Herringbone Flooring: Here's everything You Need to Know

Why herringbone never goes out of style

 

Few flooring choices make as immediate an impression as herringbone. The distinctive interlocking pattern has been gracing the floors of grand European homes for centuries, yet it feels just as relevant in a modern British living room or a contemporary hallway today. If you've been thinking about herringbone but aren't sure where to start, this guide covers everything from what it actually is, to which material suits your home best.

 

 

 

What Is Herringbone Flooring?

 

Herringbone is a laying pattern rather than a type of flooring material. Individual planks are cut at 45-degree angles on each end and arranged in a staggered zigzag formation, with each board meeting its neighbour at a right angle. The result is a repeating V-shape that runs across the floor, creating a sense of movement and depth that a standard straight lay simply can't match.

 

It's worth noting that herringbone and chevron are different things. In a chevron pattern, the plank ends are cut at an angle and the boards meet at a point in the centre of the floor, forming a continuous arrow shape. Herringbone uses squared-off ends that create an offset join. Both are stunning, but herringbone is the more traditional of the two.

 

 

Why Choose Herringbone?

 

The most obvious reason is the look. Herringbone adds instant character and sophistication to a room in a way that few other flooring choices do. It works equally well in period properties where it feels at home historically, and in modern interiors where the geometry provides a bold design statement.

 

There are practical benefits too. The interlocking nature of the pattern means the floor can feel more structurally unified underfoot, and the visual complexity of the design does a great job of hiding the minor scrapes and marks that come with everyday life. It also gives you more control over the visual proportions of a room. Laying herringbone along the length of a hallway, for instance, can help draw the eye forward and make a narrow space feel longer.

 

 

Which Rooms Work Best?

 

Herringbone suits almost any room in the house. Hallways are a particularly popular choice because the pattern creates a strong first impression right at the point of entry. Living rooms benefit from the warmth and texture it adds, and bedrooms take on a more considered, boutique-hotel quality when herringbone is underfoot.

 

For kitchens and bathrooms, a waterproof herringbone option makes total sense. Our range of SPC vinyl herringbone from Balento Islands is fully waterproof, has underlay pre-attached, and is available in a range of natural oak finishes to suit any colour scheme.

 

 

What Material Should I Choose?

 

This is where the real choice lies, and there's a herringbone option to suit every budget and situation.

 

Engineered wood herringbone gives you real oak on top with a stable, multi-layer core beneath, making it compatible with underfloor heating and suitable for rooms where temperature and humidity levels fluctuate.

 

Laminate herringbone is a great option if you want the look of real wood at a more accessible price point.

 

Waterproof vinyl herringbone (SPC) is the choice for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, or anywhere that moisture is a consideration.

 

Browse Our Herringbone Range

 

At thewoodenfloorstore.com we stock herringbone flooring across engineered wood, laminate, and waterproof vinyl, from entry-level options under £25 per m2 right through to premium engineered oak with smoked and oiled finishes. Free samples are available on all products, so you can see exactly how the pattern and tone look in your own light before you commit.