I’m an interiors expert and my ‘striking’ trick makes your tiny living room look bigger, it fools the eye every time
CHOOSING the colours for a living room can have a big impact, and can fool your eye into thinking the space is bigger.
There are certain colour schemes that can make a small living room look more spacious.
Understanding how colours can achieve this clever trick is a valuable aspect of your decorating knowledge.
To help you with this, interior design expert Zara O’Hare at Land of Rugs has revealed how to select and use colours to visually enlarge a small living room, creating a sense of expansiveness despite its modest square footage.
1. Crisp White for Elegance
White remains a widely adopted colour choice to create the illusion of a larger space in small living rooms.
This holds particularly true when the room benefits from abundant natural light that can bounce off the walls, or in rooms that face south, where sunlight is more abundant.
Zara says: “Choose crisp or brilliant white tones for small spaces to create a clean and calming ambience.
“To avoid making the room appear stale, incorporate warm or bright colours in furnishings, accessories, or lush plants for a pop of colour.
“White stands out beautifully when paired with darker wooden flooring or a stunning rug.
“Eggshell or satin finishes typically reflect light, creating the illusion of more space.”
2. Light Taupe for Warmth
For a gentle alternative to white, you can choose light taupe — a neutral colour that falls between brown and grey.
Its brightness allows light to bounce off the walls, making a small room appear larger, without the harshness of pure white.
Unlike white tones, light taupe or greige (think grey and beige) can add warmth to any room, and make a space look elegant.
In fact, when used in a space with no architectural character, it can make a room look more expensive, and give it a timeless feel.
“It’s important to choose the appropriate taupe shade”, Zara advises.
“Generally, a light taupe will brighten and expand small, dark living rooms, while a dark taupe will have the opposite effect, making them feel cosier and more enclosed.
“To achieve a light and airy ambience, complement this colour with white furnishings throughout the living room.”
3. Light Grey for Freshness and Brightness
Cool light grey is a great alternative to white paint. It offers a fresh and bright feel without the starkness of pure white.
Cool colours create a sense of freshness and brightness, visually expanding the space.
Zara recommends: “Use light grey in moderately lit rooms for a cosy yet spacious ambience.
“A light grey brings the crisp and bright quality that a bright white does, allowing light to bounce off the walls, while it also keeps the living room remaining cool, as opposed to the warmth that a taupe would infuse.”
4. Blush Pink for a Cheerful Ambience
Choosing a shade of blush pink is a great choice to uplift a small living room, infusing it with a cheerful and airy ambience, particularly during sunset hours.
This hue works well in west-facing rooms with ample natural light and pairs beautifully with light, warm neutral tones like beige, sand, and ivory.
For a cosy atmosphere, consider painting the ceiling in the same hue.
“Pink should not be underestimated as just a feminine tone, as it can work well in various settings.
“Blush pink serves as an excellent complement to masculine woods, modern metals, and luxurious velvet or leather furniture,” says Zara.
5. Deep Navy for a Luxurious Feel
Rich colours possess a remarkable ability to infuse a room with drama.
Choosing a deep, moody shade is an excellent way to make a living room feel larger. These colours evoke a sense of grandeur and luxury while visually expanding the room.
“Choose a navy blue slate, so deep that it almost resembles black.
“When combined with lighter walls or accents, accompanied by warm wood tones and ample natural light, the outcome is timeless, comforting, and spacious,” recommends Zara.
6. Sea Green for Nature
The colour green is often synonymous with the beauty of nature and botanical elements.
For those seeking an earthy ambience, sea green or a gentler shade of green is an excellent option.
The best part is that softer green tones can increase the size of a small room and transform a dull space into a tranquil sanctuary.
“Embracing the calming power of green hues can infuse your environment with a soothing and rejuvenating atmosphere.
“Choosing sea green in well-windowed rooms is an excellent choice, as they naturally guide the eye towards the outdoor greenery, seamlessly blending the room with its surroundings,” suggests Zara.
7. Soft Black for a Dramatic Feel
In rooms with limited natural light, white may not be the best choice. Without light bouncing off the walls, the colour could have an adverse effect on the space.
However, embracing the lack of sunlight and opting for darker hues can create a captivating and cosy atmosphere.
“Opt for a dark hue such as charcoal or black instead of white to evoke an intimate and grand atmosphere in the space, especially when complemented by painting the ceiling and trim in the same hue.
Dark hues have the power to create contrast and depth, making your walls recede and your ceiling appear higher.
Using dark colours on an accent wall, ceiling, or floor can achieve this striking effect,” recommends Zara.