Flooring in the United States has come a long way over the last fifty years, shaped by new technology, changing lifestyles, and a growing commitment to sustainability. Back in the 1970s, wall-to-wall carpet was the go-to choice for comfort and style, but today’s homes and businesses often lean toward eco-friendly solutions and luxury finishes that blend beauty with practicality. In this blog, we’ll take a journey through the key flooring trends from the ’70s to now, exploring how each era has left its mark on the way we live, design, and enjoy our spaces.

 

 

The 1970s: The Era of Carpeting and Bold Patterns

In the 1970s, wall-to-wall carpeting reigned supreme in American homes. Its popularity stemmed from its affordability, comfort, and ability to add warmth to living spaces. Carpets were often made from synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester, which were durable and available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Shag carpets, with their long, plush pile, were particularly iconic, offering a cozy and luxurious feel. Bold colors like avocado green, harvest gold, and burnt orange dominated, reflecting the era’s vibrant aesthetic.

Vinyl flooring was another staple, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, due to its water resistance and low maintenance. Linoleum, a natural predecessor to vinyl, was still in use but began to wane as vinyl offered more design versatility. Hardwood floors, while valued for their timeless appeal, were often covered by carpets in many homes, as carpeting was seen as a modern and practical choice.

However, the heavy reliance on carpeting came with drawbacks. Carpets trapped dust and allergens, posing challenges for households with allergies. Additionally, the bold patterns and colors of the 1970s quickly dated, prompting a shift in preferences as the decade progressed.

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The 1980s: The Rise of Hardwood and Tile

The 1980s brought a shift toward flooring that combined both style and staying power. Hardwood floors began making a big comeback as homeowners looked for something timeless and elegant. Species like oak, maple, and cherry were especially popular, often finished with shiny polyurethane coatings that added both durability and a polished look. Instead of hiding hardwood under carpet, more people chose to show it off, especially in gathering spaces like living and dining rooms.

Kitchens and bathrooms also saw a makeover with the rise of ceramic and porcelain tiles. Thanks to new manufacturing techniques, tiles came in more sizes, colors, and textures than ever before, making them not only practical but also a stylish design statement. Mosaic details and bold geometric patterns echoed the decade’s eclectic vibe. Vinyl flooring got a boost too—printing improvements made it possible to mimic the look of wood, stone, or tile without the higher price tag.

Carpet didn’t disappear but it did take on a new personality. Plush and Berber styles grew in popularity, with softer, neutral shades like beige, taupe, and gray replacing the loud colors of the 1970s. This subtle shift matched the cleaner, more professional look that defined much of the ’80s design scene.

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The 1990s: Versatility and the Emergence of Laminate

The 1990s were all about practicality and getting more value for your money, and flooring trends reflected that shift. Laminate flooring quickly became a household favorite, thanks to brands like Pergo leading the way. Made from compressed fiberboard with a photographic layer that convincingly looked like wood or stone, laminate gave homeowners the chance to enjoy the look of premium floors without the premium price tag. Easy to install, tough enough for everyday life, and simple to maintain, it became a go-to choice for families and businesses alike.

Hardwood still held strong, but the look began to change. Wider planks and richer, darker stains came into style, while exotic species like Brazilian cherry and bamboo hinted at a growing fascination with global design influences. Tile flooring also evolved, with larger sizes and natural stone-inspired looks gaining popularity. Porcelain tiles, in particular, stood out for their durability and water resistance, making them a smart pick for kitchens and bathrooms.

Carpet remained a staple, but with a new focus on performance. Stain-resistant innovations like Scotchgard made life easier for busy households, and looped Berber styles became especially popular for high-traffic areas. At the same time, growing concerns about indoor air quality and allergens started nudging some homeowners toward hard-surface floors, laying the groundwork for the healthier, eco-conscious choices we see today.

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The 2000s: Sustainability and Engineered Wood

The 2000s marked a real turning point in flooring, as people began to think more seriously about sustainability and long-term impact. Engineered wood flooring became especially popular, offering the timeless look of hardwood but with added stability and resistance to moisture. Since it used only a thin layer of real wood over a plywood or fiberboard base, it made better use of resources and often incorporated reclaimed or sustainably sourced materials—something that really appealed to eco-conscious homeowners.

Bamboo flooring also took off during this decade, celebrated for how quickly it could be renewed and for its sleek, modern style. Its distinctive grain patterns gave homes a fresh, contemporary feel. Cork flooring, while more of a niche choice, gained attention too, loved for its soft, cushioned feel underfoot, natural insulation, and environmentally friendly appeal.

Meanwhile, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) started making waves. Thanks to big leaps in manufacturing, these floors could mimic the look and even the texture of wood or stone so convincingly that it was hard to tell the difference. Durable, water-resistant, and family-friendly, they became a favorite for busy households with kids or pets, as well as commercial spaces that needed flooring to withstand heavy use.

Carpet didn’t disappear—in fact, it grew softer and more inviting. Styles like frieze and cut-pile became staples, often in cozy neutrals that worked well with any décor. At the same time, more eco-friendly carpet options appeared, made from recycled materials or natural fibers like wool, giving people yet another way to blend comfort with conscious living.

Discover our Engineered Hardwood Floors Collection.

 

The 2010s: Technology and Eco-Conscious Design

During the 2010s, flooring took on a fresh direction as modern technology, sustainable living, and personal expression began shaping the way homeowners approached design. One of the biggest breakthroughs was waterproof flooring. Suddenly, families could have water-resistant laminate or fully waterproof luxury vinyl (LVT and LVP) that looked beautiful but could also stand up to spills, pets, and even basement floods. Products like WPC (wood-plastic composite) and SPC (stone-plastic composite) became game-changers, making kitchens, bathrooms, and busy living areas easier to maintain than ever.

Hardwood remained a favorite, but the style shifted. Wide planks became the hallmark of modern homes, often finished in cool gray or soft whitewashed tones that echoed Scandinavian minimalism. Many homeowners also fell in love with reclaimed wood, drawn to the unique character and history found in weathered, distressed surfaces.

Tile made a strong comeback too. Large-format tiles gave rooms a sleek, modern feel, while patterned and textured designs added personality. Thanks to advances in digital printing, porcelain tiles could now mimic stone, concrete, and even hardwood with incredible realism—blurring the line between natural and manufactured materials.

Sustainability was still front and center, with certifications like FloorScore and LEED guiding eco-conscious decisions. Materials such as cork and linoleum found new life, especially as homeowners rediscovered their natural, biodegradable qualities. Linoleum, in particular, enjoyed a renaissance, proving that a classic material could fit seamlessly into modern, eco-friendly homes.

Check out our Eco-friendly Floors Collection.

 

The 2020s: Smart Flooring and Timeless Trends

As we move through the 2020s, flooring is finding the perfect balance between cutting-edge innovation and timeless style. In high-end homes, smart technologies like heated floors and built-in sensors are becoming more common, bringing energy efficiency and an extra layer of comfort—especially welcome in colder regions.

Luxury vinyl is still leading the way, now with designs so realistic it’s hard to tell them apart from natural wood or stone. Rigid core vinyl, made with a stone-based core, has become a favorite for its incredible stability and waterproof qualities. Hardwood continues to hold its place as a classic, but with a modern twist: sustainably sourced materials, natural finishes, and textures like hand-scraped or wire-brushed surfaces that add depth and character. Lighter shades, such as oak and ash, are especially popular for creating open, airy interiors.

Tile has also stepped back into the spotlight with bold, eye-catching looks. Encaustic (cement) tiles and intricate patterns are making waves in kitchens and bathrooms, while terrazzo—known for its colorful speckled design—is enjoying a stylish comeback in both homes and commercial spaces thanks to its durability and artistic flair.

Sustainability has become more important than ever, with homeowners prioritizing low-VOC materials and eco-friendly production. Modular options like carpet tiles and snap-together vinyl planks are also gaining attention, offering flexibility, less waste, and an easy DIY approach that appeals to both environmentally conscious buyers and weekend project lovers.

Visit our Vinyl Floors Collection.

 

 

Key Drivers of Change

Several factors have shaped the evolution of flooring in the USA over the past 50 years:

1. Technological Advancements: Innovations in manufacturing, such as digital printing, waterproof cores, and engineered materials, have expanded design possibilities and improved durability.

2. Consumer Preferences: Shifts toward open-plan living, minimalist aesthetics, and low-maintenance materials have driven demand for hard-surface flooring like hardwood, tile, and vinyl.

3. Sustainability: Growing awareness of environmental issues has led to the adoption of eco-friendly materials like bamboo, cork, and recycled products.

4. Economic Factors: Affordable options like laminate and LVT have made stylish flooring accessible to a broader range of consumers.

5. Health and Wellness: Concerns about indoor air quality and allergens have pushed consumers toward hard surfaces and low-VOC materials.

 

The future of flooring in the U.S. is set to keep evolving, guided by innovation and a deeper commitment to sustainability. We may soon see smart floors with self-cleaning surfaces or energy-efficient features becoming part of everyday life. At the same time, biodegradable and recyclable materials are likely to take center stage as more people look for greener choices. Blending natural and man-made materials will also continue to offer the best of both worlds—authentic beauty paired with durability.

When we look back, it’s amazing to see how far flooring has come—from the shag carpets of the 1970s to the modern, eco-friendly options we enjoy today. Each shift reflects not just changes in style, but the evolving values of American living. Whether you’re updating your home or designing a new space, today’s flooring gives you more possibilities than ever before—bringing together function, comfort, and style to fit the way we live now.