Flooring expert James Higgins at Online Carpets has analysed customer demand and search trends to predict the biggest flooring trends for 2026, from patterned carpets to sisal rugs
As the new year kicks off, you might find yourself pondering home improvements or finally tackling those jobs you didn’t quite manage in 2025 — after all, new year’s resolutions aren’t solely about getting fit and eating well.
Whether your kitchen requires an overhaul or your bathroom floor needs sprucing up, there are countless ways to prioritise your house this year.
For those contemplating interior design changes for 2026, flooring specialist James Higgins at Online Carpets has examined customer preferences, search patterns, and broader design movements to predict this year’s leading flooring trends.
From wild animal motifs to decorative carpets, there’s no shortage of trends to explore this year.
Patterned vinyl
Especially favoured by maximalist enthusiasts, decorative vinyl flooring experienced tremendous popularity in 2025, and this trend is expected to continue flourishing throughout 2026 as well. James explains: “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 cosy, earthy colour palettes and beige carpets have gained traction in recent years, 2026 is poised to witness the comeback of grey carpeting.
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 trendy in compact areas, patterned carpets are staging a major revival this year. From vintage botanical motifs to tartan and stripes, and even wildlife prints, this movement is poised to dominate 2026. James observes that he’s witnessed a huge 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
Organic, eco-friendly textures are emerging as a key priority for householders in 2026, with sisal carpeting spearheading this movement.
Ideal for those pursuing Scandinavian-inspired minimalism, sisal’s braided, natural look immediately brings textural cosiness to your dwelling, establishing an environment that feels tranquil, grounded and effortlessly chic.
Layering rugs
James revealed: “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 to serve as a solid foundation. Next, seek out different textures, pile heights, and even patterned rugs to stack above, generating greater visual appeal within your room. Hunt for matching tones in your designs to bind the whole look together.
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