South Facing Bedroom Colours

Let’s discuss colour. More specifically, which colour to use in your south-facing bedroom. If you’re lucky enough to have a bedroom that gets that gorgeous golden glow for most of the day, then you're working with a bit of a dream canvas. But, you may be surprised to learn that all that golden light can have a pretty strange effect on some paint colours.  

In today’s post, we’re sharing what actually works and what doesn’t, as well as a few tips to get your bedroom looking like something from an inspirational Pinterest board. 

What’s the deal with south-facing rooms? 

If your bedroom faces south, you’re undoubtedly getting the best kind of natural light: warm, consistent, and all day long. It usually brings out the warm tones in colours and has a way of making spaces feel bright and sunny. Ideal if you want to create a cheerful room. But it can even work if you’re going for the opposite and want a bedroom that’s a little more dramatic and moody. 

The catch is that it also means colours can look a lot warmer or brighter than they do on the tin. Buyers beware. That pale blush pink has the potential to end up looking straight-up peachy, and cool greys might have a sudden purple tinge peeking through. Not always ideal. 

So, before you go ahead and buy 10 litres of “Soft Shadow No. 56” because it looked beautiful on Instagram, let’s find out which colours work well in these lovely sun-drenched spaces. 

1. Embrace the light – but balance it 

You don’t have to go light and airy, but south-facing rooms embrace light colours really well. Whites, creams, soft beiges, and blush pinks look clean and elegant in this kind of room – just be careful to steer clear of anything too yellow toned, unless you want to feel like you’re sleeping in a bowl of custard. 

Colours that work: 

• Warm whites – like Dulux’s “Timeless” or Farrow & Ball’s “White Tie” 
• Soft blush or nude tones – try “Pink Ground” (Farrow & Ball) or “Blush” from Lick 
• Beige with subtle depth – like “Tapestry Beige” (Benjamin Moore – worth the import if you’re picky) 

These tones have that wonderful ability to reflect the light around the room without feeling too sterile and hospital-like. Just make sure to check out the undertones – even a subtle yellow base can end up looking super warm by 3pm. 

2. Try something bold: you can get away with it 

South-facing bedrooms can handle those deeper colours without feeling too gloomy. All the natural light helps richer shades stay vibrant, welcoming and indulgent. If you’ve always fancied the idea of a deep indigo bedroom or some dark forest green walls but have been concerned about it being too dark, this is your moment to shine. 

Bold colours that work: 

• Navy blues – simply stunning 
• Rich greens – bring a sophisticated vibe 
• Earthy tones – think burnt terracotta or clay tones like 

These colours all give a super cosy, cocooning effect – especially good if you want your bedroom to feel like a true sanctuary. Pair them with warm metallics or natural textures like rattan and linen for balance. 

3. Cool it down  

If your south-facing room gets too warm (both literally and visually), you could consider using some cooler tones to balance it out. This is the place where you can use greys and blues to your hearts content – just choose ones that have a bit of a softer feel. 

Cooling colours to try: 

• Soft greys with blue undertones – luxurious without being too cold 
• Dusky blues – classy, cool and comforting 
• Sage or muted greens – you really can’t go wrong with sage 

Buy a few sample pots before you commit and test them out on different walls. The way the light hits the colours will make them appear differently as the sun changes throughout the day. So just be sure to check you’re happy with the way it looks at different times of the day. What seems to be cool and chic in the morning might look oddly lilac in the afternoon. Perhaps not exactly what you were going for. 

4. Consider the rest of the room 

It’s not just all about wall colour – your furniture, floors, curtains and bedding all play a part. If you’ve got warm wood floors or a bright copper bed frame, lean into tones that will compliment these and tie the room together. If your furniture is more Scandi and pale in colour, you can get away with cooler walls. 

And remember, you don’t need to paint all four walls the same. A bold feature wall behind the bed can add so much impact without making it feel overwhelming. Or you could go half-and-half – paint the bottom portion a darker shade and keep the top light or add some funky wallpaper. Think of yourself as a DIY interior designer. 

5. Don’t forget about finish 

Glossy paints bounce light around, which can be a bit much in a sunny room. We’d suggest sticking to matte or eggshell finishes for a softer, more restful vibe. 

As a little side note, be wary of paint with reflective qualities. Even satin can start to feel a bit too shiny once the 2pm sun hits it. Matte is a safe bet and tends to be much more forgiving. 

6. Go-to south-facing bedroom combos 

If you’re still stuck for inspiration, here are a few combos that work beautifully in a south-facing bedroom: 

The Calm Oasis: 

• Walls: A warm neutral colour (think Slipper Satin from Farrow & Ball) 
• Trim: Strong White 
• Bedding: White linen with pale green cushions 
• Decor: Woven textures, potted plants, rattan elements 

The Moody Luxe: 

• Walls: A deep navy blue (we like Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball) 
• Trim: An off-white colour (similar to Wimborne White by Farrow & Ball) 
• Bedding: Rust and ochre tones 
• Decor: Brass lamps, velvet cushions, dark wood furniture 

The Modern Minimalist: 

• Walls: A pale grey such as Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball 
• Trim: A warmer shade of off-white such as Ammonite from Farrow & Ball 
• Bedding: Greys and whites 
• Decor: Black metal bed frame, oak bedside tables, statement light fitting 

Colours for south-facing bedrooms: final thoughts 

Painting a south-facing bedroom isn’t something that needs to be stressful – if anything, you’ve got more freedom than most. Although sometimes that can make things feel a bit trickier.  

Natural light all day long is forgiving, uplifting, and pretty much makes any room feel better. The trick is understanding how the colour and light play together. 

Get some testers, take your time, and don’t be afraid to go bold if your heart’s set on it. If all else fails? A good neutral and some luxurious curtains will certainly do the trick.