7 Paint Colors Designers Always Use in Small Living Rooms

llving room with small space colors — Photo:
Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/Getty Images

Struggling to select the best paint color for your small living room? As it turns out, you have plenty of viable options to consider, whether you’re a color lover looking to go bold or crave something classic and simple. Below, interior designers share seven of their top living room paint color picks that will work wonders in petite spaces.

01 of 07

Eggplant by Benjamin Moore

Purple wall with stool and art — Benjamin Moore

Don’t shy away from a rich purple. “In smaller rooms, I have found that utilizing a deep color such as Benjamin Moore's Eggplant with a high gloss or lacquer finish, can yield remarkable results,” says Gray Walker, the founder of Gray Walker Interiors. “It doesn't make the space feel dark and small; instead, it makes it feel inviting and warm while giving the room a sparkle!”

02 of 07

Jester by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore's Jester is another purple option that Grey Joyner, the founder of Grey Joyner Interiors, gravitates toward. “This is a beautiful deep plum that instantly makes a space feel rich and intimate,” she says. “I especially like this color in a room that gets some good light, but it could also work to create a more moody space, if that is the vibe you’re going for.

03 of 07

Light Blue by Farrow & Ball

Light Blue by Farrow & Ball is perfect for “snug spaces that make you want to curl up with a book on a rainy day,” says Jeanne Barber, the founder of Camden Grace Interiors. “The color reminds us of our New England sea: sometimes gray and moody, other times twinkly with a hint of green, but always beautiful.”

04 of 07

Simply White by Benjamin Moore

If your small living room lacks ample natural light, the right paint can help to brighten it up. Benjamin Moore's Simply White is Joyner’s “go-to white, hands down.”

05 of 07

Anchor by Portola Paints

On the other hand, if your small living room is already flooded with natural light, you can go bold, says Taniya Nayak, the founder of Taniya Nayak Design. “I used Portola Roman Clay paint in the color Anchor for a small New York City apartment, and it did everything except close in the small space,” she comments. “Instead, it made the vibrant accents pop while adding mood, ambiance, and interest to the space!”

06 of 07

Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball

Draw inspiration from your outdoor surroundings with Farrow & Ball's Green Smoke. “This green is a soft medium green that gives a calm sage color—a perfect way to bring in personality and a natural color from outside,” says Linda Hayslett, the founder of LH.Designs. “It doesn't make a room feel small or like a cave either, it’s a perfect zen color for making an area feel bigger than it really is.”

07 of 07

Light Pewter by Benjamin Moore

If you’re a neutral lover, you won’t want to miss out on Benjamin Moore's Light Pewter, a beautiful greige tone. “It has this incredible ability to create a warm yet airy ambiance that feels both cozy and refreshing,” says Becky Shea, the founder of Becky Shea Design. “I love pairing it with warm earth tones, deep greens, and even natural linens for a beautifully balanced and inviting space. It’s definitely a go-to color for adding subtle sophistication to any room.”

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!