The 7 Biggest Rug Trends for 2026 – Designers Pick Their Favorite Styles for the Year Ahead

A rug might sit beneath your feet, but make no mistake – it does a lot of heavy lifting. From softening hard floors to anchoring furniture and zoning a space, the right rug can change how a room looks and feels.

And because rugs tend to be one of the bigger investments we make at home, it pays to know where interior design trends are heading before rolling one out.

So, whether you’re planning a full refresh or simply looking to update one key room, consider this your shortcut to what’s coming next. We asked designers and rug experts what they’re seeing rise to the top for the year ahead, and these are the seven standout ideas set to define rugs in 2026 – think texture, color, and plenty of personality.

7 Stylish Rugs Trends to Know in 2026

Rugs are a practical purchase, and of course need to remain so, but increasingly we're finding designers are using rugs as a tool to set the tone, shape the mood, and bring a little something extra to a scheme.

Think less of a filler or nice-to-have piece, and much more foundational. You want to choose your rug like you might a sofa, it's a big-ticket item after all. So to help you in finding the perfect, most stylish option, here are the seven top design styles the experts are loving for 2026.

1. Texture-Maxxing

Texture-maxxing is the natural evolution of our craving for warmth and tactility in 2026 – and rugs are leading the charge.

'In 2026, we’re seeing interiors become more warm and layered, the kinds of spaces rich with personality and a collected feel, and this trend extends to rugs too,' designer Kathy Kuo agrees. 'I’m anticipating an uptick in the use of richly textural rugs with thick braided weaves or cozy high piles.'

'Think hand-knotted wool rugs with chunky weaves, ultra-plush sheepskin rugs, and traditional Moroccan rugs that feel irresistibly soft underfoot,' she continues. 'These kinds of textiles can be styled in any area, although they work particularly well in relaxed, inviting spaces like bedrooms and family rooms.'

According to Lizzie Mosley, creative director at Hug Rug, 2026 will see designers 'embracing ways to maximize this by layering rugs with each other and over carpet, over hard floors, or to effectively zone open-plan spaces.' This layered approach adds visual interest while also softening larger or more minimal layouts, creating defined areas that feel comfortable rather than stark.

2. Single, Saturated Colors

Also gaining momentum among big-name designers is color that makes its statement not through pattern, but through confidence. Single saturated color rugs are bold yet surprisingly versatile, offering depth and drama without the visual noise of added prints, trims, or borders.

'We’re seeing a strong shift toward oversized rugs in single, saturated colors, particularly jewel tones like deep emerald, aubergine, oxblood, sapphire, and inky navy,' says Kailee Blalock from House of Hive Design Co. 'These tones anchor a space emotionally and visually without relying on pattern.'

Crucially, this rug trend isn’t about contrast for contrast’s sake. 'One of my favorite moves is creating a full color moment by allowing the rug to echo the sofa or primary upholstered piece,' she continues. 'When the rug and seating live in the same tonal family, the room instantly feels elevated.'

Christina Cruz is also a fan of this 2026 rug trend, adding: 'Solid rugs are evolving too into rich, monochromatic palettes featuring subtle variations of tone woven throughout. Think layered blues, mossy greens, bright terracotta, and softened burgundies that add depth without overpowering a room.'

3. Soft Organic

For the more subtle decorators, designers are leaning into natural materials like jute and seagrass and organic shapes more and more in 2026.

'In my designs, rugs are always the quiet anchors of a room, grounded, textural, and deeply tactile,' explains designer Marie Flanigan. 'We’re seeing natural fibers, hand-knotted patterns, and organic motifs that feel collected rather than “new.”'

'Color leans warm and earthy, with subtle movement instead of bold statements. A beautiful rug should invite you in, soften the architecture, and tie the entire space together,' she adds.

Alongside natural materials, shape is also evolving. 'Organic-shaped rugs are taking center stage,' says Christina Cruz of Christina Cruz Interiors. 'With curved silhouettes that soften modern architecture and introduce a more fluid, sculptural quality. These gently irregular forms are especially effective in open-plan spaces, where they help guide movement and create zones without hard lines, as well as in bedrooms where a sense of calm and flow is essential.'

4. Vintage and One-of-a-Kind Rugs

As interiors continue to move away from perfection, 2026 marks a renewed appreciation for vintage rugs that tell a story. Vintage and antique designs add a unique warmth, patina, and sense of authenticity to any room of your home.

'We’re seeing a strong return to hand-knotted, artisan rugs with subtle irregularities – pieces that feel collected rather than curated,' says Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors. 'Softly faded palettes, earthy neutrals layered with unexpected undertones, and organic motifs are replacing high-contrast geometrics. Vintage and antique rugs, particularly those with wear and history, are prized because they bring warmth and authenticity – something no machine-made piece can replicate.'

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, vintage rugs also bring a layer of practicality and value. 'Vintage rugs add instant soul to any home and are often less expensive per square foot than their contemporary counterparts,' notes Bethany Adams.

'Besides being functional, they're works of art and conversation pieces that elevate any room,' Bethany continues. 'You can tell a good quality rug by flipping over the corner and counting how many knots there are per square inch. The higher the knot count, the higher the quality of the rug.'

'One-of-a-kind vintage rugs continue to top our list,' adds Christina Cruz. 'Their patina, soul, and sense of collected history create a magical element to a room. We’re seeing them move beyond the floor and into more unexpected placements, such as layered as stair runners, draped over benches, and even used as upholstered accents on furniture for added texture and narrative depth.'

5. Chocolate Brown

After years of pale neutrals and cool grays, this year we're welcoming a deeper, more indulgent palette – and chocolate brown is one of our favorite new hues. Rich, earthy, and quietly confident, this shade taps into our collective desire for interiors that feel grounding and comforting rather than light and airy.

'Earthy neutrals, which gained momentum in 2025, deepen further in 2026 as we see a move toward richer, more cocooning palettes,' explains Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons. 'From a design perspective, sumptuous shades of chocolate brown are set to play a defining role.'

'These tones sit naturally alongside the wellness-led colors gaining traction for 2026,' Jodie continues. 'Chocolate and caramel pair beautifully with restorative shades such as eucalyptus green, soft sage, and stormy blue – hues that help promote calmness and emotional balance in the home.'

'When combined with natural materials such as dark woods, organic textiles, and textured metallics like aged brass, the palette creates an inviting, cocooning environment that supports both comfort and wellbeing,' she adds.

6. Layering Rugs on Rugs

While more of a styling trick than a design trend, layering rugs offers a creative way to add depth, warmth, and individuality to a room and is going to be a popular trick used by designers in the year ahead.

'Layering rugs will be a fun and considered touch in 2026,' says designer Sean Symington. 'Why not use a sisal base with a kilim or classic oriental on top to take us back to tradition, adding warmth, texture, and a sense of history to a room.'

But layering isn’t about following formulas; the idea is to throw rules out the door, says Alexis Vitale of the Vitale Design Group. 'Rugs are no longer purely proportional to furniture arrangement. They are tools of spatial definition,' she explains.

'We are seeing more sculptural rugs, layering rugs and materials, and runners that feel more like an art installation,' Alexis continues. 'Scale is really out the door. There are no more rules. It’s about intent.'

7. Folk Flatweave Designs

Rooted in tradition and rich with symbolism, folk flatweave rugs offer a playful alternative to mass-produced rugs and can be sourced new or old, bringing warmth, texture, and a sense of story into your home.

'We’re continually inspired by the quiet poetry of handmade craft, and folk rugs have a special way of connecting us to the natural world,' says India Holmes, creative director of Pelican House, who recently collaborated with style guru Lucy Williams on the rug seen above. 'Their handwoven nature reflects the rhythm of the maker’s hand and the imperfections that make them so human.'

These are rugs designed to be lived with and loved over time, rather than replaced with the next trend cycle.

'As an ancient craft, they carry an enchanting quality, each motif and symbol telling a story, a language that everyone can speak,' she continues. 'Folk-inspired textiles speak to a deeper sense of comfort and continuity. They are made to last, to be lived with, loved, and handed down.'

And now that you know the biggest rug trends of 2026, if you're feeling inspired to shop, check out our edit of the best places to buy a rug. You'll find everything here from artisan makers to the most practical purchases (including machine-washable options!).