For carpet, the high-end decorative trend has been a bright spot of the residential segment and will continue to lead the way, according to executives.
“Higher-end carpet has performed well because consumers with the means are prioritizing quality, comfort and style in their home investments,” said Bob Hardaway, vice president of carpet for Shaw Floors.
The luxury/decorative segment isn’t the only trend moving the needle in soft surface these days. Here are five trends worth nothing:
1. Luxury/decorative
Interest rates, inflation, economic downturns? The wealthy consumer is less impacted by these factors than the rest of the population and is willing to spend more on carpet to make a statement. “If affordability is not an issue, they are more inclined to proceed with a renovation project than a consumer who must borrow money to complete the project,” said T.M. Nuckols, president of the residential division of The Dixie Group. “And wealthy consumers appreciate higher end, luxury products.” Mills looking to seize this opportunity include Dixie’s Fabrica and Masland brands, Stanton, Couristan and Karastan. An ideal example of luxury is Karastan’s Kashmere XTRA Leap, which features a dense nylon yarn that provides ultra softness and comfort.
2. Bold patterns
Patterned carpet is a popular choice these days, offering both visual interest and practical benefits like concealing dirt and wear, which makes it particularly well-suited for active households. While patterned carpets check two of the most important boxes for homeowners—durability and stain resistance—consumers often demand that it be stylish as well. A case in point is Fabrica’s Wanderlust, a patterned tip-shear cut/loop carpet made from the company’s EnVision Nylon.
3. Pet-proof portfolios
The American Pet Products Association reported that in 2025 94 million U.S. households now own at least one pet, a significant increase from 82 million in 2023. Carpet mills know all about this market opportunity as they develop lines specifically for pets.
Shaw Floors boasts 55 products across its PetPerfect and PetPerfect+ offerings, which are positioned as ultra-durable, easy-to-clean carpet. All products come with Anso High Performance fibers, R2X stain and soil protection, ColorGuard, Lifeguard Spill-Proof technology and a 25-year limited residential warranty. The collection includes Blended Touch I and II. These carpets are created with delustered yarns and blended color to make Blended Touch one of the most sophisticated multi-colored products.
4. Indoor/outdoor rugs
The pandemic highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces as havens for recreation, socialization and overall well-being when indoor options were limited. That trend has continued post-pandemic as homeowners treat their outdoor spaces as extensions of their indoor living areas. This emphasis on outdoor living translates into higher demand for outdoor furniture and accessories, including rugs. Increasingly carpet mills are offering indoor/outdoor rugs as part of their portfolios. Among the companies in that space is Bloomsburg Carpet. Its latest Silver Creek launch, Southport, redefines outdoor carpet with a plush cut pile.
5. Solution-dyed rules the roost
Solution-dyed carpet has been in vogue in recent years, prized for its impressive resistance to fading and staining as well as its durability in high-traffic homes with pets.
It’s these attributes that give mill executives confidence that the solution-dyed process—whether polyester or nylon—will continue to resonate with retailers and their customers for years to come. Solution-dyed’s growth has been fueled by at least four factors, according to executives: increased color separation, colorfastness, innovation opportunities and environmental benefits.
Case in point is Engineered Floors, a leader in solution-dyed carpets, particularly its PureColor fiber system. The technology ensures that the color is embedded throughout the fiber, making it resistant to fading, wear and stains. Top product performers include Lucky Penny I/II/III, which provides an exceptional combination of softness and durability thanks to the uniqueness of the fiber utilized in its PureColor High-Def technology. This innovative approach provides outstanding stain resistance and vibrant, long-lasting color.
Other major producers are leveraging the technology. Tarkett, for example, includes all carpets under its Cloud 9 solution-dyed fiber. Cloud 9 boasts a natural resistance to staining and fading, suitable for any room in the home.
