What’s Next in Flooring: 7 Trends Experts Say Will Dominate 2026

Not only is flooring for your home a significant investment, but it's also a permanent fixture that affects the overall look, comfort level, and feel of the space. Whether you're planning a home renovation or you're building a house from the ground up, getting the flooring right is essential.

To help you make the right choice, we tapped flooring industry experts who share what materials, styles, and color palettes will be hot this year. Here are the seven flooring trends the pros say are about to be everywhere.

1. Warm Neutrals and Natural Tones

Wood flooring will be making a shift toward warmer tones and more traditional styles throughout 2026. "Warm neutrals and natural tones are leading the palette, with soft honeyed hues, mid-oak finishes, and muted browns replacing cooler grays," says Anthony Scott, global product and innovation director at Havwoods. Scott says these tones work beautifully across both flooring and wall surfaces, and create seamless, layered interiors that feel grounded and connected to nature.

Hannes Boman, head of design at Bjelin, agrees. "Rich browns, soft beiges, and the natural hues of raw wood will become more popular as homeowners and designers seek to bring a sense of nature-inspired comfort and 'homeliness' into interiors."

2. Patterned Wood Flooring

Patterned wood flooring is a trend that experts say will remain strong as we head into 2026. "Designs like herringbone and chevron offer dynamic visual interest and can dramatically influence how a space feels," Boman says.

Boman shares that these patterns introduce a sense of rhythm and movement, while variations in scale have the ability to transform a room's mood: "Larger patterns lend calm and balance, while tighter layouts add energy and texture," Boman explains.

"Herringbone patterns will have a strong presence, especially in creative variations like double herringbone," Misael Tagle, CEO and founder of Duchateau, adds. Tagle notes these layouts showcase craftsmanship and express design intent, creating a bespoke feel.

3. Soft, Plush Rugs

When it comes to rugs that will be trending next year, it looks like 2026 will be all about cozy comfort. “Soft-touch, plush rugs are becoming more popular as consumers search for cozy and comforting tactility in their homes," says Maria O’Brien, VP of design at Ruggable. She notes that high-pile rugs with soft, underfoot comfort add warmth and coziness to both shared and intimate spaces, and predicts that they will continue to play a key role in creating inviting interiors. O'Brien also highlights the importance of practicality. "Easy care and performance rugs will continue to be important for consumers as their lifestyles are increasingly busy and time-stretched," she says.

When it comes to upcoming rug design trends, O'Brien says there are several. "Bold, playful brights in geometric patterns and color blocking continue to be trending interior aesthetics," she shares. If you prefer a more understated look, O’Brien shares another trend that's gaining momentum for 2026: "The resurgence of softer colors in nostalgic hues that complement gentle, timeless patterns and capture the essence of slow living.” 

4. Custom Woodwork

“As we move into 2026, wood in all its forms, flooring, paneling, and bespoke detailing, is taking center stage in interior design," Scott says. He shares there's a continued shift toward natural materials and craftsmanship, where wood becomes both a functional foundation and a statement of artistry. "Clients are increasingly looking for solutions that combine sustainability, texture, and warmth, bringing a sense of calm and sophistication into their spaces," Scott says. He shares that in high-end projects, he's also seeing a renewed focus on custom woodwork—like fluted wall panels and architectural detailing—that adds depth and individuality to every design.

5. Long, Wide Planks

Wide plank flooring is timeless, according to Tagle, and will continue to make an appearance in 2026. "It’s more than a trend, it’s a foundation of design," Tagle says. The expert explains that the generous scale of longer and wider planks visually elongates a room, enhancing light and proportion while also grounding a space with natural authenticity. Boman adds that long, wide planks arranged symmetrically create order and tranquility, which makes them especially well-suited for bedrooms and other spaces that are designed for rest and reflection.

6. Textured Flooring

It's not just materials and tones that are driving flooring trends. Scott says texture and dimension will be key in 2026. "Designers are leaning into tactile finishes and brushed grains to create movement and character, while fire-compliant and sustainable options are becoming essential for larger commercial and hospitality projects."

7. Durable and Low-Maintenance Flooring

Sustainability and easy maintenance are two important factors impacting flooring material selection. "Flooring that combines long-term durability with low-maintenance care will remain highly desirable," Boman says. The expert shares that advances in surface protection that preserve a natural, "low-gloss, oiled aesthetic" will also gain traction, as they simultaneously offer both beauty and practicality.