East Facing Bedroom Colours

If you have an east facing bedroom, you’re probably waking up to soft morning light and enjoying a fair amount of brightness before lunchtime. But come afternoon? All that natural light seems to disappear into thin air. So, when it comes to choosing colours for this kind of room, it’s all about working with the light, rather than against it. 

In today’s post we’re going to talk about the best colours for east-facing bedrooms, what to avoid, and the best ways to make the most of that early sunlight. Whether you're into soft neutrals or bold feature walls, there’s something here for you.  

What does an “east-facing” room mean for colour? 

Without getting too technical, an east-facing room gets direct sunlight in the morning and cooler, shadowy light later on in the day. So, you’ll be blessed with warm, golden light when you’re brushing your teeth or making your bed, but by the afternoon it’s long gone and starts to feel a bit grey or even chilly, especially in the winter months. 

This is really important because it means your wall colour can look completely different from one time of day to the next. A white that looked crisp at 7am can start to feel a bit blue and almost sterile by teatime.  

So, how can we combat this? It’s all about choosing colours that are either warm enough to balance the cool tones of the afternoon. Or, if you want to lean into that cooler aesthetic for a calm, moody atmosphere all day long. 

Best colours for east-facing bedrooms 

If you’re decorating an east-facing bedroom, don’t worry. We’re on hand to help steer you in the right direction. Scroll on to explore our recommendations. 

1. Soft warm neutrals 

Think off-whites, creams, and warm beiges. These are the types of colours that bounce the beautiful morning sunlight around the room and stay looking cosy long into the afternoon. If you want that clean Scandi vibe but without the risk of everything looking a bit too clinical, warm neutrals are going to be your go-to. 

Try out shades like: 

• Dulux “Timeless” 
• Farrow & Ball “Slipper Satin” 
• Crown “Soft Linen” 

For the best results, paint a swatch and keep track of how it looks in the morning and through to the afternoon to make sure you’ll be happy with it before applying to the whole wall. 

2. Earthy tones 

If you want something with a bit more character, earthy tones work wonderfully in east-facing rooms. Terracotta, clay, warm olives – anything that makes you feel like you’re holidaying in a Tuscan villa. These add a beautiful layer of depth and warmth, especially later in the day when the light goes cooler. 

Try shades like: 

• Little Greene “Tuscan Red” 
• Lick “Green 03” (a stunning muted olive) 
• Dulux “Spiced Honey” 

Pair these with some natural textures like wood, rattan, or linen and you’ve got yourself a dreamy, grounded space that feels inviting and cosy. 

3. Blush and muted pinks 

This one might surprise you, but soft pinks and blush tones can look their best in an east-facing bedroom. The early light makes them glow, and they keep that soft warmth shining through the day. 

Don’t worry – we’re talking subtle, grown-up pinks here rather than Barbie pink or magenta. Think more “rose latte” than “candy floss”. 

Try shades like: 

• Farrow & Ball “Setting Plaster” 
• Lick “Pink 01” 
• Crown “Blush Baby” 

Throw in some luxury feeling brass accents or dark wood furniture for a classy grown-up look. 

4. Bold but balanced colours 

Feeling brave? You can go bold in an east-facing bedroom if you want to, but it’s best to steer clear of anything that looks too cold or stark. Navy blues, deep plums, and warm charcoal can look stunning if the room gets enough morning light to lift them up a little. 

The key is balance – if you choose darker wall colours then opt for lighter bedding, soft lighting, or mirrors to keep things from feeling too cave-like. 

Try shades like: 

• Dulux “Blue Babe” (soft but striking) 
• Farrow & Ball “Hague Blue” (a cult classic for a reason) 
• Valspar “Twilight’s Grace” 

Colours to be wary of 

Not all colours are made equal when it comes to east-facing rooms. Some just don’t play nicely with the changing light and should be avoided at all costs. Scroll on to find out which colours should be kept off your DIY Pinterest board. 

Cool greys 

Cool greys can be a minefield. They can look fresh in bright, south-facing spaces, but in east-facing bedrooms, they can easily come off cold and flat. The afternoon light has a way of making them seem damp and dingy. Probably not the vibe you’re going for. 

If your only desire is to go grey, then stick to warmer greys or greiges (yes, that's grey-beige – it’s a thing). 

Pure whites 

As we touched on earlier, stark white can feel pretty clinical once the sun has moved on for the afternoon. Unless you’ve got loads of warm-toned lighting or wooden floors to balance it out, it’s usually better to go with a creamier off-white shade. 

Icy blues or blue-toned pastels 

These can end up looking a bit frosty, especially in the winter. If you want to go for blue, choose something with a green undertone to help warm it up a bit. 

Other things to think about 

We’re not done yet. Wall colour is only one of the elements you’ll need to consider while designing your east-facing bedroom. Scroll on for tips on lighting, bedding colours, and effective use of mirrors. 

Bedding and accessories 

If you want to test out a colour without committing to a full tin of paint, try adding some accessories first – bedding, cushions, rugs, even curtains. East-facing rooms respond really well to layers and texture, so mix up your materials to keep it cosy. 

Lighting 

Because the natural light dips later in the day, good lighting is key. Choose warm white bulbs rather than the garish super white ones, and use lamps to create a cosy feel in the evening. A dimmer switch is a game-changer too if you can splurge for one. 

Mirrors 

Place a mirror opposite or next to your window to help bounce that morning light around. Bonus points if the mirror has a warm-toned frame – brass, wood, or even a vintage aged gold. 

East facing bedroom colours: final thoughts 

At the end of the day, an east-facing bedroom is a bit of a gem. You get that soft golden light when it matters most – in the morning when you're waking up and getting ready to go out and face the world. The trick is to choose colours that complement the warmth or compensate for the cooler tones later on.  

Whether you choose to go for a calming blush, a cosy earth tone, or a dark feature wall, the key is testing the colour at different times of day before you go all-in and commit. And if all else fails? Get yourself some fancy cushions and a good bedside lamp – sorted.