Naturally, white is an obvious choice for making a room feel bigger. It's no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space is bathed in natural light.
Darker hues can work to make a room seem larger, too, even though this may seem contradictory. This is because darker colors tend to blur the edges of a space, designer Rozit Arditi explains.
A neutral paint palette is perfect for a small bedroom in order to maximise every inch of space and light. If you have painted white panelling behind your bed, then opt for a slight contrast in paint colour for example Brushed Cotton which will add subtle warmth and depth against the brightness of the white.
'Contrary to traditional thinking, dark paint allows the room to appear larger and taller than it may be. Dark colors add depth, visually enlarge the space, and make a great statement,' says Lichelle Silvestry.
Gray can make a room look bigger. A light gray can be a great pick in place of white; it will reflect natural light, but it looks less architectural and cool than white, which you might prefer.
From favorite paint colors to specialized design advice, Benjamin Moore's color and design experts have the answers to a common homeowner question: How do I make a small room look bigger and brighter? Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.
"For example, paired with cool tones, the warmth of Blank Canvas, our 2023 color of the year, creates balance in restful spaces, such as bathrooms and bedrooms. Other great neutral choices are Tranquil Gray and Even Better Beige, a versatile neutral that imparts a warm, distinctive feeling wherever it's used."
The 60-30-10 rule works like this: 60 percent: The main color you choose should represent 60 percent of a room. 30 percent: The secondary color should represent 30 percent of a room. 10 percent: The accent color you choose should represent 10 percent of a room.
Light, sandy beige tones brighten and open up a room, while bringing in an extra touch of warmth. They pair beautifully with sunshine, so they are ideal for rooms with lots of natural light. If you're into cooler colors, light taupe or greige tones are a great neutral for opening a space up.
Let in the Light. Any room will look larger if it's well-lit, either by natural light or artificial lighting. Get rid of heavy draperies, and open up the windows to let the light of the outdoors into the space. Add more lamps or install track lighting or recessed lighting.
Stripes can work wonders!
The same rule applies to interiors as it does in fashion. Thin stripes give the appearance of stretching, vertical stripes will make a room appear taller and horizontal stripes will make a room look wider.
Layer your room with various shades of cream, white, ivory, beige, caramel, gray….. these neutral colors always look sophisticated, pulled together and rich when layered! Design tip: the way to make neutral rooms look interesting and not flat or boring is to vary the textures you use!
Add reflective surfaces
Yes, you know that mirrors make a space appear larger. (“It's like doubling a room,” Curtis says.) But other reflective surfaces — high-gloss painted ceilings, lacquered furniture, shiny tile on a kitchen backsplash — have a similar effect, casting light and creating the illusion of volume.
One way to make a long narrow room look wider with paint is to use a monochromatic color scheme. This involves selecting one color and using variations of that color on the walls, ceiling, and floor. This can help create a sense of continuity, which can make the space feel larger and more cohesive.
The best bedroom colours we'd recommend to make you happy are yellow, blue, green, and pastel shades such as lilac. But remember, don't go overboard or you may be too happy to sleep!
Green, Teal, and Blue for Wellness and Vitality
Blue, green, and teal are great colors for bedrooms. They connected to the wood element in feng shui, which represents growth, vitality, and new beginnings.
It's a classic decor rule that helps create a color palette for a space. It states that 60% of the room should be a dominant color, 30% should be the secondary color or texture and the last 10% should be an accent.
You'll want to create a relaxing retreat for the best night's sleep and unwinding. In general, muted colors work best for your bedroom walls. Light blues, soft greens, shades of white, and beige and gray are some of the best choices.
Soothing blues
Blue is having a moment in 2023, especially in the bedroom. This soothing shade is the ultimate colour for instilling a sense of serenity in your own home. From indigo paint shades to sapphire curtains, this relaxing hue is ideal for creating a harmonious space for sleep and rest.
Cooler paint colours help walls to recede, making the room feel more spacious and light. Go for pale shades of grey and blue for maximum lightening effect. If it's warmth you're after, don't be afraid to use light terracotta or yellow paint colours – a sunny hue can brighten and warm a dark, dingy space.
Pick dark shades that have a bit of color. 'I love dark green as a feature wall in a room with a lot of natural light,' says color and paint expert, Annie Sloan. A dark purple, brown, burgundy or navy blue can also work against a soft white or cream to help trick the eye into making the space feel bigger.