West Facing Bedroom Colours

If you've got a west-facing bedroom, congratulations — you're in for some seriously dreamy sunsets. But when it comes to picking colours for your bedroom walls (and all the extras to go with it), the direction your room faces really does matter. 

It’s not just some fancy interior design nonsense. Natural light changes throughout the day depending on where your room is positioned, and that can completely transform how a colour looks. A soft sage green might feel fresh and airy in a north-facing room, but in your west-facing bedroom? It can quickly feel like it’s battling the golden glow coming in through the window. 

So, before you get all carried away with the paint swatches and Pinterest boards, let’s break down what really works the best in a west-facing bedroom — and what you might want to steer clear of. 

What is a west-facing room like? 

A west-facing bedroom gets its best light in the late afternoon and early evening. In the mornings, it feels cooler and maybe even a bit shadowy, depending on how much natural light your room gets overall. But by the time 4 or 5pm comes around, your room will be drowning in a warm, golden glow — perfect for winding down after a long day. 

Due to the natural light being warmer in the evening, colours with yellow, orange or red undertones really come alive in this type of space. That said, if you go too warm, your bedroom could feel like a bit of a furnace once the sun hits its peak. 

Best colours for west-facing bedrooms 

When choosing colours for rooms that face west, our recommendations can help you get it right. Scroll on to find options for every colour palette preference. 

1. Soft neutrals with warm undertones 

Think beiges, greiges (grey-beige), and warm taupes. These are all safe bets that won’t clash with the changing light in a west-facing bedroom. These colours feel calm and restful in the cooler morning light, and they really warm up in the evening sun without becoming too intense. 

2. Earthy greens and olive tones 

Green can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on undertones, but earthy olives and mossy greens are the best in west-facing rooms. They balance out the warm evening glow and give a grounded, natural feel. Avoid anything too cool, or it could end up feeling washed out in the mornings. 

3. Terracotta, clay, and blush pinks 

These tones were practically made for golden light. They glow and glisten — literally. Think desert hues or Mediterranean vibes. They’ll work great if you want your bedroom to feel warm, welcoming and a bit luxurious. These shades pair well with natural woods, rattan, and linen bedding for that easy, boho-chic look. 

4. Muted yellows and mustards 

Yellow can be a bit of a tricky colour — too bright and it’ll give you a headache, too pale and it looks like old magnolia that needs a refresh. West-facing rooms are able to handle deeper, more muted yellows really well. Helping to bring sunshine to your space even on those cold, dark mornings. 

Colours to be cautious with 

We’re not saying that you can’t use these — but they might require a bit more thought and consideration. 

1. Cool greys 

Greys with blue undertones can feel a bit cold and flat in the morning, and then sometimes look a bit mismatched when paired with the warm afternoon light. If you’re dead-set on grey, go for something with a hint of taupe or beige to warm things up. 

Avoid: Anything labelled “cool grey” or “blue-grey”. 

Try instead: Dulux’s Polished Pebble (still grey, but on the warmer side). 

2. Pure white 

White can feel fresh, but in a west-facing room it often looks stark and harsh early in the day, then becoming overly yellow once the sun hits it in the evening. Unless you're going for a minimalist, gallery-style space, white might not be your best bet. 

Tip: Off-whites or whites with a bit of warmth (creamy or stone whites) are better choices for West-facing rooms. 

3. Cool blues 

Light, icy blues can lean towards looking a bit sad in west-facing bedrooms, especially in the morning. They can often feel too cold and flat. If you love blue, we’d suggest going for a dustier or warmer version — maybe something with a green or grey undertone. 

Try: Farrow & Ball’s Oval Room Blue — sophisticated but still warm enough to pair nicely with the evening light. 

Don’t forget the rest of your west-facing room 

Colour isn’t just about the walls. Here are a few extra tips to make your west-facing bedroom really shine: 

• Lighting: Use warm-toned bulbs (nothing too white or stark) to complement the natural light. Rattan lampshades can diffuse the glow beautifully. 

• Soft furnishings: Lean into rich, tactile textures — linen, velvet, chunky knits help the room feel cosy even when the light changes. 

• Mirror placement: Placing a mirror opposite the window can work wonders. It’ll help to bounce that lovely golden hour light across the room. 

• Artwork: Go for tones that complement your wall colours — earthy tones, warm neutrals, or even pops of burnt orange and navy to add some depth. 

Quick colour combos that work in west-facing bedrooms 

Here are a few easy pairings if you’re looking for inspiration: 

1. Warm Taupe Walls + Olive Green Bedding + Natural Wood Furniture 

2. Blush Pink Walls + Brass Accents + Cream Headboard & Curtains 

3. Muted Yellow Feature Wall + White Bedding + Rattan Décor 

4. Soft Greige Walls + Navy Blue Accessories + Linen Textures 

West facing bedroom colours: final thoughts 

A west-facing bedroom is a golden opportunity to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and homely. You want to embrace the natural light, while making sure your colours don’t fight against it. 

Remember: paint always looks different on the wall than it does on the tin. Get some tester pots and try them out at different times of the day so you can get a feel for them. That way, you’ll see exactly how the light transforms the colour before committing. 

And don’t stress too much. Bedrooms are for relaxing, not overanalysing paint colours. 

So go on, grab a cup of tea, pick your palette, and start dreaming up that perfect west-facing retreat.