Almost every home has “that room,” the one you wish was just a little bit bigger, longer, wider, etc. But if you’re not ready to knock down walls and do a complete renovation, the good news is that flooring can be one of your best allies for making a room feel more ample than it is. In fact, the right flooring, in the right color, can go a long way in changing the space’s overall aesthetic and spatial perception.
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Using Hardwood Flooring to Make a Room Feel Larger
Everyone knows that hardwood floors instantly add warmth and richness to a room. Not everyone knows, however, that the direction of the floorboards can create a visual shift in the dimensions, making rooms appear wider or longer. Diagonal or chevron plank patterns tend to make small spaces appear larger and more dynamic. The lines draw the eye across the room. Laying flooring in a herringbone pattern can also make spaces seem more expansive, and the ceiling feel higher due to the elongated V shape.
On the other hand, straight planks in the standard floorboard direction will elongate the room, expanding its appearance from front to back. Experimenting with plank direction is an easy and impactful design tweak.
Light vs. Dark Flooring and the Perception of Space
The lighter or darker a floor is, the more it impacts the feeling of space. Dark floors tend to feel more intimate, cozy, and enclosed due to the anchoring effect of the deep tone. This effect can make a room feel smaller, which is why lighter floors are often recommended for smaller spaces.
Creative Use of Tile to Visually Expand a Room
Beyond wood floors, the creative use of tile sizes and patterns can also influence spatial perceptions. The creative possibilities are endless. Generally, smaller tile sizes make rooms appear larger by creating more grid-like lines for the eye to follow across the room. On the other hand, larger tiles or slabs will anchor a room and make ceilings feel lower but can enhance that sleek and dramatic look. Combining large and small tiles in creative patterns interspersed with inlays of wood or other materials brings even more visual interest.
Using Carpet to Create the Illusion of Space
A solid-colored broadloom carpet can unify the floor plane, opening up ceilings.
Consider using a solid-colored broadloom carpet with wall-to-wall coverage to give a room the illusion of being larger. Or opt for linear patterns to make rooms appear wider or longer.
Expanding a Room With Creative Rug Placement
In addition to permanent flooring choices, rugs lend flexibility to quickly shift a room’s dimensions and feel. Linear-patterned area rugs can make rooms appear wider or longer. Thin stripes expand rooms sideways and make them feel more playful; wider striped rugs elongate spaces. Chevron patterns also pull the eye, making spaces feel more expansive. Contrast stripes with the walls through lighter and darker tones.
Using Flooring to Transform Small Spaces
Awareness of how flooring choices influence spatial perception can help you achieve the desired look and feel of any room in your house. Whether you’re considering hardwood for its classic appeal, tile for its versatility, or carpet for its comfort, remember that making an informed decision based on your space’s specific needs is key.
If you’re ready to visually expand the look of your small spaces, remember that CFS Design Center is here to help! We offer a wide range of materials and expert guidance to help you find the perfect flooring solution for your home. Contact us today to explore all the possibilities.