Flooring Trends for 2026: A Guide to What’s Hot (and Cool) Underfoot
As homeowners look to refresh and update their living spaces, flooring choices are evolving to balance style and practicality while keeping cost and sustainability in mind. From innovative broadloom carpets that invite you to kick off your shoes, to sleek engineered hardwoods and resilient luxury vinyl, this year’s trends offer something for every taste, budget, and lifestyle.
Popular choices
Homeowners today are keen on engineered hardwood, which offers the rich aesthetic of solid wood with added stability, making it suitable for seasonal temperature and humidity fluctuations. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate also continue to surge in popularity thanks to their realistic wood and stone looks, water resistance, and affordability. Tile remains a staple in areas prone to moisture but is now making its way into living rooms and bedrooms, thanks to new designs that offer warmth and versatility.
“While hard surfaces remain popular, there’s a noticeable return to softer finishes that create inviting, comfortable spaces,” explains Sydney Alexanian from Alexanian Flooring in Burlington. “Homeowners are prioritizing how a space feels just as much as how it looks, which has brought carpet back into the conversation in a big way.”
The low-down on broadloom
Broadloom, or wall-to-wall carpeting, is a great option for areas of the home where a cozy, warm and quiet atmosphere is desired. “Broadloom is experiencing renewed interest as homeowners look to add warmth, comfort, and acoustic benefits to their spaces,” says Alexanian. “With innovations in stain resistance, durability, and soft fibres, carpet is being embraced again in bedrooms, on stairs, basements, and even home offices, where comfort and sound control matter most.”
While broadloom is less common in busy living areas, recent product improvements have made it more durable and stain-resistant, making it a better fit for modern needs. If you want your home to feel cozy and quiet, with soft floors, broadloom is always a good option.
Hardwood styles
Hardwood flooring remains a classic favourite, with trends focusing on wide-plank styles, matte finishes, and natural colours. “White Oak remains a top choice due to its timeless look and versatility, particularly in matte or low-sheen finishes,” explains Alexanian. “These selections pair beautifully with layered interiors and are often complemented by area rugs or carpeted spaces nearby.”
Engineered hardwood is also popular due to its resistance to humidity and temperature changes, which are ideal for our well-known seasonal fluctuations. Reclaimed and distressed hardwoods are also gaining attention for their unique, lived-in feel while supporting sustainable practices. The current colour trend favours lighter stains that brighten rooms and make spaces feel larger, while subtle grey and taupe tones offer a modern twist on the classics.
High-traffic areas
High-traffic, moisture-prone areas, like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, need flooring that is both practical and stylish. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are still the top picks for these rooms because they are durable, water-resistant, and available in many designs, including large tiles, geometric patterns, and textured surfaces. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is another standout in 2026, offering the look of stone or tile with added comfort and easier installation.
Waterproof laminate is also making waves, particularly in kitchens and hallways, where spills and heavy foot traffic are common. In bathrooms, heated tile floors are now in demand, adding a touch of luxury and comfort during the colder months. In entryways and mudrooms, slate and travertine bring natural beauty and resilience, while luxury vinyl in kitchens and bathrooms offers a more budget-conscious, waterproof solution.
Whether you’re choosing carpet for a cozy retreat, engineered hardwood for timeless elegance, or innovative tiles for busy rooms, there are options for every style and budget.
Local flooring businesses:
Alexanian Carpet & Flooring
870 Appleby Line, Burlington
alexanian.com
El Nino Floors
355 Plains Road East # 10, Burlington
elninofloors.ca
Speers Road Broadloom
400 Speers Road, Oakville
speersroadbroadloom.com
Camden Flooring & Interiors
54 Wilson Street West, Ancaster
By Julie Achtermeier
