10 Colors That Make a Room Look Bigger

By
Sarah Lyon
sarah lyon, writer for the spruce
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
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Updated on 09/07/22
white walls in living room

Ivana Rodriguez for Varval Home

If you're faced with painting a small space in your home and aren't sure what color to choose, we're here to help. All of the 10 spaces shown below feature paint colors that work to make rooms appear larger, no renovation required. The great news is that whether you're drawn to classic neutrals or prefer shades that are a bit moodier, there are an array of options to explore, from crisp whites to soothing greens.

The 10 Best Paints for Interior Walls for 2023
  • 01 of 10

    Clare Dirty Martini

    Interior using a paint color similar to Clare Dirty Martini

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Cathie Hong Interiors

    While we frequently see colors like this one used in the bathroom, that doesn't mean they can't be incorporated into the kitchen. After all, who says that kitchen cabinets have to be a basic neutral? Think outside the box with a light green, which will add life to any room and brighten up the space, all thanks to its soft hue. It's great for color lovers who crave something more subtle. Sticking to just the cabinets allows this portion of the room to really pop.

    Continue to 2 of 10 below.
  • 02 of 10

    Farrow & Ball Pale Hound

    Interior using a paint color similar to Farrow & Ball Pale Hound

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Mel Willis

    Say hello to butter yellow! This soft hue adds a sunny touch to this primary bedroom and makes the space feel even more expansive, acting as a neutral. Paired with blue and white bedding, it leans coastal, but it could be styled with soft pinks and oranges for a more boho style look, if desired.

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  • 03 of 10

    Clare Fresh Kicks

    Interior using a paint color similar to Clare Fresh Kicks

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Desiree Burns

    An all-white kitchen appears nice and bright thanks to the paint color selected as well as the natural sunlight streaming in through the window. Small pops of color in the form of an accent rug and decorative accessories keep the space from feeling too sterile. Best of all, simple pieces like these can easily be switched out over time. If next year you crave pops of magenta, all you have to do is sub out your accessories.

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  • 04 of 10

    Farrow & Ball Pelt

    Interior using a paint color similar to Farrow & Ball Pelt

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Rozit Arditi

    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. Here, dark walls complement one exposed brick wall for an industrial chic look.

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  • 05 of 10

    Backdrop After Hours

    Interior using a similar paint color to Backdrop After Hours

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan /  Erin Williamson

    In this space, a deep black hue draws the eye up toward the ceiling, making this snug bedroom appear more expansive—and sophisticated. The large window present in this space prevents it from feeling at all cave-like; instead, it appears majorly cozy.

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  • 06 of 10

    Benjamin Moore White Dove

    Interior using a paint color similar to Benjamin Moore White Dove

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Simply CH Interiors

    Designer Caroline Harvey of Simply CH Interiors uses this popular hue in many of her projects. "It’s a classic, neutral off-white that helps make a space feel open and airy without feeling stark white," she says. "The high LRV keeps it bright and clean, but it still has enough creaminess to make true white trim pop."

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  • 07 of 10

    Sherwin Williams Nuance

    Interior using a paint color similar to Sherwin Williams Nuance

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Varval Home

    This white hue looks right at home in a Scandinavian style or minimalist space. In addition to gracing the walls, it is also incorporated on the ceilings, resulting in an open, cohesive look. When walls feature picture frame molding, as is the case above, it can be nice to opt for a simpler hue like this one to allow these architectural details to really shine.

    Continue to 8 of 10 below.
  • 08 of 10

    Behr Secret Meadow

    Interior using a paint color similar to Behr Secret Meadow

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan /  @micasajesstucasa 

    Consider painting just the upper portion of your walls if you prefer. This half green, half white solution makes this bathroom appear larger and provides an excellent backdrop for a mini gallery wall (yes, even bathrooms deserve beautiful art!).

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  • 09 of 10

    Benjamin Moore Gentleman's Gray

    Interior using a paint color similar to Benjamin Moore Gentleman's Gray

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Arianna Abundo

    Opting for lighter colored furniture pieces ensures that this navy living room still appears fresh and inviting. If you're unsure about coating all four walls in a hue like this one, you could choose to style an accent wall featuring this color and build your own art display like the one shown here.

    Continue to 10 of 10 below.
  • 10 of 10

    Sherwin Williams Plum Dandy

    Interior using a similar paint color to Sherwin Williams Plum Dandy

    The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / @micasajesstucasa 

    We see a handful of shades commonly used in the nursery—pink, yellow, blue, and green are often popular choices. Purple, though, is a bit more unexpected, yet the color couldn't look more lovely in the child's room pictured here. When used on the walls as well as on the door, this color makes the room appear more expansive yet still playful.