Wide-plank flooring is set to become one of the defining interior trends of AW26, as homeowners look to create spaces that feel warmer, calmer and more considered.

According to independent flooring retailer Stories Flooring, planks measuring 180mm and wider are surging in popularity.

The move reflects a broader desire for comfort and cosiness within the home, as well as growing interest in interiors that feel grounded and connected to nature.

Yarl Christie, Founder of Stories Flooring, said: “Wide-plank engineered oak in smoked and brushed finishes is our strongest-growing category, with customers actively moving away from pale and cool-toned boards.

“There is a real appetite for homes that feel comforting and inviting, particularly as we move into the colder months. Warm oak tones and tactile finishes help to soften a room, while still feeling timeless and sophisticated.

“And by reducing the number of joins visible across a floor, wider boards allow the grain and character of the timber to take centre stage, creating a cleaner and more expansive appearance.”

The trend also ties into the continuing influence of quiet luxury, with homeowners prioritising understated quality, craftsmanship and longevity.

Yarl added: “Quiet luxury is not about filling a home with expensive-looking pieces. It is about choosing materials that feel good to live with and will continue to look beautiful for years. A richly textured oak floor delivers that quality without needing to shout.”

For homeowners looking to embrace the trend, Yarl recommends choosing a board of 180mm or wider in warm or mid-toned oak tones, rather than overly orange finishes. Brushed surfaces can reveal more of the timber’s natural grain, while smoked finishes introduce depth and variation without making a room feel dark.

The result is flooring that feels rich, welcoming and quietly confident.

Stories Flooring’s range of wide-plank flooring is available now, with prices starting at £32.99 per m2.