The Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms: Expert-Approved Hues to Create the Illusion of Space
When it comes to small rooms, finding the right paint color can be a daunting task. You want to create the illusion of space, make the room feel brighter and airier, and avoid overwhelming the senses. But, what if you could turn this challenge into an opportunity to get creative and add some stylish solutions to your design?
Embracing Constraint: The Beauty of Small Space Design
As disciples of contrast, we revel in the challenge of working with restricted square footage. What could be better than turning perceived drawbacks into stylish solutions? Our team of interior design experts shares their favorite paint colors for small rooms, and we’re excited to bring you their top picks.
The Power of Texture: Adding Depth to Small Spaces
According to Athena Calderone, Interior Designer, Author, Chef, and Founder of EyeSwoon, “Much like the beautiful lining on a jacket, the hidden details of a room are what I love most about design. I like to wield these understated design elements to engage curiosity and optical intrigue. Paint is definitely one of those tools I use often to add contrast, depth, and texture, especially in a diminutive space.”
Athena’s Pick: Portola Paints Roman Clay in Burrow
Athena’s go-to paint color for small rooms is Portola Paints Roman Clay in Burrow. “The textural effect of the walls’ surface further proves that neutrals can, in fact, be rich and layered,” she explains. This unique texture adds a level of depth and visual interest to the space, making it feel more spacious.
Tatum’s Take: Farrow Ball Cromarty
Tatum Kendrick, Founder and Creative Director of Studio Hus, recommends Farrow Ball Cromarty for small spaces. “I love that it’s a fresh pastel with enough dirty undertones that it doesn’t go too sweet,” she says. Tatum also suggests wrapping walls, ceilings, and millwork in small spaces to create a sense of openness.
Tatum’s Tip: Monochromatic Approach
Tatum’s top tip for small spaces is to adopt a monochromatic approach. “I used this paint color in a small butler pantry in the Hamptons, where I wrapped the walls, cabinetry, and ceilings in the same color,” she explains. This creates a sense of continuity and visual flow, making the space feel larger.
Julie’s Jewel: Portola Paint Roman Clay in Charleston
Julie Van Daele, Founder and Principal Designer of Well Recieved, swears by Portola Paint Roman Clay in Charleston. “This hue is the perfect blend of warmth and light,” she says. “It makes the room feel larger while also adding texture and personality.” Julie has used this paint color in a variety of small spaces, including a kids’ playroom, powder bath, and living room with low ceilings.
Gillian’s Gambit: Dark and Dramatic
Gillian Segal, Founder and Principal Designer of Gillian Segal Design, takes a bold approach to small space design. “When it comes to small spaces, I think a common choice is a light color white to make things feel brighter and airier, however, I am all about going bold in a small space with a dark or saturated hue, or even a super textural wallcovering,” she explains.
Gillian’s Picks: Farrow Ball Card Room Green and Salon Drab
Gillian’s top picks for small spaces are Farrow Ball Card Room Green and Farrow Ball Salon Drab. “Despite the popular opinion that a dark hue can make a space appear smaller, I actually think it adds beautiful dimension and intimacy,” she says. These rich, bold colors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for small spaces.
Sandra’s Selection: Benjamin Moore’s Onyx White OC74
Sandra Weingort, Founder and Principal Designer, loves Benjamin Moore’s Onyx White OC74. “I am currently obsessed with this color,” she says. “It is the most flattering of neutral colors and it gives small spaces a very bright but interesting, warm, and subtle feeling.” Sandra recommends reviewing samples in the actual room where it will be used, as the color can change dramatically depending on the light.
Erin’s Expert Choice: Benjamin Moore Gravel Gray
Erin Hiemstra, Founder and Interior Consultant of Apartment34, recommends Benjamin Moore Gravel Gray for small spaces. “I love deep, saturated colors for smaller spaces, and this hue offers a lovely cocooning feel,” she explains. Erin has used Gravel Gray in dens, powder rooms, and other small spaces to create a sense of drama and coziness.
Jake’s Jewel: Farrow Ball Dimity
Jake Arnold, Interior Designer and Co-Founder of The Expert, swears by Farrow Ball Dimity. “I love using this color in small spaces,” he says. “It’s warm, but it has a depth to it, creating a feeling of a dimly lit space while creating shadows and richness.” Jake has used Dimity in many homes, particularly in older-style homes, as it almost has a heritage white sensibility.
Lauren’s Luxe: Portola Paints Roman Clay in Presidente
Lauren Piscione, Creative Director and Principal of LP Creative, takes a different approach to small space design. “I prefer to lean into size when it comes to painting small spaces,” she explains. “As opposed to selecting colors that aim to make the space feel light and airy, I gravitate towards deeply pigmented tones that envelop you and make you feel held.” Lauren’s top pick is Portola Paints Roman Clay in Presidente, a deep, earthy tone that creates a sense of calm.
The Verdict: Top Paint Colors for Small Rooms
After reviewing our experts’ top picks, it’s clear that there are many ways to approach small space design. From bold and dramatic to light and airy, the right paint color can make all the difference. Here are the top paint colors for small rooms, as recommended by our experts:
- Portola Paints Roman Clay in Burrow (Athena Calderone)
- Farrow Ball Cromarty (Tatum Kendrick)
- Portola Paint Roman Clay in Charleston (Julie Van Daele)
- Farrow Ball Card Room Green (Gillian Segal)
- Farrow Ball Salon Drab (Gillian Segal)
- Benjamin Moore’s Onyx White OC74 (Sandra Weingort)
- Benjamin Moore Gravel Gray (Erin Hiemstra)
- Farrow Ball Dimity (Jake Arnold)
- Portola Paints Roman Clay in Presidente (Lauren Piscione)
The Takeaway: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
When it comes to small space design, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right paint color for your small room will depend on your personal style, the room’s purpose, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. By embracing constraint and getting creative with texture, color, and design, you can turn your small space into a stylish and functional oasis.What are the best paint colors for small rooms?
Some of the top picks include Portola Paints Roman Clay, Farrow Ball Cromarty, and Benjamin Moore’s Onyx White OC74.
How can I make a small room look bigger with paint?
Using a monochromatic approach, wrapping walls and ceilings in the same color, and selecting a light, neutral shade can create the illusion of space.
Can dark colors work in small rooms?
Yes, dark colors like Farrow Ball Card Room Green and Salon Drab can add dimension and intimacy to a small space.
What’s the importance of texture in small space design?
Texture can add depth and visual interest, making a small space feel more spacious and layered.
Should I test paint samples before committing to a color?
Yes, reviewing samples in the actual room is recommended, as the color can change dramatically depending on the light.
Can I use the same paint color for walls, ceilings, and millwork?
Yes, wrapping walls, ceilings, and millwork in the same color can create a sense of continuity and visual flow, making the space feel larger.
