Northern Exposure: Choosing The Right Bedroom Paint Colors

North-facing rooms have a reputation for being cold, gloomy, and lacking in sunlight. The light in these rooms tends to be cooler and can make colours appear darker and duller. When choosing a paint colour for a north-facing bedroom, it's important to consider the impact of the lighting conditions on the colour. While some people might opt for white to brighten up the space, this can sometimes have the opposite effect, creating a dull and flat atmosphere. Instead, warmer shades with yellow, orange, pink, or earthy undertones can help to counteract the cool light and create a cosy and inviting space.

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Warm colours with yellow, orange, or pink undertones

North-facing rooms tend to receive less sunlight and have cooler, more muted light. This can make colours appear darker and duller, and even off-whites can look flat and dingy. Embracing darker colours can be a good option for these rooms.

When it comes to warm colours with yellow, orange, or pink undertones, there are several options that can work well in a north-facing bedroom. These colours can help to counteract the cool light and create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

One option is to choose a light or soft shade of yellow with warm undertones. Colours like Paint and Paper Library Aeoli, a creamy custard yellow, or Farrow and Ball Yellow Ground, New White, and White Tie can help to bounce light around the room. A cooler, pale yellow can also work well and add a warm glow to the space.

If you're looking for something a bit bolder, consider a warm terracotta colour like Earthborn Flowerpot, which is reminiscent of Mediterranean holidays. Another option is Dulux Blush Pink, a soft and cosy shade that adds a welcoming feel to the room. For a deeper shade, try a warm red with peach, coral, or terracotta undertones, such as Sherwin Williams Row House Tan.

For those who prefer neutrals, warm beige and cream colours can also work well in a north-facing bedroom. Colours like Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore, a soft off-white with subtle warmth, or Stock by Little Greene, a cream colour with a yellow base, can add warmth to the space. Another option is to choose a grey-based neutral like Portland Stone by Little Greene, which sits between grey and beige with a touch of warmth.

When selecting a paint colour, it's important to consider the unique lighting conditions of your space and how they may change throughout the day and across seasons. Test out colours in your room to see how they appear in different lighting before making a final decision.

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Cool colours with blue or grey undertones

North-facing rooms tend to receive less sunlight and have cooler, more muted light. This can make colours appear darker and duller. When choosing colours for a north-facing room, it is important to consider the effect of the light on different colours. Cool colours with blue or grey undertones can be a good choice for a north-facing bedroom as they can add a cosy and inviting feel to the space. Here are some colours that fall into this category:

• Coat Mr Clifton by Little Greene is a blue-grey shade with warm undertones. It is a versatile colour that goes well with a variety of other colours.
• Ambleside by Little Greene is a deep green with muted blue undertones, making it a great choice for a cool dark shade.
• Farrow and Ball's Hague Blue No.30 is a beautiful blue shade that will reflect the cooler light in a north-facing room.
• Paint and Paper Library's Slate III is a versatile colour that can look bright or moody, depending on the lighting. It has blue and grey undertones and works well with other colours.
• Little Greene's Air Force Blue 260 is a rich and intense blue shade that adds warmth to the room.
• Sherwin Williams' Evergreen Fog is a smoky green-grey that can look inviting, especially when paired with warm decor.
• Tranquil Dawn by Dulux is a soft misty green with subtle grey undertones. It has a calming feel and looks beautiful with soft pink accents.

When choosing a cool colour with blue or grey undertones for a north-facing bedroom, it is important to consider the amount of light the room receives and the effect it will have on the colour. It is also worth noting that warmer colours with yellow, peach, or pink undertones are often recommended for north-facing rooms to counteract the cool light.

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Dark colours to embrace the lack of light

North-facing rooms are notoriously tricky when it comes to choosing a paint colour. These rooms receive little natural light, and the light they do receive is much cooler in tone. This can make colours appear darker and duller, and even off-whites can look flat and lifeless.

However, this doesn't mean you have to shy away from dark colours. In fact, embracing the lack of light and painting your north-facing bedroom a rich, deep shade can add a whole new level of cosiness.

If you're looking to create a bold and dramatic space, consider colours with red undertones or warm greens. Farrow & Ball's Down Pipe, for example, is a dark, lead colour that will create a cosy, cocooning feel. Similarly, a deep enveloping shade of green, such as Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue, can look bright or moody when needed and pairs well with everything in any light.

If you're looking for something a little less traditional, a deep terracotta shade, such as Earthborn Flowerpot, can give your north-facing bedroom a warm and inviting feel. Or, for a more subtle approach, try a grey-based neutral like Little Greene's Portland Stone, which sits between grey and beige with a hint of warmth.

When choosing a dark colour for your north-facing bedroom, it's important to consider the undertones. Avoid colours with strong blue undertones, as these can make the space feel too cold. Instead, opt for shades with warm, yellow or earthy undertones to counteract the cool light. You can also add warmth and depth to your space by incorporating plants, colourful artwork, rugs, and throw cushions in complementary colours.

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Light colours to maximise the light

North-facing rooms tend to receive consistent light throughout the day, but it is often muted and cool in tone. This can make colours appear darker and duller, and even off-whites can look flat and dingy. Therefore, it is important to choose a paint colour with the right undertones to maximise the light in a north-facing bedroom.

When selecting a light colour for a north-facing bedroom, it is best to avoid shades with blue or grey bases as these will reflect the cool undertones of the light and create a dull effect. Instead, opt for colours with warm undertones of yellow, pink, or brown to balance out the coolness of the light and create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. For example, a light shade of paint with a hint of yellow, such as Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore, can add a subtle warmth to the room while still maintaining a light and bright space.

Another option is to choose a warm neutral colour with beige, peach, or terracotta undertones. These colours will help to counteract the cool light and create a soft and welcoming ambiance in the bedroom. Consider a soft pastel white like Stock by Little Greene, which has a yellow base and will warm up the space. Alternatively, Farrow and Ball's White Tie No. 2002 is a beautiful, warm shade that will add depth to the room without sacrificing light.

If you are looking for a more colourful option, warm greens with yellow or earthy undertones can work well in a north-facing bedroom. Shades like sage, olive, and moss green create a cosy and inviting feel while still feeling fresh and natural. Tranquil Dawn by Dulux is a lovely soft misty green with subtle grey undertones that will add a calming vibe to the space. For a warmer option, try Boringdon Green by Little Greene, a muted shade that avoids any minty hues.

Finally, if you want to embrace the cool light of the north-facing room, you can opt for a darker colour. A deep, enveloping shade can add a whole new level of cosiness to the space. Consider colours with red undertones or warm greens, such as Ambleside by Little Greene, a deep green with muted blue undertones. By choosing a shade that complements the natural light, you can create a stylish and inviting north-facing bedroom.

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Neutral colours with beige or cream undertones

Beige is a versatile option for a north-facing room. Benjamin Moore's Bleeker Beige HC-80, for example, has versatile undertones and is a popular choice for its flexibility. Another option is Lick Greige 02, a warm grey-beige with a hint of green that pairs well with plants.

Cream-coloured paint can also add warmth to a north-facing bedroom. For instance, Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore is a soft off-white with subtle warmth, creating a light and welcoming feel. Stock by Little Greene is a soft pastel white with a yellow base that warms up a north-facing room. Navajo White by Benjamin Moore is another timeless and flexible light cream shade.

When choosing a neutral colour with beige or cream undertones, it is important to consider your unique lighting conditions and how they will affect the paint colour. Test out different shades and observe how they look throughout the day and evening, in both artificial and natural light.

By selecting the right shade of neutral with beige or cream undertones, you can create a cosy and welcoming north-facing bedroom that makes the most of the available light.

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