North-facing rooms receive cooler, indirect light which can make paint colors seem dull or icy. To pick the right paint color, select warm-toned shades with higher light reflectance value (LRV) to balance the coolness. Testing large samples in the actual north-facing room at different times of day confirms which warms the space best. Warm neutrals and sage greens often counteract the cool light, making the room feel inviting and balanced.