Flooring for small spaces

Herringbone patterns, such as Prato 8mm Kensington Oak Herringbone Laminate from Stories Flooring, draw the eye to create a sense of movement and can make small spaces feel more expansive

How the right flooring can make small rooms feel bigger – expert advice from Stories Flooring

The right wood flooring is the secret weapon for transforming small rooms.

According to the experts at independent flooring retailer Stories Flooring, the floor is an overlooked, yet powerful design tool, capable of transforming a compact space into a room that feels effortlessly light and airy.

Yarl Christie, Managing Director of Stories Flooring, said: “By reflecting light, keeping things visually uncluttered, and guiding the eye, your flooring can work wonders. For those rooms where every inch counts, it is essential to pick the right flooring to boost the sense of space.”

Here, Yarl shares his expertise on what to consider when choosing a floor that will make a small room feel larger.

Colour is Key

Opting for a light coloured wood floor is ideal for creating a bright, open feel. They bounce natural light around the room, making it seem more spacious and welcoming.

Yarl said: “When you choose pale tones, they blend more seamlessly with your walls and ceiling, blurring the boundaries and making vertical surfaces appear taller. Neutral shades also provide a fantastic, versatile backdrop for your furniture and accessories, letting the eye wander freely around the space.

“Neutral and pale shades like cream, soft grey, gentle beige, and whitewashed ash are absolute stars in compact areas. They offer maximum light reflection with minimal visual fuss.”

IMAGE SHOWS: Lusso Bari Alpine Birch Herringbone Glue Down LVT Vinyl Flooring - £19.99 per m2 from storiesflooring.co.uk

Width Matters

Wide planks mean fewer visible seams across the floor, creating uninterrupted lines that make compact rooms appear broader and less cluttered. By minimising the joins between boards, these larger elements create continuous surfaces that trick the eye into seeing one vast expanse.

Yarl added: “Wide planks are also ideal for showcasing distinctive wood grains or textures, adding character while supporting a spacious feel that really lifts narrow living areas and bedrooms.”

IMAGE SHOWS: Lusso Trento Distressed Oiled Grey Sawn Engineered Oak 220mm - £75.61 per m2 from storiesflooring.co.uk

The Power of Pattern

Clever installation patterns can guide the eye and manipulate how space is perceived, making compact interiors feel larger.

Yarl said: “Laying flooring diagonally, running planks parallel to the longest wall, or using subtle herringbone or chevron patterns all use directional flow to trick the eye.”

IMAGE SHOWS: Lusso Carrara Luxe Unfinished Oak Herringbone Engineered Wood Flooring - £29.99 per m2 from storiesflooring.co.uk

And Finally

Beyond just the flooring, keeping pathways clear and minimising visual clutter also helps maintain that feeling of spaciousness.

Stories Flooring’s range of affordable flooring is available now, with prices starting at £19.99 per m2.