Apart from the printing press, other technological advancements also contributed significantly to the Northern Renaissance. The development of oil paint, which originated in Northern Europe, allowed artists to achieve greater depth, detail, and realism in their paintings. This innovation led to the distinctive visual style of Northern Renaissance art, marked by its vivid colours and intricate attention to detail. Additionally, improvements in papermaking and the development of new engraving techniques facilitated the production and distribution of both artworks and texts. These advancements not only enhanced artistic expression but also made art and intellectual ideas more accessible to a broader public.

The Northern Renaissance's approach to classical antiquity differed significantly from that of the Italian Renaissance. While the Italian Renaissance saw a revival of classical themes and ideals, characterised by a direct emulation of Greco-Roman art and philosophy, the Northern Renaissance integrated classical ideas more subtly. The Northern artists and thinkers were less focused on reviving classical antiquity for its own sake and more interested in merging these ideas with contemporary Christian thought. This integration led to a unique blend, where classical learning was used as a tool to explore and express Christian moral and ethical concerns, rather than as an end in itself.

Music played a significant and distinctive role in the Northern Renaissance, differing in style and purpose from that of the Italian Renaissance. In Northern Europe, there was a strong tradition of polyphonic (multi-voiced) music, exemplified by composers like Josquin des Prez. This music was characterised by complex vocal harmonies and was often used in religious settings, reflecting the Northern Renaissance's continued emphasis on Christian themes. Unlike the Italian Renaissance, where music often accompanied secular gatherings and courtly events, in the North, it remained predominantly linked to the church and religious observances. This focus led to the development of rich, texturally complex music that had a profound influence on the later development of Western music.

Women played a significant yet often under-recognised role in the Northern Renaissance. Unlike the Italian Renaissance, where women's participation in the arts was more limited, in Northern Europe, several women were able to make significant contributions, especially in the realms of literature and art patronage. Women like Margaret of Austria and Isabella d'Este were notable patrons who commissioned works from prominent artists, thereby supporting and influencing the development of Renaissance art and culture. In literature, women like Christine de Pizan wrote and advocated for female education and intellectual engagement. However, despite these contributions, women's roles were still constrained by the societal norms of the time, and their involvement often depended on their social and marital status.

The Northern Renaissance significantly influenced the English Renaissance, particularly in the realms of literature and theatre. The movement's emphasis on humanism and the use of vernacular language inspired English writers and playwrights. For example, William Shakespeare's works, which are often regarded as the pinnacle of English Renaissance literature, reflect the humanist ideals of individualism and human morality, themes prevalent in the Northern Renaissance. Additionally, the printing press played a critical role in disseminating these ideas across Europe, including England, where it fuelled intellectual curiosity and artistic expression. The English Renaissance thus borrowed and adapted many elements from its Northern counterpart, leading to a unique fusion of styles and themes in English literature and drama.