A simple change in paint can turn a dull room into a fresh, airy haven, perfect for productivity, relaxation, entertaining guests, and a variety of other purposes. This article by painting and decorating expert Pat Gilham at MyJobQuote.co.uk will explore some of the best colours you can select to make your rooms feel brighter and more inviting.

Warm White

This is one of the most popular paint colours, and for good reason – it is fantastic for brightening up a dark room. White is a great choice when it comes to making the most of natural light, and softer, warmer variations are ideal.

In a room where there is not much natural light available, warmer undertones can help the space to feel bright and airy. A soft, warm white will bounce light around the room and really open it up.

Cooler-toned and more stark shades of white offer equal light-reflecting capabilities but will not achieve the same comforting feel. Blue undertones and pure white paints can leave a room feeling cold and clinical, so warmer tones are much better for a homely environment.

Cosy Beige

Although lighter colours tend to amplify more light, slightly deeper shades are great for striking a balance between making the most of the natural dark ambience of a room and creating a brighter, more inviting feel.

In spaces with limited natural light, warm neutrals or muted earth tones in beige can really embrace the natural feel of the room. They will reflect some light to brighten the space but also give a cosy, cocooning effect, making them the ideal choice for living rooms and bedrooms.

Light Gray

With the trend towards minimalism in recent years, light grey has become a hugely popular choice of paint colour. This colour brings a very grounding feel and takes the edge off an all-white space. It won’t completely darken a room like charcoal and other related shades on the colour wheel.

It is a great, cooler natural tone that offers a beautiful balance between cosy and airy. A good tip is to incorporate darker décor items that will pop against the shade, making it seem brighter.

Mint Green

Pastels and muted tones are great for brightening up a room whilst adding a splash of colour, and mint green is proof of this. This gentle tone can contribute to a stylish and relaxed atmosphere but feel far more refreshing than a dark forest or olive green.

Perfect for low-light bathrooms and bedrooms, this soothing paint can bring a gentle, subtle sense of brightness. It will provide a refreshing backdrop whilst reflecting light well, bringing a sense of balance and calm and giving a natural feel to the space.

Light Griege

Like many other lighter, warmer shades on this list, greige has wonderful light-amplifying qualities. It also acts as a chameleon colour, with undertones that appear warm or cool based on the rest of the room's décor, lighting, and position in the home.

Warmer shades that lean towards taupe can help soften the space and create a welcoming ambience without absorbing too much light. This paint colour is very versatile and pairs well with various design styles, working particularly well in living rooms and bedrooms.

Powder Blue

This pale hue of blue is joyful but also calming. Whereas its darker counterparts are great for a space where you want something more dramatic, this light blue is perfect for opening up the room and adding a splash of colour without completely overwhelming it.

Pale blues are versatile shades that can make a room feel airy, a small room appear larger, and a room with limited natural light feel brighter. It makes for an effortless alternative to white walls or as an accent wall in an all-white room for a soothing feel.

Light Pink

Pink as a paint colour is massively underrated, and a powdery hue or a light, muted tone can lead to a room feeling more spacious. It has more personality than plain white but is just as elegant and easy to design around with furniture and décor.

Delicate pastels like soft pink bounce light around the room and create an open, airy feel. They act just as well as more neutral colours and enhance any light available, creating a warm atmosphere without feeling too heavy.

Soft Yellow

A splash of yellow paint can bring that little dose of sunshine to a room that is short on windows. Soft yellow is the perfect colour for gently brightening a room with its eternally cheerful and vibrant feel.

Muted light-yellow paints in shades such as buttercup, vanilla, or sand can help to brighten a space with limited natural light or make a space with high ceilings feel cosier. It works well in a country-inspired scheme alongside white woodwork and natural wooden furniture.

Orange

Whether you choose a more rustic, burnt shade or something that is tangerine-tinged and playful, orange is a bold and bright hue that will instantly uplift a room. It tends to give off a glow, which brings the feel of additional brightness to rooms that typically feel dark or aren’t equipped with windows.

Shades of orange can add warmth, life and energy to your home. Bright orange colours such as tangerine, carrot, or pumpkin make great accent colours and are most powerful when used sparingly. For a more subtle choice (ideal if you are just getting started experimenting with colours in your home), opt for shades like peach, apricot, or salmon.