10 Paint Colours That Make a Room Appear Bigger Than it Actually Is

Much like lighting and furniture arrangement, paint colour can make a huge difference to the perceived size of a space – by choosing the right shade, a smaller room can actually appear larger.

Beautiful traditional bathroom with large clawfoot bathtub, white display shelf with two frames and piece of coral, wood floors, two big windows looking out to the sea, and walls painted in BEHR White 52

Behr: Seagull Gray N360-1, White 52

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Stark White

For a space bathed in south-facing natural light, true white is the right choice. In light-filled rooms, light colours make a room look larger, especially when using a reflecting eggshell or satin finish.

Cozy modern grey bedroom with a bed covered in grey linens and red and white throw pillows, a grey dresser with a vase of flowers and red lamps, and walls painted in BEHR Galactic Tint N510-2

Behr: Galactic Tint N510-2, Polar Bear 75

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Cool It

If pure white is a tad too stark for your tastes, cool grey is a great alternative, especially for rooms with moderate amounts of natural light (east or west facing). Its cooler tone feels fresh and creates the illusion of more square footage.

A luxurious bedroom with a grey upholstered bed, end of bed bench, grey pillows and comforter, a black bedside table with a grey lamp, and walls painted in BEHR Mined Coal PPU18-18 and Silver Marlin N360-2

Behr: Mined Coal PPU18-18, Silver Marlin N360-2

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Black Out

If a room has very little natural light (north facing), lighter paint colours can actually make it feel smaller. Instead, opt for a darker shade to create a luxurious, intimate space.

Sweet nursery with large light-filled window, grey wood crib with white sheets, a wall painted in BEHR Fruit Salad M200-2 with a framed picture of a puppy, and another wall painted in BEHR Silky White PPU7-12

Behr: Silky White PPU7-12, Fruit Salad M200-2

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Made You Blush

To brighten up a small, west-facing room, select a pleasing shade of blush pink. Its cheery tone looks especially pretty at sunset and works well in combination with other neutral colours such as soft white and sand.

Stately library with two built in shelves full of books, a desk, a brown leather ottoman, two beige armchairs, a beige rug, dark wood floors, and walls painted in BEHR Blueprint S470-5

Behr: Blueprint S470-5

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In the Navy Now

In smaller rooms with lots of built-in cabinetry, large pieces of furniture and very little natural light, a deep blue is the ideal shade for the walls. Its rich pigment builds depth, helping to establish the illusion of more space.

Masculine office with large L-shaped desk, orange leather chair, two brown floating shelves with books and art objects, and walls painted in BEHR Venetian Mask PPU3-06 and Soft Chamois PPU4-04

Behr: Venetian Mask PPU3-06, Soft Chamois PPU4-04

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Walking the Taupe Rope

If you’d like to use a neutral colour in a light-filled room but are still unsure about white, a soft taupe shade is an elegant alternative. For a luxurious effect, use it on the walls, baseboards and trim.

Small bathroom with a white toilet and vanity, and purple walls painted in BEHR Sultana P100-7 with a white stripe painted in BEHR Night Blooming Jasmine YL-W10

Behr: Sultana P100-7, Night Blooming Jasmine YL-W10

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Small but Mighty

When it comes to choosing a paint colour for a small windowless bathroom, turn away from the light. While it might seem counterintuitive, using a deeply pigmented paint in such a tight space actually makes it feel roomier.

Beautiful French inspired bedroom with a beige upholstered bed with tan and white bedding, an ornate armchair, antique dresser, crystal chandelier, dark wood floors, frames of botany drawings, and walls painted in BEHR Jojoba N390-3, Polar Bear 75 and Sounds Of Nature S390-1

Behr: Jojoba N390-3, Polar Bear 75, Sounds Of Nature S390-1

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Sage Advice

One painting trick to make a room immediately feel more expansive is to paint the trim, windows and ceiling all in the same colour. In this room, the gentle white beautifully complements the soft sage green.

Modern living room with a red velvet couch, glass topped coffee table, black floor lamp, and walls painted in BEHR Pure Earth PPU7-05

Behr: Pure Earth PPU7-05, White 52

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Coffee Break

In a smaller room with a medium amount of natural light (east or west facing) where coziness is key, look for a paint colour in the hot chocolate, mocha or latte palette.

Sweet yellow nursery with a wooden crib, a swan covered blanket, a basket full of toys, two white framed pictures on the wall, and walls painted in BEHR Pale Honey PPU6-08 and window trim in BEHR Ultra Pure White 1850

Behr: Pale Honey PPU6-08, Ultra Pure White 1850

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Honey Dew

This creamed honey colour is not only a sweet choice for a nursery, but also helps make the room appear larger thanks to its light-reflecting properties. Painting the trim in a lighter shade than the walls also aids the illusion.