Flooring direction to make the room feel bigger.

8 years ago

I'd like help deciding on the direction of our flooring. The general advice seems to be parallel with the longest wall but I worry that this will emphasise the narrowness of our living space. I was thinking of having the flooring (oak boards 1200x120mm) perpendicular to the longer aspect and extending the feel of the space by having similar decking outside to continue the flow. It seems slightly contradictory to the advice I've found so I'd appreciate any thoughts. An alternative would be to have herringbone/chevron boards run towards the window as we've found them for not much more money than the other flooring. It's a small space so any tricks to create the illusion of more space is what we're after.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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Comments (5)

minnie101
8 years ago
Hi. You can either lay them horizontally or diagonally to make the room feel wider but yes not vertically. The best thing to do is go for wide planks rather than strips of wood so anything over 5-6 inches wide. You can also try painting the ends of the room a darker or warmer shade than the longer ŵalls to correct the proportions. I would also bring furniture into the middle of the room rather than put everything against the walls
dudelsack
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for your input.

I'd looked at running the boards at an angle but I'm not sure ( or perhaps not adventurous enough) about doing them like that.

The flooring is around 5 inches so is what you recommend.

Would herringbone pattern create both the effect of broadening but also directing the eye and elongating the space? Smaller more compact boards though. Thanks.
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Interesting discussion Lynn. Your dilemma is similar to what I am pondering on at the moment for my house which made me pull out an old design book. As human beings we have a psychological need for shelter and safety. This is the principle of ‘refuge and outlook’. Per the book “ In a truly comfortable house, the inhabitants will feel sheltered and safe.... The core of the experience is to be able to comfortably observe the outer world from a position of relative security. Usually, the refuge is at a higher position and is enclosed and dark, the outside look is normally below, unenclosed and lighter. At its simplest we are outside looking out..”. Based on this I agree with the suggestions above that you should frame the window. I think it is the full glass wall all the way to the floor that is eliciting the unsettling feeling. So 1. yes put a bench in front of the window or better still build in a more permanent structure eg open shelving/cabinetry with a seating on top. Or Could you possibly put railing across the back of the window on the outside? This will still let light in but give it a sense of security. Consider adding some trim to the window to frame the view?. 3. Paint the room a bit darker to make it feel enclosed. If only I could take my own advice! I have an L-shaped dining room and I am thinking floor length glass doors all round will look stunning! However I am also thinking of how I would feel sitting there at night and so considering a half wall with windows instead - not as stunning but more comfortable? 😉. Still looking for the win-win scenario so ideas welcome. 😁
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Rob
8 years ago
I would definitely go horizontal or you will end up accentuating how long and narrow it is. Herringbone parquet would also help widen the room if laid horizontal. I would also recommend going for high gloss rather than matt to bounce light around and create the perception of space.
minnie101
8 years ago
I must admit I'm not so keen on them on the diagonal either but it does work! I agree with rob, I think a herringbone laid that way should also work, will you not have a border? Just be mindful that the cost of fitting herringbone is likely to be a few pounds sqm extra and make sure it is really good quality in case the fitter ends up having to sand down etc to fit. It would however be worth it imo!
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Victoria Kovalenko
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You've chosen good size boards, they are wide enough to make your space look bigger. The material, hardwood, is quite suitable too. Laying the boards in this size parallel to the longest wall will do the trick. It will look less busy and therefore spacious. Same should apply to other elements of the room. Choose a cool paint shade for your walls. Diagonal definitely fools the eye.

Flooring direction to make the room feel bigger.

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minnie101

dudelsack
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Flooring direction to make the room feel bigger.

Comments (5)

minnie101

dudelsackOriginal Author

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dudelsack
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