This Paint Trick Will Make Your Room Look Bigger Than It Actually Is

Sometimes, I sit down to write posts about paint tips which I’ve learned during my experiences with the design process, and then I’ll delete the draft after thinking to myself “everyone must already  knows this.” 

But even as adults, we can sometimes be a little shocked by the new things we learn. Like just the other week when I found out that it’s not actually illegal to have the interior light on in your car while driving, which was something my parents told me was illegal as a child. What else did they lie to me about? Santa? 

However, this draft is worth publishing because I recently used this paint trick and it worked. It’s very simple and I encourage everyone (whether you have a small space or a large space) to do this to create the feeling of a larger room. 

Here it is…

Paint your ceiling the same color as your walls. 

This will draw the eye up, which creates the illusion of a larger room and higher ceilings.

Bonus if you’re able to install some trim and crown molding, as I’ve found this can also make the ceilings look higher.

How do I know this paint trick works? Because people fall for it. It’s almost guaranteed that every time I share a full photo of our bedroom that someone will say “the room looks so much bigger!!” or ask “what the hell?!?! is the ceiling higher???

Yes, I was so sick of our 8  foot ceilings so I ripped out the drywall and added 10 inches of height to the room. Doesn’t it look great?

Before 

After 

I want to note that the first photo was taken with an iPhone and the second with a wide angle lens, but you get the picture (heh).

So I’m in fact not a magician, but have learned to manipulate the standard 8 foot ceilings and boxy rooms that our super luxurious bi-level has to offer (passive aggressive jab at the home builders of the 1960’s but like…how drunk was the dude who sat down to design a bi-level and thought it was good enough to build across America)? 

Also, I want to debunk the myth that painting dark walls *and* a dark ceiling makes your room feel smaller. I feel like that rumor was started by someone who also installs carpet over hardwood floors and I don’t think it could be further from the truth. In fact, I think this trick actually works better with darker colors. 

If you plan on going dark, just make sure your room gets a sufficient amount of light so it doesn’t feel too dreary. 

Here are some examples of dark and light rooms which feature walls and ceilings that are painted the same color:

Via Abigal Ahern

Via Vivid Interior Design

Via Bobby Berk

Via Greige Design

Via The Zhush

Via Atlanta Homes

Via Roger Davies

Via The Guest House Studio

So there you have it! If you have been struggling with how to make the most of your small space, I encourage you to try this paint trick. And let me know how it goes 🙂

Looking for more paint tips? Click here to download my free guide to choosing the perfect paint color!

Have a great rest of your week friends!