10 Best White Paint Colors for North-Facing Living Rooms

North-facing living rooms often lack the warmth of direct sunlight. Choosing the right white paint can make all the difference in brightening and enhancing the space. This guide explores ten excellent white paint options, perfect for maximizing natural light and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

We’ll delve into the subtle nuances of each shade, considering undertones and how they interact with north-facing light. You’ll learn how to select the best white to complement your furniture and décor, creating a cohesive and stylish living room. Get ready to illuminate your home!

1. Contents

   • 1 White Dove (Benjamin Moore)
   • 2 Swiss Coffee (Benjamin Moore)
   • 3 Simply White (Benjamin Moore)
   • 4 Alabaster (Sherwin-Williams)
   • 5 Greek Villa (Sherwin-Williams)
   • 6 Creamy (Sherwin-Williams)
   • 7 Cloud White (Benjamin Moore)
   • 8 Paper White (Farrow & Ball)
   • 9 White on White (Farrow & Ball)
   • 10 Oxford White (Benjamin Moore)
   • 11 Editor’s Recommendations
   • 12 Conclusion

   White Dove (Benjamin Moore)

   

   White Dove is a classic off-white with warm, creamy undertones. This versatile shade works beautifully in a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary.

   Its subtle warmth counters the coolness often associated with north-facing rooms. It’s a forgiving color that hides imperfections well, making it a practical choice for busy families.

   Consider pairing White Dove with natural wood tones and textures for a cozy and inviting feel. Add pops of color through accessories and textiles for visual interest.

2. Swiss Coffee (Benjamin Moore)

   

   For a north-facing living room yearning for brightness, consider Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee. Its warm, creamy hue reflects light beautifully, preventing the room from feeling cold and stark. This versatile off-white works well with various furniture styles and décor schemes. Consider adding warmer wood tones for extra coziness.

   To amplify the light, pair Swiss Coffee with lighter-colored furniture and accessories. Avoid overly dark or saturated colors that could absorb light and make the space feel smaller. Introduce pops of color strategically with throw pillows, artwork, or plants to add personality without overwhelming the room’s brightness. A large mirror can also greatly enhance the light reflection.

   If Swiss Coffee feels too stark for your taste, explore its slightly warmer cousin, Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White. It offers a similar brightness but with a hint more beige, creating a gentler, more inviting atmosphere. Alternatively, consider a slightly cooler shade like Simply White, also from Benjamin Moore, for a more crisp and airy feel.

   Remember that lighting plays a crucial role in any room, especially north-facing spaces. Layer your lighting with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a balanced and well-lit space. Experiment with different light bulb colors (warmer or cooler tones) to see how they affect the overall look and feel of the Swiss Coffee on your walls.

3. Simply White (Benjamin Moore)

   

   Simply White by Benjamin Moore is an excellent choice for north-facing living rooms due to its subtle warmth and ability to reflect light effectively. Its creamy undertones prevent it from appearing stark or cold, even in rooms with limited natural light. Consider using it on walls and trim for a cohesive, bright look.

   To enhance the warmth, pair Simply White with natural wood tones in furniture or flooring. Adding pops of color through textiles like throw pillows or rugs can also create visual interest without overwhelming the space. Warm metallic accents, such as brass or gold, will complement the creamy tones of the paint.

   For a slightly different feel, consider using Simply White on the walls and a slightly deeper shade, like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, on the trim for added dimension. This creates a subtle contrast that still maintains a light and airy atmosphere. This approach works particularly well in larger living rooms.

   Remember to test paint samples in your specific living room, considering the existing light and furnishings. Natural light varies throughout the day, so observe the paint color at different times to get an accurate representation. Adjusting the undertones through slight variations can dramatically affect the overall feel of the room.

4. Alabaster (Sherwin-Williams)

   

   Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams is an excellent choice for north-facing living rooms due to its warm, creamy undertones. This prevents the space from feeling cold and stark, a common issue with north-facing rooms that receive less direct sunlight. Its subtle off-white hue adds brightness without being overly glaring.

   Consider using Alabaster on the walls and trim for a cohesive look, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. To add depth, you can paint built-in shelving or a fireplace mantel a slightly darker shade, such as Agreeable Gray (also by Sherwin-Williams), for contrast. This creates visual interest without overpowering the room.

   For a warmer feel, pair Alabaster with natural wood tones in your furniture and flooring. Introduce pops of color with accessories like throw pillows and blankets to add personality without overwhelming the calming white backdrop. Incorporating plants also brightens and warms the space.

   If Alabaster feels too stark, explore similar Sherwin-Williams options like Creamy, which offers a richer, more buttery tone, or Pure White, a slightly brighter alternative. Testing paint samples in your living room under different lighting conditions will ensure the perfect match for your space and personal preferences.

5. Greek Villa (Sherwin-Williams)

   

   Greek Villa provides a slightly warmer, more inviting feel than pure white. It’s a soft, elegant shade that works well in various settings.

   This off-white subtly enhances north-facing light without feeling stark or cold. The subtle warmth adds a comforting element to the space.

   Experiment with different textures like a plush rug or velvet curtains to add warmth and depth. Consider incorporating rich wood furniture for a balanced look.

6. Creamy (Sherwin-Williams)

   

   Creamy is exactly what its name suggests – a soft, creamy off-white that feels both inviting and elegant.

   This subtle choice is perfect for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a north-facing room without sacrificing brightness.

   Consider incorporating natural elements like plants and wooden accents to enhance the feeling of warmth. Muted pastel colors for accents would further soften the space.

7. Cloud White (Benjamin Moore)

   

   Cloud White by Benjamin Moore offers a soft, bright white that works beautifully in north-facing living rooms. Its subtle warmth prevents it from feeling stark or cold, a common issue with north-facing spaces lacking direct sunlight. Consider pairing it with warm wood tones or natural fibers to enhance its cozy feel.

   For a slightly cooler variation, consider using Cloud White on the walls and ceiling, but incorporating crisp white trim for contrast. This subtle difference creates visual interest while maintaining a cohesive and airy atmosphere. Adding pops of color through textiles, artwork, or accessories can also personalize the space without overwhelming the neutral background.

   Alternatively, explore using Cloud White on millwork, such as built-in shelving or window frames, to highlight architectural details and add a touch of refined elegance. This technique can elevate the overall look while still allowing the wall color to recede subtly, making the room feel larger.

   Remember to always test paint colors in your specific living room with ample natural light to ensure they achieve the desired effect. Slight variations in undertones can greatly affect the overall look; applying several coats also helps with accurate color representation. With careful planning, Cloud White can transform your north-facing living room into a bright and inviting space.

8. Paper White (Farrow & Ball)

   

   Paper White is a timeless, crisp white with a slight warmth, making it ideal for a north-facing room. It avoids feeling stark or cold.

   This soft white offers a clean, classic look that works well with various styles. Its subtle creamy undertones add a touch of elegance.

   Adding a statement piece of furniture or a bold artwork can create a focal point without competing with the paint color. A mixture of natural and artificial lighting will enhance the look.

9. White on White (Farrow & Ball)

   

   North-facing rooms often lack natural light, so choosing the right white paint is crucial. Farrow & Ball’s ‘White Tie’ offers a warm, inviting feel without appearing yellow. Consider pairing it with subtle texture through woven fabrics or a natural wood floor to enhance the light reflection.

   For a slightly cooler white, explore Farrow & Ball’s ‘Wimborne White’. This shade provides a clean, crisp look ideal for modern aesthetics. Accessories in metallics like silver or chrome will complement this cool tone, preventing the space from feeling stark.

   If you desire a dramatic effect, try using different shades of white within the same room. Consider using ‘White Tie’ on the walls and ‘Wimborne White’ on the trim for a subtle contrast. Adding a bolder accent color, like a deep teal or navy blue, on an accent wall can create visual interest.

   Remember to always test paint samples in your north-facing living room under different lighting conditions. Natural light changes throughout the day, so testing at various times will ensure the chosen color complements the room’s ambiance. Don’t hesitate to experiment with undertones to find the perfect shade for your space.

10. Oxford White (Benjamin Moore)

    

    Oxford White provides a crisp, clean look, ideal for north-facing rooms where you want to maintain brightness and airiness. It’s a classic choice that remains stylish.

    The slightly cool undertones help brighten the room, reflecting light effectively. It is a versatile choice that works well with many styles and color schemes.

    Consider adding pops of color to add character and depth. Incorporating natural textures like woven baskets and wooden shelves also balances the bright white.

Editor’s Recommendations

• Consider the overall style of your living room when selecting a white paint.
• Don’t underestimate the power of natural light and accessories to enhance your space.
• Test paint samples in different areas of the room and at different times of day.

Conclusion

Selecting the right white paint for your north-facing living room is crucial for creating a bright and welcoming space. Remember to consider the undertones of the paint and how they will interact with the natural light.

Experiment with different samples on your walls to see how they look in your specific lighting conditions. Don’t hesitate to consult with a professional interior designer for personalized guidance.