Does a dark carpet make a room look bigger or smaller?

Author: Elvie Reinger PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

One thing to remember when using carpet colour to make a room look bigger is that it should not be too dark. Too much darkness can make a room look smaller. So, if you have a small room, then choose a light-coloured carpet. Another way to maximize the use of carpet in a small room is to make the rooms appear wider.

Will dark carpet make a room smaller?

For a bold statement, consider deep colors like navy blue or burgundy, but be mindful of the room's size and lighting as dark colors can make a room feel smaller.

What color carpet makes a room look bigger?

Choosing the right rug colour is a simple yet effective way to make your room look bigger. Rugs in shades of light brown, sandy beige, and soft taupe will create an illusion of a more expansive and larger room. Remember to consider other factors like size, placement, and pattern for the best results.

Is it better to have lighter or darker carpet?

Practical Benefits of Dark Carpets

One of the biggest advantages of deep-toned carpets is their ability to camouflage stains and dirt. Unlike lighter options, darker carpets can hide accidental spills and dirt, saving homeowners from constant cleaning and professional carpet cleaning services.

What is the best color carpet for a small room?

Room Size. Small-sized rooms and rooms with low ceilings tend to benefit the most from carpets with neutral colors. Neutral colors help to make a room appear larger, while a bold color works best in large spaces and oddly shaped rooms.

Should You Go with Dark Carpets for Your House | Dark Carpet Colors Pros and Cons

What color carpet is timeless?

Neutral tones, such as classic shades of beige, taupe, and light gray, stand out as timeless choices that effortlessly complement various design styles.

Is a dark or light rug better for a small room?

The Case for Dark Rugs

Rather than an open, expansive atmosphere, they cultivate a warm, cocooning ambience. This can make tiny rooms feel snug and enveloping rather than oppressively cramped. Dark rugs are also perfect for high-traffic zones or homes with young children and furry companions underfoot.

What color walls go with dark carpet?

White and Light Greys: These are classic choices that create a stark contrast with black, giving any room a modern, clean look. White walls can brighten up a space and prevent it from feeling too dark or enclosed.

What color carpet stays the cleanest?

You should go for earth-toned coloured carpets such as browns, greens, blues, greys, and oranges. These help hide dirty marks and can help lengthen the time needed in between vacuuming and cleaning. Try to choose darker tones in the colour wheel, rather than lighter ones.

What is the effect of dark carpet?

Coziness: Dark carpets have a way of making a room feel smaller and cozier. This is an attractive feature for a living room, family room, den or bedroom. Dark brown carpets or earth tones tend to heighten this effect more than other darker hues.

Which colour carpet goes with everything?

Beige is the most popular colour for living room carpets, and it's easy to see why: it goes with just about anything. It also has a warm and inviting feel.

What color makes a room look the biggest?

Q: What colors make a small room look bigger? A: The lighter your colors are, the bigger the room will feel. Stick to shades of white and cream, pastels and light neutrals in gray and taupe. Q: How do you make a small room look bigger on a budget?

What makes carpet look expensive?

Expensive carpets look and feel more luxurious underfoot. The quality of the fibres and materials used is higher. They are and they will last longer and wear better. In comparison a budget carpet will look and feel lower quality, and it will wear and need replaced sooner.

What color carpet makes room feel bigger?

Light-Colored Rugs

Shaded with light, they reflect all the light and promptly make the room appear even larger and more expansive. If you desire the illusion of a great space, use a white rug, light beige rug, soft grey rug, or any pastel color rug.

Should a sofa be lighter or darker than carpet?

The size of both pieces must be carefully considered. A massive sectional sofa dominating the room might benefit from a lighter rug to prevent the space from feeling too bottom-heavy. Alternatively, a dainty two-seater might look rather lost floating atop a darker, substantial rug.

What does black carpet do to a room?

Darker carpets can inject a real feeling of cosiness into a home, bringing a relaxing, homely feel. A dark neutral tone is the perfect blank canvas to design your room around. Match it with your other soft furnishings, or play off the darkness by adding fun pops of colour.

What carpet to avoid?

Synthetic Chemicals

Most carpet is made from synthetic fibers, usually nylon and polypropylene. Both materials are made from non-renewable petroleum and emit harmful VOCs into the air.

What color carpet is in style in 2024?

Natural and Neutral Tones

Earthy and neutral colors like beige, taupe, and various shades of gray have been popular for carpets in recent years. They provide a versatile backdrop for various design styles and are unlikely to go out of fashion in 2024.

Should I get lighter or darker carpet?

The light and space of each room will often influence your color palette. If the area is small or lacks natural light, then a lighter shade of carpet will make it appear larger and brighter. Equally, darker carpets will serve to warm up a room, giving larger spaces a cosy feel, while adding depth and character.

What furniture matches dark carpet?

Choose light-coloured furniture. White, off-white, tan, beige, and light brown are good choices.

Is it OK to have different color carpet in different rooms?

Different rooms in your home can have different design themes, and the carpet is one way to tie everything together. For example, you might choose a bold pattern for your living room and a neutral color for your bedrooms. Or you might go with a light-colored carpet for a bright and airy feel in your sunroom.

What is the most popular taupe color?

Most Popular Taupe Paint Colors
  • Driftwood. 2107-40.
  • Weimaraner. AF-155.
  • Pashmina. AF-100.
  • Smokey Taupe. 983.
  • Brandon Beige. 977.
  • Shaker Beige. HC-45.

Does darker carpet make a room look smaller?

One thing to remember when using carpet colour to make a room look bigger is that it should not be too dark. Too much darkness can make a room look smaller. So, if you have a small room, then choose a light-coloured carpet. Another way to maximize the use of carpet in a small room is to make the rooms appear wider.

What color rug should I get with a grey couch?

Neutral colors of white, brown, and tan look exceptional next to any piece of furniture. Brown tends to blend well with any other color, making it a nice choice for a rug in front of a gray couch. Opt for medium tones of brown to make your rug and couch blend together.

What colour carpet is best for small rooms?

If your bedrooms are small, a carpet in light colours alongside light, neutral walls will create a spacious impression.

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