, cool shades with gray paint colors can balance the lack of direct sunlight, creating a peaceful retreat that feels both invigorating and restful, perfect for sparking inspiration or unwinding after a long day.
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (OC-149)
Victoria Gillet, a French-born, Los Angeles-based interior designer, recommends this clean and crisp white for enhancing natural light in north facing rooms. Its slightly cooler undertone makes it a good match for spaces that aim to feel brighter and more energetic.
Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
White Dove has a slightly warmer undertone, according to Victoria Gillet, adding a touch of warmth to the room. It’s versatile and neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of decorating styles.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
Gillet advises that Alabaster is versatile and neutral, perfect for those seeking a soft, inviting ambiance in their north facing room.
Creams and Beiges
Creams and beiges offer a canvas of warmth and natural elegance, grounding north-facing rooms with their earthy tones. These neutral paint colors can soften the edges of a day, wrapping you in a comforting embrace that encourages relaxation and warmth. By blending seamlessly with the subtle light, creams and beiges with warmer shades add depth and richness, making spaces feel more intimate and cozy, ideal for gathering and connection in a dining room.
Benjamin Moore Navajo White OC-95
A light, warm cream paint color with a neutral base to calm it down. In north facing rooms, Navajo White can counteract the cool light, adding warmth without becoming too yellow.
Benjamin Moore Winds Breath OC-24
A muted, warm neutral that strikes a balance between cream and beige, with whispers of gray. It’s flexible, offering warmth without a strong commitment to yellow.
Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream OC-96:
A rich cream that adds warmth without overwhelming the space. Its yellow-orange base balances cool northern light, settling as a warm but neutral-looking paint color.
Sherwin Williams Natural Linen SW 9109
A modern, light shade of beige that avoids being too golden. It has a nice balance of warmth, making it suitable for north facing rooms needing a touch of warmth.
Greens
Greens, the color of nature and renewal, breathe life into north-facing rooms, promoting balance and harmony. These shades with a green undertone can rejuvenate the spirit, offering a sense of renewal and growth. Whether it’s the soft whisper of sage or the depth of forest green, incorporating green into a north-facing room can create a nurturing haven that supports well-being and tranquility.
Sherwin Williams Grassland 6163
A light-medium green with a subtle, slightly greige warmth. It’s interesting enough to add character to a room without overwhelming it with color.
Benjamin Moore Guilford Green HC-116
Suggested as a more noticeable shade of green, indicating it provides a warm glow suitable for balancing the coolness of north facing rooms.
Neutrals
Neutrals are the foundation of versatility in interior design, especially in north-facing rooms where light plays a crucial role. These neutral paint colors can adapt to any style, providing a backdrop that enhances natural light and space. Neutrals can evoke a sense of calm and simplicity, making a room feel grounded and balanced, a blank slate for personal expression and creativity.
Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9
A muted cream with just enough yellow for warmth, its neutral base calms it down, making it an excellent choice for balancing some cool northern light without becoming too colorful.
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173
A blend of gray and beige with an almost creamy undertone. It’s a popular choice for those wanting a neutral color that’s neither too warm nor too cold.
Blues
Blues, with their spectrum ranging from the softness of morning skies to the depth of twilight, offer a refreshing and calming presence in north-facing rooms. These blue paint colors can transform a space into a serene oasis, ideal for reflection and relaxation. Blues encourage a mental escape, inviting daydreams and a sense of peace, making them perfect for spaces dedicated to rest and rejuvenation.
Benjamin Moore Woodlawn Blue HC-147
While cool paint colors are generally avoided in north facing rooms, Woodlawn Blue’s blend of blue-gray with a hint of green makes it softer and more inviting, suitable for rooms with moderate natural light.
Conclusion:
When choosing paint colors for north-facing rooms, it’s essential to consider the effects of lighting, room size, and existing furniture and decor. Light colors can brighten and enlarge smaller spaces, while deeper tones can create a cozy atmosphere in larger rooms. The harmony between paint color and furnishings is crucial for a cohesive look. Testing paint samples at different times of the day will help you understand how the color behaves in varying lighting conditions. By taking these factors into account, you can make strategic choices that enhance the room’s aesthetics and functionality, ensuring a space that aligns with your personal style and the unique characteristics of north-facing rooms.
