Key takeaways
- North gives cooler, steady light.
- South gives warm, abundant light.
- Always test the sample at several times of day.
North-facing room
The light is cooler and bluer. Greys and blues can look colder. Warm shades and a higher LRV help keep the room welcoming.
South-facing room
Light is abundant and warm for much of the day. Almost every colour behaves well, including deeper or cooler shades.
East and west
- East: warm, bright light in the morning, more neutral afterwards.
- West: soft light early in the day, very warm in late afternoon and at sunset.
Practical tips
- Paint a large sample on the wall and watch it in the morning, at noon and in the evening.
- Consider artificial lighting: warm or cool bulbs change the look.
- Take the room’s furniture and floors into account.
Frequently asked questions
- Which colour for a north-facing room?
- Warm, fairly light shades often work well, but a test on the wall is still the best answer.
- Does artificial light change the colour?
- Yes. A warm bulb warms the shade and a cool bulb cools it.
