Interior expert Lisa O'Hanlon from The Shutter Store has revealed five paint colours that can make small living rooms appear larger, challenging the notion that only white works. According to O'Hanlon, colours have a 'powerful effect' on the brain, and the right shade can significantly influence the perceived size of a room.
White: The Classic Space-Enlarger
White remains a top choice for making living rooms feel more spacious. While brilliant white can feel stark, softer shades of white work equally well. O'Hanlon advises: 'White does not have to be dull. It is all in how you style the room around it. By adding colour through soft furnishings like rugs, carpets or curtains, it livens up the room whilst maintaining the brightening benefits of white walls.'
Pale Blue: A Soothing Alternative
Gentle blue tones such as sky blue, baby blue, and pastel blue help a compact space 'appear bigger,' O'Hanlon says. She notes: 'Whilst most options that give the illusion of more space tend to be paler neutrals, using soft shades of blue can give the same effect while also being a more intriguing design choice.' Pale blue pairs well with warm colours like red, orange, and soft pink.
Emerald Green: Depth Through Colour-Drenching
Deep green shades like emerald can introduce visual depth when used to colour-drench the space—covering skirting boards and ceilings. O'Hanlon suggests: 'Accenting the room with lighter shades like champagne or a dusty pink will help complete the effect.' This technique is popular among celebrities and interior designers for its sophisticated look.
Lavender: Unconventional Yet Effective
Lavender, though unconventional for walls, is excellent for making rooms appear larger. O'Hanlon explains: 'With a growing number of people wanting to bring plants and other natural elements into the home, colours like lavender allow those shades of green to contrast against the walls, drawing people's eyes straight to your collection.' Lavender also enables light to bounce off the shade, creating an expansive feel.
Navy: Depth and Contrast
Like pale blue, navy produces a soothing effect and introduces depth. It complements white beautifully, creating a striking contrast. Navy also works well with orange, dusty pinks, and vibrant yellows. O'Hanlon's tips apply to any small living room, offering affordable alternatives to extensions or wall removal.
