Painting Small Spaces

While it may appear that having to paint a small space is less challenging than painting a big space, the opposite is usually the truth. Painting small spaces is a little less forgiving than painting a larger, open space, so when you are choosing your paint combinations, you need to get it right the first time to avoid repainting.

Choose A Focal Point And Go From There

When working with small spaces, it is a good idea to choose a color focal point-be it a wall hanging or a cushion. If the color focal point isn't too big or heavy, take it with you to the paint store to find colors that will coordinate well with it. If the item is too big, you'll have to do your best by remembering the color, or maybe taking a photo with you that is close to the color you want to focus on.

Wise Color Choices Make A Difference

Remember that using cool colors tends to push the walls out, while warm colors pull them in for a cozy effect. However, if you decide on a cool color, hold off until your window coverings are up because if there is a lot of light coming into the space, the cool color may morph into a cold feeling. You may end up deciding on a warmer color to avoid chilling the space too much. Paint colors can appear as much as a couple of shades lighter in a room that has a lot of natural light.

Capitalizing On Natural Light

You might want to choose your window coverings before you choose paint. Since the amount of light that comes into a small space dramatically affects the color of the paint, window coverings play a big part in the way the color will look once it is on the walls. Sheer curtains often work really well in small spaces. Natural light always makes a small space appear much larger and sheers let the light in while still providing covering and privacy. Just a reminder that if you decide to paint all four walls, the net affect may be a darker color than what appeared on the paint chip.

Monochromatic Color Scheme Keeps The Eye Moving

The trim in a small space is best done in a shade darker than your wall color. By doing this, you create a situation where the eye flows easily through the room without being drawn into the size and shape of the windows or doors. It makes the space appear bigger and promotes continuity and flow. If the eye does not get distracted, the room appears bigger. Visual disruption causes a cramped feeling.

Small spaces are best decorated in a tone-on-tone or monochromatic color scheme. To get shades of your base color, add black to the color and to get tones, add white paint to your base color. Perk things up with pillows, trows, or a rug, in accenting colors.

A small space can look like a page in a magazine, all it takes is a bit of patience and the right color choices.