Colorful Decorating Ideas for a Small Room

By Real Simple
Updated February 25, 2015
Credit: Matthew Williams/Livingetc/IPC+ Syndication
When faced with the daunting task of decorating a small space, the easy way out is usually turning to neutrals. Many decorating dilemmas have been saved by play-it-safe-white. That is, until now. It's time to explore the rainbow and embrace the many bright shades it has to offer. We dare you to take the ultimate small space decorating challenge. Bring on the color.
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Tidal Wave

Credit: Colin Poole

Who doesn't dream of their kitchen having a large center island, farmhouse style dining table, and the double-stacked stove? Stop wallowing in your small space sadness. Make colorful strides that will transform a traditional kitchen. A bold shade of red brightens the walls and a blue tiled backsplash feels fresh and inviting.

See more kitchen decorating ideas.

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Corner Confidential

Credit: Dan Duchars/Livingetc/IPC Syndication

If you’re short on square inches, be thoughtful with your design choices. Vibrant red and neutral tones of green feel inventive in a neutral living room. Choose pieces that are interesting on their own like a stand alone shelving unit, patterned chair, and modern coffee table.

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Open Up

Credit: David Brittain/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

When decorating an open room plan, choose a color that makes sense with the many ways this area will function. Modern with a hint of cozy, this rich shade of magenta will make dining, working, and entertaining all feel natural.

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Pattern Play

Credit: Lucinda Symons/Country Homes and Interiors/IPC+ Syndication

Wallpaper can change your life. Sounds dramatic? Not as dramatic as hanging a paper in a shocking magenta medallion print.

See more wallpaper ideas.

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Cool Blue

Credit: Tim Young/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

It's not about having a ton of space, it's about making the right decorating decisions. Choose a color—but explore its many sides. Watch how well the different shades of blue (turquoise, cobalt, navy) play together and add instant excitement to a living room.

See more living room design ideas.

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Vintage Revival

Credit: Matthew Williams/Livingetc/IPC+ Syndication

When it comes to great decorating challenges, there are oh-so-many: Making a cramped studio apartment feel more expansive. Sharing a bedroom. Turning a closet into a home office. And the list goes on... Thoughtful touches can elevate an outdated space. Take a modern approach and paint the walls navy blue, hang a chandelier overhead and long drapes on the windows. A built-in bookcase is a treasure and can be used for displaying and storing more than just books.

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Dark and Moody

Credit: Paul Reaside/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication

Risk takers, take note. You can work black on the walls as long as you proceed with caution. Translation: Add the richer color on top so the bottom stays light and airy. Why? Because a dark shade on the bottom can weigh down a space. Incorporate accents that are both modern (Chippendale chairs, geometric linens, white chandelier) and visually interesting.

See more dining room ideas.

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Bright Work

Credit: Dominic Blackmore/Ideal home/IPC+ Syndication

If you're renting a space (or sharing one), color can seem like a major decision. It doesn't always have to be about painting the walls, covering the floors, or buying a bold piece of furniture. Accessories (desktop essentials, window treatments, storage bins) in bright and cheery shades can invigorate a space. Plus, you can make frequent budget-friendly decorative swaps.

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Gray Matters

Credit: Simon Whitmore/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

Paneling can add an unexpected texture to a room. Paint one wall a cool shade of gray, which will enhance the detailing on the walls. Built-in shelving units makes sense in a living area for displaying photos and more.

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Green With Envy

Credit: Adrian Briscoe/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication

When a room—no matter how small—has some architectural detail, then a little color will go a long way. A surprising shot of spearmint green gives this space a more sophisticated twist.

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Cool Combo

Credit: Simon Whitmore/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

Before adding any color to a room, take a good look at the space. This bedroom's tucked in alcove is screaming for color. Plus, the two-tones complement one another and give this space a rare room–within–a–room vibe.

See more modern bedroom ideas.

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Splash of Color

Credit: Oliver Gordon/Style At Home/IPC+ Syndication

If the kitchen is part of the area that you're decorating, then make decisions that are bold enough to distinguish it from the rest of the room. For example, one wall in this kitchen gets a bright coat of blue. The white shelves and cabinets accentuate (don't compete with) the vibrant color.

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Baby Blues

Credit: Oliver Gordon/Style At Home/IPC+ Syndication

With a few key pieces (armchair, side table, floor lamp) and coat of paint, a tiny corner can be made into a reading, working, or quiet conversation spot.

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Palette Perfect

Credit: Tim Young/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication

A diverse palette can actually play an almost monochromatic role in a room. Keep your main pieces (sofa, makeshift coffee table) in creamy neutral tones. A modern shade of gray on the walls will make everything else come alive.

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Bathing Beauty

Credit: Colin Poole/Style At Home/IPC+ Syndication

Other than the linen closet, the bathroom might be the smallest space in the house. Ever think of adding color on the floor? Watch how a shade of blue can invigorate a tiny space.

See more bathroom decorating ideas.

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Deck the Halls

Credit: Carolyn Barber/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication

Make your hallway an interesting space by adding patterned tile to the floor, shade of blue on the wall, and pulling in a piece of furniture with a hint of charm.

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Coral Wonders

Credit: Carolyn Barber/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication

Just because you don’t do much hanging out in the bathroom, doesn’t mean you can’t play with the décor. Try something unexpected with your colors like coral on the floor and gray on the walls.

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