Trying to decide on the best paint color for your south facing room? This paint guide has all the best colors from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore that’ll make your space feel warm & inviting!
Choosing a paint color can sometimes be a challenging task! To pick the color that’s right for a specific room, there’s a few important factors to consider – but the most important is lighting.
Knowing how much natural light a room gets is crucial – and believe it or not – certain paint colors look better than others with the light from South facing windows.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about choosing a paint color for rooms with Southern light (or skim down to see my list of curated colors).
Why Is Southern Light Different?
Rooms with South facing windows get lots of direct, warm sunlight (in the Northern Hemisphere). This is because the sun travels across the southern sky and supplies direct light to South facing rooms throughout the entire day.
The exact light depends on latitude, and the time of year – but suffice it to say – this lighting is key, and you’ll thank yourself for choosing a compatible paint color!
RELATED: What about Northern light? Check out my article: Best Paint Colors for North Facing Rooms.
How To Deal With Lots of Warm Natural Light
Southern light is warm, beautiful and abundant. It can make your space feel relaxed, and inviting. Most paint colors tend to look good in the golden orange-yellow glow of Southern light.
Windows with Southern light exposure tons of direct sunlight throughout the day. This abundance of light means that you can get away with darker paint colors without making a room feel like a dark cave.
Keep in mind that warm undertones in a paint color will be accentuated by Southern light. On the other hand, very cool colors can sometimes look a little off when they are illuminated with warm light.
Because of these two things, it’s best to avoid extremely warm, and extremely cool paint colors.
What Are The Best Paint Colors For South Facing Rooms?
Generally, the best paint colors for rooms with Southern light are neutrals that lean slightly cool.
Although I recommend cool paint colors, it’s more of a preference than a rule – and there is a few slightly warm colors in the recommendations.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is the warming effect of Southern light.
Southern light tends to make paint colors appear a little warmer than they actually are. You can manage this by choosing a paint color that is slightly cooler (or less warm) than the actual look you’re going for.
Ok, let’s dive into a few of my favorite paint colors for rooms with Southern light exposure.
White Paint Colors for South Facing Rooms
White paint colors are among the most popular when it comes to the choosing a paint color for South facing rooms. These are my top picks when it comes to white paint colors for south facing rooms.
Chantilly Lace (OC-65) by Benjamin Moore
Chantilly Lace – LRV: 90.04 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore: 2121-70
Chantilly Lace is one of my all-time favorite colors. It’s my default choice now because I know it will look amazing in almost any room or lighting condition – especially south facing rooms!
It’s a bright neutral with a slightly cool tone. Once you get it up on the walls, it looks pure white, and it’ll put a smile on your face!
Chantilly Lace is light, bright, and very close to pure white. It technically has the smallest infusion of gray-green to add some depth to the color, but these will not show up as undertones.
“A classic go-to white that elicits images of fresh cotton and pure silk.”
Benjamin Moore
The bedroom pictured below features Chantilly Lace white paint on the walls. It’s a wonderful neutral white paint color that makes other design features like the beaded chandelier really stand out.
Here’s another look at Chantilly Lace on walls and trim. This is a great paint color for a South facing room. It keeps the space feeling fresh without looking too yellow when the golden Southern light pours in during the mornings and evenings.
Decorator’s White (OC-149) by Benjamin Moore
Decorator’s White – LRV: 82.68 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore: CC-20, PM-3
Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore is a near perfect white paint color for a room with Southern light. The medium-light color depth, and the cool grayish undertones make this color an ideal choice for any South facing room!
Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White is very similar to the previous color, Chantilly Lace. They share much of the color and undertones, only Decorator’s White is a shade or two darker (LRV of 82.68 vs Chantilly Lace at 90.04.
“A touch of cool gray gives this go-to white sleek, stylish appeal.”
Benjamin Moore
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It’s so important to test out paint colors in your home. Sometimes paint colors just look unexpectedly good, or bad once they’re up on the wall.
OK, back to the colors!
Snowbound (SW 7004) by Sherwin-Williams
Snowbound – LRV: 83 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams is an extremely popular paint color that is medium-light. With an LRV of 83, it’s a soft white that could also be classified as off-white.
It gets is depth from a hint of silver-gray. Snowbound has found its way into Sherwin-Williams’ Top 50 Color rankings – so you know its gotta be good!
“With its slight gray undertone, this versatile cool white pairs well with other gray-influenced colors. Like stepping into a snowy glade.”
Sherwin-Williams
Snowbound is a neutral white paint color, but it isn’t cool like most of the other colors included in this guide. It’s actually slightly warm.
This makes it a good option if you’re going for a warm color palette in a South facing room.
In the image below, the walls and trim are painted with Snowbound by Sherwin-Williams.
I love the look of Snowbound on the upper cabinets in the kitchen below. When contrasted against the warm wood lower cabinets, it’s so crisp and clean looking!
Cloud Cover (OC-25) by Benjamin Moore
Cloud Cover – LRV: 80.28 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore: 855
Cloud Cover is a medium bright off-white paint color. You could also classify it as a very light greige with its blue-gray undertones. This makes it well suited for any room with Southern light exposure.
It’s a really nice choice if you’re looking for an interesting off-white that is cool, bright, and airy.
Check out the bedroom below – its walls are painted with Benjamin Moore Cloud Cover. In this lighting, you can see a hint of blue in the paint color.
The blue bedding in the room is probably making it appear even more blue than it really is – but these are the type things you need be aware of. They can make a big difference!
“A go-to white subtly shaded with a touch of gray-blue.”
Benjamin Moore
Here’s another look at Cloud Cover in a kitchen. You can see that the walls have a crisp contrast up against the pure white ceiling – but it flows together so nicely!
Zurich White (SW 7626) by Sherwin-Williams
Zurich White – LRV: 76 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Zurich White is a cool off-white paint color offered by Sherwin-Williams. It’s a top color that is included in several of Sherwin-Williams’ color collections: Living Well – Reflect, Cool White, and Finest Whites.
With a LRV of 76, this is one of the least bright white paint colors. For a white, or off-white paint color, it has a lot of color depth.
If you want a color that isn’t stark, pure white in a room with Southern light exposure, Zurich White would be a good choice. I would choose this color in a South facing room with large windows and tons of natural light.
“This crisp, cool white is as refreshing as a morning stroll over freshly fallen snow. This bright white with its violet undertone is ideal in a bedroom.”
Sherwin-Williams
The sitting room below is painted with Zurich White by Sherwin-Williams.
Zurich White looks good on walls, trim and cabinets. The color is a great choice for interiors – it’s quite flexible and looks great almost anywhere.
Gray Paint for South Facing Rooms
Gray is a very popular choice for south facing rooms, especially when they have slightly cool undertones. These are the best Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams gray paints for south facing rooms:
Gray Owl (OC-52) by Benjamin Moore
Gray Owl – LRV: 64.51 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore: 2137-60
Gray Owl is a medium-light gray paint color that is neutral to cool. This lighter gray color is really versatile.
Benjamin Moore actually has two different product codes (2137-60) and (OC-52) for Gray Owl.
Confusing, I know! But don’t worry, both are identical. With some colors, they have multiple naming codes in different color collections.
“A use-anywhere light gray with a cool, crisp cast.”
Benjamin Moore
Check out the bedrooms below with Gray Owl walls.
Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) by Benjamin Moore
Edgecomb Gray – LRV: 63.09 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore: Alaskan Skies (972), Baby Fawn (OC-15)
Edgecomb Gray is my go-to light greige paint color. When exploring gray paint colors, it’s always good to have this color as an option.
Sometimes a true gray paint color isn’t quite right for a room, and you need that little pop of beige that Edgecomb Gray has to offer.
One thing to note, this paint color is not cool! It’s actually neutral and slightly warm, but that doesn’t mean that it cannot work in a South facing room.
This is a versatile color that looks good in many different color palettes. In a room with Southern light, the golden warm light will make Edgecomb Gray lean a little further towards beige.
If you’re looking for a color with more depth and complexity than a simple white or gray, Edgecomb gray is a perfect choice!
“A go-to neutral that can refresh a space, while providing a warm, welcoming feeling.”
Benjamin Moore
The dining room below has Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray walls. The paint color goes perfectly with the warm natural tones of the flooring, table, and chairs.
In the living room space pictured below, you can see that Edgecomb Gray also works well when paired with cool toned colors like aqua and charcoal. The paint color warms up the space making it feel inviting.
Revere Pewter (HC-172) by Benjamin Moore
Revere Pewter – LRV: 55.05 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore: 973
Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore is a medium-light gray with that is very neutral. Like most neutral paint colors, Revere Pewter is versatile, and pairs nicely with nearly any color palette.
With a LRV of 55.05, this gray paint color is dark enough to look like a true gray – but in a room with plenty of Southern light exposure, can can still have a light and airy feel.
“An iconic neutral that provides a versatile bridge between warm and cool tones.”
Benjamin Moore
Check out the dining room below – its walls are painted with Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.
Here’s a look at Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter on kitchen cabinets. Such a soft neutral color that won’t get washed out too much in a room with lots of natural light.
Passive by (SW 7064) Sherwin-Williams
Passive – LRV: 60 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Passive by Sherwin Williams is a medium-light silver gray with cool undertones. Although this paint color has cool blue undertones, it’s still pretty well balanced.
This paint color has a LRV of 60, which puts it near the middle of the pack compared to the other gray paint colors in this category.
“Although a light gray, this neutral hue exhibits some depth with its cool blue undertones. For a light, relaxed vibe, pair with cool white trim.”
Sherwin Williams
I love how Passive looks in this bright bathroom. Tons of light flowing in from the massive window is perfect for this paint color!
Blue Green Paint for South Facing Room
Looking to add a little more personality and interest to your south facing room? The last paint color on this list is for you!
Woodlawn Blue (HC-147) by Benjamin Moore
Woodlawn Blue – LRV: 60.65 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
The perfect blend of blue and green with a hint of gray, this paint color is so serene. In a south facing room, golden light may bring out those subtle undertones (particularly green) even more.
“A delicate wash of blue that brings to mind a fine crystal.”
Benjamin Moore
Woodlawn Blue makes a great wall color for a south facing bedroom with its relaxing teal appearance. Check out how Kylie M. Interiors uses Woodlawn Blue in the bedroom below.
Have a south facing kitchen and looking for a pretty cabinet color? Try Woodlawn Blue for a bright and fresh look that’s somehow warm and welcoming at the same time. I mean, just look at the beautiful kitchen below!
Need help deciding on the best paint color for your South facing room?
Get samples of all of all the colors I recommend for South facing rooms: Joyfully Growing Samplize Bundle – Southern Light! It has all the colors from this article!
Want my A-to-Z blueprint on how to design a room that’s beautiful and stylish?
More Paint Color Resources
That’s all of my paint color recommendations for rooms with Southern light. Helping people choose a perfect paint color for their home is one of my favorite things. I’ve created lots of other resources to help de-stress your paint color decision. I try to help you simply selection the process any way I can!
Check out all my other paint color articles:
- How To Choose A Paint Color | Lighting, Undertones, Sheen (and more!)
- Best Gray Paint Colors | The Ultimate Guide
- Green Paint Colors | Top Colors Of The Year
- White Paint Color Guide | The Best White Paint Colors
- Paint Colors For Rooms With Northern Light
- Trending Paint Colors | Colors Trends From Top Brands
- Samplize Review | Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples
- White Dove Paint Color Review | After Painting My Whole House!
I hope you enjoyed this article, and found it helpful. If you have any questions, please leave it in the comments below!