The Best Colours for a North Facing Living Room: Maximizing Light and Warmth

Athena 18739 Rugs in Grey
Choosing the right colour palette for a north facing living room can be a bit of a challenge. North facing rooms receive less direct sunlight, which can leave them feeling colder and darker than other areas in your home. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, it's essential to select colours that maximize the available light and enhance the room's overall ambiance. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best colours to use in a north facing living room, along with a few tips for making the space as comfortable and inviting as possible.
- Warm Neutrals
Warm neutrals are the go-to choice for many homeowners when it comes to north facing living rooms. These colours, such as beige, cream, and taupe, can help counteract the cooler, bluish light that is often associated with north-facing spaces. By choosing a warm neutral, you'll create a cosy atmosphere that still feels bright and inviting.
- Soft Pastels
If you're looking for something a bit more colourful, consider using soft pastel shades in your north facing living room. Colours like pale pink, soft peach, or light lavender can add a subtle touch of warmth while still keeping the room feeling light and airy. Pastel colours reflect light well, helping to make the space feel brighter and more inviting.
- Earthy Tones
Earthy tones, such as terracotta, ochre, and olive green, can also be an excellent choice for north facing living rooms. These colours can add depth and warmth to the space while still allowing plenty of light to reflect off the walls. In addition, earthy tones can help create a connection to the outdoors, which is particularly beneficial in a room with limited natural light.
- Rich Jewel Tones
If you want to make a bold statement in your north facing living room, consider using rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep sapphire, or ruby red. These colours can create a dramatic and luxurious atmosphere while still adding warmth to the room. To avoid making the space feel too dark, balance these bold colours with lighter accents, such as a neutral rug or furniture.
Gray is a popular choice for many modern living rooms, and it can work well in a north facing space if you choose the right shade. Look for a grey paint colour with warm undertones, such as a greige (grey-beige) or a grey with a hint of taupe. This will help counteract the cool, blue light and keep the room feeling cosy and inviting.
Tips for Maximizing Light and Warmth
In addition to choosing the right paint colour, there are a few other design elements to consider when decorating a north facing living room:
- Use mirrors: Strategically placing mirrors on the walls can help bounce natural light around the room, making it feel brighter and more spacious.
- Opt for light-coloured furniture: Light-coloured sofas, chairs, and tables will reflect light better than dark furniture, helping to brighten the space.
- Choose window treatments wisely: Select sheer or light-filtering curtains that allow natural light to filter through while still providing privacy.
- Incorporate lighting: Layered lighting with a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead fixtures will help ensure that your north facing living room is well-lit and inviting at all times.
A north facing living room doesn't have to feel dark and unwelcoming. By choosing the right colours and incorporating a few clever design tricks, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes the most of the available light. Whether you opt for warm neutrals, soft pastels, earthy tones, rich jewel colours, or a warm grey, the key is to find a colour palette that complements your personal style while also enhancing the room's natural light.
In summary, here are our top colour choices for a north facing living room:
- Warm Neutrals
- Soft Pastels
- Earthy Tones
- Rich Jewel Tones
- Grey with Warm Undertones
With the right colours and design elements, you can transform your north facing living room into a welcoming, comfortable space that you and your family will love spending time in. Remember to use mirrors, light-coloured furniture, well-chosen window treatments, and layered lighting to maximize the light and warmth in your room. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a beautiful and inviting living room that feels bright and cosy, even in a north facing space.
So, go ahead and experiment with the colours and design tips we've discussed in this blog post. You may be surprised at how a few simple changes can make a dramatic difference in the atmosphere of your north facing living room. Happy decorating!