Painting Tips for Small Rooms: Tips to Make Your Space Look Bigger

Small rooms: while they can feel cozy and warm at times, they also can feel cramped depending on the styling of the room. So how do you make a small space feel larger? One of the simplest yet most effective ways to make your space look bigger is…paint! From color selection to painting styles, the way you paint your smaller spaces can have a major impact on how big or small it feels. When you choose correctly, it can transform a tiny space into a visually expansive one. And on the flip side, you can make your cozy room feel even smaller if you select certain paint colors and techniques.

So how do you know if you’ve chosen correctly? Our team at Brea House Painters have put together some helpful house painting tips to help make your smaller rooms feel bigger and brighter.

1. Utilize Neutral Colors

Neutral colors are great because they tend to reflect light. This then creates a feeling of openness throughout the space. Some popular choices include whites, soft greys, creams and light beige. While these color options might all seem very close to one another, it’s still important to test out different variations to see what looks best in your space. Finding the right shade can be a challenge, which is why our team at Brea House Painters provides color consultation services for those trying to nail down a color. We will help you select the perfect neutral hue for your space. Our team holds lots of experience and will assess  your room’s natural and artificial lighting and then provide recommendations for colors that lift the room’s brightness and visual depth.

2. Try Monochromatic Colors

For those who aren’t familiar, a monochromatic color scheme is one where you use a variety of shades of the same color. Doing so can help create a cohesive, expansive ambiance. For example, using different shades of a soft grey can help add dimension without it feeling overwhelming for the room.

3. Paint the Ceiling a Lighter Color

A great way to make your space look taller is by painting the ceiling a lighter color. When you select a lighter shade for the ceiling, it will reflect light downward, which in turn gives the illusion of more height. If you’re looking to make your room look bigger, do not choose a darker shade for the ceiling. It actually does the opposite effect - it’s an easy way to make your space look cramped. 

4. Consider Stripes 

Whether they’re horizontal or vertical, utilizing stripes in your interior house painting can help elongate the way the room looks. This helps create a taller and/or wider looking room. If you’re thinking about stripes, you’ll want to consider whether you’re doing vertical or horizontal (vertical will make the space look taller, horizontal can help it look wider), how thick you want the stripes to be, and what color you want to make them. With so many decisions to make, it’s best to work with a professional painter in the Brea, Ca area like Brea House Painters so we can provide our expertise based on your room requirements. Plus, creating a stripe pattern takes a lot of precision to make sure the spacing for each stripe is even and straight. Our team can help you create a sophisticated and beautiful stripe pattern that also elongates your space.

5. Select High-Gloss or Semi-Gloss Finishes

Did you know that glossy paint finishes reflect more light, making a room appear brighter and larger? It’s true. High-gloss or semi-gloss finishes, when applied correctly, can create a stunning, light-reflecting surface that enhances your space. Yet, if not applied correctly, these types of finishes can also enhance imperfections on your walls. That’s why if you’re interested in high-gloss or semi-gloss finishes to contact a professional painter to complete the job. 

6. Add Depth with an Accent Wall

Accent walls do a great job at adding depth to a smaller space as it create a focal point for the room. Yet, it’s very important to pick the right color for your accent wall. You want to a attract eyes in a sophisticated, stunning way, not a negative way. Need help selecting an accent wall color? Our team of color consultants can help you pick the perfect shade! 

7. Paint the Trim

Painting trim and molding in a contrasting color can give your room added dimension and a sense of space. This technique draws attention to the room’s edges and expands its perceived size. Brea House Painters excels in detail work, such as trim painting. Our precision ensures that your trim adds the perfect touch of contrast, making the room feel larger and more defined. We use premium-grade paints that ensure durability and a smooth, lasting finish.

8. If Not Neutral, Select Cool Colors
Cool colors such as light greens, blues and purples can make a room feel larger and more open. These types of colors can evoke a sense of calm and serenity, making the room feel spacious and relaxing. Pair the paint with light-colored furniture and decor and you’ll have yourself a very expansive-feeling space! 

9. Use Mirrors

After you’ve painted the room, don’t forget to add mirrors! It’s a great way to add more depth to the space. In fact, adding a large mirror on one wall can double the perceived size of the room, especially if the opposite wall is painted in a light, reflective color. Position the mirror(s) strategically so that they reflect light. This in turn creates an illusion of more space.

10. Avoid Dark Colors

Bold or dark colors tend to shrink the visual size of a room, which can make it feel more confined and claustrophobic. This is because dark colors absorb light and create shadows. This makes your walls actually seem closer together than they are. If you love dark and bold colors, try incorporating them in other ways - perhaps through accent decor and pieces. 

When you follow these tips, transforming a small room into a spacious, elevated space is easier than you might think. Whether it’s choose light and cool colors or creating depth through accent walls and stripes, there are lots of ways to make your home look larger than it really is. That being said, achieving these results requires painting skills and expertise, which is why hiring a professional house painter is essential. At Brea House Painters, our team is ready to help you select the perfect paint color for your space and apply all the important finishes to your walls. If you’re ready to make your small space appear bigger, contact us today and we’ll provide you with a free quote!