Paint Tips to Make Small Apartments Look Bigger

1) Use Light, Neutral Colours as a Base

Soft whites, warm creams, light greige, and pale beige reflect natural and artificial light, helping the space feel brighter and more expansive. Cool undertones (like light grey-blue) can create an airy, modern look.

2) Create Depth with Accent Walls

One feature wall in a slightly darker tone (sage green, muted navy, or taupe) adds dimension without closing in the room. Place it behind a sofa, bed, or TV wall to anchor the space.

3) Use Gloss Levels Strategically

• Walls: Satin or washable matte to bounce light subtly.

• Ceilings: Flat white for height illusion.

• Trims/Doors: Semi-gloss in a lighter shade than the wall to create crisp definition.

4) Extend Visual Space with Vertical & Horizontal Tricks

• Vertical elongation: Paint ceilings and walls in the same colour family to blur edges and create height.

• Horizontal expansion: Use lighter colours on side walls and a slightly deeper colour on the end wall to visually push it back.

5) Play with Colour Flow Between Rooms

In open-plan apartments, keep colour transitions seamless by using one base colour across living, kitchen, and hallway, adding only small accent differences. This consistency makes spaces feel connected and larger.

6) Reflective & Functional Pairings

Pair light-coloured walls with mirrors, metallic frames, and glossy surfaces to enhance brightness. Combine with sheer curtains and pale flooring for maximum effect.

7) Avoid Common Mistakes

• Overusing dark colours in small, low-light rooms.

• Mixing too many contrasting colours, which chops up the space.

• Using high-gloss on large walls—it can highlight flaws and create glare.