Small rooms can be charming and cozy, but without the right design approach, they can also feel cramped and claustrophobic. While your mind may immediately turn to furniture layout or decor choices when trying to open up the space, flooring plays a surprisingly big role in how spacious a room feels.

At PT Floors, we understand that with the right flooring techniques and materials, even the most compact spaces can appear and feel more spacious. Whether you're redoing a small bedroom, hallway, or entire apartment, these tricks will help you make the most of every square foot.

Choose lighter tones to open up the room

Lighter colors reflect more light, creating the illusion of more space. Darker colors can add depth, but they usually don't contribute to width or add a sense of airiness. This rule applies to walls, furniture, and, yes, flooring.

If you want to use lighter flooring options to open up the room, consider:

• Light oak or maple hardwood
• Pale gray or beige luxury vinyl planks
• Whitewashed or blonde laminate finishes

These tones visually expand the room, giving it an airy, more spacious feel.

Stick with wide planks or large tiles

It might sound counterintuitive, but bigger planks or tiles actually make small rooms feel less cluttered. This is because fewer seams mean fewer visual breaks in the floor, which keeps the eye moving and helps the space feel uninterrupted.

Try:

• Wide-plank engineered hardwood for warmth and character
• Large-format porcelain tiles in matte or low-sheen finishes
• Seamless vinyl sheet flooring with minimal patterning

While they can be fun and attractive, you may want to avoid overly busy patterns or small tiles, which can make a room feel cluttered and busy.

Lay flooring diagonally or lengthwise

How your floors are installed can dramatically change the perception of space. Diagonal layouts draw the eye across the room, creating depth and interest. In narrow spaces like hallways, running planks lengthwise can make the area feel longer and more continuous.

Professional installers can help you decide which direction works best for your room's shape, but these layouts almost always add the illusion of square footage.

Keep it consistent from room to room

Choppy flooring transitions can break up the visual flow and make a small home feel disjointed. Using the same flooring throughout multiple rooms helps create a cohesive, expansive feel.

The same goes for an open floor plan, especially in smaller apartments. Using one flooring type throughout can make the entire space feel larger and more unified.

Strategically consider glossy or reflective finishes

A bit of shine can help bounce light around the room, especially in spaces that receive little natural sunlight. High-gloss laminate or polished porcelain tile can give a sleek, modern look while maximizing brightness. However, too much shine can feel sterile or highlight imperfections in the floor, so use reflective finishes wisely. And, if you want shine without slipperiness, go for satin or semi-gloss finishes.

PT Floors Can Help a Small Space Make a Big Impact

At PT Floors, we specialize in helping homeowners get the most out of every inch. Whether you're working with a tiny guest room or a compact city condo, the right flooring can completely transform your space both visually and practically. Our team is here to guide you through materials, layout options, and professional installation that make your rooms feel more spacious, stylish, and inviting.

Ready to make your small space feel bigger and better? Visit our showroom or contact PT Floors to schedule a design consultation today.