When it comes to decorating small spaces, many people instinctively reach for neutrals, believing they’ll open up a room. But what if we told you that dark colours, those bold, moody shades could actually make your space feel larger, deeper, and more refined.
Do Dark Colours Make a Room Look Smaller or Bigger?
We’ve all heard it before: dark colours make a room feel smaller, right? Well, not quite.
The truth is, it’s not just about how light or dark a colour is, it’s about how it’s used. Darker shades such as our Loving Collection, can actually blur the edges of a room, softening corners and creating a sense of depth that tricks the eye. Rather than boxing a space in, deep tones can recede, making the walls feel like they’re gently falling away. The result? A space that feels calm, cocooning, and — surprisingly — more expansive.
Loving Grey is the ultimate cosy blue-grey hue. This colour goes deep, it's cocooning and plush but without being cold, and that's why it's Loving.
Best Dark Colours to Make a Room Feel Larger
Not all darks are equal. Some shades have an almost infinite depth, while others bring a quiet warmth. These are a few of our favourite YesColours picks for expanding small rooms:
- Loving Grey.
- Loving Pink.
- Electric Black.
- Loving Green.
Loving Grey.
A deeply saturated navy with subtle green and blue undertones that shift gently depending on the light. This is not your standard grey. Loving Grey is a colour that brings calm depth, like the ocean at dusk or stormy skies before rainfall. The green base adds an unexpected warmth, making it ideal for creating grounded, cocooning interiors that still feel quietly sophisticated.
Loving Pink.
A rich, enveloping burgundy that dances on the edge between pink and purple, perceived differently by every eye. To some it reads as a sultry pink. To others a moody plum. Loving Pink evokes velvet textures and candlelit rooms, with a complexity that feels both romantic and self-assured. It is a statement shade for spaces that ask to be remembered.
Electric Black.
An absolute black, stripped of undertones and softened nuance. What is left is a true, intense black that absorbs light and commands presence. Electric Black does not shift or adapt. It stands still and strong. Use Electric Black to create contrast, drama and clarity. It is ideal for grounding colour palettes or creating deliberate architectural moments in a space.
Loving Green.
A warm mid-tone green with soft yellow undertones that evoke moss-covered paths and sunlit woodlands. This is not a crisp botanical green. It is gentle and nostalgic, creating a sense of rooted comfort. Loving Green is perfect for quiet spaces, kitchens or anywhere you want to invite the outside in. It brings balance, familiarity and a subtle optimism.
These shades are designed not just for impact, but for emotional resonance, colours that don’t overwhelm, but envelop.
Tips for Using Dark Wall Colours in Small Spaces
Thinking of going for a deeper shade? We say go for it! Here are a few ways to make it feel beautifully intentional:
- Wrap the room in colour.
- Layer your lighting.
- Play with reflection.
- Add texture and contrast.
- Keep it low and tonal
Wrap the room in colour.
Colour drenching is something we absolutely love here at YesColours. Painting the ceiling the same colour as the walls is a well-used interior designer trick that's particularly effective in small bedrooms with low ceilings.
Layer your lighting.
Use a mix of light sources, (lamps, wall sconces, etc), to add warmth and depth. It’ll stop shadows from feeling too harsh and keep things feeling cosy, not cave-like.
Play with reflection.
Mirrors, metallics, and glossy surfaces help bounce light around and open the room up, balancing out the richness of your wall colour.
Add texture and contrast.
Think woven rugs, natural wood, linen, brass, or clay. These tactile elements stop the space from feeling flat and make those dark walls sing.
Keep it low and tonal.
Furniture in similar shades or simple shapes will help keep the visual flow smooth and grounded, no sharp stops, just soft transitions.
With its deep mauve sophistication, Loving Pink wraps you in warmth and comfort like cashmere. Some may see it as purple, but it has lots of red undertones that make it part of the pink family which brings in the warmth.
Best Paint Finishes for Dark Colours: Matt vs Eggshell.
Once you’ve picked your perfect deep shade, the next step is choosing the right finish, and it makes more of a difference than you might think.
Matt Emulsion paint is beautifully soft and velvety. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which gives dark colours a rich, cocooning feel. It’s ideal for bedrooms, living spaces, or anywhere you want to dial up the comfort and calm.
Eggshell paint has a gentle, subtle sheen, just enough to catch the light and add a little glow. It’s also a bit more durable and wipeable, making it great for hallways, kitchens, or other high-traffic spots.
Both of our finishes at YesColours are designed to support the way you live. Consciously formulated, easy to apply, and full of pigment that holds its colour.
Why Embracing Dark Colours Is a Bold Step Forward.
There’s something quietly powerful about going dark. It’s unexpected, a little daring and surprisingly freeing. Rather than making a space feel closed in, dark colours can bring calm, depth, and a sense of expansiveness. They wrap around you, soften edges, and create atmosphere in a way light shades often can’t.
At YesColours, we believe colour should support how you want to feel in your space, bold or balanced, creative or calm. Our dark shades are designed to do just that, with rich, expressive tones and conscious finishes that make every room feel intentional.
Not sure where to begin? You can book a free colour chat with our colour expert and get personalised guidance for your space, no pressure, just thoughtful support and inspiring ideas.
