Bored of using white paint in small spaces? This color psychologist says that black is the unexpected 'calming' color to use instead

When decorating the smallest rooms in a home, it can be tempting to opt for a reserved palette of light neutral paints, in an attempt to offset the room's limited proportions and create an 'airy' feel.

However, we're advocating for a more daring approach in 2025. Switching things up entirely and going for dark paints, specifically black paints, can be one of the most effective uses of color in small rooms.

Not only can black paints help to create a cozy space, but they can actually feel calming, according to Tash Bradley, Lick's Director of Interior Design and Color Psychologist. If you're looking to switch up the paint ideas in any small space this year, read on to learn why Tash recommends going bold.

Why should you decorate with black in small rooms?

'Black doesn’t have to be a daunting, scary color to use when it comes to decorating. It’s actually super versatile, it’s a really calming color,' Tash tells me.

Granted, black probably isn't the first color to come to mind when you think of the most relaxing colors. Easily conjuring images of high-contrast, harsh interior schemes that are far from soothing, black can indeed feel jarring in certain contexts. However, when used thoughtfully, Tash assures me that warm black paints (the undertones are key) can make for a gentle and restful room.

'The way that we see color is light. Black absorbs all of the light rays and so anything that you layer on top of black will become the focal point. So it’s a really powerful color if you have a statement sofa, bed, or artwork – anything that you want to draw attention to,' explains Tash.

'Having black as your backdrop can be one of the best things to do. It makes for a very calming space, allowing the eye to be drawn to those other objects in the room,' the color expert adds.

While black can make for an undeniably powerful color choice in many rooms, small rooms are where this bold hue can really come to life. In these space-restricted rooms, you can easily lean into a moody, cozy feel, while allowing the larger and more social spaces in your home to feel brighter.

'Small spaces in the house tend to be the rooms that you don’t use all the time,' continues Tash. 'So they tend to be a downstairs bathroom, a pantry, a utility room, a guest bedroom, or wardrobes. I always feel these spaces lend themselves to going a bit bolder and a bit darker. The bigger, larger rooms I like to keep lighter, and so the smaller rooms go darker – then you're creating this wonderful movement throughout the house playing with different weights and tones of colors. It creates this very designed look when you're going from room to room.'

How to decorate with black stylishly

'It can look incredible when decorated in the right way,' Tash assures of using black paint. While working with light neutral paint colors can feel less daunting and a lot safer when it comes to avoiding decorating mistakes, the right shade of black paint can do wonders for any small room in your home.

The first decorating tip from Tash is to opt for a black paint color with warm undertones rather than anything too cool or harsh. 'Our Black 02 has that red undertone so it has that warmth to it which looks lovely on all of the walls,' she says.

Color-drenching ideas can come into play here too. This paint trend achieves a cohesive space that avoids harsh contrasts, creating a cocooning look that tends to feel cozier. However, Tash adds that you can always opt for a warm white paint color for the ceiling if you don't want to go too bold:

'Include your woodwork, so paint that in black, and if you are worried about light, go for a soft warm white, so White 05 on the ceiling that will just help reflect more natural light around the room.'

You should consider your paint finishes too, warns Tash. Sheened paints are a good way to go since they help reflect light throughout the space, whereas matte finishes can appear flat: 'If you choose it in an eggshell finish, again that’s got more of a sheen so it will help reflect more natural light,' adds Tash.

While black may not be the first color you reach for when decorating a small room, we'd encourage you to try it out this year. You may just find it's the perfect way to create a cozy and moody space that packs a punch.