Flooring: How to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger

When square footage is limited, every design decision matters. From flooring to furniture, the choices you make can either open up your home—or make the space feel smaller. At Baker Bros, we know how important it is to make your home feel inviting, no matter the size. So, if you're wondering how to make a small space feel bigger, you've come to the right place.

1. Start from the Floor Up

Flooring is foundational—literally. The right floors can trick the eye, giving your room an open feeling and the illusion of more space. Wide plank flooring, for example, reduces visual clutter and helps a small room look bigger.

Opt for light colors like white oak, soft beige, or pale gray to reflect natural light. This not only brightens the space but also makes your room feel larger. Take a look at Baker Bros’ light wood options here to find a style that works for your room.

2. Play with Pattern & Direction

The way your flooring is installed can impact perception. Diagonal or horizontal plank installation can draw the eye across the room, making it appear wider. Herringbone or chevron patterns can also add visual interest without cluttering the space. Luxury vinyl and laminate flooring are great options, offering a variety of styles perfect for pattern play.

3. Let Furniture Do the Talking—But Keep It Light

Oversized pieces of furniture can instantly make your space feel smaller. Instead, go for slim silhouettes like a console table rather than a bulky TV stand or a glass coffee table instead of a chunky wood one.

And here’s a pro interior design trick: choose furniture with exposed legs. Lifting pieces off the floor gives small spaces a more open and airy feel.

4. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Mirrors are a classic interior design technique for creating depth. Place them opposite windows or in tight corners to bounce light around the room. This simple move instantly makes a room feel larger, without any renovations required.

You could even pair a mirrored accent wall with light-colored flooring for maximum impact.

5. Stick to a Cohesive Color Scheme

A busy, chaotic color palette can make your space feel smaller and more disjointed. Instead, stick with a calm, neutral color scheme. Pair your flooring with complementary paint shades—think warm whites, soft taupes, and pale blues.

6. Use Rugs to Zone Without Clutter

A well-placed area rug can help define zones in an open plan layout without breaking up the space. Choose low-pile rugs in soft tones and make sure they’re proportionate to the furniture above. Oversized rugs can actually help a room feel larger, especially in living room spaces. 

Rugs don’t just tie a room together—they also bring warmth and help with noise reduction. 

Tip: Baker Bros has a stunning collection of area rugs that work beautifully in small spaces.

7. Declutter Like a Minimalist

When in doubt, less is more. Too much “stuff” will always feel cramped, no matter how chic it is. Keep your décor intentional and leave breathing room between pieces. You don’t need to go full Marie Kondo, but remember: clean lines = clear minds.

8. Lighting That Lifts

Natural light is your best friend in tight spaces. If windows are limited, layer your lighting with floor lamps, wall sconces, and ceiling fixtures to keep the room feeling open and airy.

And for bonus style points? Match your lighting fixtures with your flooring finish—brushed brass looks brilliant with warm-toned woods.

Final Thoughts

Small doesn’t have to mean cramped. With the right flooring choices, color palette, and layout tricks, even the most compact space can feel airy, elegant, and elevated.

Whether you’re updating a studio apartment or giving your guest bedroom a glow-up, Baker Bros has the flooring expertise and product range to help make your space feel larger and your life easier.

Ready to open up your space?
Explore flooring options at Baker Bros or use our handy store locator to visit a showroom near you.

Let’s make your small room look bigger—one floorboard at a time.