Flooring expert predicts the trends set to dominate 2026

From patterned vinyl to sisal carpets, there are plenty of flooring trends predicted for 2026

As we usher in the new year, you might be contemplating giving your home a makeover or finally tackling those pending tasks from 2025. After all, new year’s resolutions aren’t solely about fitness and diets.

Whether it’s a kitchen revamp or a bathroom floor refresh, there are numerous ways to prioritise your home this year.

For those eyeing interior design trends for 2026, flooring expert James Higgins from Online Carpets has analysed customer demand, search trends, and broader interior design shifts to predict the top flooring trends of the year. From animal prints to patterned carpets, there’s a plethora of trends to explore this year.

Patterned Vinyl

A favourite among maximalist enthusiasts, patterned vinyl flooring enjoyed immense popularity in 2025, a trend predicted to persist throughout 2026. James states: “Patterned vinyl flooring is one of the simplest ways we’ll be bringing colour and visual interest to our homes.

“These will be particularly big in kitchens, hallways, and utility rooms – any place where you’d benefit from hard flooring. Patterned vinyl works beautifully because it combines practicality with a sense of fun. It’s waterproof, easy to clean and suitable for busy households, yet it instantly transforms a space.”

Grey Carpet

While warm, natural colour schemes and beige carpets have gained popularity in recent years, 2026 is poised to witness the comeback of the grey carpet.

The specialist continues: “Rather than traditional cool-toned silver grey carpet, 2026 will see us favour warmer, softer greys like mushroom and stone-and even the classic ‘greige’ which sits perfectly in the middle of grey and beige.

“These shades keep the contemporary feel that grey is known for but add a welcoming warmth and new versatility to the shade.”

Patterned carpets — stripes and animal print

Especially favoured in compact spaces, patterned carpets are experiencing a resurgence this year. Whether it’s vintage floral motifs, tartan and stripes, or even wildlife prints, this trend is poised to dominate 2026. James notes that he’s witnessed a dramatic surge in tiger and leopard print lately.

He explained: “Aside from showing our personality, patterned carpets can also serve a functional purpose as they can hide everyday wear and tear that is more visible in a single colour carpet. If your space is particularly small, you can also use striped carpet to make your room seem bigger than it is.”

Sisal carpets

Natural, eco-friendly textures are becoming a key priority for homeowners in 2026, with sisal carpet spearheading this movement.

Ideal for those pursuing Scandinavian-inspired minimalism, sisal’s woven, organic look immediately brings tactile cosiness to your home, establishing a space that feels serene, grounded and naturally chic.

Layering rugs

James explained: “Layering rugs in our cosy spaces to create more tactile, texture-centred experiences will be hugely on-trend in 2026, with searches for the style almost doubling in the past year alone.”

Begin by placing a large, neutral rug on your floor as the ideal foundation. Next, seek out different textures, pile heights, and even patterned rugs to stack on top, adding visual depth to your room. Choose complementary colours within your patterns to unify the overall design scheme.