When choosing paint shades for a small space, look for colors with an LRV of 50 or higher.
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The light reflectance value measures the amount of light reflected by a paint color on a scale of zero to 100. This value is important when considering how a paint color will influence the mood, atmosphere and the perceived size of a room.
Paint colors with a higher LRV reflect more light, which can make a room feel brighter and more open. And when a room feels brighter and more open, it automatically feels bigger.
When choosing paint colors for a small space, look for colors with an LRV of 50 or higher. White is a classic choice for small spaces because it has a high LRV, but not all white paints are created equal. Two shades that appear almost identical may have different LRVs.
You also don’t need to stick to white to achieve a light and airy feel. Light pastels, soft neutrals, and even some medium colors can have high LRVs.
Just be sure to check the LRV of a color before purchasing to ensure it will reflect enough light to make your space appear larger.
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