Best Paint Colours to Make a Room Look Bigger
Image Credit: Farrow & Ball, @roseywoodinteriors
Disclosure: This post may contain recommended products from various brands and retailers. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. I only share pieces I truly love and believe will bring warmth and beauty into your home. These commissions help fund this blog, allowing me to continue sharing expert interior design recommendations, insights, and inspiration. Thank you for your support!
When decorating a smaller space, paint is one of the most effective tools you have.
The right colour palette can make a room feel brighter, taller, and more open, all without knocking down a single wall. Whether you are updating a narrow hallway, a snug bedroom, or a compact living room, these expert-approved paint colours will help you create the illusion of more space.
Soft Whites
It is no surprise that white tops the list. Clean, light, and endlessly versatile, white reflects more natural light than any other shade. This creates an airy effect that instantly makes walls feel farther apart.
To avoid a stark look, choose whites with a warm undertone. A creamy white will soften the space and add comfort, especially in low-light rooms. For a bright but soft effect, look for whites with a warm undertone (like Farrow & Ball’s Pointing) instead of stark, cooler whites, which can sometimes feel cold in low-light spaces. If you are considering a white scheme for the whole home, see our guide on How to Use White in Interior Design for tips on layering tones and textures.
Pale Greys
Grey is a modern neutral that works beautifully in smaller spaces. A very light grey adds subtle dimension while still reflecting light, making it perfect for bedrooms, dens, or home offices.
Shades like Benjamin Moore’s Classic Grey or Balboa Mist feel elegant yet understated. They bring a softness that avoids the flatness of pure white, while still opening up a space visually.
Cool Blues
Soft blues and blue-greys naturally recede, which tricks the eye into seeing a room as larger than it is. These shades are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or east-facing spaces where freshness and lightness are priorities.
Try gentle tones like Sea Salt or Gray Owl for an airy and calming effect. Pair them with crisp white trim for a sharp, clean finish that enhances the sense of openness.
Warm Neutrals
Beige and greige shades often get overlooked, but they are perfect for small spaces that you still want to feel warm. Sandy tones create comfort without making the room feel enclosed.
Pairing these shades with creamy trim or pale built-ins adds depth and subtle contrast. The result is a space that feels welcoming and expansive at the same time.
For more on mixing natural tones, take a look at Can You Mix Woods in Interior Design?.
Tone-on-Tone Palettes
Painting the walls, trim, and ceiling in slightly varied shades of the same light colour creates seamless continuity. Without harsh breaks, the room feels taller, wider, and altogether more spacious.
This technique works especially well in smaller flats or rooms with awkward layouts. The eye moves fluidly across the surfaces, making the entire space feel cohesive.
Other Tips to Visually Expand a Room with Paint
Paint ceilings a lighter colour than the walls to draw the eye upward.
Choose satin or eggshell finishes to reflect light and soften shadows.
Match baseboards and trim to the wall colour for a unified effect.
For more styling inspiration, you may also enjoy How To Stage your Coffee Table, which shows how thoughtful details can enhance the sense of flow in a room.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right paint colour is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to transform a small space. Whether you lean towards soft whites, gentle greys, airy blues, or warm neutrals, lighter reflective shades can make your home feel calm, cohesive, and spacious—no renovation required.
“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
The Complete Client Experience Template System
Discover a comprehensive, fully customisable suite of templates designed to guide you through every phase of your interior design projects.
From onboarding to approvals, proposals to presentations, this system supports a smoother, more polished process at every step.
Whether you're just starting out or refining your workflow, these templates help you lead with clarity, save time, and elevate your client experience from day one.