My Guide Guide to Choosing Paint Colours by Room Orientation

Written By Harriet Cotterill

Featuring: Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, and Edward Bulmer

Understanding Light and Colour in Interiors

Natural light dramatically changes how we perceive colour. Here's how:

Key Factors That Influence Colour Appearance:

  • Time of Day: Morning light is cooler and sharper; afternoon light is warmer and softer.

  • Window Direction: North-facing rooms get cooler, diffused light; south-facing rooms receive warm, consistent sunlight.

  • Surface Reflectivity: Matte finishes absorb light; glossier paints reflect it.

  • Surrounding Elements: Flooring, upholstery, and even window glass can cast coloured reflections on your walls.

NORTH-FACING ROOMS

Light Qualities:

  • Grey, indirect light all day

  • Cooler and dimmer, especially in the morning

  • Shadows appear more bluish

Colour Strategy:

  • Avoid cold or stark whites—they can feel sterile.

  • Choose warm, rich tones or deep, moody hues to enhance coziness.

  • Warm neutrals and earthy tones add balance.

Paint Colour Suggestions:

Brand Colour Tone & Description

Farrow & Ball Sulking Room Pink Romantic muted rose

Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue Deep blue-green with grey

Farrow & Ball London Clay Earthy taupe with mauve

Farrow & Ball Pelt Dramatic aubergine purple

Little Greene Woodland Deep forest green

Little Greene Dark Lead Colour Warm charcoal

Little Greene Mushroom Warm, greyed-off neutral

Edward Bulmer Red Ochre Earthy red

Edward Bulmer Brick Rustic terracotta

Edward Bulmer Ochre Mustard yellow warmth

SOUTH-FACING ROOMS

Light Qualities:

  • Bright, golden light throughout the day

  • Makes colours appear warmer

  • Can intensify bold tones

Colour Strategy:

  • Most colours thrive here—bold, saturated, or dark shades especially.

  • Use cooler tones to balance warmth.

  • Whites and off-whites look creamy or golden in southern light.

    Brand Colour Tone & Description

    Farrow & Ball India Yellow Rich mustard gold

    Farrow & Ball Bancha Olive green

    Farrow & Ball Down Pipe Deep slate with blue

    Farrow & Ball Stone Blue Warm mid-blue

    Little Greene Ashes of roses Soft brownish redmm

    Little Greene Basalt Inky navy

    Little Greene Pompeian Ash Soft charcoal

    Little Greene Aquamarine Deep Jewel-toned teal

    Edward Bulmer Invisible Green Botanical, Victorian green

    Edward Bulmer Blue Verditer Powdery aqua

    Edward Bulmer Jonquil Gentle, happy yellow

EAST-FACING ROOMS

Light Qualities:

  • Bright and cool in the morning

  • Loses warmth in the afternoon

  • Blue undertones are more apparent

Colour Strategy:

  • Choose warm or sunlit colours that glow in early light.

  • Soft pinks, yellows, or peaches are ideal.

  • Neutrals with a hint of warmth stay friendly all day.

Brand Colour Tone & Description

Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster Subtle blush

Farrow & Ball Pink Ground Warm, earthy pink

Farrow & Ball Hay Soft straw yellow

Farrow & Ball Yeabridge Green Fresh and organic

Little Greene Light Peachblossom Delicate coral pink

Little Greene Stock Pale creamy neutral

Little Greene Olive Colour Warm, dusky green

Edward Bulmer Straw Gentle yellow beige

Edward Bulmer Drab Green Green-grey warmth

Edward Bulmer Apricot Soft, juicy orange tone

WEST-FACING ROOMS

Light Qualities:

  • Cool and soft light in the morning

  • Golden light in the evening

  • Dramatic contrast from day to dusk

Colour Strategy:

  • Choose cooler tones if used in the morning.

  • Use warmer hues for evening-focused rooms.

  • A good place for neutrals, greens, and complex pinks.

Brand Colour Tone & Description

Farrow & Ball Light Blue Soft duck egg blue

Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone Warm grey-beige

Farrow & Ball Calluna Light lilac-grey

Farrow & Ball Jitney Sandy beige

Little Greene Sage Green Warm muted green

Little Greene Celestial Blue Silvery sky blue

Little Greene Shirting Clean, soft white

Edward Bulmer Pale Naples Warm buttercream

Edward Bulmer Lead Colour Earthy slate green

Edward Bulmer Silk Creamy white with warmth

Multi-Aspect Rooms & Dual Light Sources

Understanding Dual-Aspect Light

Dual- and multi-aspect rooms receive light from more than one direction, which causes colour to shift throughout the day—often dramatically. For example:

  • East + South: Bright, golden morning light; warmth deepens midday.

  • North + West: Muted cool light in the morning, golden hues in the evening.

  • Corner or L-shaped rooms: Light moves across the space; parts may feel shaded while others are sunlit.

Challenges:

Colour appears different depending on wall orientation

Can feel disjointed if not balanced

Solutions:

Harriet Cotterill
Previous

GUIDE TO EDWARDIAN RENOVATIONS