Small spaces can pose big design challenges, but the right flooring can completely transform how a room looks and feels. Whether you’re working with a narrow hallway, a compact kitchen, or a modest studio apartment, your flooring choices have the power to visually expand your space without knocking down a single wall.

Instead of costly renovations, a thoughtful approach to tile size, pattern, and color can unlock the illusion of openness and flow. From wide wood look planks to checkerboard layouts and oversized tiles, each design decision plays a vital role in maximizing both function and style. Discover how simple flooring strategies can make your space feel bigger, brighter, and more beautifully connected.

 

 

Embrace the Wide Plank Trend

We're all about the wide plank trend, especially when it comes to porcelain tiles that mimic the appearance of wood. Why do these planks make your room seem larger? Narrow planks tend to create a cluttered appearance with their many seams, which can highlight the limited space. In contrast, wide planks (typically considered to be 6 inches or more in width) offer a sleek, unified look with fewer breaks, giving the illusion of a more expansive area.

Porcelain planks not only bring the aesthetic warmth and natural beauty of wood into your space but also offer unmatched durability and ease of maintenance. This makes them a practical choice for busy areas. Furthermore, the installation of fewer, wider planks reduces material waste and labor costs, making this option both stylish and economical. With their versatility and modern appeal, porcelain wood look planks are an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their flooring without compromising on style or functionality.

Edward Martin’s Preston 8x48 Matte Porcelain Tile in Chestnut, as shown in the image above, is a perfect example of this trend done right. Featuring a broad plank design and a warm, medium-brown tone, which is one of the most popular and inviting wood look shades, this tile delivers the seamless, expansive feel that defines the wide plank aesthetic. Its matte finish also enhances the natural wood like texture, and the porcelain construction ensures long-lasting performance in even the most busy areas.

 

 

Opt for Diagonal Patterns

Diagonal and checkerboard patterns are a dynamic choice for flooring that can significantly enhance the perceived size of a room. These patterns cleverly disrupt the conventional square layout of most spaces, creating visual interest and giving the illusion of a larger floor area. By drawing the eye across the diagonal lines, these patterns expand the room's dimensions in a viewer's mind.

When implementing checkerboard flooring, selecting the appropriate scale is essential to maximize its impact. A checkerboard pattern that's too small can produce a busy, cramped look, detracting from the desired effect of spaciousness. Ideally, larger tiles or contrasting colors in a balanced checkerboard design ensure that the pattern stands out without overwhelming the space. This style not only adds a classic or contemporary flair, depending on your choice, but also works as a strategic tool to make any area feel more open and inviting.

A beautiful example of this approach is the Leona 24x24 Checkerboard Matte Porcelain Tile in Calacatta and Nero Marquina, as depicted in the photo above. With its matte finish and large format, this tile brings a modern take to a timeless pattern. The dramatic contrast between the black and white marble look tiles with elegant white veining also creates a refined checkerboard effect that visually opens up the space while adding luxurious depth and dimension.

 

 

Select Large Tiles

Selecting large tiles is an excellent strategy to enhance the spaciousness of a room. Unlike smaller tiles, which are often accompanied by numerous grout lines, large tiles minimize visual fragmentation. This creates a cleaner, more continuous look across your floor, effectively making the space appear larger. Fewer grout lines not only contribute to a sense of expansiveness but also lend a sleek, modern aesthetic to your room. To maximize the effect, opt for tiles that complement the scale of your space, steering clear of smaller options that could emphasize its limitations and make it feel more confined.

Large format floor tiles typically measure at least 15 inches on one side, with common sizes including 18x18, 24x24, 12x24, and 8x48 inches for planks. These larger dimensions not only reduce grout lines but also create fewer visual interruptions, which is particularly effective in smaller spaces. In addition, large tiles can help unify open floor plans by allowing flooring to flow seamlessly from one area to another without visual breaks. This continuous surface effect enhances spatial fluidity and reinforces the perception of a larger, more cohesive interior, especially beneficial in studio apartments or compact kitchens that merge with adjacent living spaces.

As beautifully demonstrated in the image above, the Preston 8x48 Matte Porcelain Tile in Birch is a prime example of how large format tiles can elevate a space. With its light, creamy-beige tone (a soft and versatile wood look color), this tile adds warmth without overwhelming the room. Laid in a herringbone pattern, it enhances movement and texture and preserves the airy, open feel that large tiles are known for. The 8x48 size also reduces grout lines across the open-plan kitchen and dining area, creating a unified look that feels expansive, serene, and sophisticated.

 

 

Color & Design Considerations

After selecting your flooring type, the next critical step is choosing the right color or pattern. A uniform color scheme can create a cohesive and spacious atmosphere, enhancing the room’s overall feel. Dark floors, for instance, add depth and warmth and are particularly striking when paired with a light-colored ceiling, enhancing the room's vertical dimensions.

Conversely, light floors can open up a space, making it feel brighter and more welcoming. To maximize the effect of light flooring, ensure the room benefits from plenty of light, whether natural or through well-placed artificial sources. This illuminates the flooring’s aesthetic and helps create an airy, open environment.

Alternatively, as mentioned previously, introducing patterns such as checkerboard offers a vibrant option that can visually enlarge the space. Using contrasting colors in this pattern adds depth and breaks up the monotony, making the area appear larger and more dynamic. A striking example of this can be seen in the picture above, featuring the Leona 24x24 Checkerboard Matte Porcelain Tile in Calacatta and Amani Bronze. The elegant contrast between the crisp,  white marble look with delicate veining and the soft, warm gray-brown tones, creates a refined yet dramatic checkerboard effect. The large format also adds to the visual openness of the entryway and the matte finish ensures a smooth, sophisticated look that balances tradition and modernity.

 

 

Furniture and Final Touches

As you finalize your design, careful consideration of the scale and amount of furniture is crucial. Adopting a minimalist approach can significantly enhance the perceived size of your space by limiting the number of furniture pieces; more of your floor becomes visible, which helps to extend the room’s visual boundaries. This strategy leverages the full potential of your flooring choice and amplifies the sense of spaciousness through clever optical illusion.

Incorporating strategically placed, larger furniture items rather than several smaller pieces can also contribute to a less cluttered and more open feel. Choose furniture with raised legs to increase the visibility of the floor underneath, which further aids in creating an impression of more space. Additionally, selecting furniture that complements the color of your flooring can integrate seamlessly into the overall design, enhancing continuity and flow throughout the room.

To help you make the most confident and informed design choices, we also offer augmented reality (AR) technology that lets you visualize your selected tiles directly in your own space. It’s an easy, interactive way to see how your floor will look before making any commitments.

Bring It All Together With Smart Flooring Choices

Maximizing a small space is less about square footage and more about smart visual design. By choosing wide planks, large format tiles, and strategic patterns like diagonal or checkerboard layouts, you can manipulate perception to make even the coziest corners feel expansive. Paired with the right color palette and minimalist furnishings, these flooring choices create flow, reduce visual clutter, and amplify light, proving that the right tile underfoot can make a world of difference. Whether you're renovating or refreshing, let your floor lead the way toward a more spacious, stylish space.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want expert input to bring your vision to life, we invite you to explore our personalized Design Services. We’ll work with you to understand your space, style preferences, and practical needs, offering tailored recommendations that make every tile choice feel intentional. From layout planning to color coordination, our team is here to guide you through the process and help you create a space that feels more open, cohesive, and beautifully yours.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Explore other common questions about selecting the right flooring to visually expand your small spaces. Find practical tips and insights here!

1. How do different flooring looks impact the feel of a room?

The look of your flooring significantly influences a room's ambiance. For instance, wood flooring adds warmth and a classic touch, marble exudes elegance and luxury, concrete brings a modern industrial look, and terrazzo offers colorful flair. Porcelain tiles can mimic these looks effectively, providing a cost-effective solution without compromising on style. 

2. Is it possible to mix different types of flooring in a small space?

Mixing flooring types can be challenging in small spaces, as it may create a disjointed feel. If you choose to mix, ensure a seamless transition by sticking to similar colors or textures to maintain a unified look.

3. How do maintenance requirements vary between flooring options like tiles and hardwood?

Maintenance varies significantly; for instance, hardwood requires regular sealing and can be susceptible to scratches, while porcelain tiles, like wood look, marble look, subway tiles, and checkerboard tiles, are highly durable, stain-resistant, and require minimal upkeep. For optimal performance and longevity, always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and cleaning recommendations specific to the tile finish and installation environment.

4. Does grout color affect how spacious a room looks?

Absolutely. Grout color plays a subtle but important role in how large or cohesive a space feels. Choosing a grout color that closely matches your tile can minimize visual breaks, creating a more seamless and expansive appearance, especially important in small spaces. In contrast, high-contrast grout can emphasize tile edges and make the floor look busier or more segmented. For a clean, continuous look that enhances the perception of space, opt for a tone-on-tone grout and tile pairing.

5. Are checkerboard tiles available in styles other than the classic black and white?

Yes, checkerboard tiles have evolved beyond the traditional black and white pattern. Modern tile designs now include options like grey and white, which offer a softer, more contemporary look while maintaining the classic contrast. These subtle color variations can be seamlessly integrated into any room's decor, providing a modern twist on the timeless checkerboard design.