I have a very small bedroom. Other than mirrors what are some ways to make it appear larger? What colors help?

Question by Casey’s mom: I have a very small bedroom. Other than mirrors what are some ways to make it appear larger? What colors help?
Help! Right now it is carpeted (ugly) but I don’t know what’s under it. That would definitely have to be replaced. There’s boring wallpaper which also has to go. I don’t know the square footage, but the room is oblong shaped with 2 average sized windows, one on the south wall the other on the east. The north wall is narrow, the west has a tiny closet, blank wall space then the doorway. I don’t want bland white or off-white walls. I’m not afraid of color, I just don’t know which colors, textures, paint finishes, window treatments, floor coverings etc. are optimal and which should be avoided. I can’t afford to hire a designer so your input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by knowitall

Consider these ideas:

Paint the walls a light color (check out behr.com for Lion, Clair de Lune). Then buy a quart of the same color in gloss, and paint vertical stripes (you can use masking tape to keep them straight, or free hand them for a more casual look).

Also, white crown mold around the top may draw attention upward, making the room feel taller. And, actually painting the ceiling a color can make it seem like more of an extension of the walls–adding perceived volume.

Go with lightweight, sheer window coverings that let lots of light in. If possible, mount them inside the extension jambs instead of on the window casing or on the wall.

Part of the challenge will be to keep the furniture from overwhelming the room. Keep the furniture to scale so there is space around the furniture.

And, consider whether the trim in the room should be painted a contrasting color (like white) or if it should be close to the wall color. White trim can create a visual border around the room, whereas trim that’s closer to the wall color might create more visual continuity.

Good luck.

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