How To Make a Room Feel Bigger Using Paint Colors?
Do you have a room that feels congested and small that you literally feel choked as soon as you enter? Or maybe the space is so dull and dingy that you literally don’t feel like going home at all?
Also, do you have enough windows and ample natural light pouring in? If none of the above applies to you, you might need a color dose here!
A COLOR DOSE that makes your space feel refreshed, lively, and most importantly SPACIOUS and BIGGER!
This is a MAGIC that Colors play!
Well, paint colors can make your space feel smaller, bigger, elongated, and shorter as you desire!
But here, I will discuss more about how to make your rooms look bigger just by using paints!
Now let me spill out ways to incorporate some paints to help brighten your rooms.
First and foremost, consider the…
How To Make A Room look Bigger
Lighter Colors
As we discussed in the previous post about Light Reflectance Values or LRV’s, remember, the more the value, the lighter the paint color!
Hence, I would highly recommend using paint colors with high LRV’s to make your space feel airy and bright.
Since these paints reflect more natural light, it will tend to ‘open up’ your spaces and trigger a better flow of air.
Another tip and trick to make a room look bigger is through painting all your walls, ceilings, and trims in the same color.
Or else, you can simply use a light neutral and pastel on the walls and comparatively, a stark white paint on the ceilings and trims.
Cooler Colors: Help in Making the Room look Bigger
Cool colors are quite mysterious and have proved to create an illusion of brightening the space.
So, these cool colors are basically more inclined towards the tones of blues, greens, purples, and greys that also have a slightly crisp texture that helps push back your walls!
Let’s see the best light and cool paint colors you could choose to make your room feel bigger.
Sherwin Williams Light and Cool Paint Colors (Whites)
- Rock Candy SW 6231
- Rhinestone SW 7656
- Extra White SW 7006
- Fleur De Sel SW 7666
- Ice Cube SW 6252
Benjamin Moore Light and Cool Paint Colors (Whites)
- Chantilly Lace 2121-70
- Snow White 2122-70
- Super White OC-152
- Distant Gray OC-68
- White Ice OC-58
And there are quite a few more that could be considered. These paint colors are all cool-toned and bright with LRV’s greater than 75.
Well, I know white is not the only solution to a brighter environment!
And that is why I would recommend these lighter pastels and neutrals too (so you can have the BEST of BOTH worlds)!
Sherwin Williams Light and Cool Paint Colors (Pastels)
- Big Chill SW 7648
- First Star SW 7646
- Polite White SW 6056
- Quicksilver SW 6245
- Sagey SW 6175
- Crushed Ice SW 7647
Benjamin Moore Light and Cool Paint Colors (Pastels)
- Blue Bonnet 2050-70
- Morning Sky Blue 2053-70
- Sweet Innocence 2125-50
- Raspberry Ice 2072-70
- Gray Cashmere 2138-60
- Silken Pine 2144-50
Sherwin Williams Light and Cool Paint Colors (Neutrals)
- White Truffle SW 6029
- Natural Linen SW 9109
- Ancient Marble SW 6162
- Tradewind SW 6218
- Olympus White SW 6253
Benjamin Moore Light and Cool Paint Colors (Neutrals)
- Moonshine 2140-60
- Summer Shower 2135-60
- Whitestone 2134-60
- Mineral Ice 2132-70
- Tapestry Beige 975
These are some of my very selected picks from the two manufacturers. However, don’t just limit yourself to these when you consider picking lighter shades!
There are many more and the list is endless!
So, don’t hold back from using stark whites, lighter taupes, blush pinks, sage greens, cool grays, and everything light and pastel!
But…
Can I Use a Dark Paint to Make the Room Look Bigger and Lighter?
Of course, YES!
As far as we limit the use of that dark paint!
So, mainly, just paint an accent wall in navy blue, charcoal or any darker shade and let the rest of the walls in lighter paint color with LRVs greater than 75 and trust me, you’re GOOD to go!
I personally LOVE Accent Walls!
Whether you paint the focal wall of the living room or the bedroom and hallways in darker, contrasting paint – your space will still look lighter and brighter – for sure!
Furthermore, this accent dark paint also adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your room!
Final Word
So, all the city dwellers – are you confident about painting your homes in lighter colors to make them lively and bright? Now that you know what kinds, undertones, and LRVs to consider – I am sure you aren’t much far from your dream and joyful home!
Let me know your experiences in the comments below or have a look at my interior decoration and color consulting packages so we can get one-on-one and discuss how to make your space look bigger and brighter!
Benjamin Moore Best Paint Color List Paint Color Consultation Sherwin Williams
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