Compact Color: The Best Paint Colors for Small Spaces

Often in situations where space is in short supply, people will automatically gravitate toward crisp whites to make a room feel more open. This is a good, tried-and-true tactic for creating the illusion of expansion, but it also leaves little room for character and personality to shine through. While a nice clean white is never a bad idea, don’t concede too soon! There are plenty of shades in the color wheel that can have a similar effect without sacrificing the much needed punch that a bold shade can pack, or making it feel like the walls are closing in on you. A few general rules of thumb to keep in mind:

GO OVER TO THE DARK SIDE:

Dark colors won’t always make a room feel more compact. In fact, a darker hue can actually make a space feel bigger by drawing the eye inward. Try using a deep shade of black in your powder room—the darkness can actually be your friend, creating the perception of depth.

GO BOLD OR GO HOME:

Smaller spaces can present the perfect opportunity to experiment with colors outside of your comfort zone. Because smaller spaces are usually more secluded from the rest of the home, you have more freedom to play with the atypical. Choose a brilliant blue in a bedroom to make it feel simultaneously relaxing and exciting.

BRING ON THE BEIGE:

Neutrals are always a safe bet in smaller spaces, bringing warmth without overwhelming the eye. This is perfect for those that aren’t willing to settle with white and want to incorporate some color, but aren’t ready to commit to anything too bold or bright. This shade is perfect for a smaller-scale living room or sun room.

GET COZY WITH CONTRAST:

One of the most important aspects of decorating a smaller space is ensuring there is plenty of contrast. Try a lighter pastel on your walls and pair it with white décor or furniture. The de nition will help make the space feel more dynamic, while the lighter tone of the pastel will keep things from feeling too weighed down.

WHEN IN DOUBT, GO GRAY:

Gray is one of those timeless neutrals that never seems to go out of style. Go for one with a lighter tone and a little bit of luminosity in it. The color will uctuate slightly with the changing natural light throughout the day, keeping you on your toes. This is a great option for a high-traf c areas like a hallway or entryway.

Pro Tip

Painting your walls and ceiling the same color give the illusion of a bigger space. Because there is nowhere for the eye to stop, the room will feel more expansive.

If you’re working with a smaller space and want to choose shades that create the illusion of expansion, talk to the experts at Barrydowne Paint to choose the perfect Benjamin Moore color.