Do you have a small room in your home that feels cramped? One of the most effective ways to transform a tight space is through the power of paint. With the right colours, you can visually expand your room, making it feel more open and airy. Here are Benjamin Moore paint colours to help make rooms look bigger.
1. Embrace Light, Cool Colours
Lighter shades reflect more light, making a room feel brighter and more spacious. Cool colours like soft blues, greens, and greys tend to recede into the background, creating an illusion of depth and openness.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Pale Smoke” (1584): A soft, cool blue that reflects light beautifully, making small rooms feel more open and airy without overwhelming the space.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Wales Green” (2028-50): This light, refreshing green brings a sense of calm and spaciousness, perfect for small spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms, as it enhances natural light while adding a subtle pop of color.
2. Opt for Monochromatic Palettes
Using a single colour in varying shades or tones can help make a room feel larger by creating continuity and avoiding visual breaks. Pops of colour look elegant and add interest to the room, and can be changed frequently as your preferences change.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Classic Gray” (OC-23): A soft, warm grey that works well in small spaces. Using this colour throughout a room for walls, trim, and even ceilings creates a seamless, expansive look.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Revere Pewter” (HC-172): A light grey-beige that works wonders in creating flow and cohesion in smaller rooms.
3. Use Bright White Ceilings and Trim
Bright white ceilings reflect light, making the ceiling seem higher and enhancing the spacious feel of a room. Painting trim and mouldings in a crisp white also creates a sharp contrast that visually expands the space.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace” (OC-65): This clean, bright white is perfect for ceilings and trims, adding brightness and giving the illusion of a taller space.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Simply White” (OC-117): Known for its soft, warm undertone, Simply White is ideal for creating contrast with walls, amplifying light and adding height to a small room.
4. Choose Soft Neutrals for a Versatile Look
Soft neutrals like beige, taupe, and off-white make a room feel calm and spacious. These shades are perfect for creating an airy atmosphere in small living areas.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Edgecomb Gray” (HC-173): This light, warm grey has a versatile, soft feel that opens up space while adding subtle warmth to any room.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Balboa Mist” (OC-27): A light, warm grey-beige that creates a soothing, spacious feel in small spaces, making it perfect for bedrooms or living rooms.
5. Experiment with Light Accent Walls
While darker accent walls can add drama, lighter accent walls can elongate and expand a room. Using a lighter shade on one wall can draw the eye, giving the illusion of more space.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Silver Satin” (OC-26): This soft, silvery-grey adds subtle contrast to a room without closing it in. It’s an excellent choice for creating an airy accent wall.
- Benjamin Moore’s “White Dove” (OC-17): A warm, soft white that works well for accent walls or as a base colour, helping create an open, expansive feel.
Do Dark Colours Really Make Rooms Look Smaller?
It’s a common misconception that dark colours automatically make rooms feel smaller. In fact, colour psychology research suggests that dark colours can add depth and coziness, especially when balanced with lighter elements like furniture or natural light. If a room has ample lighting, either natural or artificial, dark colours can recede and create an illusion of space. When paired with light-coloured furnishings or ample natural light, darker shades can visually push the walls outwards.
Moreover, according to studies on spatial perception and colour, dark tones on walls paired with light ceilings and trim can draw the eye upwards, making the space appear taller and more dynamic. Our free professional paint colour consultant can help you make the right choices for your home or office.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Hale Navy” (HC-154): A bold navy blue that adds sophistication and depth. In rooms with good natural light, it can make the space feel expansive and cosy at the same time.
- Benjamin Moore’s “Kendall Charcoal” (HC-166): A deep, rich grey that offers a dramatic yet open feel. When used in a well-lit room or with bright accents, it creates depth without overwhelming the space.
Paint Colours Pair Well With a Declutter & Room Edit
Paint can do wondrous things in transforming a space, but even if you paint your whole house white, it won’t help make the space feel larger if it’s jam packed with clutter and furniture. Hire an interior decorator to help you edit your space and reposition furniture to get the most out of your space and your investment in painting your home.
Choosing the right paint colours can significantly affect how spacious a room feels. Whether you opt for light neutrals, soft blues, or even bold, dark tones, these Benjamin Moore colours can help transform your small room into a more open, inviting space. For expert advice on selecting the perfect colours, Fresh Look Painting is here to help!
Ready to create more space with the power of paint? Contact Fresh Look Painting today for a free consultation and bring your vision to life! Still browsing paint colour options? Check out this blog on paint colours of 2025.
