Finding colors to paint a small living room to make it brighter can be a challenge. It's a common question when faced with a room that's low on space. Do you go light or dark? Muted or bright hues?
We asked our color theory and paint experts for their advice on the best colors to paint a small living room and why their suggestions work so well. Although white a solid choice, there are six other shades our pros suggest you consider, from warming neutrals to pastels and reds.
There's more color choice than you might think for small living room ideas, but whatever you go for, it needn't be short on style. In this guide, our creative pros reveal the top shades to transform your living space from pokey to fabulous.
Colors to paint a small living room to make it brighter
Delve into the best colors to bring in the hottest small living room trends, and why our experts love them so much. And don't worry, there's a little something for everyone, whether you love pale shades or dramatic darker tones.
Prices were correct at the time this article was published.
1. White
It's perhaps the color we often reach for when tackling a small living room, and for good reason. White is a solid choice, easily lifting and brightening a room whilst helping create the illusion of more space.
Chrissie Rucker OBE, founder of The White Company, says, “The most expressive decorating tool of all, color can transform the feel of a room instantly. A white scheme brings lightness and serenity to a space and white-painted walls will instantly brighten up a gloomy room.
"A white scheme also tricks the eye by expanding space visually, so it can effectively make a small space seem bigger. And, of course, it is the perfect plain backdrop fall all our home accessories and statement furniture,"
For a more modern take, opt for a softer-toned white instead, such as Lick's White 04 Matt . Add complimenting furniture, like this sectional sofa from Zinus is available in neutral, soft colors.
Chrissie Rucker OBE, started The White Company in 1994, when unable to find well-designed, beautiful quality white bed linen that were affordable. Today, it's one of the UK's fastest-growing multi-channel retailers and trusted lifestyle brand.
2. Blush pink
Blush pink, such as Farrow and Ball's Pink Ground, has been a popular choice over the last year or so and it's easy to see why. It has lovely warming tones making it a good color for small living rooms.
Francesca Wezel, founder of Francesca's Paints explains, "Pink is one of my favourite colours and is extremely versatile. It is a calming colour associated with love, kindness and femininity and adding a splash of pink to your home will bring a peaceful and serene environment."
Wayfair's Aslin Geometric Rug offers a block design with shades of blush, ideal for lightening up the floor, too.
3. Sky blue
Sky blue is a color that lifts a space — think how seeing a blue sky makes you feel after days of rain. It has the same positive impact within a space too, as our brains are naturally programmed to find peace and calm from nature's soothing shades of blue. Giving small living room that needs an upgrade a lick of the right blue can be transformative.
Annie Sloan CBE, paint and color expert, explains, "Colours that make spaces feel bigger and lighter must contain blue pigment but needn’t limit you to just blue. Blue pigments are recessive meaning they draw the eyes outward, and reflect light – giving a feeling of limitless horizons.
"Crisp, pure whites contain blue pigment which is why they bounce light around so effectively, and Swedish blue-greens like Duck Egg or my Svenska Blue (the clue’s in the name) — pictured above — have been developed specifically to maximise light in a country which has so little of it during dark winter months."
Annie Sloan, CBE, invented her revolutionary furniture paint, Chalk Paint™ in 1990. She is widely considered one of the world's leading authorities in paint, color and style.
Price: $2 for a peel and stick sample
A pretty sky blue that will add warm to a small living room, team with accents of blush and green to add extra interest.
Price: $98
Size (in): W22 x L22
A luxury velvet pillow that will feel soft to touch and will lighten up a dark couch.
Price: $329.99
Size (in): W96 x L120
Abstract style rugs are ideal for modern settings, this design with its various shades of sky blue and green will create a statement.
4. Gray green
Neutral small living room ideas are an inviting, warming option and if you pick the right shade, you can transform this compact space.
"A shade such as Hazy Skies OC-48 will ooze comfort in a classy and effortless way," Helen Shaw, color expert and international marketing director at Benjamin Moore. "Elevate this timelessly stylish look with layers of texture such as dark woods, tactile bouclé textiles and sleek stone surfaces such as marble and quartz."
A gray-green will give you the best of both worlds — it's nurturing and elegant, making it a good choice for a small living room.
Helen Shaw is part of Benjamin Moore's UK division. Colour expert and international marketing director, Helen and her husband Craig are founders of Shaw Paints, acquired by Benjamin Moore in 2020.
5. Go for zest
If you adore color then embrace it. Bright, zesty colors will be impactful in a small living room.
Jamie Watkins, color pro and co-founder of Divine Savages says, "Beautiful, bright and contrasting colors are thought to spark joy and happiness so this palette of zesty shades immediately caught our eye. We love the verdant greens, pretty pastels and varying textures in this cosy snug which can really uplift the spirit of a home."
And don't rule out painting the ceiling, as that fifth wall can take color too.
Jamie adds, "The calming repeat of a traditional art deco fan, in the palest of pink with a hint of copper, wallpapered on the ceiling really helps to ground the zestier colours of the upholstery and soft furnishings, bringing an unlikely sense of calm to the space."
Walmart's Glidden One Coat Interior Paint and Primer, Whirligig Pink, will certainly lighten up a ceiling whilst adding a hint of color, much like the picture above.
6. Brick red
Contrary to popular belief, you can go for mid to dark tones.
"Light colors are not the only option for a small living space. I love to embrace a small room and create a dramatic and intimate interior with intense cocooning colors," says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene.
Balance the look by choosing lighter tones in other areas, this could with bright living room flooring ideas, cute window treatments, and furniture choices.
Price: $8.50 for a sample pot
A deep red that looks great with both darker and brighter shades.
Price: $129.99
Size (in): H10.75 x W7.125 x D7.125
This wire-free retro style red lamp will look super stylish on a side table with its curvy shade and smooth finish and it comes in seven colors.
Price: $8.48
Size (in): W50 x D60
Nothing beats getting cozy under a tactile blanket when the evenings are cooler, this red design will add vibrancy to your scheme.
7. Nearly black
Sometimes,throwing the rules out of the window is not only fun, but surprisingly effective. Choosing a nearly black shade can create a stunning space, even if your living room is teeny tiny.
Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball encourages you to be bold. He says, “Go dark — don’t fight the constrictions of restricted space. Play to the limitations of the room by choosing a mid to dark and painting it all over your walls, ceiling and woodwork.
"This will blur the boundaries between where all the plains stop and start (e.g. where the wall meets the ceiling, a built-in cupboard or a utilitarian radiator)."
Ruth agrees, adding that expanses of uncluttered color create a sense of space, even in smaller rooms.
Patrick O’Donnell has been bringing his impeccable eye for colour to Farrow & Ball since 2012. Over that time, he has been a showroom manager, global color consultancy manager and now brand ambassador, widely recognised as the face of the brand on social media.
Don't feel restricted if you have a small living room, there are plenty of beautiful shades to choose from, from off-whites to nearly black. The main thing is to choose a color that resonates with you.
Next, explore bright and colorful living room ideas for extra inspiration in your room makeover.