Bringing back classic styles while keeping a minimalist touch has been a big trend in home design over the past few years. That’s why floors with a classic herringbone pattern are becoming very popular. The unique arrangement of the boards gives your home an attractive look.
Herringbone laminate and hardwood flooring also offer versatility in the design.
They come in a wide selection of colours and finishes. You can choose a style to complement your already existing interior or create a new look for your home. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist style or a more traditional aesthetic, there is a pattern to suit your taste.
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What is herringbone flooring?
Herringbone flooring is a type of pattern used on tile floors or wooden floors. It is often used to give a space an elegant look and make it appear larger.
The classic herringbone sequence is inspired by nature, and its name comes from the resemblance to the bones of a herring fish. The design is one of the most popular options because of its timeless charm.
The double herringbone pattern is a more modern variation. The floorboards are always laid two by two next to each other, adding another layer of uniqueness. This type of flooring appears in luxury homes and commercial spaces.
Interior designers suggest using the double herringbone pattern if you want to improve your interior with dynamism and greater visual depth.
Advantages of herringbone
Herringbone flooring is known for its numerous advantages. Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for this is its style, which dates back centuries. The dome of Brunelleschi’s Duomo in Florence (Santa Maria del Fiore), completed in 1436, is famous exactly for its herringbone structure.
Herringbone flooring offers many advantages for your home:
- It creates the illusion of more space – the herringbone pattern adds a beautiful dynamic to the room. This intricate design introduces fluidity to the space. Traditionally, floor slats are joined at a 45-degree angle, forming a herringbone pattern. The widest part of the design draws the eye, showing the direction in which it tapers. This can help make rooms appear longer and larger than they are. For this reason, installing herringbone flooring in hallways, corridors, and bathrooms is worth considering. This optical illusion opens up the space.
- Elegant appearance – The classic style and warmth of the herringbone pattern and wood offer a noble yet down-to-earth character.
- Versatile with a wide range of uses – It blends seamlessly into its surroundings while also being extremely robust – solid herringbone floors, in particular, are almost indestructible. A variety of colour oils and stains also provide a wide selection of finishes.
Because of all the above-mentioned advantages, you can still admire the style of herringbone pattern in the Chateau de Fontainebleau, where the flooring was installed in 1539.
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Herringbone vs. Chevron
Herringbone and chevron are two designer parquet floors, also known as French embroidery. They are still popular and in high demand in residential and commercial decor. Both types of flooring can make any space look more elegant and welcoming.
However, despite their popularity, many people don’t know the difference between them.
Herringbone wood flooring
Herringbone flooring is made of rectangular boards that are cut to the same size. Each of them is installed at 90 degrees from the other, creating an asymmetrical zigzag pattern. Visually it gives the impression that the floor is moving.
Herringbone floors are great for small rooms because they make them appear larger, thanks to the pattern.
Chevron wood flooring
Chevron parquet flooring is made by cutting each end of one board at an angle. When placed next to each other, they form a chevron pattern, looking like a series of arrows stretching across the floor.
This design will also visually expand the space. The overall impression of the floor can vary depending on the angle of the boards. A 45° angle gives the room a classic, sophisticated feel, while a 60° angle creates a modern and dynamic look.
Chevron pattern’s beauty and durability make it a popular choice for homeowners and interior designers.
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Even though these patterns are similar, the main difference is how the boards are cut and installed. Herringbone uses rectangular boards at 90 degrees, while chevron planks are angled to form a V-shaped pattern.
Installation techniques
The installation of a herringbone parquet should be left to a professional, as this type of placement is one of the most demanding. The direction of the braid must be determined and aligned at the beginning of the installation. The floor has different laying options.
The herringbone pattern requires special slats – left and right – depending on the placement of the snap-on groove. The subfloor must meet the requirements for readiness for installation in terms of dryness and evenness. Larger unevenness is levelled with filler.
To achieve the desired wood colour, a stain is applied with a special brush. After it dries, the floor is sealed with a top layer to protect it from wear and tear while maintaining its beauty. Some people also prefer additional polishing for a more glamorous, finished look.
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Design ideas and applications
Herringbone floorings are perfect for large and representative rooms, old buildings, and halls.
Their pattern gives the space structure and makes it appear even larger. The modern, minimalist interior design style with clean lines pairs perfectly with the structured herringbone parquet.
The natural colouring of the wood adds variety to the pattern, making the floor warm and welcoming. Light plays off the herringbone design, giving it a three-dimensional appearance. Whether in light or dark wood, the patterns always look great.
Laid lengthwise, the room will appear longer, while crosswise patterns make narrow, elongated spaces seem wider.
The quality of the wood also has an impact on how it looks overall. This gives you the option to select between appearing more vibrant or natural, depending on the mood you want to create.
The look of the room is also influenced by the width and length of the parquet boards, which should correspond with its dimensions. Longer strips give a more substantial, well-balanced impression, while shorter ones give a more dynamic, finer appearance.
If a plank has tiny bevels on both sides, it can also visually highlight its width and length, making longer and broader pieces stand out more.
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Herringbone flooring maintenance
Cleaning and care are key to maintaining the beauty and durability of herringbone hardwood flooring.
Here are some tips to do this effectively:
- Sweep or dust regularly – dust and dirt can scratch the surface of the floor. It’s important to sweep regularly to remove debris.
- Gentle vacuuming – use a vacuum with an attachment meant for hardwood floors to clean hard-to-reach areas and ensure thorough removal of dirt and dust.
- Damp wipe – to clean herringbone hardwood, wipe frequently with a slightly damp cloth. Make sure the cloth is wrung out well, as excessive moisture can cause the wood to swell.
- Avoid harsh cleaners – don’t use harsh cleaners or chemicals on herringbone hardwood floors. Stick to gentle, pH-balanced hardwood floor cleaning products.
- Clean up spills right away – wipe up spills immediately with a soft, absorbent cloth to stop moisture from entering the wood and causing damage.
- Use floor mats – place mats at entryways to catch dirt and prevent it from spreading onto the floor.
- Felt pads – attach felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs. This will help you to avoid scratches and dents when moving or rearranging furniture.
- Avoid high heels and sharp objects – don’t walk with high heels, and try not to use sharp objects near the hardwood floors. That way, you can scratch the surface.
The beauty and durability of herringbone hardwood floors can only be maintained with regular care. The floor will last for years with careful cleaning, keeping its classic appeal and quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of spaces is this floor suitable for?
Herringbone parquet is suitable for all types of spaces, including living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, offices, etc. Its style and versatility make it ideal for different kinds of interiors.
How long does it take to lay hardwood flooring with a herringbone pattern?
The expertise of the professionals and the design of the space are two aspects that affect installation time. Skilled professionals, like those at IVCG, usually take about one hour to install 1-2 square metres of herringbone parquet.
Does my home’s herringbone flooring increase its value?
Consider herringbone wood flooring as an investment as well as a lovely accent to the interior of your home. This kind of flooring raises the value of your house because of its timeless and elegant look.
