The best paint shades for small rooms

Small can definitely be perfectly formed but in the case of property, potential buyers are often motivated by space. Floor plans can be deceptive so purchasers will instinctively rely on photographs and then a viewing to decide whether the property warrants an offer.  

Therefore it’s essential that all rooms are presented to their maximum potential. We do realise that not every home has the grand proportions of a stately palace but it is possible to take a small space and make it feel bigger than it actually is using paint.  

While dark, cosy colours are very on-trend, they can be tricky to execute in a small room. If you’re looking to present the brightest and best-looking space, the interior design advice is to stick with the lightest shades on your walls.   

If you are repainting over a dark hue, decorating experts recommend using a primer first. This will conceal the paint underneath and reduce the amount of new coats that are needed. Always wait for the primer to dry before applying your final colour – read the tin’s directions for use for how many hours you should wait.  

There is an abundance of neutral shades readily stocked in store and online but the choice is so extensive it can be bewildering. To help you choose, we have narrowed down our favourite paints for small spaces and categorised them into colours. Why not order a few tester pots today?  

• White: Little Greene has an amazing selection of white paint shades to choose from and none of them feel clinical or cold. We recommend Loft White, Shirting, White Lead or Gauze to keep rooms airy and spacious.
• Grey: opt for one of the very lightest greys and you’ll create a sense of space and light in the smallest of rooms. Try Dulux’s Rock Salt, Cloudy Dreams, Grey Steel 4 or Cliff Walk, which are all lightly pigmented.
• Cream: light and buttery, cream is an excellent shade for small rooms that need some warmth adding. Paint & Paper Library has a wide choice of cream paint colours, including Cashmere II, Paper I, Sand II and Stone I.
• Blue: blue paint is said to banish feelings of claustrophobia, so it is an excellent choice for small rooms. Try Graham & Brown’s Bluebird, Twinkle, Cielo or Crete – each a refreshingly subtle shade of blue.
• Lilac: while lilac may feel like a leftfield choice, just a hint of coolness can really help brighten a room. Craig & Rose’s Comiston, Hermitage, Strawberry Hill and Reverie all have a subtle lavender undertone.
• Green: natural and very neutral, green is an excellent choice for those who want to add a wash of colour. Blanc De Chine, Tunsgate Green, Cromarty and Palm by Farrow & Ball are highly recommended.  

If you are getting your home ready for sale and would like an up-to-date valuation, please give our sales team a call today.