Flooring Trends for 2026: Carpet, LVT & Vinyl Take the Spotlight
- Branew Flooring
- Nov 5
- 6 min read
As we approach 2026, flooring is no longer just a practical decision—it’s a reflection of personal values, design preferences, and everyday lifestyle. At Branew Flooring, we’re seeing a powerful shift in how home and business owners choose carpet, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), and vinyl solutions. From sustainable materials to bold aesthetics and tactile finishes, these surfaces are evolving to meet the demands of modern living. The following are our insights for flooring trends in 2026.
Sustainability in Soft and Resilient Flooring
Sustainability is now front and centre. With growing awareness of climate change and resource depletion, homeowners are seeking flooring that minimises environmental impact without compromising on comfort or style.
Carpet is undergoing a green transformation, with manufacturers offering ranges made from recycled fibres, natural wool, and low-VOC backings. These options provide warmth underfoot while supporting healthier indoor air quality.
LVT is also stepping up, with many brands introducing phthalate-free, recyclable and low VOC emissions formats that reduce petrochemical reliance. Even traditional vinyl is evolving, with PVC-free alternatives like polypropylene and PET-based resilient flooring gaining traction for their durability and eco credentials.
Welcoming Warmth and Earthy Colours
Throughout much of the past decade, cool-toned greys have prevailed in flooring showrooms and home interiors. Although these hues provided a modern, stylish appearance, they occasionally felt stark or chilly. 2026 is set to embrace warmer, earthy tones and will create inviting atmospheres in any home or business. These natural hues not only establish a connection to the outdoors but also provide a versatile backdrop for diverse interior design styles.
The New Neutrals
While grey remains a staple in interior design, it's being softened and reimagined. The "new neutrals" are emerging with warm undertones, including soft beige, taupe, and the increasingly popular "greige" (a mix of grey and beige). These shades introduce subtle warmth, making living areas feel cosier without overpowering the colour palette. They also serve as an ideal backdrop for more vibrant furnishings and décor.
Earthy Accents
Alongside wood tones and warmer neutrals, earthy accent colours are influencing flooring design. Terracotta tiles are quietly making a return, especially in kitchens and hallways where a rustic atmosphere is desired. Muted greens, often inspired by natural stone or ceramic glazes, are also appearing in patterned tiles and custom floor designs. These earthy tones help anchor interiors, creating spaces that feel harmonious and connected to nature.
By 2026, cool tones will recede in favour of colours that bring warmth, comfort, and personality into the home. This shift aligns perfectly with the broader movement towards natural, sustainable living.
Textures and Patterns
By 2026, flooring choices will no longer be based only on visual appeal. Homeowners are increasingly attracted to surfaces that are as pleasing to touch as they are to the eye, with texture and finish becoming as significant as colour or pattern. The aim is authenticity—floors that replicate the appearance and feel of natural materials—while remaining practical for daily use.
Matte over Gloss
High-gloss finishes were once popular, but they are gradually losing their appeal. Although glossy floors can be visually striking, they also reveal every smudge, scratch, and flaw, making them challenging to maintain in busy homes and businesses. In contrast, matte and low-sheen finishes are becoming more popular due to their subtle elegance and ease of maintenance. These finishes mimic the natural appearance of wood or stone in its unprocessed state, providing a more organic and calming sensation underfoot. They also better conceal wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for families or high-traffic areas.
Embossed in Register (EIR)
Technology is another factor influencing the trend towards texture. Innovations like Embossed in Register (EIR) have revolutionised the appearance and feel of luxury vinyl flooring. This technique aligns the surface texture of the plank with the printed grain pattern underneath, creating a highly realistic effect that imitates the depth and irregularities of natural wood. This not only adds authenticity but also improves the tactile experience, making cost-effective options feel much more premium. EIR finishes enable home and business owners to enjoy the character of oak, walnut, or other timbers while benefiting from the durability, water resistance, and easy maintenance of synthetic flooring.
The outcome is a growing preference for floors that blend natural beauty with everyday practicality. In 2026, it’s evident that texture is not just a finishing touch – it’s a key element in flooring design.
Creative Combinations and Bold Statements
While minimalist interiors remain popular, by 2026, a distinct counter-trend is emerging: bold statement flooring. Floors are no longer just a backdrop; they are becoming a central design element, allowing for individuality and creativity while unifying the room.
Geometric and Classic Patterns
Traditional geometric patterns are making a comeback, particularly checkerboard flooring. Whether in classic black and white or reimagined with terracotta, sage, and cream for a softer look, checkerboard designs are appearing in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways throughout the UK. Additionally, patterns like herringbone and basket weave are being revived, offering vintage-inspired charm with a modern twist. These patterns add depth and movement to a room, ensuring the floor feels dynamic rather than flat.
The Hybrid Floor
Another rising trend is the combination of different flooring materials within a single space, known as "hybrid flooring design." This approach might mix warm wood planks with patterned tiles to subtly zone open-plan areas. For instance, a kitchen island may be framed with tiles while the rest of the area transitions into wood, or a hallway might seamlessly shift from stone to oak. This not only creates a striking visual effect but also offers practical solutions—using durable surfaces in high-traffic areas and warmer textures where comfort is key.
Tile Drenching
A more daring statement is the concept of "tile drenching," which involves extending the same tile from the floor onto the walls for a seamless, immersive effect. Particularly popular in bathrooms, it creates a sense of luxury and spaciousness, transforming even small areas into spa-like retreats. Beyond bathrooms, tile drenching is starting to appear in utility rooms and kitchens, where design continuity can have a dramatic visual impact.
As home and business owners seek to personalise their spaces, flooring is becoming a canvas for creativity. In 2026, the focus is on bold combinations and design choices that make the floor a focal point.
Functionality and Durability for Modern Life
As homes increasingly fulfil multiple roles—from family living and entertaining to remote work—flooring must withstand daily use while maintaining style. By 2026, durability and low maintenance will have become essential, driving consumer preferences.
Waterproof and Pet-Friendly
A significant trend in recent years is the rise of waterproof flooring, which continues to gain momentum. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) vinyl is at the forefront, providing a surface that resists spills, humidity, and scratches while offering the realistic appearance of wood or stone. This makes it especially attractive for kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms, where moisture is inevitable and with most manufacturers offering up to a 20-year guarantee. Pet-friendly features are also a key selling point, with flooring designed to withstand claw marks, stains, and everyday mishaps, offering peace of mind to families with dogs or cats.
Thicker and Wider Planks
Beyond surface technology, dimensions are evolving as well. Thicker planks offer greater stability and durability, ensuring longevity even in high-traffic areas. Meanwhile, wider planks are gaining popularity for their ability to create a sense of openness and luxury. A wide-board LVT oak floor, for example, can make a living room feel spacious and modern while reducing the number of seams for a cleaner look. The combination of strength and visual appeal means that larger planks are becoming the preferred choice for homeowners seeking both functionality and elegance.
Ultimately, the future of flooring is as focused on performance as it is on design. By 2026, expect more products that combine resilience, ease of maintenance, and timeless style—perfectly aligned with the demands of modern living.
Looking Ahead at Flooring Trends for 2026
As we gear up for 2026, the flooring industry is on the brink of exciting changes. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovative technology, and a diverse palette of colours and textures, these trends will address the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.
Whether you are renovating your home or creating a new space, staying informed about these trends will help you make stylish and functional choices. Embrace the future by exploring eco-friendly materials, incorporating smart technology, and experimenting with bold colours and textures. The possibilities are endless, and the right flooring can elevate your space into a true reflection of your style and values.
At Branew Flooring, we have been providing luxury vinyl flooring, carpets and vinyls for over 40 years and have thousands of satisfied customers. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with the latest trends and help you select a floor that offers beauty, functionality, and enduring value.
Browse our complete flooring collection today and see why home and business owners, interior designers, and trade professionals trust Branew Flooring for their projects.
