The Grandma-Chic Rug Trend Showing Up In 2026

In recent years, the sink skirt has made a comeback, floral curtains are trending, and embroidered elements are everywhere. Yup — grandmacore is filling homes with coziness and comfort, and becoming a huge interior design trend. There are so many fun ways to bring this style into your space, and one simple way is through rugs. Although often overlooked, rugs can make or break a space's feel, and a classic rug is making a big comeback in 2026 that really nails the grandma vibes. We're referring to braided rugs, which have a long history and evoks feelings of nostalgia in many of us.

Braided rugs date back to the 1800s, when people in Colonial America used any scraps of material they could find to create them. Early braided rugs were either round or oval, due to them being created by coiling fabric, then stitching it together. Even though new techniques and technologies have emerged since then, those shapes are still widely associated with braided rugs. 

So if braided rugs have been around for ages, why are they becoming super popular now? Well, that's all down to how interior design is starting to value comfort over perfection and texture over color. Styles and trends are also focusing on emotions, and vintage things like braided rugs feel cozy and safe. 

"In 2026, we're seeing interiors become more warm and layered, the kinds of spaces rich with personality and a collected feel," designer Kathy Kuo told Homes & Gardens, "and this trend extends to rugs too." This means thick braided rugs are in, bringing both grandma-chic and lived-in luxe vibes.

Many braided rugs come in natural and neutral shades, making them fit seamlessly with a range of aesthetics. However, there are braided rugs with bolder or pastel shades if you want to bring a pop of color into your home. When picking your braided rug, try to complement the color scheme in the room where you'll be using it. Also, think about your decor style. For a more modern feel, opt for a neutral, solid-color braided rug, but go for that classic multicolored striped look if your home feels country or farmhouse. 

You also want to choose the right size rug for your space, as going too big or too small can throw off a room's tone. If you're placing a braided rug in your living room, get a size that can define the area by allowing the front legs of the chairs and sofas to sit on it. If you're adding a braided rug to your dining room, make sure it's big enough to fit your seating space even when the chairs are fully pulled out. 

And did you know that you don't actually have to buy one of these rugs? You can make a braided rag rug from old sheets or T-shirts if you're feeling extra creative and want something that's unique and completely your own.