Selecting the ideal color to make a small room appear larger is more of an art than a science. Interior designers often recommend white for compact spaces because it maximizes natural light.
Conversely, darker colors can also make a small room feel larger by creating depth and a sense of dimension.
Here are some paint color suggestions to enhance your small room, ranging from stark whites to deep blacks:
Pure White
A pristine, undertone-free white that enhances light and highlights architectural features, making small spaces appear brighter and more open.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball All White
Off-White
A clean, crisp white with a slight hint of warmth, giving a fresh and spacious feel to small rooms like laundry areas.
Paint used: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Lime White
A white with subtle yellow undertones that can vary in appearance depending on lighting, offering a warm, inviting glow perfect for cozy spaces.
Paint used: Crisp Linen by BEHR Dynasty Crisp Linen
Flat White
A stark, cool white with no undertones, creating a light and airy environment that complements minimalist and modern decor.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin-Williams Extra White
Soft White
A balanced white with a hint of pink warmth, adding a soft, luminous quality that brightens up rooms with limited natural light.
Paint used: Behr Polar Bear
Soft White
Paint used: Sherwin-Williams Marshmallow
Beige
A soothing green-tinged beige that blends seamlessly with other elements, creating a cohesive and intentional look in compact areas.
Paint suggestion: Sherwin-Williams Barcelona Beige SW 7530
Beige
Paint suggestion: Clare Neutral Territory
Greige
A sophisticated blend of gray and beige that offers flexibility and a neutral backdrop, allowing for various decor changes and styles.
Paint suggestion: Clare Greige
Taupe
A calming gray-beige hybrid that adapts to lighting changes, adding a sense of tranquility and warmth to small spaces like bathrooms.
Paint suggestion: Clare Flatiron
Pale Gray
A light gray with a luminous quality that pairs well with gold-toned accents, adding a touch of elegance and contrast to small rooms.
Paint suggestion: Behr Irish Mist 790C-1
Medium Warm Gray
A medium-toned gray with warm undertones that adds depth and richness, making small spaces feel cozy and inviting.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168
Dark Gray
A deep, warm gray that enhances dimensionality and creates a polished, sophisticated look in small spaces.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Gray 2121-10
Pale Yellow
A warm, barely-there yellow that brightens up a room while blending well with white appliances and furniture, creating a cheerful atmosphere.
Paint used: Sherwin-Williams Rice Grain
Creamy Yellow
A subtle off-white with creamy yellow tones that adds warmth to cabinetry and creates a cozy, inviting space.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball White Tie (cabinetry), Farrow & Ball Dorset Cream (stove)
Bright Yellow
A vibrant, sunny yellow that energizes the space and pairs well with various accents, making it an uplifting choice for small rooms.
Paint suggestion: Clare Golden Hour
Neon Yellow
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Sunshine 2021-30
Blush Pink
A soft, textured pink that adds a touch of color and interest, perfect for enhancing a small, windowless room with a gentle glow.
Paint suggestion: Little Greene Pink Slip
Barely There Pink
A light, peachy pink that imparts a subtle, airy glow, offering a warmer alternative to plain white for a refreshing ambiance.
Paint suggestion: Clare Wing It
Rose Beige
A dusty rose beige that creates a cozy, inviting backdrop, ideal for spaces like dressing rooms or home offices.
Paint suggestion: Clare Meet Cute
True Pink
A lively pink that adds a rosy, vibrant touch, ideal for creating a playful and retro feel in small rooms.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Nancy’s Blushes
Sage Green
A soothing sage green that provides a zen-like atmosphere, enhancing the sense of space and tranquility in small bathrooms.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Winchester Sage 628
Mint Green
A bright, mint green that injects vibrancy into small rooms, creating a lively and fresh atmosphere with a touch of sophistication.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Arsenic
Light Blue-Green
A calming blue-green that offers a serene backdrop, complementing light wood tones and making small spaces feel larger and more cohesive.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Green Blue
Dark Blue-Green
A deep, rich blue-green that adds depth and dimension, grounding the space and providing a dramatic effect.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Hague Blue
Pale Blue
A delicate robin’s egg blue that creates a cool, soothing environment, perfect for nurseries or rooms that need a calm and refreshing feel.
Paint suggestion: Bare Minimum 8003-43A by Valspar
Medium Blue
A muted medium blue that pairs well with modern cabinetry and adds a timeless touch to small spaces, avoiding overwhelming the room.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Dusty Cornflower CSP-605
Classic Navy
A deep navy blue that instills a sense of calm and pairs beautifully with neutral accents, adding sophistication and depth to small rooms.
Paint suggestion: Benjamin Moore Kensington Blue 840
Deep Blue
A rich, deep blue that contrasts with adjacent white walls, creating a distinctive and expansive look in small sitting areas.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Hague Blue
Pitch Black
A bold, deep black that creates a dramatic, tranquil space, ideal for a classic clawfoot tub or other restorative settings.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Pitch Black
Charcoal Black
A matte charcoal that helps accent walls recede, enhancing the sense of space while reflecting natural light for a sophisticated look.
Paint suggestion: Farrow & Ball Off-Black