How to Paint to Make a Room appear Bigger
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You have several options if you want to make a room look taller. Of course lifting up the room and making it physically taller is not a feasible option for most. Fortunately, you can do a lot simply by painting a certain way and with certain colors. Follow these tips to “virtually” raise the ceiling.
Paint with lighter colors
Freshome suggests using lighter colors when painting. Lighter colors make a room seem more spacious, while darker colors bring it in. They reflect more. You can use a light colored blue or green.
Paint the ceiling a light color
In addition to painting the walls a light color, you should also make sure that the ceiling is light. In the best case scenario, paint the ceiling white. It is up to you whether to choose a paint that is very glossy or matte because both have characteristics that can make the room look bigger. A high-gloss paint can make the ceiling appear not as fixed, but a matte paint might allow it to blend in more with the walls.
Apartment Therapy suggests another technique: Match the paint at the edge of the ceiling with the paint of the walls. For instance, go in about 2-3 inches with the wall paint on the ceiling. This can give the illusion that the wall is continuing and make the ceiling appear higher.
Paint your moldings and trims
You can also make the room appear bigger based on how you paint your moldings and trims. They should be lighter than the walls. This will make them look like they are further away from you and give an impression of a taller ceiling and larger room.
Paint vertical stripes
Just like you may use vertical stripes in clothing to make yourself appear taller, you can use the same idea to make the room appear taller. Paint vertical stripes and avoid horizontal ones.
Paint the higher two thirds of the room and ceiling the same color
One idea is to use paneling on the bottom 2/3 of your walls and then paint the upper part and ceiling the same color. This can elongate the room.
Paint can make a room appear taller and bigger. For the best effects, consider combining the above ideas. For instance, both use light colors and paint your trims even lighter colors. You can also use other techniques such as using natural lighting to increase the appearance of ceiling height.