Flooring is not only a significant investment in your home, but it is also a permanent fixture that affects the overall look, comfort, and feel of the space. Whether you are planning a home renovation or building a home from scratch, choosing the right flooring is crucial.
To help you make the right choice, we asked flooring industry experts who shared the materials, styles and color palettes that are trending this year. Here are seven flooring trends that pros say will soon be everywhere.
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Meet the experts
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Hannes Bormann is the design director of Swedish wood flooring company Bjelin.
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Missal Tagle is the chief executive officer (CEO) and founder of Duchateau, a flooring manufacturer based in San Diego, California.
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Anthony Scott is the global product and innovation director for British wood flooring company Havwoods.
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Maria O’Brien is the vice president of design at Ruggable, a rug retailer based in Gardena, California.
1. Warm neutrals and natural tones
Throughout 2026, wood flooring will shift toward warmer tones and more traditional styles. “Warm neutrals and natural tones dominate the color palette, with soft honey tones, mid-oak finishes and soft browns replacing cool grays,” said Anthony Scott, global product and innovation director at Havwoods. The hues look beautiful on floors and walls, creating a seamless, layered interior that feels grounded and connected to nature, Scott says.
Hannes Boman, head of design at Bjelin, agrees. “As homeowners and designers seek to bring nature-inspired comfort and ‘warmth’ indoors, the natural tones of rich browns, soft beiges and raw wood will become more popular.”
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2. Patterned Wood Flooring
Patterned wood flooring is a trend that experts say will remain strong as we enter 2026. “Designs like chevrons and chevrons provide dynamic visual interest and can greatly impact the feel of a space,” says Boman.
Boman says the patterns bring rhythm and movement, while variations in size can change the mood of a room: “Larger patterns bring calm and balance, while tighter arrangements add energy and texture,” Boman explains.
Misael Tagle, CEO and founder of Duchateau, added: “Herringbone patterns will dominate, especially creative variations like the double herringbone.” Tagle noted that these layouts showcase craftsmanship and express design intent, creating a bespoke feel.
3. Soft plush carpet
When it comes to next year’s rug trends, it looks like 2026 will be all about cozy rugs. “As consumers look for cozy touches in their homes, soft-touch plush rugs are becoming increasingly popular,” said Maria O’Brien, vice president of design at Ruggable. She noted that shag rugs with a soft, comfortable feel underfoot add warmth and comfort to shared and private spaces, and predicted they will continue to play a key role in creating welcoming interiors. O’Brien also emphasized the importance of practicality. “As consumer lifestyles become increasingly busy and time-constrained, easy-care and high-performance rugs remain important to consumers,” she said.
When it comes to upcoming rug design trends, O’Brien says there are several. “Bold, playful bright colors in geometric patterns and color blocking remain trends in interior aesthetics,” she shares. If you prefer a more understated look, O’Brien shares another trend gaining momentum in 2026: “The resurgence of pastel colors in nostalgic tones, paired with soft, timeless patterns that capture the essence of slow living.”
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4. Customized wood products
“As we move into 2026, various forms of wood, flooring, paneling and custom details will take center stage in interior design,” Scott said. He believes that people are constantly turning to natural materials and craftsmanship, and wood has become both a functional basis and an expression of artistry. “Clients are increasingly looking for solutions that combine sustainability, texture and warmth to bring a sense of calm and sophistication to their spaces,” says Scott. He shared that in high-end projects, he’s also seeing a renewed focus on custom millwork such as fluted wall panels and architectural details, which add depth and personality to each design.
5. Long and wide planks
Tagle says wide-plank flooring is timeless and will continue to be around in 2026. “It’s not just a trend, it’s fundamental to design,” Tagle said. Experts explain that the large dimensions of longer and wider boards visually elongate the room, enhancing light and proportion while also giving the space a natural authenticity. Borman adds that symmetrically arranged long, wide planks create order and tranquility, which makes them particularly suitable for bedrooms and other spaces designed for rest and reflection.
6. Textured Flooring
It’s not just materials and shades that are driving flooring trends. Texture and size will be key in 2026, Scott said. “Designers are leaning toward tactile finishes and brushed textures to create movement and character, while fire-resistant and sustainable options are becoming critical for large-scale commercial and hospitality projects.”
7. Durable and low-maintenance flooring
Sustainability and ease of maintenance are two important factors that influence the choice of flooring materials. “Floors that combine long-term durability with low maintenance remain very popular,” says Boman. Advances in surface protection that maintain a natural, “low-gloss, oil-coated aesthetic” will also be of interest, as they offer both aesthetics and functionality, the expert said.
Read the original article on Better Homes and Gardens