We all know that when it comes to condos, narrow hallways, powder rooms and older homes, every square foot counts. If you have smaller rooms in your home, you may notice how quickly they can feel cramped. So, what’s the solution?
The right flooring choices can make a dramatic visual impact, opening up a space and creating the illusion of more room without requiring a single wall to be moved.
Read on to learn how using light tones, larger formats and seamless flooring installation techniques can make small spaces feel brighter, calmer and more connected.
Start With Light, Warm Tones
Light-coloured flooring is one of the simplest ways to make a small room feel larger. Pale woods, such as light maple, whitewashed oak, or soft beige LVP, reflect more light, helping spaces feel more open.
Timber Tip
We recommend matte or softly reflective finishes. These styles bounce light subtly without creating glare, which keeps floors feeling clean and modern while avoiding visual clutter.
Warm undertones are especially effective in Canadian homes, where natural light is often limited during the winter months.
Think Big With Planks and Tiles
Larger flooring formats often work better in smaller spaces – who knew! Wide planks and large-format tiles reduce the number of seams, which helps the eye read the room as one uninterrupted surface.
Working with wide planks requires precision. The Makita 10″ Sliding Compound Mitre Saw allows for accurate cuts on extra-wide boards, helping maintain clean lines and tight joints.
For large-format tiles, the Makita 5″ Masonry Saw delivers clean, controlled cuts that keep layouts crisp. This is especially important in narrow rooms or small bathrooms!
Timber Tip
We recommend running planks lengthwise in hallways or long rooms to stretch out the space visually.
Minimize Transitions for Better Flow
Flooring transitions can visually break up a small space, making it appear larger. Wherever possible, use the same flooring across adjacent rooms or opt for clean, flush transitions rather than raised strips. Mixed materials can still work in open layouts, but they should be used intentionally.
For example, a light wood-look plank flowing into a complementary pale tile can define zones without interrupting visual flow.
Timber Tip
Match undertones, not exact colours, when mixing materials. Consistency keeps the space feeling larger and more cohesive!
Lighten Existing Floors
If your existing wood floor is structurally sound, but too dark, refinishing or painting can be a cost-effective way to refresh your space.
A light, custom-coloured stain or PPG or SICO Floor Paint in a soft grey or off-white can dramatically brighten a porch, sunroom or small utility area.
Timber Tip
Always test light colours in the room before you commit! Lighting conditions can alter the appearance of pale shades throughout the day.
Precision and Care Matter
Small rooms leave little room for error. Don’t start your flooring project without a Makita Tape Measure to help ensure pattern continuity and accurate spacing.
To keep your knees happy, opt for a pair of Task Tools Kneepads. These make it significantly easier to work comfortably in tight corners and confined areas.
For more help choosing the right flooring, tools and finishes for the small space in your home, visit TIMBER MART and speak to one of our experts!
