7 Paint Colors That Make Any Small Room Look Bigger

White

Universal and versatile, white always makes a room look larger. However, Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, interior designer and the founder of Taylor Hannah Architect Inc., says there is a method to making white look chic and luxurious—rather than boring and sterile.

“To make a room feel bigger, use white, which truly opens up a space and makes it feel expansive,” she advises. “Commit to it and paint it all, though—leaving any of the old white behind will look like dingy, yellowed laundry next to the fresh paint.”

Want the space to look like a pro designed it? Use different finishes of the same white paint to add depth without breaking up the space. “Go with super flat for the ceiling, matte on the walls, and semi-gloss on the trim,” she recommends. “This adds a subtle dimension while keeping the room cohesive and spacious.”

Off-White

Not into the starkness of bright white? That’s okay! Off-white and cream are fantastic choices to give the illusion of extra square footage.

“A warm off-white or cream shade is a timeless choice for small kitchens or hallways,” says kitchen and bath designer Vicki Zagrodni. “It makes a space bright by reflecting the maximum light.”

Zagrodni adds that one common mistake to avoid here is high-contrast shades on ceilings or moldings. “Use slightly lighter tones; this will create more ‘space’ instead of giving it a box-like illusion.”

Jewel Tones

Not into light hues? Jewel tones can actually make a room look larger—but only if you’re doing a feature wall, according to Melody Stevens, owner of Design on a Dime Interiors.

“You can totally play with bold, deep accent colors—think dark navy or even an unexpected jewel tone for that feature wall,” Stevens says. “It’s the perfect way to create the illusion of depth.”

She explains that when you add that punch of boldness, it gives your eye somewhere to land, creating a visual break. It’s a fun, dramatic effect. “You’re basically creating this ethereal canvas that’s open, light, and filled with possibility,” Stevens continues. “The room will feel like it’s stretching out, with no walls closing in on you.”

Blue-Gray

Peter Spalding, interior designer and co-founder of Daniel House Club, says he loves a very soft, airy blue-gray hue. “It sort of feels like the sky, which suggests that perhaps your space is infinite.”

Light Blue

Whether you are painting a child’s room or even a home office, light blue is a wonderful choice for small spaces because it can feel so bright and airy.

“Light blue is another well-known choice, because it mimics the openness of the sky and creates a sense of calm,” says Zagrodni. “Try using it in rooms with natural light to give more depth to the space.”

Pale Gray

Zagrodni shares that pale gray can work beautifully in tiny modern interiors. “It has a cool undertone, reflects light well, and pairs with both warm and cool accents,” she adds. Consider this hue for living rooms and kitchens. 

Sage Green

Looking for a stylish coastal shade that isn’t blue? Zagrodni recommends a soft sage green. “This shade gives a hint of nature and has a grounding quality,” she says. “It never overwhelms the space and adds personality with balance.”

Sage green can be a gorgeous choice for rooms where you want to make a big design impact or those spaces where you simply want to change things up from the rest of your design scheme, like powder rooms.