What colour makes a small room look bigger?

Short answer: light, warm neutrals — soft whites, greige, pale sand — make a small room feel bigger because they reflect more daylight. The trick is to use the same or a very similar colour on the walls, skirting, doors and ceiling so the edges of the room blur.

Look at the reflectance, not just the colour

Paint brands list an LRV (light reflectance value) from 0 to 100. Anything above about 70 bounces back most of the light that reaches it. A pale colour with a low LRV can still make a room feel dull.

Match the colour to the light

A north-facing room gets cooler, flatter light, so choose warm whites and creams. A south-facing room is already warm and can take cooler or more neutral tones without feeling cold.

Dark can work too

One deep colour on the wall behind the bed or sofa can make that wall seem to recede and add depth. Keep the other walls light and avoid many strong contrasts — they cut the room into smaller pieces.

Small extras that help

A large mirror opposite or beside a window, curtains hung high and wide, and furniture with visible legs all make a room read larger than its floor area.

With 3D renders you can compare two or three colour schemes in your own room before buying a single tin of paint.