8 Small Spaces Where Paint Can Make a Big Impact
Don’t forget about these little areas in your home. The right paint color can inexpensively transform a space
Five Star Painting
September 3, 2017
During my years of painting people’s homes, I’ve learned that small spaces don’t have to be boring or go unnoticed. All it takes is a little paint. By adding paint in strategic places around the home, you can easily and inexpensively transform a space. Plus, there is a good chance you could accomplish at least one of these eight painting projects during the course of one weekend.
Here are eight spaces to consider painting and my tips and tricks on making even the smallest places have a big impact.
Here are eight spaces to consider painting and my tips and tricks on making even the smallest places have a big impact.
1. Entryway. When a guest arrives, their first impression is based on your home’s exterior and the front door. Realtors call this curb appeal. But the very next thing guests will notice is the area right inside your front door, so you should use it to make a statement.
If your home has a formal entry, choose a paint color that is one to two shades darker than the next room. A darker paint color in the entryway can make the space feel more inviting, like a warm hug.
If your home has an open floor plan without a defined entryway, use paint to create one. Try a bold color on the wall surrounding the front door and an adjacent wall as visual borders for the entry.
If your home has a formal entry, choose a paint color that is one to two shades darker than the next room. A darker paint color in the entryway can make the space feel more inviting, like a warm hug.
If your home has an open floor plan without a defined entryway, use paint to create one. Try a bold color on the wall surrounding the front door and an adjacent wall as visual borders for the entry.
2. Hall bath. Small bathrooms might appear to be limited when it comes to design, but they can easily be transformed with a quick paint color update.
How do you pick a color for this small bathroom? Look around your home for spots of color that crop up in your art or drapes. For example, a living room that is mostly beige with blue accent pieces would coordinate well with a bathroom painted in that same shade of blue.
Dark colors also have been trending with homeowners I’ve worked with lately. To offset the dark nature of the paint, we typically recommend keeping the other design details, such as the floors and sink, light to make sure the room still feels open and bright.
Worried one color will overwhelm the small space? Consider installing a chair rail as a natural divider. Then paint the lower portion of the wall in a statement color while leaving the wall area above a neutral tone.
How do you pick a color for this small bathroom? Look around your home for spots of color that crop up in your art or drapes. For example, a living room that is mostly beige with blue accent pieces would coordinate well with a bathroom painted in that same shade of blue.
Dark colors also have been trending with homeowners I’ve worked with lately. To offset the dark nature of the paint, we typically recommend keeping the other design details, such as the floors and sink, light to make sure the room still feels open and bright.
Worried one color will overwhelm the small space? Consider installing a chair rail as a natural divider. Then paint the lower portion of the wall in a statement color while leaving the wall area above a neutral tone.
3. Bookshelf. Whether the bookshelves in your home are built-in or freestanding, you can easily create style with paint. Remove the shelves from the surround and paint the back wall of the case. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your paint color, because once the shelves and objects on the shelves are in place, your color choice will seem more subtle. You will get an instant pop of color without being too in-your-face.
4. Closet. This space is often overlooked when it comes to paint, but a fresh coat of paint on the walls and shelving in your closet can go a long way. With a small- or medium-sized closet, keep your paint color choice bright and light.
With a large walk-in closet, consider using a paint color that complements the attached room.
For shelving, use an oil-based paint for durability against scratches and scuffs.
With a large walk-in closet, consider using a paint color that complements the attached room.
For shelving, use an oil-based paint for durability against scratches and scuffs.
5. Hallway. Hallways are typically long and narrow and, depending on the lighting, can also be dark. When choosing a paint color for the hallway, consider the paint colors in connecting rooms and then go one to two shades lighter. The colors will complement each other and coordinate the home’s overall design. Plus, a lighter shade will brighten up the passageway.
6. Accent wall. If you have a small amount of paint and want to make the biggest impact on your home’s design, then an accent wall is your best bet. Choose a wall in your living room or master bedroom that you want to highlight, such as the area behind the sofa or bed.
Once it is painted, hang coordinating artwork on the accent wall to finish the design.
Once it is painted, hang coordinating artwork on the accent wall to finish the design.
7. Kitchen nooks and crannies. Typically, I find there isn’t too much paintable space in the kitchen. But when I do find it, it’s between the cabinets, appliances and backsplash.
When space is limited, I always encourage owners to go bold and use colors that offset the room’s features. For example, in a kitchen with white cabinets and natural stone countertops, pick a hunter green or dark blue. In large quantities, these dark shades might feel overwhelming, but in small quantities, they give the room a strong dimension.
When space is limited, I always encourage owners to go bold and use colors that offset the room’s features. For example, in a kitchen with white cabinets and natural stone countertops, pick a hunter green or dark blue. In large quantities, these dark shades might feel overwhelming, but in small quantities, they give the room a strong dimension.
8. Laundry room. You can’t avoid the task of laundry, so at least make it a room that is easy on the eyes and generates positivity. Think of a paint color you would never dream of using in the social areas of your home but would make you happy, such as a playful orange, a bold purple or a sunshine yellow. Who knows, being around your favorite color might even make the chore a little more enjoyable.
More
6 Ways to Get Over a Fear of Color
Houzz TV: How to Paint a Wall Like a Pro
Help! I Spilled Paint on My Clothes — Now What?
Other Resources
Find a painting professional
Find home improvement products
More
6 Ways to Get Over a Fear of Color
Houzz TV: How to Paint a Wall Like a Pro
Help! I Spilled Paint on My Clothes — Now What?
Other Resources
Find a painting professional
Find home improvement products
Related Stories
Decorating Guides
Design Pros Share 10 Favorite Creamy White Paints
By Becky Harris
These off-white color choices include versatile tones, warming hues and pleasingly soft shades
Full Story
Kitchen Countertops
What Kitchen Countertop Colors Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colors and styles to get the look you want — no matter what material you use
Full Story
Colors of the Year
Pantone Picks a Peach for Its 2024 Color of the Year
By Jennifer Ott
See how to use this juicy hue to create calm yet flourishing spaces inside and outside the home
Full Story
Decorating Guides
5 Ways Designers Are Working With Rich Warm Tones Right Now
By Becky Harris
Interior designers describe their strategies for using rich warm colors to create an inviting home
Full Story
Colors of the Year
10 Paint Colors Ready to Take Over in 2024
By Jennifer Ott
Blue is huge, but dark hues and warm tones also find favor among major paint companies’ 2024 Color of the Year picks
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Mix Colors and Make It Work
By tidgboutique
Don’t want to confine yourself to neutrals but lack the confidence to embrace colors? Check out this pro advice
Full Story
Events
7 Color Trends for 2024 at Maison & Objet
By Claire Tardy
New harmonies and unexpected pairings at the fall 2023 trade fair set the tone for next year’s interiors
Full Story
Decorating Guides
9 Ways to Layer Warm Neutral Colors for Comfortably Refined Rooms
By Becky Harris
Design pros share advice for building an inviting palette, introducing high contrast and mixing textures
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Create a Cohesive Color Flow Throughout Your Home
By Erin Carlyle
Designers share eight techniques for avoiding a choppy feeling in your spaces
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Get Your Ceiling Paint Color Right
By tidgboutique
Here’s how to tweak the shade of your ceiling paint to get the effect you want
Full Story
The hallway , #5 is lovely and cheery.