Top Flooring Trends in 2025 / 2026 for Tennessee Homes

1. Warmer, Earthy Tones & Away From Cool Grays

One of the biggest shifts is moving away from gray and ultra-light tones toward warmer, more natural hues. Honey, caramel, walnut, and chestnut wood tones are making a comeback.

Why it works in Tennessee:

• Warmer tones pair beautifully with the wood, brick, and stone accents commonly found in local architecture.
• They feel cozier in cooler months (often overlooked in floor choices).
• They mask dust, scratches, and wear better than ultra-light or gray tones.

Tip: If your current floors are gray or washed oak, consider using area rugs or transitional thresholds to soften the contrast or warm up your palette.

2. Wider Planks, Less Busyness

Ultra-narrow planks (2½ inches or less) are fading. Wider planks are trending because they create a cleaner, more open look — and let the wood grain be the star.

In Tennessee homes with large open rooms — living/dining combos, open kitchens — wider planks help reduce visual fragmentation.



What to consider:

• Wider boards may show more natural variation, so pick a grade that balances character with uniformity.
• In very long runs, plan expansion joints or transitions carefully to account for seasonal movement.

3. Engineered Wood That Handles Humidity

Solid hardwood can struggle in humid climates — it may expand, contract, or even buckle.

Engineered hardwood, however, is built in layers to resist that movement, making it a strong choice for Middle Tennessee homes.

What to look for in engineered wood:

• A thicker, high-quality wear layer (so you can refinish once or twice).
• Stable core materials and strong bonding.
• Certifications or warranties that guarantee performance in variable humidity.

4. Waterproof & Resilient Floors Continue to Dominate

Waterproof surfaces are no longer just for bathrooms and basements. LVP, waterproof laminate, and SPC (stone-plastic composite) flooring are going strong in 2025.

In Tennessee, especially in mudrooms, kitchens, or near exterior openings, waterproof floors save you stress. Baldwin Family Flooring already recommends LVP as a go-to for our climate.

Pro tip: Pair waterproof flooring with good moisture control (dehumidifiers, proper grading, good guttering) to protect your subfloor and structure.

5. Patterned & Statement Floors (Zones & Accents)

Floors are becoming more than a flat backdrop — they’re statements. Expect more installations using herringbone, chevron, parquet, and mixed-material accents.

Ways to use this trend:

• Accent zones in open floor plans (dining under a table, entryway, etc.)
• Transition strips where wood meets tile or LVP
• Feature “floorscapes” using contrasting materials (stone + wood)

Just be sure the pattern scale fits the room size — overly busy designs in small rooms can overwhelm.

6. Texture & Matte / Satin Finishes

High-gloss floors are falling out; instead, surfaces that feel tactile and natural are on trend. Wire-brushed, hand-scraped, or textured finishes help mask scratches and offer a more relaxed vibe.

Many designers also prefer matte or satin sheens instead of ultra-gloss, because they’re more forgiving and timeless.

7. Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Materials

Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing green flooring — from reclaimed wood and FSC-certified products to bamboo, cork, and low-VOC finishes.

In Tennessee, where outdoor/indoor connection is strong, these eco options resonate with the aesthetic.

What to check for:

• Certifications (FSC, FloorScore, GreenGuard)
• Transparency from suppliers about sourcing
• Durability — choose eco options that still perform

8. Large-Format & Minimal Grout Lines

Tile trends in 2025 emphasize large tiles (e.g. 12x24, 24x48) and minimal grout lines for a seamless feel.

In climate-prone areas, large-format tile helps reduce places where water or humidity creep into joints.

If combining tile and wood, designers are using “transition strips” that elegantly blend materials rather than hide them.

9. Smart & Radiant Flooring (Emerging)

While still niche, heated (radiant) floors and smart sensor-integrated floors are gaining attention.

For Tennessee cold-season comfort, radiant floors under tile or stone can be a strong selling point in bathrooms or basements.

As smart home technologies expand, expect sensors or “responsive floors” (for lighting, motion, temperature) to appear more.

How to Choose the Right Trend for Your Home (Tennessee Edition)

Here’s a simple decision framework:

Climate resilience - Engineered wood, waterproof floors, quality tile. To resist warping, moisture, expansion.

Style longevity - Warmer tones, matte finishes, classic patterns. Trends change, but warmth and texture age well.

Room function - Waterproof + durable for kitchens, mudrooms, baths. These areas see moisture and heavy use.

Budget & lifecycle - Factor in refinishing, maintenance, warranties. A good floor pays off over time.

Accent vs consistent flow - Use patterns sparsely in strategic zones. To keep visual flow and avoid “busy” overkill.

Here in Middle Tennessee, your ideal floor is one that handles humidity, supports your local style preferences, and stands up to daily life — kids, pets, spills included.

The flooring trends for 2025–2026 aren’t about extremes — they’re about balance. Warmth over cold tones; texture over gloss; sustainability paired with strength; patterns used with intentionality.

If you’re ready to refresh your floors in Franklin, Nashville, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, we’d love to walk you through these options in person. Contact us now for a free estimate!