42 genius paint ideas for any room – easy ways to add character to your home decor

Paint is a relatively inexpensive way to completely transform a space in your home and the possibilities are quite literally endless. So, no matter your personal style or what you’re looking to achieve, there will be something for you. However, the sheer choice of paint ideas can also make it a bit overwhelming when it comes time to decide, which is why we’ve collated all the best paint ideas in one place for you to refer to.

Whatever room you’re decorating, there are lots of great options. From going bold with fun colour combinations, to sticking to a more neutral palette and design, to taking on some fun DIY projects, we have a feeling you’ll be ready to pick up a paintbrush in no time.

Imaginative paint ideas for walls

Whether you’re tackling every wall in a room to add depth and colour, planning a statement feature wall or looking for imaginative ways to use leftover paint from a previous project, a pop of paint can do wonders for every room in your home.

From the top paint trends this year to the expert’s favourite paint colours, keep reading for the best paint ideas to try next.

1. Make your own frame

Framing art can be expensive, so why not use paint instead? Whether your art is a little bit too small for the space or your frame is looking lacklustre, creating an additional border with paint will elevate the area and put your print at centre stage.

'Occasional moments of bold colour also create the opportunity to draw attention to small details in a room,' enthuses Catharina Björkman, interiors expert at Contura. So if you have a favourite painting or nostalgic photograph you want to be noticeable, paint will help to achieve that. 

This is also a fun way to play with colour. You can pull out a colour from the art for the makeshift frame or even contrast it completely, either is guaranteed to be eye-catching. 

2. Try limewashing

Limewash is one of our favourite paint ideas and believe it or not, you can actually DIY it with this TikTok hack. There are also a number of premade limewash paint options. Either way, it immediately adds a cosy and enveloping look to any room and what is often some much needed texture. 

‘Limewash walls have a chalky texture and soften standard paint colours, giving a warmer and more natural finish,’ suggests BoConcept’s marketing manager, Emma Cottrell. You can even ‘layer coats of paint to create a deeper colour and texture.’ And with reports that limewash paint can help you sleep better, it’s definitely one paint idea to try out at some point.

3. Add a pop of colour inside shelves and cupboards

Whether you’ve got an otherwise more neutral design or are looking to complement a more colourful room, something as simple as painting inside shelves and cupboards can add an interesting feature and focal point to your room.

You could opt for a single shade or get really creative and add some fun designs inside. Just make sure to check what material your cupboard or shelves are made out of, to ensure you pick up the right paint for the DIY project.

4. Take paint all the way up

One way to be playful with paint, but also enhance the appearance of a room is by painting all the way up to the ceiling and architrave. If you're dealing with figuring out how to add light to a dark space such as a hallway, or you want to take on inspiration from boutique-interiors, then this is an easy win. 

Alternatively, if you want to create a cosy feel in small spaces like a downstairs bathroom or a snug, opting for dark paint on the walls and ceilings will make a focal point. 'Dark walls are often associated with making rooms look smaller, but that’s not always the case,' explains Philippa Radon, C2 Paint colour and design specialist. 

'Adding a rich, saturated colour can make a small space feel larger by expanding the height of the walls. To maximize this effect, go for a monochromatic look by painting the base moulding, walls, and ceiling the same colour. This technique adds an air of opulence and draws the eye upward.'

5. Embrace the colour drenching trend

If you're happy to take paint upwards onto the ceiling, have you considered the colour drenching paint trend? Personally, we can't get enough of it and if you fancy trying it out in your own home, it’s one of the easiest paint ideas as essentially you’ll just be painting everything in the room – from the walls and skirting to woodwork and even the ceiling – in the same hue.

‘If you’re feeling really confident, why not use colour drenching in the most fashionable way and combine it with rich, earth tones?’ says Amthal Karim, head of design at Furniture And Choice. ‘Follow the trend to create a cocoon-like sanctuary using floor to ceiling rouge pink. As everything is in a single shade, there are no harsh lines or contrasting colours that interrupt your line of sight – it all flows into one.’

6. Add a border to windows

As well as framing art with paint, look to the structural frames you already have in your room - windows. They lend themselves perfectly to adding a fun border with paint and help to draw attention to the light source. 

'To enhance a connection with the outdoors, paint the window frames the same colour as the walls,' advises interiors expert Catharina. 

'This directs your gaze towards the view as opposed to the window, which is now uninterrupted by the shock of a different colour frame and can be incredibly peaceful for the mind. Connecting with nature is vital for wellbeing, so allowing your home to blur into the view from the inside out is a great way to start.'

7. Transform your kitchen or bathroom by painting tiles

If you’re looking for budget friendly decorating ideas, you can completely transform the look of your existing kitchen or bathroom simply by painting the tiles. ‘Painting existing tiles can breathe life into your kitchen, which is not only cheaper, but also less time consuming than ripping out old tiles and starting from scratch,’ says Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company.

For example, ‘turning tiles from white to green can transform the whole kitchen, and is a trend that is proving popular in a lot of celebrity kitchens,’ Looeeze continues. When it comes to painting kitchen tiles and how to paint bathroom tiles, we’ve got step-by-step guides to make doing both a complete breeze.

8. Match woodwork to wallpaper

‘Painting woodwork the same colour as the wallpaper in a room has an instantly opulent effect,’ according to Ryan McDonough, interior design expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk. ‘The harmony between the two, particularly when the paint is a rich, deep colour evokes a curated and designer feel,’ he explains. 

Even if you only use an opulent wallpaper on one of the walls in the room, this can be an especially great idea if you’re looking to make a smaller room feel cosier with more harmony.

9. Ombre it up

The ombre paint trend is another one of our absolute favourites, with it creating a calming and inviting vibe. And you can even do this yourself, if you’re partial to a bit of DIY. Essentially all you need to focus on is subtly shifting the colours from light to dark – or dark to light – depending on your preference.

It looks particularly impressive as a feature wall in a bedroom or to add a pop of interest to an otherwise muted living room.

10. Make the most of ceiling height

When you think of two-tone walls, you might think of creating a line of difference at the halfway point. However, extending that point upwards to the top of the room is a clever way of making a room feel brighter, and maximising the ceiling height commonly found in period properties. 

'It's important to consider the features you want to be the hero of the room and use bold, rich colours to highlight them,' says colour specialist Philippa.

'Many period homes have a picture rail around the top of the walls a little lower than the ceiling,' adds interiors expert Catharina. 'Often, the wall colour stops at this point, but it doesn’t have to. By painting up over the picture rail, you can actually accentuate the height of the room.'

11. Make a memo board

Some of the best paint ideas involve ample colour, but personalisation is one step up from this. Chalk paint is great for a family kitchen or children's rooms as it creates a spot for getting creative or making note of family memos.  

You can either add a chalkboard design straight onto a wall or onto a board to hang up if you want a less permanent option. Either way, it's a fun way to make a room feel entirely personalised to your family and take the place of a notepad and pen.  

12. Don't forget the door

When planning out the paint ideas for your home, it's easy to focus on the walls and forget about other areas, like doors. Adding a pop of colour to a doorway is a great way of bringing in a feature shade that you can then match with smaller accessories. It's a smaller surface area than a whole wall, so you can easily go all out. 

'A great way to add colour is to do it in small doses or create ‘moments’ of colour throughout your home,' adds Catharina. 'Painting the inside of the utility room, airing cupboard or even a wardrobe with a bright print is a fantastic way to have a little fun with the space and express personality.'

Painting the inside of the door creates a hidden treat that is joyful for those inside the room but doesn't interfere with the rest of your home decor. 

13. Give your radiators an update

While radiators very much serve a function in our homes, they’re not always the most exciting feature in a room. But you can instantly give them a style upgrade with a spot of paint.

‘Of course, you have to use a product that is suitable for radiators but there are plenty of bright colours to choose from if you want to highlight your radiator,’ says interior design expert Ryan.

Or ‘if you prefer to make the radiator blend in rather than stand out, paint it the same colour as the wall.’ Plus, we’ve got a step-by-step guide on how to paint a radiator, which will definitely come in handy.

14. Zone off a WFH space

With many of us still working from home, even if it’s just for a few hours or days a week, creating a dedicated WFH space can help you to disconnect and remove yourself from the work mindset at the end of a long day. And Amthal recommends using black to do this.

‘You don’t even have to paint the whole room, just have one accent wall and paint the shelving and desk in dramatic black to match,’ she suggests. ‘This design idea zones off your office space visually from the rest of your living room,’ or space. Alternatively, you could pick a fun pop of colour to add an interesting touch to an otherwise practical area of your home.

15. Focus on furniture

Paint isn't just reserved for walls - if you want to give your home a quick refresh but don't want to commit to colourful walls, then using up leftover paint on furniture is a handy route to go down. Depending on the size of the piece you want to revamp, you can make use of tester paint pots too making it a quick budget DIY project, and a quick way to upcycle furniture.

'Walls are not the only thing to consider painting in a room. If you want to add a pop of colour but not too much, try painting just the bookcases or a focal piece of furniture, and pair it with more subdued walls,' says Philippa.

Plus, if you're a renter then painting affordable furniture nabbed with home decor discount codes will help your house to feel like a home, without potentially annoying your landlord with changes to the walls. 

16. Give panelling a tricolour freshen up

Separate panelling with the addition of a shelf along its length. This allows you to separate colours just like you would above and below a dado. Choosing colours that are tonally the same but from different colour families works well. Think about how to use the colour wheel – a grey, a brown and a green blend perfectly.

The addition of a painted up-cycled table, in a darker grey, adds to the look. Leave a fun circle of its original colour in the centre.

17. Go for vertical colour blocking

Create a colour-block wall of uplifting blues and greens by dividing the area with an off-centre stripe of white. Choose colours from the same colour spectrum, and look at colours that sit next to each other to create a sense of balance.

Continue the colour blocking living room paint idea through the scheme with graphic rugs, cushions and bold accessories.   

18. Create a painted fireplace focal point

Paint a fire surround a bright, uplifting colour. This idea works brilliantly to add a pop of colour to a room. Use an eggshell paint so that the surfaces are easy to dust and clean.

Co-ordinate the scheme by painting log ends. You could even paint a circular canvas a flat colour too as an alternative to hanging wall art. Add colourful candles and vases to create a fun mantel display.

19. Try ombre stripes on shelving

Follow the trend for faded ombre finishes by choosing three to four shades from the same colour family. Paint the shelf and its background the same colour working from pale to dark as you go from bottom to top.

Display objects of similar colours to the shelf. This will provide a feeling of calm. Try this in dining room alcoves or across a narrow wall for a fun kitchen wall idea.

20. Paint a canopy over a bed

Take a statement headboard to a whole new level. Continue a painted area behind the bed, over and onto the ceiling surface when planning how to paint a ceiling. The painted panel creates a canopy of colour for a cocooning effect.

Use chocolate, coffee and caramel tones for a bedroom scheme that is both warming and restful. Mix velvets, slub linens and textural cottons to add to this welcoming scheme.

21. Frame a vanity area with a painted arch

Paint a panel in an accent shade to give the impression of wall architecture where there is none. This also makes a look-at-me feature in a room where there isn't a natural focal point.

Use a painted arch to emphasise a feature, like this oversized circular mirror over a dressing table for a bedroom paint idea. It elevates the room and gives it a boutique hotel feel.

22. Highlight architectural details with colour blocking

Paint colourful blocks so that they break into a fireplace, or continue over a section of coving, or door architrave. This is a clever paint idea that gives a real designer look to a room.

Choose between three or four shades of paint in striking contrasting colours for a bold statement. Or go for subtler pastel shades for a more soothing scheme. Make sure you cut in paint using masking tape and a set of good brushes. 

Try using large circular shapes, or arch shapes as an alternative to rectangles and squares. Remember to choose furniture and accessories that have bold and sculptural forms. They'll sit more comfortably with this eye-catching technique.

23. Enlarge the scale of a framed print above a fireplace

Love the print but feel it’s drowned out by the size of the wall you want to hang it on? Painting a square or rectangle behind it will give it the impact it needs. Whether it's for an idea above a fireplace, sofa, or behind a bed, enlarge the space that the print will sit on. Use masking tape to edge the shape, then paint carefully within the tape.

If the framed print is rectangular in shape then paint a matching larger scale rectangle. Pick out a colour found in the artwork for your painted panel to complement the artwork. Alternatively, choose a contrasting colour to make the print really pop.

24. Paint bold squares in a hallway

For a modern wall display or gallery wall idea, create the illusion of an in-built cubby by painting vibrant squares on a white background. Then hang picture ledges the same length and arrange your favourite accessories.

Try bold shades of blue and orange for an urban vibe. Perfect for narrow spaces, like hallway ideas, try adding a couple of cup hooks under the picture ledge for hanging keys etc.

25. Enhance a bed with a painted canvas headboard

Make a statement above the bed with your very own art. Choose four shades of the same colour and start by painting the base with the palest tone. Then drip saucer shape amounts of the other shades onto the canvas at random. Using a wooden paint-mixing stick (on its side) drag the paint down the canvas at an angle, overlapping the different shades as you go.

This bespoke paint idea is super easy and can work with any colour as long as you stick with shades of one rather than trying to mix contrasting colours. 

26. Paint walls using a scallop stencil

For the most up-to-date living room paint idea, look no further than simply painting a scalloped shape motif along the length of a wall. Ever wondered how to paint a scalloped wall – well it's super easy!

Start by painting the top section of the wall, extending down slightly further than the line you want your scallops to fall at. Then paint up towards the scallop stencil in your base colour, carefully painting up into your stencil shape as you go.

Change the scale of the stencil to alter the effect. A smaller scallop will create a pretty country feel, whilst an oversized stencil will give a bolder, more contemporary look. 

27. Add drama to panelling with bold stripes

No need to splash out on expensive wallpaper when a couple of paint tester pots will give you the same look for half the price. Creating fun bold stripes is a super quick wall panelling idea. First, paint the inside of the panelling white and then mask off areas to paint in the rose-pink stripes on top.

Keep the furniture simple with a wooden trestle table and black woven chairs, so that the stripes are the star of the show. You could try other wallpaper designs that can be duplicated by using paint - like terrazzo, polka dots or checks.

28. Create a two-tone artwork

First, paint a two-tone wall and then using the leftover paint from the walls make a reverse-out masterpiece. All you need to do is paint two thirds one colour and one third the other (in the reverse to the colours you have on the wall). Hang so that the dividing lines line up!

Alternatively, use contrasting colours to your wall colour. Pick two shades of terracotta, for example, to make an even bolder art statement.

29. Balance the room using two-tone walls

Splitting a room in half using colour will make it feel cosier without dominating and keeping the top half white will give the appearance of height. Painting the bottom half a soft shade will act as fun DIY headboard idea and save on budget too.

Take the two-tone effect all around the room including any architectural features such as architrave and even doors. Here the colour changes along the bottom line of a row of cabinets, it's the perfect trick to make storage blend.

We recommend FrogTape to help achieve the perfect clean line when painting with two different colours.

30. Add a subtle slice of colour to divide open-plan living

Open-plan living is hugely popular thanks to benefit of making smaller rooms feel bigger and creating a more inclusive space. While it makes sense to paint the original spaces in the same colour, to provide a sense of continuity, it does present the problem of not having defined zones for different activities.

A great way of subtly zoning distinct living areas within the same open-plan living room idea is by adding accent colours on architectural points of interest – such as archways.

Given it's only a limited slice of paint coverage you can afford to change the colour seasonally, or when you switch up accent accessories within the room without huge expense.

31. Zone areas with an accent colour

How's this for an imaginative way to add colour and character to a room? In this living space, the dining area is highlighted by the use of an accent colour painted as a backdrop on one section of the wall – which is then continued onto the ceiling above.

This thoughtful use of colour creates a dedicated zone. In this instance it's for dining, but it could also work well behind a sofa or TV unit to signify a zone for relaxing or entertaining.

32. Get creative with shapes

To add an instant sense of fun to a painted wall try using alternative shapes. This fine example uses a semi-circle of soft pink to create the perfect backdrop for a bed in a bedroom. Using paint in this way in a bedroom provides a brilliant budget idea in place of a headboard idea.

33. Paint the ceiling for ambience

This is a winning bedroom paint idea, particularly effective if you choose a dark colour to emulate the night sky, encouraging a sense of being enveloped by the darkness to aid a good night's sleep.

In modern new build properties simply paint the ceiling as you would a flat wall, taping off the adjoining fours walls to ensure a crisp line of separation. If you live in a period property with high ceilings you can afford to take the colour down to the picture rail, if you so wish.

34. Stencil a rug onto the floor

If you can't find the perfect rug to suit your space why not try painting one instead? If you have wooden floorboards the decorating world is your oyster. Use specialist floor paint to fashion a rug design when planning how to paint floorboards. It adds a unique decorative touch for any room with wooden floors.

Here we see a geometric chevron design skilfully painted in an array of bright blues and corals with a pale grey border. Painting a rug is ideal in rooms with high traffic, such as kitchens and hallways because there's no danger of slipping – unlike on the real thing.

To adopt this imaginative idea we suggest planning your design first, measuring the space and marking it out with tape ready to paint. Paint as many coats as necessary, be mindful not to make it too heavy as this is more likely to get scratched. Ensure you allow the colour to dry thoroughly before you place furniture back – lifting, not dragging to avoid scratching the surface.

35. Paint on a chalkboard

Add an element of fun to a family room with a chalkboard wall. Paint a noticeboard with the specialist paint to create a family planner, for calendar events and weekly reminders. This idea is ideal for a kitchen or a child's playroom to allow a little creative freedom.

36. Add texture with paint effects

To make maximum impact with your paint choice try using creative paint effects, which can add depth to any colour combination. By carefully mixing two colours, in this case neutrals, from the same colour palette you can create a textured effect for your walls. This skilful painting method is ideal for making a statement without having to use patterned wallpapers.

37. Fake architectural details

Don't let architecture stand in the way of your design dreams – what is it they say, fake it until you make it! Create the illusion of alcove or archway with a clever application of paint. Simply measure out your design and type with a masking tape, then carefully apply your accent colour to create interest.

'Create a cocooning effect for intimate dinner parties, with a rich-coloured feature wall, like this arch painted in Dulux Simply Refresh Ink Well' says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux.

38. Pick out a picture rail

Create the illusion of ceiling height by painting above a picture rail. This simple, yet clever splash of colour helps to draw the eye up, stretching the walls up. It works best with bare walls, rather than decorated with wallpapers and pictures. Choose a bright colour to make even more of a statement.

39. Frame architraving with colour

Draw attention to decorative woodwork such as doorframes and cornicing by picking it out in an unexpected colour (not white!) and carrying the colour further up the wall to give the illusion of depth. Pick a striking, contrasting shade to add pops of colour around the room by painting a chair or a lamp base in the same paint.

This idea helps to break up a solid expanse of painted wall, while adding an uplifting accent colour in the room scheme. You could also consider colour as an option when looking at how to paint skirting boards.

40. Position a half point with paint

If the dream is to own a home with period features, but you live in a modern space you have to think outside the box when it comes to decorating. For instance, if you don't have picture rails, dado rails or cornicing adding interest to walls consider other ways to add these decorative details.

We say fake it with simple paint ideas! You can create the illusion of a dado rail by simply using two contrasting paint colours. The effect creates a more characterful finish to an otherwise plain wall.

41. Make a statement with a painted panel

Create a zone of colour around a room's main focus, around a desk area, a bed or a sofa. Using squares or rectangles mask off the area for painting and choose your shade. Indulge yourself with a colour you love but may be feel is too bold to use on all four walls, this is a great opportunity to give some braver, bolder shades a go.

42. Paint a continuous line for definition

Use an accent wall colour to break up a decorating scheme. This idea is most effective in a room where you have a clear defined eye-line from top to bottom, such as in a kitchen where the cabinets determine a base level.

Using the bold of two colours on the bottom half will help to create the illusion of one continuous line around the room, even when the wall is free of storage. Choose a matching wall colour to that of the kitchen or utility room cabinets to help balance the space.

This method is an ideal small kitchen idea to give the room a sense of greater height, resulting in the compact space feeling bigger than it is.

FAQs

What changes can I make with paint?

'Painting a room in contrasting colours is a great way to create a dynamic space with plenty of personality' says Judy Smith, Crown colour consultant. 'Whether drawing a geometric shape on a bare wall or highlighting features such as radiators, skirting boards and window frames with colour. Using contrasting shades will add a playful and quirky feel.'

'Versatile and impactful, the effect can be achieved by mixing bold and neutral shades, creating a variety of moods that will suit different styles of interiors.'

'Contrasting colours can be introduced in a number of ways. Use natural breaks such as corners, alcoves, shelving, dado or picture rails to start and stop the different colour choices,' advises Judy. 'Alternatively, a simple and effective way to use different shades is to paint up to a certain level in one colour, mask with tape and then paint above in a different shade.'

Whether looking to add architectural detail for a thoughtful dining room paint idea or creating a striking contrast with a dark ceiling as part of a bedroom paint idea, there's an imaginative solution for every room.

And, of course, paint isn't just limited to the walls, use the best paint for furniture to add a splash of colour to an old dining table and chairs, sideboard or chest of drawers.

Is it cheaper to paint or wallpaper a room?

Both wallpaper and paint can range in price from low to high but generally wallpaper is more expensive to purchase. Wallpaper often needs an expert to install it, whereas paint is on average a cheaper option and doesn't need an expert to apply it.

Should I use a brush or a roller to paint walls?

A roller is much quicker to cover large areas but will give a slightly stippled effect due to its foam or wool finish, whereas a paint brush will give a smoother finish. You may find that rollers can cause a small mist of paint to spray around the room, so more care needs to be taken with covering furniture and flooring, than with a brush where you can control the paint a little more.

Always use brushes to cut in the edges before filling in the main area with a roller as rollers cannot get into corners easily. It's quicker to wash and clean brushes than rollers, due to the fact they do not absorb as much paint.