Intro: If you have a north-facing room in your home, you may find that it tends to be darker and receives less natural light than other rooms. This can make the space feel dreary and uninviting. However, there are several ways you can maximise the light in your north-facing room and create a brighter, more welcoming space. Here are some expert tips and tricks to consider, along with in-depth advice from the authors and on-trend paint colour recommendations from popular paint brands.
Use light-coloured paint:
Painting your walls and ceiling in a light colour, such as white or a pale shade, can help to reflect natural light and make the space feel brighter. Lighter colours are especially effective in small or darker rooms, as they can make the space feel more open and airy. When choosing a paint colour for a north-facing room, it's important to consider the tone of the colour. Warm tones, such as beige, yellow, and orange, can help to make the space feel cozy and inviting, while cool tones, such as blue, green, and grey, can help to make the space feel calm and serene. If you're worried about the room feeling too sterile or boring, you can add pops of colour through accessories, such as throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. According to interior designer Kelly Wearstler, "Paint is the most transformative tool you have at your disposal. Choose a light, reflective colour to open up a room and make it feel larger. Light colours have the ability to visually expand a space, making it feel more open and airy." In her book "Domestic Bliss," interior designer Sophie Conran advises, "Using light colours on walls and ceiling will help to reflect light and make the room feel brighter. Pale tones will bounce light around the room and make it feel more open and spacious." On-trend paint colour recommendations for 2023 from Farrow and Ball include "Dove Tale," a soft and calming grey shade, and "String," a warm and inviting beige tone. From Dulux, consider "English Mustard," a vibrant and cheerful yellow colour, and "Stony Ground," a cool and serene blue-grey hue.
Dark, rich colours can also work well in north-facing rooms, but it's important to use them sparingly and in combination with lighter shades. Deep, saturated shades like navy, burgundy, and emerald green can add depth and drama to the space, but it's important to balance them with lighter accents to avoid making the room feel too heavy or overwhelming.
Before: A room is heavy in this dark shade paint with little natural light
After: the room is lifted with the use of art and paint colour
Adding mirrors:
Mirrors are a simple and effective way to bring more light into a room. Hang a large mirror opposite a window to reflect the natural light, or use smaller mirrors to bounce light around the room. You can also try hanging a group of mirrors together to create a gallery wall effect. This will not only add visual interest to the space, but it will also help to reflect more light throughout the room. When choosing mirrors for a north-facing room, consider the size, shape, and style of the mirror. A large, rectangular mirror will help to reflect more light and make the space feel bigger, while a round or oval mirror can add a softer, more feminine touch. You can also play with different frame styles and finishes to add some personality and character to the space. Interior designer Sophie Conran advises, "Mirrors are great for reflecting light and making a room feel bigger. Hang a large mirror opposite a window to reflect the natural light, or use smaller mirrors to bounce light around the room. A group of mirrors hung together can create a stunning feature wall." Lighting expert and author J. Randall Powers recommends using mirrors to "enhance the feeling of space and light in a room. Whether you choose a single large mirror or a grouping of smaller mirrors, they can help to reflect natural light and make a room feel brighter and more open."
Adding additional lighting:
If natural light is limited in your north-facing room, you'll need to rely on other forms of lighting to brighten up the space. Consider using a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling lights to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Use energy-efficient light bulbs to save on energy costs. You can also try using adjustable lighting to create different moods and ambiances in the room. When selecting lighting for a north-facing room, consider the intensity, direction, and quality of the light. A bright, overhead light will help to illuminate the entire space, while a softer, indirect light can create a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. You can also use task lighting, such as table lamps and floor lamps, to focus light on specific areas of the room, such as a reading nook or work area.
While a north-facing room may receive less natural light than other rooms in your home, there are several ways you can maximize the light and create a brighter, more welcoming space. By using light-coloured paint, adding mirrors, and installing artificial lighting, you can transform your north-facing room into a cheerful and inviting space. With some careful planning and attention to detail, you can make the most of your north-facing room and enjoy it all year round.
