The Once-Luxurious Flooring Trend That Is Officially Out For 2026

The old saying "here today, gone tomorrow" illustrates the fact that no fad really lasts, and what's hot today will eventually feel stale and outdated. Unfortunately for homeowners, this often applies to home decor and design trends — which can quickly rise and rapidly fall with the fashions and times. One example of a once-popular house fixture that now feels washed-up: polished porcelain flooring.

Speaking exclusively with House Digest, Lori Miller, principal designer and owner of LGC Interiors, shares that polished porcelain — a ceramic tile flooring material with an ultra-shiny finish — made a splash when it came onto the design scene in the early 1990s, and was all the rage in 2000. "We saw it installed in every million-dollar mansion and on every luxury home show," Miller says. "Minimal grout lines and a sleek look made it feel sleek and grand."

Today's 2026 flooring trends, however, are leaning away from the shimmer and shine that dominated late 20th and early 21st century styles, and are instead embracing earthy, natural materials, colors, and textures, with Miller pointing out that floors made of natural stone and mosaics are now in vogue. "Glossy tiles are now being seen as cold and commercial," Miller explains. "We now want warmth and timeless."

If you've already invested in polished porcelain floors in your home, don't fret. While it may not be peak-chic, a polished porcelain floor that's well taken care of and in good condition will still look appealing and reflect better on you and your home than floors that have been neglected — so take care of what you've got. While speaking exclusively with House Digest, Miller suggests cleaning and regrouting tile floors "for a more updated appeal." (Just be sure not to make some common mistakes while cleaning your porcelain tiles, such as using abrasive cleaning tools and materials, or allowing messes and spills to sit for a while and seep into the tile's finish.)

If you're ready to rip out your polished porcelain floors and start fresh, or if you haven't pulled the trigger on a flooring decision yet and are on the hunt for something on-trend, Miller recommends choosing floors made of natural materials, which are currently highly sought after. "We are seeing a return to hardwoods, marble, and even terracotta has been trending in new shapes and colors," she observes. "Carpet is also back in bedrooms and offices." In addition, instead of all that polish and shine, consider going for something with a matte finish — a flooring trend that is set to rule homes in 2026.