Do you ever feel like your home is cramped and cluttered, no matter how much storage you have? Making a small space seem larger can be a tricky task – but it might be as simple as changing the colour of your floor! Read on to learn how the right colour floor can make a room look bigger.
Advantages of Light Colours
When it comes to making a small room look bigger, the colour of the floor can have a big impact. You might be surprised to learn just how much of a difference opting for a light colour can make. Here are some advantages of choosing a light-coloured floor:
- Makes a room brighter: Light colours reflect more light, making even the smallest of spaces feel brighter and more spacious. This effect is especially noticeable in rooms with little natural light. If you’re trying to brighten up a dark room or a basement, a light-coloured floor could work wonders.
- Makes it easier to decorate: Choosing a light floor colour gives you more flexibility when it comes to other decor choices. You won’t be constrained by the need to match darker flooring, so you can choose furniture and accessories that fit the look you’re going for.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your flooring choice. Consider light wood or laminate flooring to add texture and warmth to a room without feeling weighed down by a darker hue. Light-coloured carpeting or tile can also help make a small space feel larger. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize your flooring choice to fit your personal style and needs. So, when you’re designing a room, remember that sometimes less is more, and a light floor could be just the trick you need to create an open and inviting space.
Drawbacks of Dark Colours
Dark colours can be beautiful, but when it comes to flooring, they often work against you if you’re trying to create the illusion of a larger room. The number one drawback of dark floors is that they absorb light, making your space seem smaller and more cramped. This is especially true if you have a room with no windows or little natural light. The darker your floor, the more your room will feel like a cave, even if you have a lot of other bright elements in the space.
Another drawback of dark coloured floors is that they can make a room feel heavy and oppressive. In fact, this is one of the main reasons that many designers recommend against using dark floors in small spaces, as they can weigh down the room and make it feel gloomy. This is especially true if you’re trying to create an airy, light atmosphere. Instead of feeling like a breezy beach house, your dark-floored space might feel more like a moody basement or cellar. In turn, this will make you want to add more light and brighter colours, which will only create more visual clutter and further negate the effect you’re trying to achieve.
Neutral Colours for a Bigger Look
When it comes to making a room look bigger, colour is key. But which hues will work to create a spacious feel without sacrificing style? The answer lies in neutral shades such as beige, taupe, and gray. These colours have a soothing effect and reflect light, making a room feel brighter and more open.
In fact, I recently revamped my cramped living room with a coat of light beige paint on the walls and a matching rug. The result was astonishing! The space felt much airier and welcoming. If you’re worried about neutral colours being too bland or boring, don’t fret. You can easily inject pops of colour with decorative pillows or art pieces. With a neutral colour palette, you have the flexibility to add or remove elements without worrying that they will clash with bold colours on the walls or floor. So, opt for a neutral foundation and let your creativity soar.
Optimising Natural Light
When it comes to making a room appear bigger, natural light is your best friend. Not only does it provide an illusion of openness, it also enhances colours and textures. However, no matter how much natural light you have streaming in, if your walls and floors are dark and heavy, your room will still look small.
So, how can you optimise natural light to make your room appear more spacious? Start by painting your walls in light, neutral shades, such as off-white, beige, or light grey. These hues reflect light, brightening up the room and adding to the illusion of space. Remember to consider the undertones of your chosen shade, as warm undertones like creamy beige can help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. If you have a north-facing room that receives little natural light, try cooler tones like light blues or greens to create the illusion of brighter light. For even more brightness, consider painting your ceiling in a shade of white; it will add height to the room as well.
Another way to optimise natural light is to lighten up your flooring. Light-coloured flooring not only reflects light, but it also creates a clean and airy feel. Consider options like light wood, bamboo, or light-colored carpeting. If you already have dark flooring, don’t worry; you can always add a light-colored rug to brighten up the space. Choose rugs in natural fibers like cotton, jute, or wool to add texture to the room. Lastly, avoid heavy drapery that blocks natural light from entering the room. Opt for light and sheer fabrics like linen or cotton that allow natural light to filter through, adding to the illusion of spaciousness. By following these tips, you can optimise natural light to create a bright and open space that feels larger than it actually is. Take time to consider the colour of your floors and the impact it can have on the size of your room. With creative solutions like an area rug and a few other tricks up your sleeve, you can make the space look bigger in no time. You’ll be amazed by the results!