Is It Alright To Use Dark Floors In A Smaller Room?

There's something refined about dark flooring, whether you're a fan of black, deep brown, or prefer mid to dark hues. Unlike light flooring, which will naturally bring an open presence to a room, dark flooring brings a grounded feel to a space. Though it isn't the vibe for every room, it could definitely be the right fit in spaces like a study or bedroom. However, you might have also heard that dark walls and flooring can make a room look smaller, something you definitely want to avoid if you're already working with a room that's on the smaller side. 

As with all decor styles, there are different variations of dark flooring, and some will look better than others in a small room. Still, there's no need to rule out dark flooring completely if you have your heart set on deep brown floorboards rather than light wood panels. You simply need to adapt the rest of the room to even out the overall look — here are some tips you can keep in mind to ensure a room doesn't shrink with dark flooring.

One thing to remember when choosing dark flooring is that it's important to create contrast. For example, if you plan to use curtains, choose ones that are beige, cream, or a color on the lighter side of the spectrum. The same goes for larger furniture items like sofas, beds, or dressers. This rule is especially important in spaces that should be relaxing, like a bedroom. You don't have to make everything blinding white, but pastels and light neutrals should be your go-to colors so the room is brightened in areas other than the floor.

Dark furniture paired with dark flooring will give a room a closed-in appearance, making it naturally appear smaller. As well as furniture, accessories will infuse light into a room. Using neutrals in your home decor doesn't have to mean buying loads of new items. A lightly-colored lamp, a large rug, or even a few pillows scattered across a sofa will all stop a room from looking overly dark.

If you're still set on dark furniture, light walls are also a great way to ensure a small room doesn't look even smaller. Neutrals are the best option here, as even lighter versions of bright colors, such as pink and purple, can create a shadow when paired with dark flooring. Calming beige paint is a solid color option for walls and will reflect light well, as will warm white and cream shades. Make sure the ceiling is light, too.

Moreover, light plays a vital part in making a room appear bigger or smaller. The size of a window isn't in most people's control (unless you're renovating completely), but you can take other steps to ensure the room you're decorating gets plenty of light. Like with furniture, light curtains will make a small window look larger, but another great tip is to use sheer curtains so no natural light is eclipsed.

Generally, the answer to whether it's okay to lay dark flooring in a small room is yes, absolutely. Though there will of course be exceptions, the key is to remember the above tips and tricks so the room you're decorating doesn't end up looking gloomy and uninspired, rather than sophisticated. Even just a few small swaps — like green cushions for beige ones — will turn any room from a dull space into an elegant one without much effort.