How to Make a Room Feel Bigger and Paint Colors to Use

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Believe it or not, the paint color you choose for a space will largely impact the feel of the room’s size. Certain paint colors work better in certain rooms.

If you have a space that feels a bit cramped or closed in, don’t grab the sledgehammer. There are a few tips and tricks you can start with that don’t require demolition. And that’s done by choosing the right paint color.

It doesn’t really matter if you have a small bedroom, narrow hallway, or not so spacious living room, the right color can create the illusion of a larger space.

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”

Wassily Kandinsky.

Go Light, But Not Bland

Yup, you heard it here, just because you are going with a light paint color doesn’t mean it has to be a snooze fest of a color.

It’s true, lighter colors tend to reflect light better, which can make a room feel more open and airy. But not all light paint colors work the same. There are a few things to keep in mind.

People think that a plain old white paint color is the way to go. Sure, it may work for the space you are trying to make feel larger, though off-whites and soft neutrals like Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster or Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee bring some warmth and depth without feeling boring.

I like colors like this because they are on the softer side and create a neutral backdrop, which helps make a space feel more open.

If you are looking for a white that isn’t super stark but also doesn’t have too much warmth, check out shades like Behr’s Sleek White or Dunn-Edwards Whisper. These are fabulous paint colors that have a brightness to them but also give the room a softening feel.

Monochromatic Schemes will help make a room look bigger

This is one of my favorite ways to trick the eye into thinking a room is a bit larger than it really is.

A monochromatic color palette is when you use different shades of the same color across all surfaces: walls, trim, doors, and even furniture. So, when you don’t have any sharp color contrasts or glaring cutoffs, your eye can easily move around the room. And in turn it gives the room a seamless look that makes it appear larger.

For example, use a gray, like my favorite Sherwin Williams’ Repose Gray, on the walls and ceiling and a shade darker, like SW Mindful Gray, on the trim. Because they are shades and tones of Repose Gray, it all works cohesively

Monochromatic schemes may sound boring, but I’m here to tell you they are not. A way you can add texture and more color is through furniture and decor.

Cool Colors to make your space feel Bigger

Cool toned paint colors like blues, greens, and grays work extremely well to make a room feel bigger.

Soft, cool shades like Benjamin Moore’s Silver Satin or Sherwin Williams’ Sea Salt can be transformative in a smaller room. Calming colors like this aren’t heavy and won’t weigh down a smaller space.

You can also try paint colors like Farrow & Ball’s Pale Powder or Behr’s Breezeway, which offer a calm, nature-inspired vibe while still making the room feel more expansive.

These colors work particularly well in bathrooms, bedrooms, or any space where tranquility and relaxation are key.

Does the ceiling color affect how large a room feels?

Boy, does it ever! The ceiling is like the middle child of a family; it’s often overlooked. Ok, relax, I’m joking about the middle child being overlooked because I am proof that it is not true. I was never overlooked. But unfortunately, the ceiling isn’t so lucky.

95 percent of the time, people automatically choose a white paint color for the ceiling. It is like it’s so weird written law or something. I’m a rule follower and all, but this is not a rule.

Sure, a white ceiling is classic for a reason. It draws the eye upwards and gives the illusion of height. However, sometimes, using a non-white color on the ceiling benefits a small room a tiny bit better.

This goes along with the monochromatic look that I mentioned. Choose a wall color, then find a lighter shade in the same color family to use on the ceiling. By doing this, the room will feel taller.

MAKE A ROOM FEEL MORE SPACIOUS WITH PAINT FINISHES

Paint colors in a few different finishes: matte, flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss, all meant to serve a different purpose.

A matte or flat finish is generally used when your walls are a little less than perfect; in other words, it hides imperfections. But the thing with a matte or flat finish is that it doesn’t reflect light like a satin or eggshell finish would.

I wouldn’t recommend using semi-gloss or gloss on the walls. It would be overwhelmingly shiny. You don’t need much. A little extra shine will do the light-reflecting trick and give the illusion of a larger space.

This is especially helpful in rooms like bathrooms and narrow hallways, which are smaller and usually lack a ton of natural light.

WILL AN ACCENT WALL MAKE A SMALL ROOM FEEL BIGGER?

Accent walls are fun. I have created many in my day, and honestly, I don’t plan on stopping. As fun as they are, though, you need to make sure they are executed correctly to get the most out of a room, especially a small one!

Accent walls can basically cut or divide a room up. That is not what we are trying to achieve with a smaller room. So, to avoid this and still create something beautiful, opt for colors that work well together, nothing overly bold or contracting. You want to have a smooth transition between the colors, which makes the room flow without shrinking it.

DARKER PAINT COLORS FOR A SMALL ROOM, YES OR NO?

I hate how darker colors get a bad rap. Yes, sometimes darker colors will close a room in and make it feel heavy and tiny. However, if you do it right, your room will be a showstopper.

A dark paint color in a smaller room with a ton of natural light will add depth and dimension. That, paired with lighter furniture and decor, will bring a balance the room will need.

It’s all about knowing how your room is and if it can handle a darker paint color without making it feel smaller.

A PAINT COLOR RELIES ON LIGHTING TO MAKE A ROOM FEEL BIGGER

Lighting is such an important piece of the paint color puzzle. You can use the “best” paint color out there, but if the lighting in your room is, for lack of a better word, crap, the paint color will look like crap. Sorry, it’s true. And on top of that, your already small room will look small. It makes for a lovey crap sandwich.

Luckily, though, I’m here telling you this before you paint, hopefully.

Natural lighting will do wonders for a paint color and make a room feel larger. But not all rooms are blessed with abundant natural light. That’s where artificial lighting comes in. Using floor lamps, table lamps, recessed lighting, chandeliers, etc, will help brighten up your space. And make it feel larger.

If you really want your paint color to shine, you need to get your lighting in check. It makes a world of difference for a small room.

Best Paint Colors to Make a Room Look Bigger

Now that you know how to make a room look bigger, let’s talk bout some paint colors I love to use and recommend.

1. Benjamin Moore – Swiss Coffee (OC-45)

This creamy off-white adds warmth without overwhelming a space. It’s a great alternative to stark white, making rooms feel open yet cozy.

2. Sherwin Williams – Alabaster (SW 7008)

A soft, warm white that provides an inviting and airy feel. Perfect for small spaces that need a bright but soothing touch.

3. Farrow & Ball – Pale Powder (204)

A pale green with a subtle blue undertone, this shade is ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms where you want to create a relaxing, airy atmosphere.

4. Behr – Sleek White (GR-W15)

For those who love a crisp, modern aesthetic, this bright white has just the right amount of coolness to make walls appear to retreat.

5. Sherwin Williams – Sea Salt (SW 6204)

This light greenish-blue is perfect for coastal vibes and opens up even the tightest spaces with its fresh and calming effect.

A soft, silvery-gray that bounces light around the room. It’s a versatile shade for any space where you want to maximize light and create depth.

7. Dunn-Edwards – Whisper (DEW340)

A soft, almost-white gray that feels clean without being too cold. It’s excellent for making a space feel larger and brighter.

8. Sherwin Williams – Repose Gray (SW 7015)

This light gray with warm undertones strikes the perfect balance between cool and cozy. It helps blur the boundaries of a room, making it feel more open.

9. Benjamin Moore – Gray Owl (OC-52)

A light, cool gray that works beautifully in rooms with plenty of natural light. Its subtle tone creates an airy atmosphere that feels both calm and spacious.

10. Farrow & Ball – Ammonite (274)

A warm gray that works as a neutral backdrop in any room. It enhances light and adds a sophisticated, expansive feel to a small space.

I think these are fantastic paint colors that reflect light well. They can help make a small room feel more open and airy.

It doesn’t matter if you’re painting an entire room or just a feature wall. These are great colors to check out.

Keep in mind, though, that not all rooms are the same, and some paint colors just won’t work. This is why I strongly advise everyone to sample paint colors before painting. The samples will tell you exactly how the paint color will work in your room. I can’t stress it enough. Grab those samples!!

In the end, creating a spacious room is all about how you work, light, and color. With the right shades and smart design choices, you can turn even the coziest of spaces into an open, airy sanctuary. Now, get that paintbrush ready—you’ve got a room to expand!