Flooring Ideas for Small Spaces: Tricks to Make Rooms Look Bigger

October 3, 2025

If you have a small room in your home, you’ve probably wondered how to make it feel larger without knocking down walls. The good news is that the right flooring can completely transform the look and feel of your space. At Baldwin Family Flooring, we help homeowners in Franklin and Middle Tennessee choose flooring that not only looks beautiful but also creates the illusion of more space.



Here are some flooring tips and tricks to help your small rooms feel bigger and brighter.

1. Go with Lighter Colors

Light floors reflect more natural and artificial light, making a room appear more open. Shades like light oak, maple, beige, or even whitewashed styles are great options. Pair them with light-colored walls for an airy, seamless look.


2. Use Wide Planks

Narrow planks can make a space feel busy and cramped. Wide planks create the opposite effect by drawing the eye across the room, making it appear more expansive. Whether you choose hardwood, vinyl, or laminate, wide planks are an excellent choice for small spaces.


3. Lay Flooring Diagonally

Instead of installing flooring parallel to the walls, try a diagonal pattern. This tricks the eye into seeing more dimension and depth, instantly making the room feel larger. It’s a stylish option that works especially well in small bedrooms or living rooms.


4. Choose Glossy or Polished Finishes

Flooring with a polished or semi-gloss finish reflects more light, which can brighten up tight spaces. This works particularly well with tile, luxury vinyl, or hardwood flooring. Just remember that glossier finishes may show scratches more easily, so they’re best in low-traffic rooms.


5. Create Continuity Between Rooms

If you have adjoining small rooms, use the same type and color of flooring throughout. Consistent flooring creates a smooth visual flow, making multiple small rooms feel like one larger space.


6. Consider Vertical or Horizontal Lines

The direction you lay your flooring makes a big difference:

  • Vertical lines draw the eye into the room, making it look longer.
  • Horizontal lines make a space look wider.

Choose the layout based on what dimension you want to emphasize.


7. Don’t Forget Rugs

Strategically placed area rugs can also help create a sense of openness. Use rugs in lighter colors or with subtle patterns to anchor furniture without overwhelming the room.


Final Thoughts

You don’t have to remodel to make a small space feel bigger. The right flooring can instantly open up a room and add both style and function.


At Baldwin Family Flooring, we specialize in helping homeowners find flooring that fits their space, lifestyle, and budget. From wide plank hardwood to durable vinyl and everything in between, we’ll help you choose the best option to make your rooms feel bigger and brighter.



Ready to update your small space? Contact Baldwin Family Flooring today for a free consultation in Franklin, TN.

Person installing hardwood flooring, hammering boards in a room.

Step-By-Step: What to Expect During a Baldwin Family Flooring Installation

September 5, 2025
Planning new floors? Learn the step-by-step Baldwin Family Flooring installation process and why Franklin homeowners trust us for expert service.

Flooring for Busy Homes: What Holds Up Better with Kids & Pets?

August 1, 2025
Best flooring for busy homes with kids & pets. Explore durable, waterproof, scratch-resistant options from Baldwin Family Flooring in Middle Tennessee.
A dining room with a table and chairs and a painting on the wall.

The Best Flooring for Tennessee’s Humid Weather: Our Top Picks

July 4, 2025
Living in Tennessee means enjoying beautiful seasons, friendly neighbors, and yes—plenty of humidity. If you’ve ever walked across a floor that feels a little warped or sticky in the summer, you know what we’re talking about. At Baldwin Family Flooring , we help families all over Middle Tennessee choose flooring that not only looks great but also holds up to our humid Southern climate. If you're getting ready to update your floors, here are the best options we recommend for Tennessee homes—no matter how muggy it gets outside. 1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Our #1 Go-To If you want a floor that can take a beating from humidity, spills, and daily wear and tear—LVP is your new best friend. Why we love it: It’s 100% waterproof (yes, really!) Looks like hardwood but won’t warp Easy to clean and super durable Perfect for: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with pets or kids. Real Talk: We’ve installed LVP in hundreds of homes around Nashville and beyond. It always holds up, even in the stickiest of summers. 2. Tile: Classic & Tough as Nails Tile is another winner in our book—especially in areas where water and humidity hang around. Why it works: Doesn’t absorb moisture Won’t swell or buckle Tons of styles and colors to choose from Great for: Bathrooms, entryways, mudrooms, and laundry rooms. Pro tip: Want a wood look but love the durability of tile? Wood-look porcelain tile gives you both! 3. Engineered Hardwood: Real Wood That Plays Nice with Humidity We get it—sometimes you just want real wood. That’s where engineered hardwood comes in. It gives you that beautiful natural look without the risk of major expansion or warping. Why it’s better than solid wood here: Built in layers to resist moisture changes Holds up better in humid environments Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Heads up: It’s not waterproof, so if you have toddlers or big spills often, you might want to look at LVP or tile instead. 4. Sheet Vinyl: Easy, Affordable, and Water-Resistant If you’re working with a tight budget but still want something that stands up to moisture, sheet vinyl is worth considering. Why it’s a solid choice: Water-resistant Soft underfoot Quick to install Works well in: Laundry rooms, kids' play areas, and budget-friendly updates. 5. Carpet (Yes, Really—with the Right Backing) You might think carpet and humidity don’t mix—but with the right materials and padding, carpet can still be a great choice for low-moisture areas. When it makes sense: Stick to bedrooms or upstairs areas Use moisture-resistant padding underneath Choose synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester Keep it fresh: Run a dehumidifier in the summer and vacuum regularly to keep things clean and dry. Final Tips from Our Family to Yours Here are a few extra ways to make sure your floors last through Tennessee’s humid months: Use a dehumidifier in the summer—especially in older homes or basements Wipe up spills quickly (no matter what flooring you have) Ask us about moisture barriers during installation Make sure rooms are well-ventilated , especially bathrooms and kitchens Ready to Get Started? We know choosing the right flooring can feel overwhelming—especially when you throw weather into the mix. But don’t worry—that’s why we’re here. At Baldwin Family Flooring , we’re a local, family-owned business that treats your home like it’s our own. Stop by our showroom or schedule a free in-home consultation. We’ll walk you through your options, answer all your questions, and help you find a floor that fits your style and your lifestyle. Let’s make your home feel amazing—no matter what the weather’s like outside. Contact Us Now!
Show More