the big question: what colour fence paint makes your garden look bigger?

Colour psychology has proven that different shades and hues can impact our perception, emotions and behaviours, and this goes as far as creating the illusion of wider outdoor spaces – perfect for gardens on the smaller side. Following this train of thought, you might be wondering how exactly you can revamp your space, which begets the question: what colour fence paint makes a garden look bigger? Let us explain…

fence colours 101: the essentials

Garden colour schemes can have a big impact on how your home exterior is perceived. Some colours will work to shrink the appearance of your garden, while others will open it up to create an airy, outdoor nirvana.

Assuming it’s the latter you want, there are a number of colour combinations that will work with what you already have going on like a charm. And as your fence will function as both frame to your house exterior and backdrop to your private garden space, you’ll want to ensure everything matches up perfectly.

working out whether your fence needs a refresh

If you’re on the fence about reinvigorating your garden boundaries, we have some preliminary checkboxes for you to tick off.

• Is the paint peeling, chipped or patchy?
• Does your fence look tired or drab?
• Is mould or rot a problem?
• Are you seeing a clash between your house exterior colour and fence paint?
• Does the colour make your garden look small?

If you’ve answered in the affirmative to one or more of these pointers maybe it’s time to get out the old paint  can and brush. They say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, but if the state of your garden is getting you down what’s the point in that?

how to get your fence paint right

Picture the scene: you’ve painted your garden fence and left it to dry and upon your return, it’s not quite the shade you imagined. Now, that’s an expensive mistake – for your budget and the environment.

To get things right you’ll need to do your homework and that’s where we come in. Make sure you read up on the type of fence paint you select as they will have different lifespans, finishes and overall qualities – not to mention colour ranges!

choosing a product

We recommend Cuprinol Ducksback and Garden Shades as it leaves fence posts and panels with a deliciously even finish and rich colour. And after you’ve completed the job, you can bask in the satisfaction that this eco-friendly paint will last for 6 years without damaging the environment. (Ps. you can make this last even longer with a Gori preservative!)

Pro tip: when you paint your fence make sure to go section by section in durations of 2-4 hours. This is because Cuprinol fence paints are wax-enriched, making them moisture repellent once dried. This means you can’t apply new coats after it has fully dried.

our recommended colours to make your garden look bigger & more beautiful

Cool blues

Pale tones such as duck egg, pale steel, sky and powder blue were born for this. Deeply soothing and relatively reflective, these lighter colours provide a more spacious feeling that will cast an illusion of space in your backyard or garden. With gorgeously cool undertones, pale blue fences complement neutral surroundings beautifully.

Creamy neutrals

Neutral tones are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a fence colour to make your garden look bigger and especially if you’re low on natural light.

By opting for a classic neutral tone, you can give your plants and flora the space to shine as the fence creates a natural backdrop to let their colours pop. With a whole spectrum of beiges, taupes, whites and creams at your disposal, there is so much to play with!

Pastel palettes

Pastels might not be your first choice, but here us out. Light natural pinks are not only the perfect fence colour to make your garden look bigger, but they add a lovely hint of warmth into the mix. Let these softer colours blend the boundaries of your garden and relish in an outdoor space that suddenly feels a whole lot bigger.

Forest greens

Cuprinol Forest Green is just the paint to give your garden that woodland edge. Mossy shades and natural undertones can create a neutral backdrop that will create a harmonious space that doesn’t feel too hemmed in. After all, not everything in your garden has to make a statement. Sometimes calm contentment is the better option.

Soft greys

Sleek and uplifting, grey fence paints are undeniably on trend. Whether you opt for a charcoal or something more “greige”, these colours are beautifully versatile and can endure the elements for longer stints than your traditional white fence.

Classic white

Bright white fences conjure the imagery of cottage life and seaside abodes, but how well does this fence colour work to make a garden look bigger? Generally speaking, it depends on your garden aesthetic. A white picket fence can look wonderfully elegant and create an airy feel as it lifts light into the space.

But equally, a shocking white can become a headache when it is too bright and the contrast with the scenery too great. As we would say with a dark hallway or dingy room, avoid stark whites where you can. They’re usually more hassle than they’re worth.

Two-toned

A two-toned colour scheme is a natural choice when painting a fence with concrete posts. A fence doesn’t simply have to be functional when it can be an eye-catching feature too. Match the fence to the light trim, window frames or doors of your home and watch everything come together.

Paint the fence posts and panels complementary shades for a stylistic touch that will allow you to add depth and texture to your garden effortlessly. White and grey or white and tan are timeless choices, but white and tan is a trendy option that will make you stand out from the crowd.

find your colour confidence

From calming baby blues to inviting neutrals, all it takes is a simple colour swap to beautify your garden and open up the space so it looks downright stunning. We hope these creative ideas on what colour fence paint makes a garden look bigger will help you find your colour confidence.

If you enjoyed these colour suggestions, why not dip your toes into more painting inspiration on our blog?