11 Best Paint Colors for Small Spaces From PPG and Glidden

These colors will add style to a small room

Written by
Diana Hathaway Timmons
Diana Hathaway Timmons is an experienced color and interior design consultant. She wrote the book How to Sell Your Home Without Losing Your Zen.
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Diana Hathaway Timmons
Updated 02/26/21
bedroom with soft white walls

PPG

When it comes to choosing a paint color for a small room there are no concrete rules. And you probably have even more options than you might realize. It’s a popular design tip to use light colors to make a space appear larger. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boring white. You actually can inject a fair amount of color into a small room, as long as you have the right lighting. While light colors are best for rooms that are fairly shadowy to prevent them from seeming cave-like, vibrant and rich colors can work in spaces that get lots of natural light. Plus, if a bold color is too overwhelming for the entire space, there's always the option of using it on an accent wall or on accent furniture to add the right amount of energy and visual interest to the room.

  • Color Family: Various
  • Complementary Colors: Various
  • Pairs Well With: Light neutrals, white
  • Mood: Bright, inviting, airy, interesting, energetic
  • Where to Use: Small spaces, accent walls, accent furniture

Here are some of the top paint colors for small rooms from Dee Schlotter of PPG and Misty Yeomans of Glidden.

  • 01 of 11

    PPG Paints Tabasco

    Tabasco accent wall in a kitchen

    PPG

    PPG's Tabasco would make a fabulous accent wall in an otherwise small and simple space. It's perfect to add some bold color to a kitchen that has otherwise light and neutral countertops and cabinets. For a vivid and warm color like Tabasco, keep all of your other colors cool and crisp to give the room balance.

  • 02 of 11

    PPG Paints Bellflower

    Bellflower paint on kitchen walls

    PPG

    PPG's Bellflower is Dee Schlotter's go-to color for a small room and is excellent for adding dimension to a kitchen. The ceiling of this cheerful kitchen is ​PPG's Delicate White. "The accents of blue excite the space, while the white on the ceiling keep it open and airy," Schlotter said.

  • 03 of 11

    PPG Paints Cerise

    PPG's Cerise on a bathroom wall with flower artwork

    PPG

    In small bathrooms and powder rooms, you can take some color risks. You generally only spend a short amount of time in the space, so a vibrant or deep color shouldn't start to feel overwhelming or gloomy. PPG's Cerise is perfect for a small bathroom to give it a bold dose of color and style. It also can be a beautiful accent wall in other small spaces.

    Tip

    When going from light walls to a deep, rich color, it’s recommended to use a tinted primer first. That way, you won’t need to use as much paint to achieve a uniform color.

  • 04 of 11

    PPG Paints Willow Herb

    Willow Herb on a kitchen wall

    PPG

    PPG's Willow Herb is a fresh green that is just right for an accent wall, as well as for a peek of bright color behind cabinets or shelving. It also can be a bold powder room wall color choice. Plus, fuchsias and reds can be stunning complementary colors to Willow Herb. Just use them as very minor accents in a small room.

    Continue to 5 of 11 below.
  • 05 of 11

    PPG Paints Winter's Breath

    Winter's Breath paint in bedroom

    PPG

    PPG's Winter's Breath is a soft and soothing color just right for small (and large) bedrooms. Pair this ethereal color with medium blue or gray for a casual and inviting color scheme. This bright color is perfect for rooms that lack ample natural light, as it will reflect the limited light as much as possible. And its cool undertones will help to keep a sleep space feeling fresh and comfortable, especially in the warmer months.

  • 06 of 11

    Glidden Miami Grass

    Miami Grass in a bedroom

    Glidden

    Glidden's Miami Grass can be the ideal paint color for a minimalist decorating style in small spaces. When you keep your furniture and accessories simple, your wall color can provide all the drama. A complex green like Miami Grass pairs well with a neutral white and pale wood tones.

  • 07 of 11

    Glidden Caribbean Sea

    Caribbean sea in a living room

    Glidden

    Glidden's Caribbean Sea is a beautiful blue with a hint of green. The stunning color can be the centerpiece of a beach-inspired color scheme in your home. Just keep your accent colors neutral to balance this dynamic hue. Pairing Caribbean Sea with whites and tans will highlight its natural beauty.

  • 08 of 11

    Glidden Pineapple Sorbet

    Pineapple Sorbet in a dining room

    Glidden

    Glidden's Pineapple Sorbet can be a great choice if you love the garden-inspired color schemes of the 1970s. This soft yellow is versatile and can work with most decorating styles and in most rooms. Pair it with soft greens and blues to cool down the color's warmth, especially in rooms that get strong sunlight.

    Continue to 9 of 11 below.
  • 09 of 11

    PPG Paints Forsythia Blossom

    Forsythia Blossom in a living room

    PPG

    PPG's Forsythia Blossom is a cheerful color for a small dining space or breakfast nook. Pair this sunny color with simple white furnishings to prevent the space from feeling overwhelming. Likewise, keep your decor and accessories uncluttered. If Forsythia Blossom is too much for all the walls, consider it as an accent wall.

    Tip

    Don’t hesitate to get a little creative when painting an accent wall. Consider stripes or stenciling with an accent paint color, especially if the room doesn’t already have an interesting architectural element. You can even paint your ceiling in an accent color.

  • 10 of 11

    PPG Paints Dragonfly

    Dragonfly paint in a kitchen

    PPG

    PPG's Dragonfly is a crisp and lush blue paint color that pops against white trim and cabinetry. A small space can handle a strong blue like this with lots of white to balance it and reflect light. Fresh green accents, such as houseplants, are a great addition to this color palette.

  • 11 of 11

    PPG Paints Geyser

    Geyser paint in a bathroom

    PPG

    PPG's Geyser is a soft green paint color that works beautifully for a small bathroom or laundry room. This color is muted and natural, and it pairs nicely with cream or off-white trim. Accessorize with natural fabrics and surfaces for an organic style, or add pops of blue and aqua for a spa retreat vibe.