How to Make a Room Look Bigger with Paint: 6 Simple Tips for Nashville, TN Homes

Choosing the right paint can dramatically enhance a space, particularly when working with a smaller room. If you’re wondering how to make a room look bigger with paint, there are several strategic techniques that professional painters use to create the illusion of a more open and airy environment.
Even compact spaces can feel expansive with the right color choices and design tricks. In Nashville, TN, homeowners have transformed their house interiors by applying smart paint techniques. Today, we’ll share some expert tips on how to make a room look bigger with paint to help you achieve the same effect.

Key Takeaways:

• Light colors like white, beige, and soft hues reflect more light, giving small rooms a brighter, more spacious feel.
• Darker shades, when used strategically, can create depth and enhance dimension.
• A bold accent wall draws attention and helps reshape the perception of space.
• A lighter ceiling makes a room appear taller, adding to the overall spacious effect. 

How to Make a Room Look Bigger with Paint?

Previously, we explored how to match paint colors. This time, let’s focus on how paint does more than enhance aesthetics—it can also create the illusion of more space. By using the right shades and techniques, you can make a noticeable difference without major renovations.

1. Choose Light or Neutral Shades for an Open Feel

When dealing with smaller spaces, lighter shades are your best option. Colors like white, beige, soft greys, and pastels reflect more light, making a room feel airy and less confined. These hues visually push walls outward, creating a sense of openness in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.

If you’re searching for specific shades, consider these popular options:

• Simply White (Benjamin Moore)
• Swiss Coffee (Behr)
• Alabaster (Sherwin-Williams)

These colors complement various furniture styles and add a touch of elegance to any room, making them ideal for a cohesive interior design.

2. Use Darker Colors Thoughtfully to Add Depth

While light colors make a room feel open, darker tones can enhance depth when used wisely. Deep shades like navy, charcoal, and rich greens work well for accent walls or specific features such as molding and cabinetry. This approach prevents the space from feeling overwhelming while still adding a layer of sophistication.

Great choices for accent walls include:

• Hale Navy (Benjamin Moore)
• Tricorn Black (Sherwin-Williams)
• Iron Ore (Sherwin-Williams)

Pairing dark accent walls with lighter surrounding walls helps define the space and creates an inviting contrast.

3. Add an Accent Wall to Shift Perception

Strategically placed accent walls draw the eye and redefine a room’s proportions. By painting one wall a bold or contrasting color, you create a focal point that makes the space appear more expansive.

For example, a soft green accent in a dining room brings a calming effect, while a taupe feature wall in a bedroom adds warmth without making the room feel smaller. Textured finishes or subtle patterns can also introduce visual interest without overwhelming the space.

4. Utilize Vertical or Geometric Patterns to Enhance Height

Vertical stripes are a well-known trick for making a room feel taller by guiding the eye upward. However, it’s best to use this technique on a single wall to maintain balance in the space.

Not a fan of stripes? Opt for geometric or floral patterns in soft hues to introduce subtle texture without making the room feel cluttered. Keeping the rest of the walls light ensures harmony in the overall design.

5. Lighten the Ceiling for a More Spacious Feel

A commonly overlooked aspect of interior design is the ceiling. Painting it a shade lighter than the walls creates the illusion of height, making the room feel more expansive.

For a timeless look, consider these shades:

• Chantilly Lace (Benjamin Moore)
• Ceiling Bright White (Behr)

If you prefer a touch of color, pastel blues or soft yellows can add a fresh feel while maintaining the sense of openness. Adding crown molding in a slightly darker shade than the ceiling can further enhance depth and aesthetics.

6. Test Colors Before Making a Final Decision

Before committing to a paint color, it’s important to test it in your space. Paint small patches on different walls and observe how they appear under natural and artificial light. Lighting significantly impacts color perception, so this step ensures the best choice for your room.

Additionally, online visualization tools offered by major paint brands allow you to experiment with different shades virtually. This approach can save time and prevent costly mistakes. 

Our Interior Painting Process

How to make a room look bigger with paint? Looking for ways to make your space feel larger without the hassle of extensive renovations? Applying the right colors, strategically placing accent walls, and paying attention to ceilings and patterns can all contribute to a more open and inviting environment.

At Sharper Impressions Nashville, we provide professional painting services in Nashville, TN, with a focus on enhancing your home’s aesthetics and functionality:

• Consultation: We help you select the perfect color scheme to achieve your desired look.
• Preparation: Our painters ensure every surface is properly prepped for a seamless application.
• Painting: We use high-quality paints and professional techniques for a flawless finish.
• Cleanup: Once the job is done, we leave your home clean and ready to enjoy.

Serving Franklin, Brentwood, and nearby areas, our experienced painters are here to bring your vision to life. Call us at 615-731-6189 for a FREE quote today and discover how to make a room look bigger with paint using expert techniques tailored to your space.

About the Author: Geoff Sharp

Hi, I’m Geoff Sharp, the owner of Sharper Impressions Painting. We proudly offer high-quality interior and exterior painting services for homes and businesses in Atlanta, Columbus, Orlando, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Nashville. From cabinet painting to deck and fence staining, we’re here to enhance your space. Learn more about us here.