Herringbone flooring has been gracing homes for centuries, yet it remains one of the most sought-after flooring patterns today. From grand stately homes to modern apartments, this distinctive V-shaped pattern adds instant character and elegance. Here is everything you need to know about herringbone flooring.
What is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone is a pattern created by arranging rectangular planks at 90-degree angles to each other, forming a distinctive broken zigzag pattern. The name comes from its resemblance to the skeleton of a herring fish.
The pattern differs from chevron flooring, where planks are cut at an angle to create a continuous V-shape with pointed ends meeting in the middle.
A Brief History
Herringbone patterns date back to the Roman Empire, where they were used in road construction. The pattern became popular in European flooring during the 16th century, adorning the floors of French chateaux and Italian palazzos.
Today, herringbone has transcended its traditional roots and works beautifully in contemporary settings.
Types of Herringbone Flooring
Solid Wood Herringbone
Traditional solid hardwood blocks arranged in the herringbone pattern. Beautiful but expensive and sensitive to humidity changes.
Engineered Wood Herringbone
Real wood top layer on a stable engineered core. Offers the beauty of real wood with better dimensional stability. Suitable for underfloor heating.
Laminate Herringbone
Affordable option with realistic wood-effect printing. Durable, easy to maintain, and available in many designs. Some products come with planks pre-arranged in herringbone panels for easier installation.
LVT Herringbone
Luxury Vinyl Tile in herringbone patterns offers waterproof performance with realistic looks. Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where real wood is not suitable.
Benefits of Herringbone Flooring
- Visual Interest – The geometric pattern adds texture and movement to any room
- Timeless Appeal – Never goes out of style; works with any decor
- Perceived Space – The diagonal lines can make rooms appear larger
- Durability – The interlocking pattern is inherently stable
- Property Value – A desirable feature that can increase home value
Which Rooms Suit Herringbone?
Hallways
Herringbone makes a stunning first impression. The directional pattern can draw the eye through to other rooms.
Living Rooms
Creates an elegant focal point beneath your furniture.
Kitchens
Use waterproof LVT herringbone for style and practicality.
Bedrooms
Adds warmth and character; softened by rugs.
Open Plan Spaces
The continuous pattern unifies different zones beautifully.
Choosing the Right Plank Size
Herringbone planks come in various sizes. Consider:
- Small planks – Create more pattern repetition, work well in smaller rooms
- Large planks – Fewer pattern repeats, suits larger spaces
- Room proportions – Match plank scale to room size for best effect
Installation Considerations
Herringbone installation is more complex than standard plank flooring:
- Requires more cutting and creates more waste (order 10-15% extra)
- Takes longer to install than straight-lay patterns
- Starting position and alignment are critical
- Professional installation recommended for best results
Colour and Finish Options
Herringbone flooring is available in virtually any colour and finish:
- Light oak – Bright, Scandinavian feel
- Dark walnut – Traditional, formal elegance
- Grey tones – Contemporary and versatile
- Whitewashed – Coastal, relaxed aesthetic
- Natural finishes – Let the wood grain speak for itself
Herringbone Flooring at Aurino & Co
We stock a beautiful range of herringbone flooring options:
- Lignum Core Herringbone – Premium engineered wood with authentic character
- Brampton Chase Herringbone LVT – Waterproof luxury vinyl option
- Various colour options – From light naturals to rich darks
All our herringbone flooring comes with free UK mainland delivery on orders over £500.
