The Top Paint Colors for Small Spaces From PPG, Glidden, and Olympic

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 07/12/20
Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms

©PPG

When it comes to choosing a paint color for a small room there are no hard and fast rules. If you have a space that looks cave-like, then you'll want to try the lightest colors first. For most small rooms, you have more options than you realize. Dark or vibrant colors can work in small spaces, but you have to be sure that you have the right lighting.

Dee Schlotter of PPG and Olympic Paints and Misty Yeomans of Glidden share their favorite paint colors for small rooms in this inspiration-packed slideshow. These paint colors prove that there is more to small space decorating than pale neutral colors.

  • 01 of 11

    Dragonfly | Olympic Paints

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©Olympic

    Olympic Paints 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 accents and trim. Fresh green accents are a great addition to this color palette.

  • 02 of 11

    Geyser | Olympic Paints

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©Olympic Paints

    Olympic Paints Geyser is a soft green paint color that works beautifully for a small bathroom or laundry room. This color is muted and natural so 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 a aqua for a spa retreat vibe. Fluffy white towels and bath mat are simple additions to a soft green bathroom for a serene retreat space.

  • 03 of 11

    Tabasco | PPG Paints

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©PPG

    PPG Paints Tabasco make a fabulous accent wall in an otherwise small and simple space. If you love the idea of bold color but worry it would be "too much" in your kitchen, consider using a vibrant color as an accent. For a vivid and warm color like Tabasco, keep all of your other colors crisp and clear to give your room balance.

  • 04 of 11

    Bellflower | PPG Paints

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©PPG

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

    Continue to 5 of 11 below.
  • 05 of 11

    Cerise | PPG Paints

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©PPG

    PPG Paints Cerise in small bathrooms and powder rooms you can take more color risks because no one expects the room to look large. These small rooms are not used for long periods of time, so choose a wall color or accent that makes you happy. A rich color like PPG Cerise looks beautiful in a variety of styles.

  • 06 of 11

    Forsythia Blossom | Olympic Paints

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©Olympic

    Olympic Paints Forsythia Blossom is a surprisingly perfect color for a small dining space or breakfast nook. Be sure to pair this sunny color with simple white furnishings to keep the room simple so that the color shines through. Edit down your decor accessories so you can avoid an overly cluttered room. This color is gorgeous and bold, so be sure to sample it in your room before committing to it. If Forsythia Blossom is too much for all four walls, consider it as an accent wall, for just a pop of sunny color.

  • 07 of 11

    Willow Herb | PPG Paints

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©PPG

    PPG Willow Herb is a fresh green that is just right for an accent wall, or for a peek of bright color beneath cabinets or shelving. Fuchsia or red can be an exciting accent color with Willow Herb​ if you have a space that needs more energy. 

  • 08 of 11

    Winter's Breath | PPG Paints

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©PPG

    PPG Winter's Breath is a soft and soothing color just right for bedrooms and guest rooms. Pair this ethereal color with medium blue or gray for a casual and comfortable color scheme. Choosing a cool and light paint color works very well in rooms lacking natural light or rooms that need cooling down in hot summer months. ​

    Continue to 9 of 11 below.
  • 09 of 11

    Miami Grass | Glidden

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©Glidden

    Glidden Miami Grass can be the ideal paint color for a minimalist decorating style. 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 toned-down white, and pale wood accents.

  • 10 of 11

    Caribbean Sea | Glidden

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©Glidden

    Glidden 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. Keep your accent colors clear and simple to balance this dynamic hue. Pairing Caribbean Sea with white and natural colors you highlight it's natural beauty.

  • 11 of 11

    Pineapple Sorbet | Glidden

    Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms
    ©Glidden

    Glidden 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 with natural green and blues to cool Pineapple Sorbet down in a west or south facing room.