Say Goodbye To Boring Carpets: The Bold Trend Taking Over In 2026

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You may have heard of the Millennial tendency towards minimalism — the trend defined by a lack of clutter or pattern and an emphasis on clean, simple lines. However, it has become apparent in recent years that the younger generation, Gen Z, has opted to buck that trend in favor of the opposite end of the interior design spectrum: maximalism. With that shift, everything from wall art to furniture and even light fixtures have taken on far more color, vibrancy, and pattern. And this bright, fun-loving trend is even expected to extend into that most basic of interior design necessities: the carpet. In 2026, carpets with bold prints and patterns are taking over.

As interior designer Joyce Huston, co-founder of Decorilla, explained to Martha Stewart, "There's been a focus on wallpapered and patterned ceilings, but I think people are now looking down." Where carpet has previously been a blank canvas on which to place interesting pieces of furniture and decor, 2026 could be the year that we see the carpet itself become the star of the show. Flooring expert James Higgins, of Online Carpets, told the Express, "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.

But don't worry if your house is decked out entirely in traditional hardwood floors. You, too, can take part in this new trend just as easily by saying goodbye to laying plain rugs and opting for colorful, eye-catching, patterned ones. So, are you interested in bypassing the more classic home decor trends for something new and bold? You can incorporate a personality-filled rug or carpet into your space for an exciting yet intentional look this new year.

One of the dangers of using bold patterns and vibrant colors is that they can end up feeling overwhelming or out of place. To avoid this outcome, it is a good idea to look for a carpet or rug that reflects your style while adding in those colorful prints that will be trending this year. For example, if your home has been influenced by modern farmhouse design inspo, then you may want to look for something like this CAROMIO Colorful Abstract Area Rug. The cream colors in this rug tie into the off-whites common in farmhouse looks, and the abstract shapes are perfect for enhancing the sleeker, more contemporary feel of the overall style. Alternatively, if your home follows a mid-century design format, you could opt for this Aldopein Funky Colorful Striped Bedroom Rug, which has groovy curves that echo the 1960s inspiration and contrast nicely with the straight, clean lines of mid-century design.

Another key aspect to remember when decorating with vibrant patterned carpets is placement. Bright colors and detailed patterns have a tendency to draw the eye, and this can be used to your advantage to help you highlight certain areas of your home. For example, if you have a stunning, original staircase that tends to get lost due to a lack of natural light, you can brighten the space and make it more visually interesting by adding a patterned carpet or runner on the stairs. Or, if your bedroom has large windows featuring a view out into nature, you could echo that using a carpet which has floral or leaf patterns that help to bring the outside in. Finally, make sure the carpet includes colors used throughout the space for a more cohesive, satisfying feel.