Our favourite Farrow and Ball colours for north facing rooms

It’s not exactly a secret – Farrow and Ball paints are some of the best around – and if you’re stuck with the tricky dilemma of a north facing room that just doesn’t brighten up no matter the décor, it might just be your ticket towards a happier, airier and, quite honestly, more interesting look. For those dealing with light-starved, cool-tinged interiors, here are 14 of our favourite Farrow & Ball north facing room colours to help lift your spirits along with your design schemes.

But first, let’s take a closer look at how to handle a north facing room more generally. These tips will help you work out which direction to take your decorating in, whether embracing the moodiness with darker shades or countering the cold light with a warmer hue.

The trick to decorating a north facing room

As with every paint brand, it’s important to properly consider what you’re working with and how this base canvas might affect the end result. From selecting the right paint finish and undertones to thinking about the amount and characteristics of the natural light available, many factors should influence your decision-making.

Whether brainstorming north facing living room schemes or finding your match made in heaven for touching up your kitchen, the direction that the room faces has a major impact on what kind of natural light and how much of it enters the space. While south facing rooms enjoy more brightness, allowing you to play with moodier and darker colours without sapping the room of energy, north facing spaces tend to be a lot shadier and lit by cooler sunlight. This means that you’ve got to be veeery careful with colours.

On one end of the spectrum, you don’t want a shade so light that it draws attention to the dinginess and makes the area feel flat and dull. At the same time, having too much of a bold or busy colour can be overstimulating or, worse, claustrophobic. Ideally, it’s about striking the right balance like Farrow & Ball’s Colour Curator, Joa Studholme, has done in her breathtakingly gorgeous 19th-century schoolhouse.

See how pigmented pops of colour pull the shadier rooms together? You can work this colour magic in your own home.

What sort of shades work with northern light?

As a rule of thumb, northern light tends to emphasise cooler tones within a colour palette.

For paler tones, it’s advisable to steer clear of shades with a green or grey base, as these can appear dull and unsightly in north-facing rooms. Instead, opt for those with a yellow base, such as Yellow Ground, to maximise light reflection and create a bright, airy ambience. Colours like New White and White Tie also offer warmth and luminosity, helping to counteract the cooler light. This works especially well when paired with mirrors and other shiny surfaces that help make a dark room appear brighter.

Alternatively, rather than resisting the natural light of a north-facing room, you could embrace its coolness by experimenting with darker wall colours like Railings or Down Pipe. Practically hugging the walls, they create dramatic contrast and a strong sense of individuality and, of course, intimacy.

14 beautiful Farrow & Ball wall colours for north facing rooms

1)      Brassica no.271

Part of F&B’s famous purple range, Brassica no.271 is named after the family of plants from which purple sprouting broccoli comes from. These sophisticated lavender tones offer a pleasantly feminine vibe in lighter areas and become much more demure and grey in less well lit zones.

 2)     Pale powder no.204

Offering unparalleled softness in north facing rooms, this colour is ideal for those seeking to create a light and restful space. The beauty of Pale Powder no.204 is that it can look very different depending on the light, with notes of grey jumping out delicately in cooler light. Thanks to the addition of a green pigment, it rarely looks cold or dull.

3)      Sulking Room Pink no.295

With generous dashes of pigment, Sulking Room Pink no.295 makes for a rich and saturated interior. While colourists would rather call this shade a muted rose with great warmth, put simply it’s a sensual pink befitting of a boudoir. Owing to its rosy undertones, it’s ideal for rooms you want to warm up with a subtle charm.

4)      Railings no.31

You probably have already heard of Railings no.31. And if you haven’t, where have you been?! This luxurious shade of blueish-black is practically synonymous with style. A discerning homeowner might use this colour to create a lush reading nook, painting the bookshelves the same colour so they receded effortlessly into the wall.

5)      Down Pipe no.26

Looking to embrace the cooler north light? Then this is an excellent choice. Down Pipe no.26 is deep blend of grey and blue that has something timeless to it. Ideal for both contemporary and traditional homes alike, its undertones work wonderfully in darker spaces.

6)      Wine Dark no.2013

Simply glamorous, this volatile blue is the perfect combination of sophistication and fun. It’s named after the term that Homer used to describe the sea and reminiscent of clear, midnight skies. Introduce this into your home and pair it with a darker shade like Railings no.31, or if you’re feeling brave, accompany it with a bold burnt orange for a mid-century modern twist.

7)      New White no.59

New White is a yellow-based paint, ideal for bouncing light back into a dimly lit room. Pair it with a slightly darker neutral like Jitney no.293 or Old White no.4 and you can create a beautifully cohesive scheme that will soothe the mind and spirit.

8)      White Tie no.2002

Next up we have White Tie no.2002, another gorgeous neutral with a yellow base. Thanks to its cheeky drop of black pigment, it has surprising depth and is capable of injecting warmth into any room. To complete the look by painting your wood floorboards a silky brown like Mouse’s Back no.40.

9) Yellow Ground no.218

Yello Ground no.218 is sunshine incarnate. Ready to impart your interiors with added warmth and character, this paint is perfect when you’re looking for a DIY pick-me-up. Whether you opt to paint a single accent wall or the whole shebang, its warm pigment makes it brilliantly versatile.

10) Bamboozle no.304

Great name, great colour. Bamboozle no.304 brings with it a jubilance that is just infectious. Described by Farrow and Ball as “a spirited, flame red”, it can hold its own in any type of light. Best paired with simple neutrals that share an undertone, you can create a harmonious look without sweating it.

11) Middleton Pink no.245

Delicate, refined, sugary. There are many ways to describe this uplifting colour named after colourist Catherine Middleton. In north facing rooms, we suggest combining it with a bright neutral like All White no.2005 for a fresh, clean feel.

12) Charlotte’s Locks no.268

Funky is the perfect adjective for this zesty orange. Full of energy and zeal, you can turn even the smallest spaces into a scheme that will make you smile.

13) Red Earth no.26

Raw and earthy, this warm red contains a versatile blend of red and yellow pigments that will easily counter the cool light coming in from the north. It reminds us of terracotta and hugging your walls and ceilings, creates an unmatched intimacy.

14) Shallot no.cb3

A bright pink shade named after the sweeter variant of the allium family, commonly used in Cajun cuisine. If you want to get playful, why not try complimenting it with a bold splash of Raw Tomatillo no.cb6? It doesn’t need to be on your walls to take centre stage either – we’re thinking about doors, trim and cabinetry.

Picking ceiling colours from the Farrow & Ball colour chart

Wall colours sorted? Check! But what about your ceilings? If you’re like most of the population, it’s probably been a while since you really looked at them. And it’s quite likely that they’re one of the hundreds of shades of white out there. But what if we said that there’s more to it than slapping a bit of white paint up there?

According to the best ceiling colour advice from the experts, there are three ways to approach this puzzle:

1. Paint the ceiling and walls the same colour for a seamless, cocooning effect (not advisable for textured ceilings!).
2. Go for white or lighter than the walls to elevate the ceiling and make things seem fresh and inviting.
3. Opt for a ceiling darker than the walls for maximum impact and contemporary style.

Bonus tips on choosing Farrow & Ball colours for your north facing room

Now we’ve revealed our Farrow & Ball north facing room best picks, it’s time for some final tips to set you on your DIY journey. When you’ve got two similar colours – take Templeton Pink vs Setting Plaster – it can feel like splitting hairs. This is where these helpful hints come into play. No more indecision, no more hesitation, let’s get informed!

1)      Understanding the natural light situation

Begin by assessing how natural light enters the room and from which direction. Remember, light is your ally in decorating – embrace what nature provides. Larger, well-lit rooms thrive with lighter tones, whilst deeper hues can invigorate smaller, dimly lit spaces like dark hallways.

Consider how the light quality varies throughout the day and how it alters colour perception. For instance, if a room is primarily used in the evening, prioritise shades that complement artificial lighting for a cosy, intimate feel – after all, there’s no point in painting a room you only use at night in a shade that works best in daylight! Conversely, daytime spaces may benefit from lighter colours, but evaluate whether warm or cool undertones suit the room’s purpose and atmosphere.

2)      Getting your head around undertones

Now, if you’re still getting to grips with undertones, no worries. It’s easier than it sounds. The quickest way to pick out a paint’s undertones is to compare it to the strongest, truest form of the colour – also known as the masstone. Simply placing them side by side will give you an idea of whether it’s more cool or warm-toned.

3)      Considering artificial lighting

Consider the artificial lighting in your space. LED bulbs, popular for their energy efficiency, emit a cooler, whiter light, while incandescent bulbs cast a warmer glow. Ensure your chosen paint colour complements the lighting scheme, whether it’s a cooler hue for LED-lit spaces or a warmer tone for rooms illuminated by incandescent bulbs or candles.

4)      Furniture and finishing touches

Coordinate your chosen paint with the existing furniture and finishing touches you plan to sprinkle into your space. This means thinking about the colour palette of your furnishings, flooring, and accessories to ensure a cohesive look.

Even simple things like painting your radiators in a complementary tone can build up a sense of depth, character and texture if executed well. We also suggest painting your interior window frame a pale colour to help reflect light back in – it doesn’t have to be a stark white, but a light neutral with warm undertones can work wonders in the lighting department.

The best part? Whether you’re aiming for a modern or traditional aesthetic, Farrow & Ball offers a diverse range of colours to complement your decor style, however wild or tame.

5)      Architectural features are your friends

Take advantage of the architectural features in your home to make the most of your space. Whether it’s period details like mouldings and cornices or contemporary elements like exposed brick or beams, these features can inform your colour selection and enhance the room’s character.

For instance, we flipping love a striking fireplace feature wall, and painted arches like the one in this trendy Washington condo kitchen are so fun!  Your space is what you make of it, so even if you have what appears to be a soulless box room, there are so many ways to transform it.

6)      Find the perfect finish

Explore the range of finishes offered by Farrow & Ball to find the perfect one. From matte to eggshell to gloss, each finish offers unique properties and can affect how the paint appears on your walls.

While it’s a good idea to do your research on factors like durability, ease of maintenance, and desired sheen when making your selection, here’s a quick rundown of the popular ones:

Natural charm with Estate Emulsion

Farrow & Ball’s Estate Emulsion offers an iconic chalky, very matt finish with a subtle 2% sheen level, making it a timeless choice for interior walls and ceilings. Its elegant texture enhances any space, particularly well-suited for bedrooms and living rooms. While it’s wipeable, it’s best to avoid vigorous washing.

Durable versatility with Modern Emulsion

Experience durability and versatility with Farrow & Ball’s Modern Emulsion, featuring a practical 7% sheen level. This washable and mould-resistant finish is perfect for high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens, boasting excellent scrub and stain resistance for lasting beauty.

Robust sophistication with Estate Eggshell

You can achieve a robust and subtle silk finish with Farrow & Ball’s Estate Eggshell, boasting a refined 20% sheen level. Ideal for interior wood and metal surfaces, this washable finish resists stains such as wine, coffee, and crayon, making it perfect for woodwork, kitchen cupboards, and furniture pieces.

Toughness meets elegance with Modern Eggshell

You get durability and sophistication with Farrow & Ball’s Modern Eggshell. It features a mid-40% sheen level that offers a slightly glossier finish than Estate Eggshell. This tough product is highly scuff and stain-resistant, making it ideal for hardworking interior wood or metal surfaces.

Ultra matte elegance with Dead Flat

Ultra-matte sophistication comes easy with Farrow & Ball’s Dead Flat finish, featuring a subtle 2% sheen level and multi-surface application. Suitable for interior walls, woodwork, and metal surfaces, it’s perfect for achieving a colour-drenched look.

7)      Sample a few options

Before committing to a shade, test a few options in your actual space using sample pots. Paint large swatches directly onto the walls to observe how the colour interacts with natural and artificial light throughout the day.

It’s the best way of checking a colour’s qualities if you’re still not sure what undertones it brings to the table. Anything from flooring, counter surfaces, furniture, lighting and foliage outside can interact with it and bring out surprising tints.

This hands-on approach allows you to make an informed decision based on how the paint colour complements your room’s unique characteristics, which is exactly what you want.

Lastly…

If you have worked through those steps, then you will be pretty darn close to finding the best Farrow and Ball colours for your north facing room. The pivotal thing is to take your time, not rush the choice, and get a second opinion if you can. This way, you can feel 100% confident when your decorator rocks up or you ready yourself for painting the room.

If you’re still going round in circles trying to get the perfect shade, right down to the hex code, get in touch. We have a huge range, and all the expertise to help you pull together the look.

Curious about colour? We have plenty more inspiration for budding home decorators on our blog.