Choosing the right paint color for a space requires a careful understanding of lighting, which plays a fundamental role in the look and feel of a room. North-facing rooms present a unique challenge as they receive less direct sunlight and are characterized by cooler, flatter natural light. To counteract these muted tones and create an inviting atmosphere, selecting the right paint shade and undertone is essential. 

“North-facing rooms receive consistent natural light throughout the day, but it is more muted, cooler, and toned down when compared to the warm, bright light south-facing rooms receive,” says Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore. “The benefit of this direction is that the lighting is a bit more even-tempered and doesn’t shift as much throughout the day, while east- and west-facing rooms experience a more dramatic shift.”

See four Benjamin Moore shades ideal for north-facing rooms and alternative shades from other manufacturers to fit your store’s needs:

• Mortar: a dark, rich, moody tone creates a closed-in, cozy feel
  • Pro tip: Layer with lamps and soft wall lights to emphasize a warm ambiance
  • Alternative shades:
    • Farrow & Ball Broccoli Brown
    • Valspar Summer Sparrow

• Timid White: a white shade with warm undertones brings in a warmer feel to offset cool tones of north-facing light
  • Pro tip: Pair a warm white with higher-sheen shades on trim or furniture to create contrast and dimension
  • Alternative shades: 
    • Behr Whisper White
    • Dunn-Edwards White Heat

• October Mist: a sage green shade that lightens a space and counterbalances cool light
  • Pro tip: Avoid green shades with grey undertones to avoid unwanted darkness
  • Alternative shades:
    • Behr Summer Green
    • Dutch Boy Sage Green

• Edgecomb Gray: a taupe-grey with warm undertones to bring warmth
  • Pro tip: Pair warm grey shades with bright whites to provide contrast and light
  • Alternative shades:
    • Farrow & Ball Dove Tail
    • Dunn-Edwards Miner’s Dust