How to make small spaces look bigger

Painters and Decorators Derby • May 30, 2023

Whether you have a small room or a small home, living in a small space doesn't mean you have to feel cramped or confined. With the right painting techniques, you can visually expand your rooms and create an illusion of spaciousness. Whether you're dealing with a studio apartment, a compact bedroom, or a petite office, the strategic use of colour and painting methods can make a significant difference. In this article, we'll explore various painting techniques that will help you maximize the perceived size of your small spaces. Let's dive in and discover the secrets to making rooms look larger.

Opt for light and natural colours

When it comes to painting small spaces, light and neutral colors are your best friends. Whites, creams, pastels, and soft grays reflect natural light, creating an airy and open atmosphere. Lighter hues visually expand the walls and make the room feel more spacious. Consider painting the walls, ceiling, and trim in the same light color to eliminate visual boundaries and create a seamless flow. Additionally, using a high-quality paint with a matte or eggshell finish helps diffuse light, preventing harsh reflections and further enhancing the illusion of space.

Using Single Colour Schemes

Using a monochromatic colour scheme can work wonders in making small rooms appear larger. Stick to varying shades of a single colour family throughout the space. For instance, combine different tones of light blues or pale greens for a serene and expansive feel. This approach creates a harmonious and cohesive look, eliminating abrupt colour transitions that can visually divide the room. Consider painting the walls and even the furniture in similar hues to blur the boundaries and achieve a seamless, spacious effect.

Highlighting Feature Walls

While it's advisable to keep most of the room in light and neutral tones, you can strategically use accent walls to add depth and visual interest. Choose a wall that is the farthest from the entrance or opposite a source of natural light. Paint this wall in a slightly darker shade than the rest of the room. The contrast will create a sense of depth, making the room feel larger. Vertical stripes or subtle patterns on the accent wall can also draw the eye upwards, giving the illusion of higher ceilings and added height to the space.

Create optical illusions

Clever use of optical illusions can significantly enhance the perception of space in small rooms. One effective technique is to paint the ceiling a slightly lighter shade than the walls. This creates the illusion of an elevated ceiling, giving the room a more expansive feel. Another trick is to use paint or wallpaper with horizontal stripes on one or more walls. Horizontal lines visually widen the space, making it appear more open. Additionally, incorporating mirrors strategically can reflect light and give the impression of extended dimensions.

Flooring colour matters

While this may not involve painting directly, choosing light-coloured flooring complements the painting techniques for small spaces. Light-toned flooring, such as pale hardwood, white tiles, or fair shaded carpets, helps reflect light and create an overall sense of openness. Dark flooring tends to absorb light, which can make a small room feel more enclosed. By opting for a lighter coloured flooring, you enhance the effect of the painting techniques and achieve a more spacious and airy ambiance.


Painting techniques have the power to transform small spaces, making them appear larger and more inviting. With correct utilisation of light, colours, and paint you can create the illusion of spaciousness and achieve a more open and airy ambiance in your home.


If you require professional assistance and expert guidance in maximising the potential of your small spaces, Painters and Decorators Derby are here to help. With our  skilled team of painters and decorators, we offer high quality decorating services tailored to the specific needs of your property. Call us today for a free quote and expert advice.

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