Skip
White carpet

Carpet trends: from oversize to sustainability

5 Jun 2025

Carpets and rugs are obviously more than just functional floor coverings. They set design accents and reflect current trends in interior and spatial design. So, what will set the tone?

Reading time: 2 minutes

Carpets between tradition and trend

Whether as a floor covering or a wall decoration, carpets have a long history and continue to express contemporary interior design. Interior designers must keep a close eye on emerging developments to offer clients compelling solutions in both design and material choice.

Oversize rugs as a statement

Rugs are once again making a statement – size matters. Large formats, such as 3 x 4 metres, are gaining popularity as they add width and structure to a space. They serve as a focal point within the interior and pair well with subdued natural tones such as beige, grey, or sand. If desired, striking colours such as mustard yellow or petrol blue can provide vivid accents. It is essential that the colour palette and wall colours harmonise – particularly in open-plan living concepts, where visual cohesion is key.

Dynamic through patterns

For many years, textile floor coverings remained relatively understated. Today, there is growing demand for more expressive designs. Geometric patterns – including diamonds, stripes, and block shapes – create visual depth and a contemporary aesthetic. Combined with contrasting tones such as black and white or earthy natural colours, they create a striking and individual spatial effect.

Sustainability and natural materials

The sustainability trend is also shaping carpet design. Alongside eco-friendly fibres such as organic cotton or virgin wool, the emphasis is on durability and ease of maintenance. Environmental impact is influenced not only by the choice of fibre; processing methods – such as dyeing and chemical treatments – also play a crucial role in the ecological footprint. The issue of recyclability is also becoming increasingly important. New approaches are being developed for synthetic fibres, such as enzymatic depolymerisation or solvent-based recovery.

Variety of shapes instead of standard rectangles

Round and organic carpet shapes are making a comeback. They disrupt rigid spatial structures and introduce a sense of lightness – particularly in smaller rooms or as a complement to curved furniture. Irregular shapes, inspired by organic lines, harmonise well with minimalist interiors.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions and answers

What are the most important carpet trends?

Sustainability remains a key concern. Increasingly, end users are consciously choosing carpets made from natural fibres or recycled materials. Designs with abstract patterns or unusual shapes that emphasise individuality and creative freedom are also in demand.

How do carpet trends differ internationally?

Demand for carpet design varies significantly depending on cultural context. In many regions of the Middle East, traditional patterns and materials continue to dominate preferences, while other markets are deliberately embracing experimental shapes and colors.

Are these trends really sustainable?

That largely depends on how sustainability is defined. From a technical perspective, factors such as material selection, manufacturing processes, and the avoidance of harmful substances are taking centre stage. Regulatory requirements, such as restrictions on certain colourants, are reinforcing this trend. The longevity of a design trend varies: choices around colour and shape often reflect broader furnishing trends, whereas material selection is increasingly shaped by health considerations and the demand for eco-compatibility.

You might also be interested in: