Making living room appear larger

[DeliaHodgkis]

Hi
I have spent all day trying to find out the best way to create the illusion of more space in my living room. I've looked at some good suggestions of using 'cool colours' such as blues and of the use of lighting. I've also read somewhere about the idea of painting two walls one colour and the other two another colour - but all cool colours. The room is a 'funny' shape - long and narrow the longer walls having the window on one wall and the fireplace on the other. I was thinking of painting the shorter walls a midnight blue colour and the longer walls an off white 'mimosa' colour and the ceiling and coving white. Does anyone have any advice?

[IndieSinger]

I think more important than using "cool" colours, would be be to use light colour. Personally, I think midnight blue would be too dark and could seem quite opressive. Maybe think about untextured, pastel colours.

Use the darker colour to maybe put a border along the long walls (at least), adding depth.

Obviously also try to keep the d�cor minimalistic. Clutter will make the room seem smaller than it is.

[willowherb]

go to the dulux site just type in dulux and search..when you go in their are experts to help and you can create your room on the computer and they give you colour ideas..also they will send you money off paint vouchers..if it doesnt help then you can also e mail an expert in their..

[smudge]

Personally, I would go for Ivory, or similar coloured walls, with white ceiling & coving. This would not only create a calm, relaxed atmosphere, but also space. You could then add accessories in a choice of your favourite colours i.e., pictures, cushions, flowers, to suit. 

[DeliaHodgkis]

Thanks for your reply - I hadn't thought about the border to create depth. I had thought about pastel colours but still not sure - I'll have a rethink.

Thanks again

[DeliaHodgkis]

Thanks to all three people who gave answers I'm going to have a think about what each of you have said - I had been to the Dulux site but didn't really spend enough time creating the room - good to know about the vouchers too.

I had decided on white ceiling and white coving - but was unsure - but think I'm goint to stick with this.

I have seen a lighter shade of blue that I think may work well in the room.

Thanks again

[smudge]

That's ok Delia. I think it all depends on the colour of your furniture, curtains & blinds too.

[ursula62]

You could also use mirrors on one wall - this has the effect of making the room lighter as well as making it appear larger.

[Hammer]

big mirrors are the way forwards, particularly on the longer walls

[landie]

Also consider the way that you furnish the room, this can make a big difference.

[DeliaHodgkis]

Thanks for the replies. We thought about mirrors and went to Ikea where we saw some really nice large mirrors for the longer wall.

Will have to think about colour of blinds - sofas are blue - but not too big - it's going to need planning carefully as the room is an odd shape!

Thanks again

[DavidLon]

Dulux have a new product out called Light & Space in a variety of colours. The paint had reflective technology in and claims to reflect twice as much light back into the room, hence making a small room look and feel bigger!