7 Paint Colors That Make a Small Room Feel Bigger

Calm by Benjamin Moore

“One of my go-to paint colors to make a space feel more expansive is Calm,” says Elana Tenenbaum Cline, founder and creative director of Carta Creatives. “It’s a soft, neutral white with just enough warmth to feel inviting while maintaining a crisp, airy quality.” 

In this project, she used this soothing white color on both the walls and ceiling to create a seamless, elevated look. Painting them all with the same color helps eliminate any visual breaks, making the room feel even bigger.

Gentleman’s Gray by Benjamin Moore

While this may be surprising, darker hues can open up a space, too—and really set the mood. Yena Jung of By Yena Designs says Gentleman’s Gray feels like “looking out into a vast, never-ending ocean at night.” On the walls, this effect can make a room feel more spacious and open.

Black Berry by Benjamin Moore

Many black paint colors can feel too stark, too cold, and too intimidating. However, this shade of black has a lovely purple and blue tint to it.

“Black Berry feels warm and inviting and makes you want to be in the space. Even a small mudroom can feel luxurious with this shade of black,” says Jung. Keep in mind that the best way to really appreciate the power of this color is via correct application. A dark color looks best when the paint isn’t too streaky.

Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams

Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin sticks to Alabaster without question. “We use it in so many of our projects because it just works. It’s the perfect soft white that brightens up a space without feeling cold or stark,” she says.

Interior designer Leah Bailey agrees. “It’s a master of illusion,” she says. “Its soft warmth and subtle greige undertones create a sense of openness, diffusing light in a way that makes a space feel effortlessly larger.”

In other words, it’s the perfect balance between crisp and cozy, and gives rooms an airy elegance.

Tallow by Farrow & Ball

Heather Kate, lead designer at MDI Luxury Design, cites Tallow as an excellent option for maximizing square footage. It’s a soft, creamy yellow with warmer undertones and helps make a room feel larger and more inviting.

Also, since it’s a neutral, it can flow seamlessly across all aspects of a room, creating a sense of airiness and connection.

Sea Salt by Sherwin-Williams

Looking to bring a peaceful, coastal air to your interiors? “Lighter, cooler tones tend to visually recede, making walls feel farther apart and the room more spacious,” says interior designer Ania Agárdy. “White always comes to mind first, but a cool gray like Sea Salt is also a great choice.”

Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore

White paint can help open up a space, but some shades are better at creating this effect than others.

“My go-to soft white is the timeless and elegant Chantilly Lace from Benjamin Moore,” says Agárdy. “You can’t go wrong with these tones. It’s crisp and airy, reflecting light and creating a sense of openness.”