Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.
Light neutral shades of gray, taupe, beige, or greige can stand in for white while adding a hint of color or warmth. Pale yellows, blues, greens, and even pinks can effectively function as neutrals in a small space that adds a whisper of color for those who find white walls too boring or sterile.
Dark colors add depth, visually enlarge the space, and make a great statement,' says Lichelle Silvestry. Using dark paint colors for a small room, can give the impression that the walls stretch further back, and further out, than they do in reality.
Light, Smokey Grey:
Choosing an ultra-light grey (that is almost off-white) is a great way to make your rooms appear slightly bigger than they really are. Because light grey matches with everything from bold red to chocolate brown, it's an excellent option for renters who have unique furniture and décor.
Stark White
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. Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space.
When considering how to make a narrow room look wider with paint, keep in mind that light and cool colors recede – they seem farther away. Warm, dark colors advance towards us. For long narrow spaces, paint the opposing shorter walls a slightly darker (one or two shades) color than the two longer walls.
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. Just be careful not to clutter the room with brown furniture so the scheme doesn't become overpowering.
Shades of blue evoke a sense of calm so blue paint colors are perfect for creating a relaxing effect in any room you roll them in. Known for feeling exceptionally soothing, blue paint colors bring to mind clear, tranquil waters which can have tremendous psychological and emotional benefits.
Making the exterior of your home a light color is the best way to make your home look larger, brighter, and more inviting. Light colors such as white, ivory, pale gray, and sage green reflect higher amounts of light than dark colors, tricking the eye into perceiving the home as larger than it is.
Warm colours are advancing colours and just like dark colours, they will make walls seem closer than they actually are – making your room feel cosier and smaller.
Darker shades of colors like blue, purple and brown can also help to hide flaws and create a slimming illusion. On the other hand, lighter colors, like white and khaki, can add pounds and give the illusion of a larger frame.
Bad Lighting
Bright, white lighting is a quick way to make a room feel washed out and makes any potentially tacky design decisions stand out even more. Dim, minimal lighting, on the other hand, can work in basements but can also pretty quickly make a man-cave feel a bit too much like an actual cave.
If you want to add drapes to your small living space, choose a color that matches the walls to avoid too much contrast. To add an elegant touch, take your curtains to the ceiling. It doesn't matter if you use blinds, drapes, or curtains. Window treatments are a sure way to create an elegant setting.
Earth tones and neutrals are a frequent choice for small bedrooms. If you prefer softer shades, grey, green or yellow can lighten a small room. Neutral shades can make the wall visually recede into the background, making the room appear larger and bringing more attention to the accessories in the room.
As Nancy wrote in this great post, High Contrast: A Design Trick That Makes Small Spaces Seem Larger, “Dark colors read as receding from the viewer, so the accent wall visually enlarges the space (and sets up a nice contrast that can make the rest of the space seem brighter by comparison).”
Dark colors recede from the viewer, so the accent wall visually enlarges the space and creates contrast which makes a room seem brighter.
Gremillion explains: Happy colors are bright, warm colors like yellow, orange, pink and red. Pastel colors like peach, light pink or lilac can also have an uplifting effect on your mood. The brighter and lighter a color, the more happy and optimistic it will make you feel.
Adding depth through neutral shades such as ivory and beiges works particularly well in neutral living room ideas as they introduce character while also making a small living room look bigger.
'Generally, the warm tones of yellow, and orange, warm lavenders and blues, such as periwinkle and warm red or warm pink are associated with happiness.