Today begins the answer to the first of ten questions in the series “Top 10 most frequently asked questions about flooring”.

Question: “Will dark floors make my room look smaller?”

Answer: With the growing popularity of black hardwood floors and darker tiles that help hide evidence of dirt and traffic comes the question, “Will dark floors make my room feel smaller?”. There are several different variables that determine how small or large a room feels. The color flooring along with the items listed below help determine overall how small or large a room appears.

Factors that influence how small or large a room feels:

Wall color: Darker walls can close in even the largest of rooms no matter what’s on the floor.

Ceiling height: Lower ceilings can contribute to a room feeling smaller.

Lighting: Inadequate lighting plays a big role in how a room appears. Also, windows can help make a room feel larger when sunlight is allowed to shine in.

Furnishings: A room that is cluttered with furniture, accessories or artwork can most definitely contribute to making  a room feel small.

Actual size: All of these things above depend on what size room you have to begin with! A small room is always going to feel small compared to a large room; these points apply to comparing the same size room with different variables.

This is an exagerated example, but makes my point:  if you have a small room with white floors, but the walls are navy blue and there is only one lamp lighting the whole room-it’s going to feel small! However, if you have a room with black floors, light to medium wall color, adequate lighting and well laid out furniture, the room will not feel as small as it would with the other variables mentioned.

I can tell you that the next opportunity that I have to purchase floors or redecorate a room – black distressed hardwood floors will be my first choice!

Do you have a room with dark floors? What are your thoughts on how the room feels? Share a photo with us!