The Top 5 Flooring Trends Set to Transform Homes in 2026

New years goals and resolutions are not all about hitting the gym and eating better, for many, updating our homes and completing those jobs you never quite got around to are of the highest priority too.

Whether you're planning a complete room makeover or looking for a weekend update that boosts comfort and personality, flooring remains one of the biggest ways to transform how your home looks and feels.

But what is on trend for next year, and what are we leaving in the past? At Online Carpets, we’ve analysed customer demand, search trends, and wider interior design shifts to forecast the top flooring trends for 2026. From the rise of patterned vinyl flooring to the return of grey carpet, these updates offer an affordable, high-impact way to refresh your space without a full renovation.

Here are the flooring looks set to define interiors in the year ahead.

Go bold with patterned vinyl flooring 

After a huge year for maximalism in the home, with everything from bold patterned wallpaper to colour drenching our ceilings, we’re now seeing this apply to our flooring. 

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. 

A cost-effective alternative to patterned floor tiles, vinyl flooring is a way to introduce character without compromising on durability or the maintenance needs of your floor. You’ll also find that vinyl is warmer underfoot and more forgiving in busy households than traditional tiling. 

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.

From the classic black & white chequered tile which is perfect for updating your kitchen, all the way to creating a Victorian-inspired interior in your entryway with bold geometric design, vinyl’s versatility means there is something for everyone.  

Grey carpet reinvents itself 

After a steady rise in warm, natural colour schemes, beige carpet has been a standout choice in our homes for the last five years. The perfect warm neutral, beige fits into plenty of design choices from modern, Scandinavian-inspired comfort all the way to traditional spaces. 

This meant we naturally saw a decline in those modern, minimalist grey interiors that were popular in the 2010s as people leaned into trends like dopamine decor, and maximalism. 

However, this doesn’t mean that grey tones have completely left our homes – just that our choices of grey have evolved. For 2026, grey carpet will make a resurgence into our homes, with certain shades and undertones coming out on top. 

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 adds a welcoming warmth and new versatility to the shade. A common question many people ask is “what colour walls go with grey carpet?”, and the good news is: almost anything. With yellow-red undertones to these shades, they can be styled with plenty of other shades all the way from warm whites, soft greens and blushes, all the way to deep shades such as navy and burgundy. 

To avoid your grey feeling flat, try styling it with different depths of grey, for example, a warm grey carpet with darker charcoal cushions and pale grey or off-white walls. This creates depth and prevents your space from feeling flat.

Patterned carpets make a statement in small spaces

Yes, that’s right. Patterned carpets are making a comeback into our homes for 2026. From floral retro designs, all the way to plaid and striped carpet and even animal print, our carpets are becoming the stars of the show and making a statement. 

In fact, we’ve seen a huge interest in animal print carpets such as tiger and leopard print, with monthly sales up 211% since December 2023–proving we’re looking onto more daring flooring choices for the new year. 

Flooring is a great way to add colour and bold design choices into a home without taking over the entire space–when designing your space simply start from the floor, and work your way upwards. And they work perfectly in a smaller space as a way to bring some style and punch. 

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. 

Patterned carpets were a big feature in older homes, meaning some may feel they are an outdated trend, but they can be styled in a way that feels classic and elevated, rather than unfashionable. When styling, repeat one or two colours from the rug in your cushions, artwork or accessories. This creates harmony and ensures the carpet looks intentional rather than overwhelming. 

Alternatively, if you want a quick, high-impact way to refresh your space without committing to a full makeover, try out a large patterned rug before you commit to your whole floor. 

Sustainability choices surge with sisal carpet flooring

Natural, sustainable textures are becoming a major focus with homeowners in 2026, and sisal carpet is leading the way. 

If you love interiors that feel grounded and connected to nature, sisal carpet flooring is an ideal choice. Its woven, organic appearance instantly adds tactile warmth to your living room or bedroom, creating a space that feels calm, earthy and effortlessly stylish.

If you’re unsure on what sisal carpets are, look no further! Sisal carpets are made from natural plant fibres, giving them a beautifully textured, woven finish. They’re eco-friendly, anti-static, low-dust and extremely durable, making them perfect for busy households that value sustainability. 

Because of their natural texture, sisal pairs perfectly with earthy tones, natural woods, linen textiles and Scandinavian-inspired minimalism. So your style leans towards warm neutrals or earthy palettes, sisal’s organic texture will feel right at home.

Because it’s made from natural fibres, knowing  how to clean sisal carpet is vital to making sure it stays in tip top condition..

Sisal carpet reacts differently to moisture than synthetic carpets. Therefore, you should avoid using water to clean it and instead opt for dry cleaning methods–think gentle vacuuming, blotting spills rather than soaking, and using dry cleaning compounds. While it needs a little TLC, its longevity and timeless look make sisal one of the most rewarding flooring choices you can invest in for 2026.

Layering rugs to create a rich space 

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 doubling in the past year alone. 

Introducing rugs into a room instantly defines a zone in your home, making it perfect for open-plan living, reading corners or cosy seating areas. Layering multiple rugs is ideal to add extra softness and richness to your room. 

Start with laying down a large neutral rug on your floor as the perfect base. You can then look for other textures, piles and even patterned rugs to layer on top and create more visual interest to your space. 

Persian designs will give you a classic look, whereas bold geometrics will provide  a modern feel. Opt for soft-toned florals if you prefer something more subtle. The trick is to look for similar colours in your patterns to tie the entire scheme together.