Blog >Top 5 Flooring Trends In 2026

Top 5 Flooring Trends In 2026

• Updated on: July 3, 2026
• Author: Monarch Floors 1953 team

From wide plank hardwood to retro carpet designs, homeowners are getting bigger and bolder with their flooring choices.
What color of hardwood is trending in 2026? What are the hottest bathroom flooring ideas? Is carpet making a comeback?

Choosing a new floor for your home is a big decision. And it can be an overwhelming one, with interior design trends constantly evolving and an abundance of flooring options available on the market.

So, it’s essential to take your time and make sure you get it right.

If you’re planning to upgrade your flooring this year and need some help narrowing down the options, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are five of the top flooring trends in 2026.

1. Natural and lighter-toned hardwood

Homeowners have more flooring options than ever before, but hardwood remains a timeless favorite.

In most cases, hardwood is still the preferred type of flooring amongst buyers, which explains why it’s widely viewed as the flooring with the best resale value.

So, even in 2026, you’d be hard-pressed to find any list of the top flooring trends that don’t feature hardwood prominently. But unlike in recent times, when we saw gray-stained hardwood gain momentum, homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards the natural color of hardwood.

Lighter hardwoods, like white oak, maple, and birch, are particularly in demand. With their soft, neutral tones, these lighter hardwoods bring a touch of understated elegance that can complement various aesthetics, from modern and minimalistic to traditional and rustic. Lighter colored flooring, in general, also helps make a room feel bigger and brighter.

If you're looking for more affordable and waterproof flooring options, there are a number of engineered wood, luxury vinyl, and laminate floors that can achieve a similar look to hardwood, while providing greater resistance to moisture.

Our hardwood vs luxury vinyl plank guide breaks down the cost, durability, and style differences to help you decide. These wood-look alternatives have been surging in popularity over the past few decades and continue to be an excellent option for homeowners in 2026.

Unlike in recent times, when we saw gray-stained hardwood gain momentum, homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards the natural color of hardwood in 2026.

2. Wide plank hardwood

Another hardwood floor trend gaining traction in 2026 is the use of wider planks, typically measuring between 5 to 12 inches in width.

Compared to traditional narrow planks, these wider boards showcase more of the natural grain patterns, knots, and character of the wood, creating more of a statement in your home. Wide plank flooring, especially in lighter colors, can also help make a room look larger and more open by reducing the number of visible seams between the boards.

While wide planks in rich, dark tones remain popular in traditionally styled homes, natural and lighter-toned wide planks are a great match for rustic and modern farmhouse style settings, which will continue dominating this year.

3. Retro carpet designs

Despite the rise in hard surface floors, there’s still a place for carpet in 2026.

Carpet offers unparalleled softness and warmth underfoot, which explains why it’s the top choice for bedrooms and ideal for creating cozy, comfortable living spaces. This also makes carpet a viable flooring option for basements free from moisture concerns, especially if you have a home theater and need a floor that excels at absorbing sound.

But there’s more to carpet than comfort and performance.

Part of the reason carpet is making a comeback is because of its ability to bring a room to life with vibrant colors, captivating patterns, and textured finishes. If you're wondering which shades work best in different spaces, our guide to the best carpet colors for room ambiance covers how warm tones, cool tones, and neutrals each transform the feel of a room.

In fact, carpet trends are moving away from plain grays towards more “vintage” and “retro” inspired designs, according to Mohawk Flooring Director of Design and Development for soft surfaces, Audra Keiber.

Carpet trends are moving away from plain grays towards more “vintage” and “retro” inspired designs

4. More patterns and personality

Homeowners, in general, are opting for more patterns and personality on their floors. This flooring trend isn’t limited to carpet. It’s something we’re seeing across the board with different types of flooring.

Herringbone and chevron patterns, in particular, have become a popular choice on hardwood floors, adding character to living rooms, dining areas, and entryways.At the same time, herringbone and chevron-patterned tile flooring is among the hottest bathroom flooring ideas.

Some of the other bathroom flooring trends include checkerboard and mosaic tile, as well as the timeless speckled pattern of terrazzo. One common theme with each of them?

The patterns are getting bigger and bolder this year.

5. Warm, earthy tones

Finally, one of the top flooring trends of 2026 is a return to warm, earthy tones, including various shades of brown, tan, beige, greige, taupe, and terracotta. You'll find these colours across every flooring type, from hardwood and carpet to vinyl flooring and tile.

These colors draw inspiration from elements such as soil, sand, rocks, and clay, helping evoke a sense of tranquility and a connection to the natural world.

As a flooring color, these warm, earthy tones go with just about everything. And best of all: they never go out of style. So, if you’re looking for a flooring color that is versatile and timeless, embrace the natural beauty of the earthy color palette and enjoy a cozy and inviting home for years to come.

Finding the perfect floor in 2026

Whether you prefer the classic elegance of hardwood, the cozy comfort of carpet, or the striking allure of patterned tiles, this year offers a flooring trend to suit every taste.

Just remember: while these trends can help guide your search, selecting the perfect floor ultimately comes down to your own unique style and practical needs. So, take your time, explore your options, maybe bring home a sample or two, and find the floor that makes your house feel like a home.

Ready to get started on your next flooring project? For advice from our team of experts, contact us today.