How to enlarge a room with a floor

Is it possible to make a space look bigger without removing a wall? Here are our tips for creating the illusion of a larger room, simply with the floor.

In fact, flooring can have a bigger impact than you think! With the right tones, the right finish and the right product for the room, you'll succeed!

Wood: a material to be favored

Wood is a perfect material for creating a grand effect. Opt for a wood floor with few patterns, so not too many knots or color variations in the planks. Wide slats, installed lengthwise in the room, will make it more spacious. This installation creates a lengthening and even widening effect. Another popular installation, in a herringbone pattern, is not only classic, but also makes rooms appear larger. If you have an open area, it is important to keep the direction of the installation and the laying in the different spaces so as not to break the visual effect.

The diagonal installation is polarizing: you either love it or you hate it. Nevertheless, the fact remains that diagonal lines create the illusion of more space. Indeed, when we enter a room, our eyes are automatically drawn to the widest part of a pattern.

It's all about proportion

Larger floor coverings more easily give the impression of a spacious room. This is because having less of a break between the wood planks or ceramic tiles creates a more open pattern that feels less stuffy. When smaller tiles are used, there are many more lines and grout spaces for the eye to land on. This busy pattern can promote a sense of claustrophobia in an already small room. Tiles measuring between twelve 12 and 24 inches are therefore ideal for making a room larger. Use grout in the same color, or in a shade that is close to the tile, to decrease visual attention to the floor. For wood, consider that larger planks stretch the eye, giving the appearance of more square footage.

Light shades, a clear choice

To give the appearance of a larger space, choose light-colored floors that won't absorb light. White oak slats are a trendy option, as are white or cream ceramic tiles. If you prefer to install a carpet, be aware that its wrap-around effect detracts from the desired effect of grandeur. At the very least, choose a short-pile, light-colored carpet with a very discreet texture.

Your ally: the glossy finish

When choosing your floor, whether it is wood or ceramic, remember that a glossy finish enhances light reflection, which also has the advantage of having an enlarging effect. If you don't like this finish, you can keep the matte or satin finish, but be careful not to have too many patterns in the choice of wood slats or ceramic tiles. Plain materials are best to achieve the desired effect.

Size, color, pattern or finish of the floor covering: all these aspects are to be considered to give the illusion of a larger room! Ask for advice in a Deco Surfaces store.