Originating in ancient Rome and French castles before finding its place in our modern homes, herringbone flooring isn’t making a comeback, it’s never left the top spot. Sleek, eye-catching patterns blend precision and perfection in every detail, with a design that remains timeless through every turn of the century.
That said, some herringbone floor patterns are turning heads more than others. While there are nearly endless design possibilities, only a select few have claimed top-tier positions with us and our customers.
In this article, we’ll describe the different types of herringbone floor patterns and share our top picks of the most popular herringbone designs in 2025.
Types of Herringbone Floor Patterns
Having been in existence for centuries, herringbone floors are timeless and highly versatile. Over the years, floor setters have become trend setters by crafting the most distinct, awe-inspiring designs to accentuate a living space.
The most popular types of herringbone floor patterns found in homes today include:
1. Classic Herringbone
Traditional herringbone flooring is laid in a zig-zag pattern across the floor in a ‘V’ shape. Aptly named after the herringbone fish’s skeleton which appears in a similar shape, the classic herringbone pattern is unique and eye-catching.
2. Double Herringbone
Similar to classic herringbone, planks are laid in a zig-zag fashion but with two planks next to each other to create the ‘V’ shape instead of one. The use of double herringbone adds dynamism to a floor, creating depth and the illusion of space.
3. Block Basket Weave (Mosaic)
Block basket weave herringbone (also known as mosaic) is slightly more complex, with planks laid 4×4 to create a boxed appearance on the floor. This type of herringbone pattern is more sophisticated, as it instantly draws the eye and leaves a lasting impression.
4. Straight Lay Herringbone (brick bond)
Straight lay herringbone (also known as brick bond) is a sleek design where herringbone planks are laid side by side in a brickwork pattern. This type of parquet floor redefines classic beauty with effortless class and style.
5. Ladder Herringbone
Ladder herringbone involves laying four planks vertically, followed by a single horizontal plank both above and below to finish the square-like pattern. As a bolder choice of parquet flooring, it draws attention and adds magnetism to a room.
Popular Herringbone Floor Designs & Colors
Herringbone floors, a distinctive style of hardwood that sets itself apart from traditional rectangular planks, are making waves in residential homes, offices, and professional studios worldwide.
As a premium hardwood flooring specialist, we’ve discovered the top choices of colors, designs, and patterns of herringbone among our customers today.
1. Light Brown Engineered Hardwood
Light brown floors intertwine contemporary style and classic grace.
Constructed of one-of-a-kind walnut, this herringbone adds rich appeal and an undeniable contrast to neutral interiors.
Prominent knotholes complement the realism of a real wood top layer, while an engineered construction offers a strong and durable structure.
Suitable for pairing with both modern and traditional interiors, it’s versatile and easy to match with any décor scheme.
2. Red-Brown Engineered Hardwood
Rich, reddish-brown hues subtly woven into natural wood gives this floor a stunning visual appeal. Deep, intricate grains paired with minimal knotholes lend a rustic charm to any space.
Crafted from walnut engineered hardwood, this type of herringbone floor is built to last with proper care, offering a perfect balance of durability and sophistication.
Particularly elegant in ceremonial, rustic, or sleek interiors, reddish-brown floors bring warmth and style to your home.
3. Greige White Oak
Greige herringbone redefines classic beauty, bringing an ultra-modern look to a historically significant design.
Made of white oak, one of the hardest domestic woods on the market, it’s exceptionally dense and highly resistant to warping.
Perfectly blended gray streaks and natural-wood undertones add a touch of rustic charm, banishing boring in favor of a fresh, vibrant floorspace.
Versatility is its strength, as the neutral hue of greige herringbone is easy to personalize with any interior design.
4. Light White Oak
This hardwood flooring in a herringbone design boasts exceptional natural beauty with its stunning two-tone harmony of dark heartwood and lighter sapwood.
Subtle mineral streaks and historic pin wormholes add character, telling a unique story of nature in every plank.
A rift and quartered cut enhances dimensional stability, making it a perfect choice for spaces with underfloor heating.
This flooring offers a timeless, high-end look that makes you forget you’re on a budget, with a perfect blend of style, durability, and value for your home.
5. Natural White Oak
Medium wood flooring captures the raw beauty of nature, with hues shaped by the elements of the sun, wind, and time.
As one of the most popular shades, it harmonizes perfectly with any furniture, with the warm undertones infusing any interior with homely charm.
The natural grain is beautifully highlighted by the mix of light and dark wood, which, when laid in a herringbone pattern, is particularly striking.
Ideal for stately interiors and modern homes, natural wood herringbone is both timeless and contemporary.
FAQs
What is the Pattern of a Herringbone Floor?
A herringbone floor pattern is zig-zagged to create a ‘V’ shape. Unlike chevron flooring (which is cut at 45-degree angles at the base of the V), herringbone planks are laid uncut, leaving the rectangular planks that form the V lying at a 90-degree angle to each other.
It’s a design that blends creativity with functionality, as the interlocking of the planks creates strength as well as a sense of movement across the floor.
Is Herringbone Floor a Good Idea?
The beauty of herringbone flooring cannot be understated. Its intricate pattern takes interior design to new levels of class and luxury, making it a good choice of floor for most homes.
It performs exceptionally well in high-traffic areas due to the resilience of the way the planks are fitted and laid together.
Yet the installation of herringbone flooring is slightly trickier compared to other flooring types. Unlike straight flooring, like laminate or hardwood, herringbone requires a degree of expertise to achieve a sleek, long-lasting finish.
While traditional patterns can be achieved by DIY-savvy homeowners willing to research the best methods, more complex designs are best left to a professional parquet flooring installer.
Summary
Herringbone flooring is a bold choice, with some styles producing a bolder aesthetic than others. Its continued use over the centuries makes it truly timeless, yet proper installation is key.
Intricate patterns are not for the faint-hearted and hardwood only lasts a lifetime when care and expert craftsmanship are involved in the process.
Discover the art of interior transformation with our room visualizer to see how our flooring looks in your home, or speak to one of our professional installers today to discuss your choice of styling.
