Choosing the Right Colours for Rooms with North-Facing Natural Light in the UK:
How Seasons Impact Tonal Shades: North Facing rooms
When it comes to interior design, the natural light in a room is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting colours (along with the artificial lighting you choose to pair it with!).
Natural light not only influences the overall mood and feel of a space but also dramatically affects how paint colours look. In the UK, where weather patterns can vary significantly throughout the day and month let alone the year, understanding how the seasons and directional light impact tonal shades is crucial, especially when dealing with north-facing rooms. North-facing rooms are often seen as more challenging in terms of lighting because they don’t receive the same direct sunlight as rooms facing south, east, or west. However, with careful consideration of colour choices, we can help you transform your north-facing room into a welcoming, vibrant space regardless of the season.
In this weeks IDPS blog, we’ll explore how natural light affects rooms with a northern orientation, how the seasons influence tonal shades, and what colour palettes work best in these spaces. We’ll also offer practical tips for selecting colours that can enhance the light in your room and create a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout the year.
Understanding North-Facing Rooms in the UK
Before we dive into the colour selection process, it’s essential to understand how north-facing rooms behave in terms of natural light. In the UK, north-facing rooms receive indirect sunlight throughout the day, which can make them feel cooler and more subdued. Unlike south-facing rooms, which benefit from warmer, more intense sunlight, north-facing spaces often have a more constant, softer light that’s cool in tone. This kind of lighting can sometimes make the room feel darker or more muted, particularly during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It’s important to add the style of property and the windows in a room will also majorly influence light distribution.
However, while north-facing rooms can pose some challenges, they also offer opportunities to create serene, calm spaces. The trick is to choose colours and tones that complement the cool, diffused light these rooms receive.
How Seasons Impact Tonal Shades
The changing seasons in the UK can significantly impact the natural light in a room, including how the colours on your walls appear. Different seasons bring varying levels of daylight and weather conditions, which can subtly alter the appearance of tonal shades.
Winter and Early Spring
During the winter and early spring months in the UK, natural daylight is at a premium. North-facing rooms receive less direct sunlight and can feel particularly cold and dark. The lack of strong, warm sunlight can cause colours to appear muted or flat. In these conditions, it’s essential to choose colours that help reflect the limited light and create a sense of warmth and cosiness.
Warm Neutrals: Opting for warm neutrals such as soft beiges, warm greys, or even muted pastels can help counterbalance the cool light from the north. These colours will absorb light and add a touch of warmth to the room, making it feel more inviting during the colder months.
Rich, Warm Shades: If you prefer deeper colours, consider shades like deep mustard, terracotta, or rich burnt orange. These colours will stand out in a north-facing room, adding vibrancy and warmth when natural light is scarce.
Avoiding Cool Tones: Cooler tones like icy blues or greys can make a north-facing room feel even chillier during winter. While these colours may seem like a natural fit for a cool-toned room, they can accentuate the already cold light and make the space feel unwelcoming.
Late Spring and Summer
As we move into late spring and summer, the days grow longer, and the light in north-facing rooms begins to shift. During these months, the intensity of natural light increases, although it’s still not as direct as south or west-facing rooms. This increased light can have a transformative effect on the way colours look in your room.
Soft Pastels and Light Hues: With the arrival of brighter days, north-facing rooms can handle more delicate and airy colours. Soft pastel shades like pale lavender, mint green, and light peach will reflect the increased daylight, helping to brighten up the room and create a fresh, vibrant atmosphere.
Cool Tones with Depth: While too much coolness can be unappealing in winter, during the warmer months, cool tones like muted blues, sage greens, or soft greys can look particularly elegant and peaceful in north-facing rooms. These shades can bring a sense of calm and tranquility without overwhelming the space.
Greens and Earthy Tones: Earthy shades like olive green, sage, and taupe work well in north-facing rooms throughout the year, but they particularly shine in the warmer months when the daylight is more abundant. These natural hues evoke a sense of the outdoors and bring a touch of warmth without the intensity of bright colours.
Autumn
In the autumn months, daylight begins to fade, and the weather becomes more overcast. During this season, north-facing rooms may begin to feel darker and more subdued again, which means colours need to be chosen carefully to ensure the space doesn’t feel too gloomy.
Rich, Warm Colours: As the weather cools, deeper tones such as burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep red can bring warmth to your north-facing room. These shades complement the softer light and make the room feel cosy and inviting during the autumn months.
Muted, Dark Neutrals: Darker neutrals, like charcoal grey, deep taupe, and soft brown, can create an intimate, snug atmosphere, perfect for autumn. These tones add depth to the space while still keeping the room feeling comfortable and stylish.
Accents of Gold or Copper: Adding metallic accents in gold or copper can help to lift the overall colour palette, especially when paired with rich, warm tones. These finishes reflect light and provide a sense of opulence without overwhelming the space.
Best Colour Choices for North-Facing Rooms Year-Round
Now that we’ve discussed how the seasons impact tonal shades, let's take a closer look at some of the best colours for north-facing rooms in the UK. These colours work well throughout the year, helping to make the most of the natural light and create the desired mood in your space.
Warm Neutrals
Beige: Beige is a versatile and timeless neutral that works well in almost any room, including those with north-facing light. It helps to warm up the space and reflect available light.
Soft Taupe: A soft taupe with warm undertones can add depth and richness to a north-facing room while maintaining a calming, neutral aesthetic.
Warm Grey: While grey can sometimes feel cold, choosing a warmer grey with beige undertones can work well in a north-facing room, providing a stylish backdrop without feeling too cold.
Earthy Tones
Sage Green: Sage green brings a natural, organic feel to any space. It’s a great option for north-facing rooms as it adds colour without overpowering the light.
Terracotta: If you want to add warmth and character to your room, terracotta is an excellent choice. It adds richness and vibrancy to a space while still feeling earthy and grounded.
Mustard Yellow: Mustard is a warm, inviting colour that works well in north-facing rooms. It brings an autumnal feel and pairs beautifully with neutrals.
Soft Pastels
Pale Peach: Pale peach is a warm, soft pastel that works well in north-facing rooms. It brings brightness and warmth, making the room feel more welcoming.
Light Lavender: Lavender, when paired with other soft tones, can add a calming effect to your room while still reflecting natural light. It’s perfect for spring and summer.
Soft Mint Green: A cool pastel green can help to lift the mood in a north-facing room, especially in the warmer months, giving the space a fresh, airy feel.
Cool Tones with Depth
Muted Blues: Muted blues like steel blue or denim work well in north-facing rooms, particularly in the warmer months. They add a touch of cool elegance without making the room feel too cold.
Dusty Grey: A soft, dusty grey can provide a sophisticated backdrop for furniture and decor, allowing other elements in the room to pop.
Tips for Maximising Natural Light in North-Facing Rooms
Use Mirrors: Mirrors can help reflect natural light and make the space feel larger and brighter. Place mirrors strategically across from windows to bounce light around the room.
Light-Coloured Furniture: Lighter furniture and decor can help to brighten up the room and complement the softer, cooler light in north-facing spaces.
Consider the Ceiling Colour: Painting the ceiling in a light colour, like white or a soft off-white, can help maximise the reflection of natural light in the room.
Use Layered Lighting: Incorporating layered lighting through table lamps, floor lamps, and pendant lights can help brighten up the space and add depth to your design.
Conclusion
Choosing the right colours for a north-facing room in the UK can be tricky, but with careful consideration of the light, seasonal changes, and tonal shades, you can create a beautifully balanced and welcoming space. By understanding how natural light works in north-facing rooms and how the seasons impact your colour choices, you can select tones that will enhance the space’s natural qualities and make it feel warm, inviting, and stylish year-round. Whether you prefer warm neutrals, earthy tones, or soft pastels, there’s a colour palette that will work perfectly for your north-facing room—just remember to embrace the light and use it to your advantage!
