Do dark floors make a room look smaller

It is given that your sense of perception will always be in play whenever you set your eyes on something. Indubitably, appearances elicit a reaction in you, a typical trait in people’s nature.

Let’s tone it down to one of the most apparent setups around you. For a room or space, the blend between the wall color, flooring, and furniture will impact how you perceive the room.

In the same vein, do you think the floors’ color influences how you regard the room size? More explicitly, do dark floors make a room look smaller? Such discussions would be of the essence, especially when deciding the ideal color for your floors.

To broaden your horizons on the matters of floor color, tag along!

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Do dark floors make a room look smaller?

Darker flooring will make a room look cramped and small. This tends to be the case since floors with dark colors absorb light making a space appear smaller in contrast to those with lighter colors that tend to reflect light.

Being a significant part of a room, the floor contributes significantly to the room’s appearance. Dark floors can make a space appear smaller and compact. The light factor best explains how this perception is created. A room with more light (with lighter shades of floor color) is much brighter since there is more reflection. This tends to expand the room and augment its appearance, making it look bigger.

On the flip side, a room with darker shades of wall color complemented with dark flooring will appear much smaller. This should not make you give dark floors a wide berth. It would be of significant help if you first understood the size of your room.

If you are dealing with a petite room, opt for floors with a lighter shade to expand the room’s appearance. You don’t want the already small space to appear more cramped. It is recommendable to match an already dark flooring with light-colored furniture and a lighter shade of wall color.

Basically, the most excellent way of amplifying the look of a room is to incorporate contrasting colors. Design the walls of a room with a color that differs from the floors. For instance, a room with white walls and a dark floor will look better and larger without appearing smaller.

Decorating a room with Dark Floors

Dark floors tend to garner likes and dislikes almost in equal measure. Other than making a room appear small, dark flooring will at times elicit a drab and bland feel for some people. This may false them to opt for wall-to-wall carpeting in an effort to counter the gloomy feeling and enhance the general look of the room.

It should, however, not take you such intense efforts to brighten your room. Investing in embellishing a room with dark floors is a simpler alternative that will assuredly boost the room’s appearance.

The bigger question is, how then should you go around decorating a room with dark floors? The secret lies behind employing lighter elements when designing to conflict with the pronounced dark color of the floor and create a balanced look. That said, further below are well-founded tips you can adopt, which include;

Use light-colored furniture

If you want to create a riveting look for a room with dark floors, buying light-colored furniture is undoubtedly one excellent way of decorating the room. Furniture sits right on top of the floor, and it is recommendable to opt for furniture that highly contrasts the black or dark color of the floor. Such furniture will blend with your dark floors and contribute to amplifying the effect.

Use light-colored area rugs.

This tip is another way of decorating a room with dark floors and making it feel brighter. Light-colored area rugs will help in creating a distinct contrast for the space. Additionally, area rugs help maintain the dark floor by protecting it from filth and dust, enabling it to keep its shine.

Reduce Furniture Size

If you own a few pieces of furniture, your room will be bigger due to the extra space. Ensure that your sofa or coffee table is to a standard size. Do not oversize them to occupy more room space. Besides, reduce the accessories and clutter in your room as another means to enhance your floor area.

Incorporate wall hangings

Wall hangings like artwork, photos, and other decorations have a way of making a room with dark floors feel more inviting and cozy. Leaving the walls bare will contribute to making the room feel gloomy. It would be a rewarding move to opt for wall hangings that add brilliance and glamor to the space, making it feel brighter. Among the things, you can hang include colorful paintings and your favorite family photos.

Introduce more light

The fact that dark flooring absorbs light suggests that you should look for ways to let in more light. You can do this by using sheers or drapes with a lighter shade (e.g., ivory or cream) to create a captivating look. Also, since the aim is to let in more natural light, you can use window coverings that easily allow more light entry than heavy treatments and coverings.

You can complement natural light with artificial light. Artificial light sources like fixtures or lamps tend to gel well since light is directed toward the ceiling. This, in return, makes the ceiling appear higher, thus opening up the space more.

Use warm colors

Designing a room with cheerful colors is yet another way of embellishing a room with dark floors. You can add such colors by using colorful décor and brilliant home accessories like throw pillows. You can also choose rich colors for the walls to open up the space and add warmth. This will help create a lively and welcoming feel to your room.

Utilize Monochromatic color schemes

In this strategy, you should use fewer colors in your room. A few colors minimize distractions and, in turn, make your room appear bigger. Besides, this approach will help your room look modern or up to date.

Below are 6 effective ways to make your room look bigger

Types of Dark floors

If you have already concluded that dark floors will work for you, your next big task is deciding the specific floor to install. The right choice of dark flooring will irrefutably leave you highly contented. However, the choice has to be made amongst the several options of dark floors available.

What then are the various types of dark floors?

Dark wood floors

This type of floor is the most common yet stylish among the array of dark floors. They are primarily hardwoods that are highly sought after due to their remarkable durability. You can either choose between naturally occurring dark hardwoods like maple or opt for a light wood featuring a dark finish.

Some species of hardwoods such as cherry, oak, and teal tend to have a deep dark stain. Various tones fall under the dark category. Further below is a concise breakdown of some dark hardwood species.

Mahogany – has a chocolate-like shade and delivers a classy look.
Strand Woven Bamboo – has a deep dark coffee color.
Oak – this wood material is naturally dark
Java strand bamboo
Cherry and Brazilian cherry – both species have a rich red hue that darkens with age.

Dark Tile Floors

Tiles are yet another go-to flooring alternative for many homeowners. This type of flooring is versatile since it comes in many different colors and patterns. Dark tiles are available in different styles, including oversized, hexagonal, and scallop, some of the most popular.

Dark Polished Concrete floors

When tackled appropriately, polished concrete floors are strikingly gorgeous. There are various shades ranging from the brown, navy, black, to dark grey, among other tones. These floors tend to be ideal for any space, be it minimalist or industrial. They also stay in shape for a long time and make a statement.

Dark vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is also available in numerous formats and colors. You can opt for black vinyl flooring that will really draw attention. This type of flooring is a perfect way to introduce a fresh, sleek, and alluring feel to a space.

Marble floors

The tones of marble floors mainly vary between black, gray, and brown. Apart from having a laudable traffic capacity, dark marble floors will appear attractive, complemented by the smooth surface.

Ceramic floors

Ceramic floors have been able to stand the test of time as they continue to be widely used by people. You can acquire this type of flooring in a dark shade that will give your room a dramatic look. On the upside, ceramic floors are strong, water and fireproof, and appropriate for any weather.

Can you lighten dark wood floors?

Yes. When the dark tone of your wood floors becomes monotonous, or you wish to spruce up your dark wood floors, it is very much possible to switch hardwood floors’ color from dark to light. What’s even better is that you can further change the shade dark again based on your preferences.

The journey to changing the dark tone of your wood floors to a lighter shade begins with sanding. Sanding aims to remove the top layer of finish off your dark-colored floor.

This will be followed by applying a stain (responsible for coloration). Staining with a new stain helps achieve lightening. The whole routine is sealed off by using a protective polyurethane layer.

It is essential to note that the brightening project depends on the raw wood and flooring condition. This means you should only proceed with sanding if the solid hardwood is intact. Indicators like thinning, detached or old wood floors should suggest that you should abort your sanding mission.

Also, when you need to go lighter than the natural tone of the wood, you can bleach using wood bleach, chlorine bleach, or apply a whitewash stain. When moderate color adjustment is needed, you can use mineral spirits and steel wool to lighten the wood stain to a small extent.

To view the wood bare, you can apply a finish stripper (chemical stripper) on the varnish of the wood surface. If all this sounds like a complete hassle, you should consider hiring a flooring professional

What types of flooring make a room look bigger?

You have probably tried to incorporate tricks like colorful paintings, light-colored furniture, and accessories to open up the space of that small room in your home. Do these tricks seem not to do the job? Transforming the flooring in that room is the last call and most dependable trick.

If you wish to create an illusion of a bigger space out of a snug room, consider changing the flooring. The flooring done right will not only introduce a fresh look but also make a room look bigger. What types of flooring then make a room look bigger?

Uniform flooring for all rooms

It has been proven that using consistent flooring for most rooms in your home favors smaller spaces by making them appear larger. Designing adjacent areas with similar flooring create a flowing effect and a harmonious appeal.

On the other hand, introducing different flooring materials creates the impression of a floor space that is broken into smaller chunks. The bathroom and sometimes the kitchen will not necessarily need to have a similar flooring to the rest of the rooms. This is because they are spaces with high humidity and hence wetness.

Flooring with wider planks over strips

Rather than settling for strips, choosing wider planks at least 3″ in size is preferable. Such planks will leave fewer seams on the floor since you will need minimal boards. This delivers a greater sense of space and makes the room more open. Simple, right?

Dark and light flooring

Without a doubt, flooring with a lighter tone will obviously enhance the perceived size of any room. Light flooring gels well with your furniture and even draws in sunlight to confer an open and airy feel. Designing the room with light, capturing, and neutral flooring colors will make it look bigger.

Contrary to the common perception that dark flooring will make a space look smaller, one can use dark flooring to make a room appear bigger. All you need to do is blend the dark flooring with an ideal shade for the wall, lighter colors for furniture, and other room components. This will open up a space and offer an inviting and cozy feel.

Parallel or diagonally laid flooring

Interestingly, the pattern employed when installing floors influences one’s perception. Consider installing the boards or tiles diagonally if you are dealing with natural stone, laminate, hardwood, or tiles. The logic behind this is that the widest part of the tile faces you as you enter, so you will get the impression that the space is bigger.

Also, installing boards in a parallel pattern running to the longest wall creates the impression of a spacious room. Another worthwhile trick is if you decide to go the carpet flooring way, choose one with vertical stripes rather than that with complex and busy floral designs. This will help expand the space.

Set up large tiles

The concept with wider planks also applies to larger tiles. You should opt for tiles that measure at least 12″ squares to expand the space. If you choose vinyl tiles, opt for 16, 18, or 24″ sizes. To amplify the room’s appearance, use less grout and rectified edges. You can also procure carpet floor tiles or luxury vinyl tiles that come in varying sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What color floor is best for small rooms?

Ideally, lighter color shades of flooring will work best for small rooms. Colors like earth, blue or teal tones will create an open, inviting, and elevating feeling. Hardwood that is light brown, blonde, or whitewashed tends to suit small rooms.

It is also evident that dark-colored floors can be ideal for small rooms, provided that you contrast them with cooler and lighter tones in your furniture and walls.

What color floors never go out of style?

Wood floors, especially dark brown hardwood floors, never seem to go out of style. They have been fashionable and in use for the longest time. Such flooring creates a stylish yet classic, elegant yet cool vibe. This is because this flooring accentuates a beautiful view when contrasted with bright furniture, white cabinets, and light-colored walls.

Are dark hardwood floors out of style?

In as much as the natural beauty of dark hardwood floors has made them quite fashionable for the longest time, the trend now seems to be shifting to lighter shades in the spectrum. Lighter woods like natural oak seem to be gaining traction among homeowners. However, if you already have dark hardwood installed, worry not because it adds to the value of your home.

Do dark floors make a small room look smaller?

No. The dark floors do not necessarily make a room smaller. However, when you overload your room space with dark colors will enhance the absorption of light and make the space and will make them even feel smaller.

Is black flooring a good idea?

Yes. Black flooring can form a perfect base for your décor. The floor type is timeless, sophisticated, and smart. Black forms your perfect underfoot, whether you prefer glossy or solid.

Benefits of Light vs Dark Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are a popular choice for many homeowners, and there are various options to choose from. One crucial decision is whether to go with light or dark hardwood flooring. Both have unique benefits that to consider before making a final decision.

Light hardwood floors tend to make a space feel larger and more open. They are also a good choice for rooms that do not get a lot of natural light, as they can help brighten up the space. Dark hardwood floors have a rich, luxurious look that can add depth and character to a room. They are also good at hiding dirt and scratches and may require less maintenance.

In addition, the decision should be based on the overall style of your home and what would best complement it. If you are unsure which direction to go, consult a professional flooring contractor who can offer guidance based on your specific needs and preferences.

Are dark wood floors timeless?

Dark wood floors are an excellent choice for those who want a classic look that will last for many years. They are also relatively easy to care for, which is another big plus. Always vacuum and mop regularly to keep them looking their best.

One of the main reasons why dark wood floors are so popular is because they can help to give a room a feeling of sophistication and elegance. They are also great for hiding dirt and footprints, which can be a significant advantage in high-traffic areas. However, one downside of dark wood floors is that they can tend to show scratches and scuffs more quickly than lighter-colored options.

Final Verdict

The flooring in your space inarguably speaks volumes about your home and a bit about your personality too. For this reason, many people tend to hesitate to choose dark floors because of the notion that they deliver a gloomy and drab vibe and even make a room appear smaller.

While that is true, you can also employ dark floors to expand the appearance of a small room. The trick is to use lighter colors for other materials like furniture, décor, and cabinets to offset the dark background. This way, the contrast creates a grandly beautiful and riveting appearance of the room.

Here are some tips for adding brilliance to a room with dark floors. You can add accessories like frames or mirrors that will increase the room’s dimension. Cheerful colors for blankets or throw pillows will also lighten the room. I hope this article will be of substantial help to you.