6 Paint Colors That Make a Room Look Bigger
Graphic by Cristina Cianci
Small rooms can be tricky to decorate. Beyond the simple issue of having to triple-measure furniture for size and crafting the best layout for your space, paint color can have a huge impact on how big or small your space feels.
There are a ton of variants that dictate which color you should choose for your room, like the direction that the windows face. Dark colors work best in north-facing rooms, while light ones look better in bright, south-facing spaces. Sunset hues can do wonders for a west-facing room, especially at dusk.
Ahead, find the top paint colors that will make any room—of any size—look instantly bigger and brighter.
Quick Tip
One paint trick that never fails is to paint the ceiling, trim, and doors in the same color to give the impression of space.
Stark White
Naturally, white is an obvious choice for making a room feel bigger. It's no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space is bathed in natural light. Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space.
What's more, it works no matter your aesthetic or room type. Whether it's a modern kitchen, deco living room, or country-inspired bedroom, white is a great palette to begin your decor process.
Use this color in: South-facing rooms
Clare Fresh Kicks ($49)
Soft Black
Conversely to white, in a room with little to no natural light, white may not be the way to go. With no light bouncing off the walls, the color could have the opposite effect on your space. Lean into the lack of sun and go fully into the dark realm.
Instead of white, a dark hue like charcoal or black will give the space an intimate feel while simultaneously giving it an appearance of grandeur—especially if the ceiling and trim are also painted in the same hue.
Use this color in: North-facing rooms
Backdrop After Hours ($45)
Light Taupe
For those who aren't willing to go entirely white but still want a light neutral paint color for their room, a light taupe or greige can make a space feel large and elegant. It is still bright enough to allow the light to bounce from one wall to another but adds a touch of warmth that a true bright white doesn't have.
This rich tone has the potential to make a room look expensive, so use it in a space with little architectural detailing to give it stature. When using this color, it helps to keep other furnishings white in the room to help give the space a light and airy feel.
Use this color in: Rooms with no architectural details
Backdrop Interior Motives ($45)
Blush Pink
A soft shade of blush pink can brighten up a small room and make it feel cheery and light—and it looks wonderful at sunset hour. This hue works best in a room with more natural light and is well-complemented with warm neutral tones like beige, sand, and ivory. Paint the ceiling in the same hue for an enveloping feel.
Don't be fooled by pink acting as an ultimate feminine tone (though it can!). The pale blush is also a great complement to more masculine woods, modern metals, and luxe velvet or leather furniture.
Use this color in: West-facing rooms
Backdrop Modern Love ($45)
Dark Navy
KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images
In rooms with little bit of natural light, a deep navy hue can create an impression of depth and make a space feel dramatic and stately. If you want that romantic and cozy feel that a black room would give you, but not willing to take the plunge into the absence of color, navy is the way to go.
When painting your walls in a navy color, it also helps to keep large furniture like sofas in the same hue to blur the lines between the edges of the room and making it feel larger. This also makes it a great choice for rooms with cabinetry like kitchens and libraries. Pro tip? The monochromatic styling works equally well, no matter what color you're dealing with.
Use this color in: Kitchens and libraries with little natural light
Clare Goodnight Moon ($49)
Cool Gray
A great alternative to a white paint color is a cool gray, which can feel fresh and bright without the starkness of pure white. Cool colors feel fresher and brighter than warm ones, so it helps to create the appearance of more space. Use this color in a room with moderate amounts of light to give the space a cozy but expansive feel.
A light gray brings the crisp and bright quality that a bright white does, allowing light to bounce off the walls, while keeping the room cool.
Use this color in: An east or west-facing room
Clare Penthouse ($49)
Up Next: Here's How to Make a Narrow Room Look Wider
Read the original article on MyDomaine.
