When it comes to decorating your home, choosing wall paint has more impact than you might expect. The right colour can make a small room feel more spacious or help a larger one feel calm and inviting. Understanding how light works within a space can make all the difference. And while endless choice can make picking paint feel overwhelming, knowing the direction your room faces puts you one step ahead. Here, we’re taking a closer look at south-facing rooms.

If you have a south-facing room, this guide is for you. These spaces are filled with natural light throughout the day, which can enhance colour but also change how it appears on the wall. At COAT, our pigment-rich paints are designed to hold their own in bright, sun-filled rooms, helping you create a space that feels balanced and intentional. So if you’re looking for ways to make the most of your south-facing room, grab a brew and take five. Here’s how to decorate spaces that see the sun.

@asouthlondonhome's sunny living room looks even brighter with the lighter ceiling, colour divide which elongates the room.

What is a South Facing room?

So, what exactly is a south-facing room? Simply put, it is a space that receives the most direct sunlight throughout the day. This comes down to the direction your property faces. You can check this using the compass app on your phone. Stand facing the side of the room with the largest windows and hold your phone straight ahead. If the compass reads between 150 and 210 degrees, your room is south-facing.

South-facing rooms benefit from an abundance of natural light, even on cloudy days. The amount of sunlight will vary depending on the time of day and season, but these spaces tend to feel brighter and warmer overall. This can be a real advantage, particularly in the darker months. In summer, however, the increased warmth and brightness can change how colour appears on the wall. When choosing paint, it is important to consider this warming effect. The good news is that, with the right approach, it is easy to make the most of a south-facing room’s natural light.

Start by planning the space

When it comes to decorating a south-facing room, planning the space is the best place you can start. It doesn’t matter what kind of room you’re revamping; function always matters. But it’s even more crucial in a south-facing scheme. Let’s say the space is your lounge and where you hang out. You’ll want to position your sofa away from the sun. This goes for the TV as well; there’s nothing worse than harsh glares. Spesh when Love Island’s takin’ over the screen.

Another thing to consider is the vibe of the space. Are you drawn to modern boho or prefer a traditional look? As these rooms receive lots of warming sunlight, you’re not restricted in choice. The full-colour spectrum is yours to enjoy. If you’ve also never made a moodboard before, we’d recommend it. It’s always good to explore ideas before jumping right in. Once you kinda know what you want, this is where you can start to have fun. Browsing paint literally never gets old.

You're spoiled for choice if you have a south facing room, @ourlittlegrey_home balances the light with her green panelled bedroom.

Pick the right colour palette

Ready to explore paint colours for south-facing rooms? These spaces offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to colour. Darker shades can work beautifully, as can cooler hues, although it is worth viewing them on a grey day to see how they behave without strong sunlight. With plenty of natural light comes warmth, which means most colours will take on a slightly golden tone. For this reason, it is best to avoid very bright reds, which can feel overpowering. Instead, opt for red-based neutrals such as COAT’s Ambrose, or balance the light with softer tones of green and violet.

If you are drawn to bolder colours but feel hesitant to commit, south-facing rooms are an ideal place to be braver. Strong shades tend to appear richer rather than overwhelming in this light. Blues work particularly well, offering a calming contrast to the warmth of the sun and helping to reduce glare. Greys and whites can also be effective, but cooler blues often create the freshest, most balanced result.

For more inspiration, take a look at our guide to using blues. Pastel paint colours remain a firm favourite.

Another COAT tip is to consider the finish as well as the colour. South-facing rooms already have plenty of natural glow, so lower-sheen paints tend to work best. As a general rule, the brighter the space, the lower the sheen.

For a south-facing living room, a Flat Matt finish will help keep the look soft and balanced.

Play with the natural light like @its_all_about_the_house has in her calm living room.

Tame the glare without blocking the view

Struggling with the glare of the sun?

You need a set of new blinds. Preferably ones that can stop UV rays too. It’s all about finding a balance. Yeh, sunshine is nice. But not when you’re trying to have a read with your hand over your face. Venetian blinds are great for south-facing rooms, especially the wooden styles. Plus, they allow you to control the amount of natural light you get.

 Alternatively, Roman blinds diffuse light without making the room look too dark. Sheer curtains will also finish a room to a tee. Fit. For best results, we say combine the two types. Purely because blinds are able to drop halfway down, but curtains can’t. Ideally, you wanna be able to block out the glare yet still see outside. This is what makes shutters a fab option too.

Artificial lighting considerations

Now that we’ve covered the best colours for south-facing rooms, lighting is next. It’ll take your space up a notch.

Why on earth do you need additional lighting, you ask?

It’s a good question, you’re right. Surely south-facing rooms are bright enough?

With all that natural light, it’s easy to think it’ll last. Actually, the sun is always going to set. And when that happens each day, your room will look and feel dark. It’s essential to carry that warming vibe through to night. As overhead spots can look harsh (and show up wrinkles), a mix of lamps and wall lights is key. This’ll create the right mood for pre-dinner drinks. Or take out. Your call. Who cares when your room is this lit?

Add some greenery

South-facing windows are great if you’re a fan of house plants. Nothing fills an empty corner better than a Fiddle Leaf Fig. Plants are also said to be fab for improving wellbeing and reducing fatigue. Plus, they add a pop of leafy greenery like no other accessory can. With an abundance of sunlight and warmth, south-facing rooms provide the perfect environment for house plants to thrive. It’s also a clever way to merge the inside with outdoors for a space-stretching effect. And you can never have too many either.

Some plants need more light than others. So bear this in mind. Too much, and they may burn or wilt. Others, however, will happily bask in the glow like areca palms and Jade plants. A money plant will also look cute and is said to bring good luck. Nice.

@matt_t_porter uses hints of natural materials, cane and dark woods to create a warm feel in his neutral living room, painted in 'Duvet Day'.

Bring in natural materials

When it comes to decorating a south facing room, balance is key. The sharp contrast between shade and sunlight can feel a little severe. A gorgeous natural room scheme will pare the drama right back. And create a soothing indoor-outdoor look.

In terms of colours, like we said, cool neutrals work best. Plus, they’re easy to live with, so they’re fail-safe. Neutral shades also compliment any style of decor and will inject a little nature at home. Check out this post for using beige wall paint.

Organic accents are also a must. Especially if they’re sustainable too. These days homeowners are seeking more environmentally friendly products, and they’re happy to pay. There’s nothing more grounding than an earthy aesthetic. Textures like stone, wood and bamboo will add interest and connect your room to mother nature herself. Cork, rattan and wool are also super on-trend and will make a great investment for your space.

Choose the perfect finishing touches

Once you’ve got the backbone in place, this is where the fun starts. It’s the finishing touches that will make your room special. From rugs to candles, these tiny details are key. And it’s these that will tell the story of you. There’s also no rules. You do you. It’s a home, not a car showroom. Don’t be afraid to mix travel mementoes with plants and old books with artwork. You want the space to feel lived-in as well as super stylish.

@hello_haus knows all about how to make the most of light and play around with neutrals in your home, Katie picked 'And Breathe' for her bedroom.

What about South Facing Bedrooms?

Is your bedroom south-facing? The same guidelines apply. Stick to cool neutrals for a breezy, effortless look. A deeply calming colour, pale blue will work well. And it’ll keep your bedroom cool during mad heatwaves. Don’t forget to incorporate lots of raw, tactile textures like seagrass, sisal and jute. And throw open those curtains in winter to let the light flood in.

Need help choosing south-facing bedroom colours?

We suggest you start with a south facing peel and stick sample pack. We have curated a neutral and colour version depending on your style.

Also struggling with low light colder north facing spaces? We've created our guide to decorating north facing rooms.