Enlarge Any Room with Color

We’ve all stared at a small bedroom or tight living room and thought: If this space could just breathe a little. The good news is that you don’t need a remodel to get that “bigger room” feeling.

With the right paint colors and a few simple painting steps, you can create the illusion of more space, often in one weekend.

Choose Paint Color Wisely

Color isn’t just decoration. It affects how a room feels. Some colors make walls feel farther away, while others make them feel closer.

Quick rules that help rooms feel larger:

• Light and neutral colors open things up. Dark colors can feel cozy, but they often make rooms feel smaller.
• If you use multiple colors, keep them the same intensity. Similar saturation helps the space feel smoother and less choppy.
• Try a monochromatic scheme. Different tints and shades of one color family can feel expansive, especially if you paint trim and doors to match the walls for fewer visual edges.
• Cool colors, such as blue, green, and violet, tend to recede and can make rooms feel larger.
• Warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, tend to come forward.
• If you really want a warm color, choose a washed-out tint.
• For a small square room, painting two opposite walls the same color, even a deeper one, can create depth and visually open the space.
• Bright lighting helps every room look bigger, including artificial light.

“Ted’s Tip: Before you commit, grab a couple sample colors and test them in morning and evening light. Paint changes a lot depending on the room’s lighting.”

Paint the Room

Once you choose your paint color, a simple step-by-step process can help keep the project manageable and weekend-doable.

Step 1: Prep the Room

Move furniture out of the room or to the center and cover it. Protect floors with drop cloths or tarps, remove window coverings, switch plates, and outlet covers, and tape off edges with painter’s tape.

Step 2: Clean and Repair Walls

Wipe walls with a sponge or cloth and mild detergent. Patch cracks and holes with spackling compound or acrylic caulk, then sand smooth once dry.

Step 3: Prime the Walls

Prime for better coverage and a more consistent finish. Roll in manageable sections using overlapping “W” strokes for even coverage.

Step 4: Paint the Ceiling First, Then the Walls

Start with the ceiling, then paint the walls in sections using the same “W” stroke method. Plan on a second coat if needed for coverage. Use a brush for corners and tight spots.

“Safety Note: Keep the space well ventilated. Open windows while priming and painting.”

Step 5: Clean Up Like a Pro

Close paint cans, clean brushes and rollers with warm soapy water, and remove painter’s tape at a 45-degree angle so you don’t pull fresh paint.

Project Shopping List

Having the right painting supplies on hand can make your room refresh easier from start to finish. Consider picking up these helpful items:

• Drop cloths or tarps
• Painter’s tape
• Sponge or cloth and mild detergent
• Spackling compound or acrylic caulk
• Putty knife and fine sandpaper
• Interior primer or sealer
• Paintbrush, roller, and paint tray
• Ceiling paint and interior wall paint

Need Help Choosing Paint?

Bring your room measurements, lighting questions, or color ideas to Ted’s True Value Rental. We can help you choose the right paint, primer, tools, and supplies to make your space feel brighter, cleaner, and more open.