Why Herringbone Pattern Hardwood Floors are a Must-Have

If you’re considering hardwood flooring for your home, you’ve probably stumbled across Herringbone as an option. But you may have a few more questions, like what exactly is the Herringbone flooring pattern? Or are you simply wondering why it is even called  Herringbone? 

Well, we here at Matt Britton are hardwood flooring experts, and we’re here to help. So, let’s jump in and explain everything you need to know about herringbone pattern hardwood floors and why they are a must-have in your home. 

What is the Pattern of Herringbone Hardwood Floors? 

Herringbone hardwood floors are recognisable due to their unique pattern, which consists of rectangular pieces arranged in a V-shaped design. Each piece is laid at a perpendicular angle to the adjoining ones, creating a zigzagging effect that resembles the bones of a fish, hence the name “herringbone”. Herringbone Flooring is often confused with the Chevron flooring pattern, but unlike Chevron, the planks’ ends are cut at a 90-degree angle.

What are the Pros and Cons of Herringbone Floor Pattern?

Now, if you’re contemplating adding herringbone flooring to your space, you should get to know the pros and cons:

The Pros of a Herringbone Floor Pattern

1. Timeless Style: Herringbone pattern floors have been around for centuries, dating back to Roman times and then being popularised during the Renaissance period in Europe. Since then, they have been a symbol of luxury and refinement, making the classic look never go out of style and creating timeless charm in your home.

2. Versatility: Herringbone pattern floors come in a variety of stains and finishes, making them a versatile option for any home décor. They can be installed in any room of the house, adding a touch of sophistication to your living room, dining room, or office.

3. Durability: Hardwood floors are known for their durability and longevity, and the herringbone pattern is no exception. We’ve found that European Oak is the best wood for herringbone patterns and, with proper care, can last for up to 15 years, making them a great investment for your home! 

4. Easy Maintenance: Hardwood floors are much easier to clean and maintain than carpets or rugs, and they don’t require frequent vacuuming or steam cleaning. All you need to do is sweep and mop them regularly to keep them looking their best. You can also sand and refinish your herringbone flooring, something you are unable to do with the likes of laminate flooring.

5. Increased Home Value: Herringbone pattern hardwood floors are a great investment for your home. They not only add beauty and elegance, but they also increase the value of your home. If you ever decide to sell your home in the future, you can be sure that your herringbone pattern floors will be a selling point!

6. Suitable for Any Room: Herringbone pattern floors are a versatile and classic choice that can complement any room. This style can add a touch of sophistication to a formal living room or dining room, while also providing a cosy and inviting feel to a bedroom or home office. Moreover, Herringbone floors work well with both modern and traditional design elements, making them a great fit for any style of decor.

7. The Illusion of Space: Lastly, the unique pattern of herringbone can help to visually expand a space, which is particularly beneficial in smaller or narrower spaces like hallways.

The Cons of a Herringbone Floor Pattern

Higher Cost of Installation: Herringbone flooring can be more expensive to install compared to traditional flooring patterns due to its intricate layout, which requires skilled labour. However, we guarantee the quality and the end result is well worth extending your budget for expert installation marginally. 

How to Layout Herringbone Pattern

Since the pros heavily outweigh the cons of herringbone pattern flooring, let’s discuss the installation process a little bit further. Because of the intricate design, herringbone flooring can be difficult to lay out, but here are some tips on how to lay the pattern:

• Start by determining the centerline of the room and laying the first row of planks along this line, ensuring they are perpendicular to the walls. 
• Then, cut the planks to fit the edges of the room, maintaining the herringbone pattern’s continuity. 
• Next, alternate the direction of the planks in each subsequent row, aligning them at a 45-degree angle to the previous row to create the characteristic V-shaped design.
• Carefully interlock each piece, ensuring tight joints and consistent spacing. 
• Throughout the installation process, precision is crucial to achieving a seamless and visually appealing result. 

However, given the complexity and attention to detail required, we will always advise enlisting the expertise of a professional flooring installer. They possess the necessary skills and experience to accurately lay out the pattern, guaranteeing a flawless finish that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your room.

Does Herringbone Make a Room Look Bigger or Smaller?

As mentioned, Herringbone flooring can play a significant role in influencing the perception of space within a room. When used strategically, the distinctive herringbone pattern can create an illusion of elongation, making the room appear larger than it actually is. Additionally, a light-coloured herringbone floor can reflect natural or artificial light, further enhancing the feeling of spaciousness and brightness in the room. 

However, in smaller spaces, the intricate pattern of herringbone flooring may appear busier, potentially making the room feel more cramped. Therefore, while herringbone flooring has the potential to visually enlarge a space, its impact may vary depending on the room’s layout. We recommend first trying a herringbone pattern with free samples but also experimenting with plank, chevron and design panels to see what best suits your needs. 

Is Herringbone Pattern Out of Style?

The herringbone pattern remains a timeless and enduring design choice, defying trends and retaining its popularity over various styles. While it may experience fluctuations in popularity throughout the years, herringbone flooring consistently proves itself as a versatile and stylish option for both homeowners and modern interior designers. Therefore, we think it’s safe to say that the herringbone pattern is unlikely to go out of style any time soon.

Transform Your Room with Herringbone Flooring from Matt Britton

So, the herringbone pattern is durable, easy to maintain, gives the illusion of space and clearly, a must have for any room in your home.  And at Matt Britton, we have a wide selection of hardwood flooring to choose from. So, why not browse our selection, order a free sample or book an appointment to talk to one of our experts in-store!