Deciding on the right light bulb color temperature for a north facing room can be tricky. North facing rooms typically get less natural sunlight, so the artificial lighting you choose can really impact the overall look and feel of the space. In this article, we’ll compare warm white vs cool white light bulbs to help you determine which is best for a north facing room.
What Makes a Room North Facing?
In the northern hemisphere, a north facing room is one where the windows primarily face towards the north. Since the sun is located in the southern part of the sky, north facing rooms receive indirect natural light as the sunlight reflects off the ground and into the windows.
Compared to south facing rooms that get bright, direct sun exposure, north facing rooms tend to have more indirect, cool, natural light. The lack of direct sunlight makes the lighting conditions slightly darker and cooler in tone.
Pros and Cons of Warm White Light
Warm white light bulbs produce a soft, yellowish light that resembles incandescent lighting. These bulbs have a color temperature that ranges from 2700K-3000K.
Here are some pros of using warm white light bulbs in a north facing room:
- Creates a cozy, inviting ambiance – The warm glow is relaxing and reminiscent of candlelight
- Enhances the look of wood tones and reds – Warm light complements and brings out reddish tones
- Feels natural – Warm white light is closest to the color of an incandescent bulb, which people are accustomed to
Some cons of warm white light include:
- Can make a room feel small or dark – The yellow tone tends to absorb and reflect less light, exacerbating dim conditions
- Distorts colors – The red/yellow bias of warm white bulbs alters the appearance of colors in the room
- Feels dated – Some view warm white light as outdated compared to newer, cooler LED options
Pros and Cons of Cool White Light
Cool white light bulbs have a blueish tint and a higher color temperature, in the range of 3500K-4100K. They create a brighter, more energizing light.
Here are some benefits of using cool white lighting in a north facing space:
- Enhances brightness – The whiter tone reflects and spreads light better to counteract dimness
- Makes rooms feel more open – Cool light gives the illusion of higher ceilings and less confined space
- Improves visibility – Its brightness helps improve visibility for tasks like reading and cooking
- Modern appeal – Most people feel cool white lighting has a contemporary, stylish look
Some downsides of cool white lighting include:
- Can feel harsh or clinical – The white tones are less flattering and intimate for living spaces
- Washes out skin tones – People can look drained or sickly under very cool, bright white light
- Not ideal for evenings – Cool light is energizing and may disrupt sleep when used in bedrooms
Comparing Light Bulb Color Temperature
| Light Bulb Type | Color Temperature Range | Light Color |
|---|---|---|
| Warm White | 2700K-3000K | Soft white, yellowish |
| Cool White | 3500K-4100K | Brighter white, bluish tone |
Choosing Warm vs Cool White for a North Facing Room
When deciding on warm or cool light bulbs for a north facing space, consider the room’s size, purpose, and aesthetic.
Warm white lighting tends to work best in smaller north facing rooms where the goal is to create a cozy, welcoming feel. The warm tones make the space feel more intimate and functional. Warm white is also a good choice if the decor has lots of wood elements and reddish accents that you want to highlight.
Cool white lighting helps open up and brighten larger north facing rooms. It creates a more invigorating vibe that’s crisp and clear. Cool white lighting pairs well with modern, minimalist decor and looks sleek in contemporary styled kitchens or bathrooms.
When using cool white lighting, avoid going over 4000K-5000K or the light will start to look unnaturally stark and blue. And select lower wattage bulbs or use dimmers to control the brightness.
For north facing bedrooms, warm white around 2700K helps create a relaxing ambiance, while 3500K cool white can enable better visibility for reading in bed.
You can also mix warm and cool white bulbs to balance the tones. Use warmer lights for accent lamps and overhead fixtures, then add cooler lights for task areas like kitchen countertops or makeup vanities.
Tips for Lighting North Facing Rooms
Here are some other tips to brighten up north facing spaces:
- Add lots of reflective surfaces like mirrors, metal accents, and high-gloss paint or furniture. They’ll help bounce and amplify the available light.
- Paint walls light colors like white, beige, or light grey to prevent absorbing light.
- Use supplemental lighting like floor lamps or recessed lights to reduce shadows and dark corners.
- Layer lighting with a combination of overhead, accent, and task lighting to give the room a well-lit feel.
- Install dimmers so you can control the mood and brightness at different times of day.
Conclusion
In most cases, a warm white around 3000K is a safe bet for smaller north facing rooms where creating a welcoming, cozy environment is the goal. For larger open concept areas where you want to enhance visibility and illuminate the whole space, a cooler white around 3500-4000K is preferable.
The right warm or cool white bulb for your north facing room ultimately depends on your goals for aesthetics, utility, and creating the ideal ambiance. So consider how you want the space to feel and be used before deciding on the perfect color temperature.
