When renovating a home, we often obsess over wall colors or furniture styles, forgetting that the “largest canvas” in any room is the floor. At Floor Hub, we believe parquet isn’t just a floor covering; it’s a powerful architectural tool. With the right installation direction, you can transform a cramped, narrow room into a space that feels airy and expansive.

Here is how to strategically choose your installation direction to trick the eye and add “visual square footage” to your home.

  • The “Follow the Light” Rule
    One of the most effective professional secrets is to install parquet planks parallel to the main light source (such as a large window or balcony).
    – The Logic: When natural light flows along the length of the planks rather than hitting the joints crosswise, it minimizes shadows between the boards. This creates a seamless, continuous look that makes the floor—and the room—feel much more open.
  • Vertical Installation: For Added Depth
    If you have a rectangular room or a hallway that you want to feel deeper:
    – The Plan: Install the planks parallel to the longest wall.
    – The Result: This direction leads the eye toward the far end of the room, creating an optical illusion of an elongated, never-ending space.
  • Horizontal Installation: To “Push” the Walls Apart
    In rooms that feel like a “tunnel” (long and very narrow):
    – The Plan: Install the planks horizontally (parallel to the short walls).
    – The Result: This orientation visually “pushes” the side walls outward, making the room feel wider, more balanced, and less claustrophobic.
  • The Diagonal Magic (45-Degree Angle)
    If you are looking for both luxury and a sense of scale, diagonal installation is your best friend.
    – Why it works: Diagonal lines break the traditional boundaries of a square or rectangular room. They encourage the eye to move across the widest part of the space, distracting from the actual narrowness of the walls.
    – Floor Hub Note: While this method requires a bit more material due to specialized cutting, the high-end aesthetic and spatial impact are worth the investment.
  • Herringbone & Chevron: The Dynamic Stretch
    Some think busy patterns shrink a room, but the “Herringbone” pattern—especially when using large, light-colored planks — adds a sense of movement. This dynamic flow makes the floor feel like it’s expanding in multiple directions at once.


Pro Tip from Floor Hub Experts:

For small spaces, always opt for Wide Planks. Fewer seams mean less visual clutter, resulting in a cleaner, calmer, and significantly larger-looking floor.

Conclusion

Changing your flooring is an investment in your comfort. Don’t just choose a color you love; choose a direction that serves your space. At Floor Hub, we help you bridge the gap between premium quality and smart design.