Certain patterns, such as stripes and checkerboard, never really go out of style – yet with over half a million posts on Instagram, herringbone got me wondering, what is the root of this fish-like pattern’s appeal and how can it enhance one’s kitchen?

Also known as chevron or parquet flooring, herringbone is practically everywhere these days. From hallways and living areas to kitchens, the pattern has been around since the 1600s, but it’s even more popular today, particularly as homeowners’ go-to choice for kitchen floors. Naturally, I set out to find out why.

First, what is herringbone and how is it shaped?

The pattern essentially echoes the body of a herring fish, with floorboards overlapping to create a zigzag repeated both horizontally and vertically.

“It’s produced using a rectangular block,” says Arnie Simpson, residential sales manager at Havwoods. “Traditionally, the pattern was created using blocks made from solid wood, which were quite small, however now, customers have a huge choice of colours, finishes and sizes to choose from.”

Benefits

When it comes to its undeniable appeal, Paul Hambidge, managing director at Factory Direct Flooring tells me it has a real wow factor in the kitchen, where it can complement different design styles of units – from Shaker and farmhouse kitchens to more modern, cleaner cabinet lines and quartz worktops. “A real wood herringbone floor looks absolutely gorgeous in a kitchen, and the natural grain and textures of the wood can help to balance out shinier surfaces,” he says.

But is it just a matter of aesthetics? Alex Heslop, trends expert at Flooring Superstore, argues the style also has the ability to make any room look bigger than it actually is, just like if you were “using wood long-boards and running the planks parallel to the longest wall in the room”. Herringbone creates a similar effect because the wide angles in its layout make any space appear wider. “The zigzag pattern also helps to guide the eye through the room which makes narrow spaces feel larger,” adds Arnie.

The style can also create a warm feel, softening the rest of your scheme to make for an inviting kitchen, while allowing you to subtly update your space without the need for a complete refurbishment, says Liam Cleverdon, flooring trends expert at Flooring King.

What are the best materials for your herringbone flooring?

Now that we’ve established how herringbone can enhance your kitchen’s look, it’s time to talk materials. The style is highly versatile, coming in a wide range of colours and finishes, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Oak herringbone flooring works particularly well in a kitchen thanks to its durability, style and versatility. “As a hardwood, oak is known for its strength and resistance to wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens,” says Ian Tomlinson, managing director at Chaunceys Timber Flooring.

Johanna Constantinou, interior trends expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, also suggests using the classic herringbone – which includes traditional wood colours like natural oak or walnut finish – to create a warm and timeless design. Whitewashed wood is better for those looking for a light and airy feel. Dark woods such as ebony or mahogany add a touch of luxury while distressed wood is perfect for a rustic or farmhouse look.

When it comes to engineered materials, luxury vinyl, vinyl or laminate are great for the kitchen as they are water resistant. If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance herringbone option, then LVT (luxury vinyl tile) should be your go-to. This comes in many different tones and textures that effectively imitate the look of real wood, says Paul. “Not only does it appear luxurious, but it also comes at a fraction of the cost of real wood.”

Another option would be to create the look using tiles. According to Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, terracotta is an excellent choice for this. “Terracotta is rich and warming to look at, it’s textured and rugged to the touch, and it’s immensely easy-going to live with,” she says.

What design works best for herringbone?

There are plenty of ways to get creative with herringbone, and one is to mix different shades or types of wood to add depth and visual interest to your floor. Penelope Jacobs, kitchen design expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, says you can add a border around your herringbone floor to make it more of a feature, and to neaten the transition between different flooring types. “If you’re using short planks or tiles, consider using a double herringbone pattern to help them stand out,” she adds.

How easy is the installation process?

As for the process of installing your preferred material in a herringbone layout, experts agree it can be tricky. “Herringbone patterns can take longer to lay, which means it can be more expensive to install than other types of flooring,” says Penelope. “Vinyl planks are probably the quickest to install, as cutting them to size is much easier than with solid wood or porcelain tiles. If you’re using luxury vinyl in your hallway, kitchen or bathroom, look for a good quality product with moisture- and scratch-resistant layers.”

Alternatively, you can use a ready, patterned vinyl where all the hard work has already been done for you. “In that case, boards are laid like normal planks to create a continuous pattern effect,” says Joss Thomas, designer and founder of Indigenous.

With wood and terracotta, Joss recommends that the floor is sealed post-installation, to protect the natural material from spillages. “Most wood floors are pre-sealed, but an extra coat after installation is often recommended. Terracotta tiles should be sealed before and after grouting using a synthetic sealer or the more traditional method of Boiled Linseed Oil and wax,” he explains.

If you do opt for tiling, Grazzie also recommends buying an additional 10% extra tiles to account for any breakages during the fitting stage, and to have enough tiles left over to set aside to replace any damaged ones. “However, when it comes to the herringbone pattern, up that number to 15% as it requires more cutting and therefore more wastage. This is the same for any tile material you go for when laying in this pattern,” she says.

Maintenance tips

Keeping your herringbone flooring in pristine condition can be challenging, as the grout lines or seams may collect dirt and require more frequent cleaning. Still, Arnie reassures me that the tight-fitting herringbone pattern often reduces gaps where dirt can accumulate – especially with the proper application of sealant.

When it comes to hardwood flooring, this is more prone to moisture damage. “Water and real wood floors aren’t the best of friends, since too much saturation can cause the planks to swell and warp,” says Paul. “Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is more tolerant to dampness than 100% real wood, but it can still be susceptible to water damage.”

Your best bet would be to clean up any spills straight away, advises Paul. Regular cleaning with a pH-neutral solution is also recommended, as is a yearly deep clean with a floor-specific cleaner or a fresh application of sealant for wooden floors.

All things considered, with a little help from the experts and with the right care, you can be certain your herringbone flooring won’t be going out of fashion any time soon, keeping your kitchen looking effortlessly stylish for years to come.

Featured image: Marlborough Terracotta tiles, £78 per sq m, Ca’ Pietra.

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