A good paint job can go a long way to fixing the little shortcomings and imperfections any room presents. Here are just a few suggestions for choosing the right paint color to fix your room’s flaws.

Small Rooms

Whites, creams, pastels, and cool colors like dove gray reflect light, giving the illusion of a larger space. White and cream colors direct your eyes toward the ceiling, which also creates the appearance of taller walls. If you are more into dark colors, try a high sheen gloss that also reflects light. Use a similar color on walls and trim to make it look seamless, adding to the illusion of space. Think about extending the wall color six to twelve inches onto the ceiling to make the room seem taller.

Large Rooms

Warm and dark colors help to draw the walls in and give the feel of a cozy space. Painting high or vaulted ceilings with warm and dark colors can help as well. Try a two-toned look using wainscoting to divide the room and draw the eye down. If wainscoting’s not your thing, just tape a line and use it as your guide while painting. You can also use paint to create different sections of a room, dividing the space up into smaller nooks.

Less-Than-Soothing Vibes

Bathrooms and master suites are places that should act as an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Try soft and muted tones to create a tranquil space. Examples include pale lavenders, light blues, soft greens, and grays.  

Unpleasant Features

Uneven walls and other flaws can throw off an entire paint job, no matter how meticulous you are about the quality of work. If you can’t take the time to correct the flaws in the sheetrock or plaster, try using low-sheen paint in a lighter color. Paint radiators and large intake vents the same color as the walls to help them blend in.

Bring out the Best

Paint focal points like fireplaces, doors, and beautiful trim work a contrasting color from the walls. Using a high sheen paint on trims and window casings will also create a crisp edge.

General Rules Of Thumb For Choosing Paint Colors

Sample paint colors on a few different walls to get a feel for what it will look like from different vantage points. When sampling, use a large space so you can really see what the color will look like in the room’s lighting. Check the colors at different times of day and in different types of weather.