How To Decorate A North-Facing Room

North-facing rooms often get a reputation for being dim or dull due to the lack of direct sunlight. However, with the right design approach, you can transform a north-facing living room into a bright space that suits you.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on how to decorate a north-facing room for the most comfort and style. We’ll also discuss how rooflights and skylights can help achieve this.

Choosing the right colours (warm over cool)

Colour is perhaps the most important element in a north-facing room. Because the light is cooler, colours with warm undertones will help counteract any chilliness. Designers recommend avoiding cold greys, whites or icy blues that can feel uninviting in a north light.

Instead, opt for shades with hints of yellow, pink, or red in their base, which add warmth to the space. For example, creamy off-whites, peach, ivory or soft blush tones on the walls will reflect what light you have with a warmer glow.

If you’re torn between keeping it light or going bold, try a two-toned wall treatment or accent colours. Painting the lower half of the walls in a deeper warm shade and the upper half in a light neutral is a popular trick to add dimension and the illusion of height in a north-facing room.

Learn more ways to make your space feel bigger.

Getting the most natural light (windows, skylights & glass)

To compensate for limited sunlight, it’s vital to use every bit of natural light available. Start by ensuring your windows or roof windows aren’t inadvertently being blocked. Keep window sills clear of clutter and avoid placing large furniture right in front of the window.

A common mistake is using curtains or blinds that cover too much of the glass, even when open. Instead, install curtain rods or tracks that extend beyond the window frame, so when curtains are drawn open, they fully uncover the window and allow the most light in.

If using Roman blinds, mount them above the window recess, not inside it, so they don’t steal light when pulled up.

Learn more ways to increase natural light in a room.

Adding a rooflight

Adding a rooflight is a great way to improve the aesthetic of your north-facing room.

While the effects are subtler than those of an east- or south-facing rooflight, the glass skylight features will:

Brighten your room more evenly
Reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day
Improve visual comfort and aesthetics
Offer panoramic views of the sky
Make a smaller or darker space feel larger and more open

We stock a range of quality rooflights and skylights, including:

Internal glass and open sightlines

Don’t overlook opportunities to borrow light from adjacent spaces. If your north-facing room is closed off, think about creating a wider opening or even interior windows to brighter areas of the house.

For example, using glass panels or a glazed partition between a dark living room and a sunnier room or hallway can let light flow through while still defining the spaces. Similarly, sliding glass doors or even wall cut-outs with glass (like interior windows high on a wall) help share light.

The goal is to avoid trapping the north room in isolation. An open-plan layout or large doorway can let light from south or west-facing areas bleed into the north room.

Keep it clean and clear

This may sound basic, but clean windows and glass surfaces are a must to maximise light. North-facing windows can accumulate dirt or condensation, further dimming the incoming light.

Clean the glass regularly to get every ray you can. Also, trim any outdoor foliage or obstructions outside the window if possible, for instance, if a dense bush is right outside, thinning it out can increase light indoors. Inside the room, use light, airy materials around the window.

For example, avoid dark, heavy window frames or bulky pelmets; if you have the option to repaint window trim, choose a white or light colour to help the window blend into the wall and expand the sense of brightness.

Learn how to clean glass windows and doors without streaks and view our stunning frameless rooflight to maximise light.

Layered lighting for a brighter ambience

Since natural light is limited, thoughtful artificial lighting is key to making a north-facing room inviting. Don’t rely on a single overhead lamp to do all the work. Instead, use a layered lighting scheme with lights at different heights and zones.

Start with ambient lighting (ceiling fixtures or bright general light), add mid-level lighting, and include low-level lighting (floor lamps, table lamps) to create depth. This multipoint lighting approach makes sure the room is evenly lit and reduces harsh shadows, mimicking a more natural light distribution.

Avoid harsh glare

While adding plenty of light is important, you’ll want to do it gently. Steer clear of harsh overhead lighting or exposed bulbs that create glare on surfaces, direct stark light can emphasise the room’s dim corners by contrast.

Instead, use fixtures that diffuse light (like ones with shades, frosted glass, or uplighting designs that bounce light off the ceiling). For example, a pendant with a soft diffuser or a chandelier that directs light upward can bathe the ceiling in a glow, which then reflects down.

Smart lighting tricks

Make use of today’s lighting solutions to boost the effect. Mirrors behind lamps can amplify their output. Smart bulbs that allow you to change white balance can be tuned cooler during daytime (to mimic a bit of daylight) and warmer in the evening (for cosiness).

Placing lights near the room’s periphery (like floor lamps in far corners, or a table lamp on a console against the wall) will help push light into every corner. If your north-facing room has a fireplace, consider candlelight or faux candles there in the evenings for a flickering warm glow that supplements the lamps.

Furniture and layout tips

In a dim room, bulky or dark-coloured furniture can make the space feel heavier and gloomier. Opt for lighter-coloured, sleek-profile furniture to keep the room feeling open and bright. For instance, a sofa in a light neutral fabric will blend with the walls and not absorb all the light like a dark brown sofa might. Pieces with exposed legs and a slim silhouette allow light to flow under and around them, whereas sofas or armoires that sit flush to the floor or are oversized can visually crowd the room.

Avoid clutter and overcrowding

Less is more when arranging a north-facing living room. Aim for a layout that allows easy movement and sightlines to the windows. If too many pieces of furniture block the flow of light (or the view of the window), the room will feel more cave-like. Consider a minimal approach: keep only essential furniture and decor, and ensure there’s open space near the windows or ceiling windows.

Low-profile couches and open-back bookcases can prevent blocking light. If you have a large shelving unit or cabinet, position it on a wall perpendicular to the window (not directly opposite or in front of it) so it doesn’t steal light.

Decor and accessory ideas

We’ve already touched on mirrors, but they’re worth emphasising as decor pieces too. A stylishly framed large mirror above a fireplace or couch can become a focal point that also magnifies light. For a north-facing living room, consider making a gallery of smaller mirrors or adding mirrored wall panels to really spread light.

Aside from mirrors, artwork with bright colours can also lift the mood of a dark room, for instance, a big piece of art with sunny yellows or vibrant reds will add energy (just avoid artwork that’s predominantly dark or moody in palette).

Textiles and soft furnishings

To counteract the cooler feeling of a north room, layer in plenty of textiles that add warmth (both visually and physically). This means plush area rugs, throws, upholstered cushions, anything that creates a sense of cosiness. For example, laying down a rug in a warm colour or a rich pattern can literally warm up a cold floor (many north-facing rooms also tend to be cooler in temperature, so a rug helps). These tactile elements make the room feel inviting.

Personal touches and comfort

Finally, decorate in a way that makes you feel cosy and happy in the space. North-facing rooms make wonderful snug reading rooms or studies because of their gentle light, consider built-in bookshelves or a comfy reading chair with a throw.

Display personal collections or memories that bring you joy: maybe it’s a set of travel photos in light-coloured frames or a few bright ceramics on a shelf. Soft background music, scented candles, and other sensory elements can also psychologically “warm up” a room. By filling the space with things you love, you’ll be less focused on the light level and more on the ambiance you’ve created.

Contact Toughened Glass Systems today

Decorating a north-facing room might seem challenging, but as we’ve outlined, the right strategies can turn a dark, cool space into a cosy haven. By prioritising warm colours and any available light, and choosing decor that adds warmth and brightness, you can truly make the most of your north-facing living room.

For more ideas on maximising light or to explore our glazing options we provide, browse Toughened Glass Systems’ rooflight and skylights range.

You can also or contact us, – a member of our team will be happy to help.