Did you know that you can… change the dimensions of your space just by painting it the right way?
Just as make-up or clothing shades can emphasise a feature or cover up an imperfection, colours can make a room look bigger, more “cuddly”, taller, etc.
Depending on the dimensions of your room, see below how you can highlight it by choosing the right dark and light shades to use.
1. TO REDUCE THE DEPTH
To reduce depth in rectangular spaces, simply paint the central wall in a bright colour and choose light colours for the other walls and the ceiling.
2. TO EXPAND THE SPACE
Combine bold colours on the main and side walls to contrast with the light-coloured ceiling. In this way, the horizontal lines are strengthened, the tension points are enlarged and the impression of a larger space is created. In addition, this trick gives the impression that the ceiling is higher.
3. TO LOWER A HIGH CEILING
If the house is high-ceilinged, you have the opportunity to make one of the most impressive effects: to “lower” the room by painting the ceiling in a deep, intense colour and choosing lighter tones for the walls.
4. TO LIMIT THE SPACE
To “narrow” a large space, choose a single bright colour for the side and central wall and a light colour for the ceiling.
5. TO LENGTHEN THE SPACE
Paint the background and ceiling in darker tones and the (larger) side walls in lighter tones. This trick is perfect for the hallways.
6. TO “SHORTEN” THE WALLS
If you want to reduce the height of the walls then divide the surface horizontally and paint with a darker shade.
7. TO GROW A ROOM
Light shades on the walls and ceiling, preferably white or beige, reflect more light and give a sense of breadth.
8. TO “HEAT” A ROOM
If the space is too big and impersonal you can “pack it in” with a simple effect: use dark colours on every wall and ceiling. This trick gives a sense of warmth and gives a sophisticated style to the room.
9. TO EMPHASIZE
If you want to emphasize the main wall and highlight a special structure on it (stone, wood, shelves, etc.) then paint the side walls with a more intense shade.