Make Any Room Look Bigger With Light Colored LVP Floors

Do your rooms feel dark and closed in? Craving bright, airy living spaces that appear larger? Light colored luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring can visually expand small, cramped areas. The soft neutrals reflect more light to make rooms seem more open and expansive.

Unlike bold or dark floors that absorb light, light colored LVP plank flooring achieves the opposite effect. The pale tones bounce light around to disguise actual dimensions. Keep reading to learn why homeowners and designers love light LVP floors.

Light Vinyl Plank Flooring Brightens Any Space

LVP mimics the realistic look of natural wood or stone finishes but with added durability. The vinyl surface resists moisture, stains, and heavy traffic over time. LVP clicks together easily without professional installation.

While LVP comes in many colors, light neutral shades open up rooms the most. Go for white, cream, beige, or light grey rather than dark planks. The lighter vinyl floors reflect sunlight or indoor lighting better.

Popular Light Colored LVP Flooring Options

• Creamy white
• Warm beige
• Cool greys
• Light oak or birch wood looks

Even painted concrete or stone styles in pale colors make small rooms appear bigger. Having trouble choosing? Keep reading for expert advice on selecting the perfect light colored LVP floors.

How Light Floors Trick The Eye To Expand Rooms

Light vinyl plank flooring isn't actually making rooms physically larger. But the bright neutral tones interact with walls and ceilings to feel more expansive. Here's how the color psychology works.

Soft Tones Reflect The Most Light

Pale beige and grey LVP don't absorb much visible light. Over 50% gets reflected off the floor's surface. The bounced light reaches walls and ceilings which then reflect even more light rays around the room.

Dark surfaces like brown absorb light rather than reflecting it. This makes any room feel smaller. Go for light ivory rather than dark espresso LVP to open up cramped rooms.

Bright Tones Recede Visually

Another color science trick is that soft neutrals appear to recede backwards. Light grey LVP floor against white walls tricks the eye. The pale tones seem to shift walls farther apart expanding perceived space.

Using a bold coral or navy LVP would make walls look closer. The intense colors visually advance forward encroaching on room dimensions. Stick with light vinyl planks to maximize apparent square footage.

Do you have awkward floor plans or cramped rooms? Read on to learn where light colored LVP works wonders at expanding snug spaces.

Perfect For Brightening Up Dark, Small Rooms

Have tiny bedrooms, living rooms or kitchens with limited natural sunlight? Do these cramped areas feel gloomy or cave-like? Freshen up drab spaces by installing light colored LVP flooring.

The lighter vinyl planks counteract poor lighting conditions. Living rooms or bedrooms only get morning or afternoon light really benefit from light toned floors. The soft neutrals better reflect what little sunlight comes in.

Disguise Room Boundaries

Match light maple vinyl flooring with similarly pale painted walls. Keeping tones consistent visibly erases edges. The whole space flows together making rooms feel more square footage.

Use area rugs in bold patterns over light floors instead. The strong contrast separates floor from walls without closing in space.

Brighten Up Dark Spaces

Have awkward layouts or windowless rooms feeling gloomy? Dark spaces drain our energy and feel oppressive. Counteract with extra bright accents like creamy vinyl plank flooring.

Reflective soft beige or linen white LVP boosts the brightness. Include ambient task and accent lighting as well. Don't rely solely on overhead fixtures.

Uplight a bookcase or highlight artwork to bounce more light around. Add mirrors to reflect even more illumination into shadowy corners.

Hide Dirt Better Than Dark Floors

Worried pale floors show every speck of dirt and pet hair? It's true lighter LVP requires more frequent cleaning. But the bright open feeling outweighs the maintenance for most.

Dust mop twice weekly and occasionally damp mop to care for light floors. Spot clean food spills quickly before staining. Consider durable water-resistant vinyl for mudrooms or entryways.

Design Styles That Complement Light LVP Floors

What interior decor pairs harmoniously with light colored LVP plank floors? From modern to industrial, the pale neutrals complement many aesthetics when done right.

Scandinavian Design's Best Friend

Scandinavian style spotlights clean lines, open spaces, and light color schemes. Often monochromatic white-on-white, Scandi interiors feel airy and calming.

Creamy beige vinyl plank flooring prevents all white rooms from feeling sterile. Add natural wood accents and foliage for an organic touch.

Softens Industrial Modern Lofts

Exposed brick walls, concrete beams, steel pipes define rugged industrial interiors. The hard surfaces and matte textures feel cold or imposing without careful decor.

Warm up an urban loft with light oak luxury vinyl plank flooring. Repeat natural wood tones on built-in cabinetry or furniture. Bring in shearling throws and indirect lighting for balance.

Shabby Chic Cottage Charm

Romantic distressed painted furniture gets grounded beautifully with light LVP flooring. The matte planks prevent overly fussy feminine spaces from feeling overwhelming.

Paint built-ins the same soft neutral as the floors for a cohesive look. Weathered woods mix with dressed up rooms for the perfect shabby chic interior.

What colors should you avoid when trying to visually expand rooms? Read on to learn why intense shades counteract the enlarging effect of light LVP flooring.

Avoid Moody, Intense Hued Floors

As discussed earlier, dark or bright colors absorb and reflect less ambient light compared to soft neutral LVP flooring.

Deep colors also advance visually, making walls look closer set. To keep rooms feeling open and expansive avoid:

• Black vinyl plank
• Dark brown wood-look
• Bold red or navy stone-look

While beautiful, dramatic shades undermine light floors' illuminating, enlarging effects. Stick to light vinyl plank flooring to complete the spatial illusion.

Purchase High Quality Light LVP For Longevity

Budget sheet vinyl won't mimic luxurious hardwood as convincingly. Flimsy floors dent and scuff quickly, requiring replacement sooner.

Invest in reputable vinyl plank flooring brands for realistic visuals and lasting performance:

• Pergo
• Shaw Floorte
• Armstrong Vinyl Luxe Plank
• Karndean LooseLay
• Cali Bamboo Vinyl Plank

What To Look For When Comparing Brands

Thickness - Thicker vinyl better resists indentation from furniture or appliances. Look for >5mm.

Wear layer - A transparent top layer protects decorative film underneath. 20 mil is suitable for homes without heavy traffic.

Attached pad - Cushioned backing absorbs sound and feels softer underfoot.

Easy DIY Installation Tips

Prepping the subfloor properly prevents uneven planks or gaps forming later. Follow manufacturer guidelines.

Stagger planks randomly rather than in straight uniform lines. Mix up lengths for a natural look. Use spacers between long walls to prevent buckling when temperatures fluctuate.

For stunning visual impact, contrast light LVP flooring with other finishes. Read on for pro designer tips and ideas.

Design Tricks To Showcase Light Floors

Struggling to make pale LVP floors the focal point? Try these savvy decorating tricks to make them stand out.

Repeat Hues Throughout

Tie light vinyl plank flooring to other elements with matching soft neutrals. Paint trims or beams the same cream or light grey tone.

Echo wall color in slipcovered furniture or window treatments. Pick a pillow with a pinch of flooring color. Repeat sofas or cabinetry can recede to showcase gorgeous planks.

Go Bold With Contrast

Make light LVP pop with dramatic contrast. Dark emerald or navy velvet sofa against creamy floors packs visual depth.

A bold geometric area rug also frames vinyl plank flooring elegantly. Consider navy and white patterns over pale wood LVP.

Natural Textures Warm Up Cool Tones

Do grey floors feel stark? Introduce organic layers that play nicely together. Jute rugs, woven throws, and rattan dining chairs temper light LVP.

Mix weathered unfinished wood furniture to prevent icy vibe. Include leafy houseplants or dried grasses to soften industrial spaces.

By now the benefits of light LVP flooring over dark finishes should be clear as day. Read on for the final recap and tips for choosing ideal light colored vinyl plank flooring for your home.

Struggling with small, cramped rooms that never feel inviting or relaxing? Visually expand narrow spaces by installing light colored LVP flooring for a brighter, airier interior.

Look for soft neutral vinyl planks in white, beige, grey, or light wood tones. The lighter colors reflect ambient light rather than absorbing it dark floors. Pale LVP also appears to recede away from walls through color psychology tricks.

Combine with substantial thickness for durability, attached padding for comfort, and realistic wood aesthetics. Acclimate planks properly and use spacers during DIY or professional installation to prevent expansion issues.

Clean light LVP flooring regularly to keep looking it's pristine best. Sweep frequently, spot mop spills quickly, and deep clean every month or so. The regular upkeep is worth the bright open interiors light vinyl plank flooring creates.

Transform once gloomy rooms into calming retreats. Visually double perceived space with light colored LVP flooring reflecting the most light possible.