If you are planning on renovating your home, there are two tiling patterns you might want to consider – herringbone and chevron patterns. For hundreds of years, the herringbone and chevron floors have been the flooring option of choice for mansions, homes, and palaces. They are preferred for their ability to make a space look and feel luxurious while offering a visual variety and a strong interior design.
Despite the immense popularity these patterned floors have amassed, people still get confused about the differences in herringbone vs chevron. This is more so when you consider that they both feature shorter floorboards that are laid out at angles. If you are not sure when to use herringbone parquet flooring or chevron flooring, this post will give you some insight. However, to understand the two flooring options, you must first understand their history.
History of Chevron and Herringbone Floors
The chevron and herringbone patterns appeared about two millennia ago. The name herringbone came from the similarity to the bone structure of the herring fish. The herringbone floor pattern entails the positioning of rectangular blocks. The pattern was prevalent in the Roman Empire and was used as a paving system that helped roads become more stable. It was not until the 16th century that the herringbone patterns gained popularity in indoor flooring. The first example can be seen in the Francois 1 Gallery at the Chateau de Fontainebleau in France.
On the other hand, the chevron floor pattern appears as an inverted V-shape. Thanks to the aligned patterns, the chevron design appears like long lines of straight arrows. This is the main distinguishing feature. The first use of chevron can be seen in ancient Greek pottery as well as in heraldry from the Middle Ages. It is traced all the way back to the Bronze Age in old pottery design in Knossos, Crete. The pattern was also used in flooring in Europe as early as the 16th century.
Are They Still Trending
Having been around for 2 millennia means the design is dying off, right? Wrong. In 2022, the chevron and herringbone patterns are still highly sought after. They are part of wood flooring. Interior designers are finding ways of keeping these flooring patterns relevant and in line with modern times. The secret to their imperishability is attributed to their compatibility with luxurious decors and accessories.
Chevron and herringbone are all about adding bold tweaks to your living space reminiscent of coffee shops and restaurants. The flooring options are also being used on kitchen floors. The chevron and herringbone shape is preferred for its ability to create the illusion of a room appearing vast.
The popularity of herringbone and chevron hardwood flooring doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. Although ancient, they continue to gain more popularity as homeowners search for natural and hardwearing design solutions. Chevron and herringbone pattern wood look better than laminate flooring, which not only looks cheap but also doesn’t last long. When treated properly, these wooden floors will last decades and add value to your home.
Main Differences
If you are interested in chevron or herringbone pattern flooring, the debate between the two options may have caught your attention. Many people are confused over the key differences between herringbone and chevron planks. This is because the two-floor types have similar parquet styles, but with a closer look, you will notice some differences in the shape and pattern.
The main difference between the chevron pattern and herringbone pattern is the end of the planks. The ends of the herringbone planks are usually cut at a 90-degree angle, while those of the chevron has a different angle. This is the difference that creates the main distinction in the design. Herringbone patterns have broken zigzag designs, while chevron patterns have seamless zigzag designs with every end meeting point to point.
To better grasp when to use herringbone flooring and when to use chevron, you need to understand their fundamental differences. To do this, you must look at each option individually.
Features of the Chevron Flooring Pattern
The origin of the chevron pattern flooring is believed to be France. History puts its origin between the 14th and 17th centuries. At the time, noblemen and kings loved the flooring pattern. As a result, its popularity spread quite rapidly. It became one of the most desired flooring types – it still is.
Chevron flooring comes in rectangular blocks that run with one point touching another to form the fantastic chevron floor pattern. To achieve a perfect fit, the ends of the plank are cut at 45-degree angles. Once interlocked, they form a continuous zigzag design. The resulting pattern looks like an inverted ‘V’. This is very beautiful with planks of the same size. The planks are shorter and narrower. The beautiful pattern can also be selected for a backsplash or parquet floor. The geometric design leaves a contemporary and high-end look.
In addition to the beauty, the chevron design enables you to create a range of effects. The effects range from arrows to stripes and anything in between. The design can further be completed with artworks, cushions, lampshades, or any other element that has similar patterns.
To get the best results from a chevron floor, it is critical that you install it using subtle décor elements. The patterns are highlighted best when you use them against horizontal and traditional vertical lines. It is also possible to use a chevron in traditional spaces like the hallways. It can also be used to draw attention to special areas such as the fireplace. The important thing you must do is ensure there is proper placement; else, your room might appear to be too busy.
Advantages of Chevron Pattern Flooring
To better answer the question of is chevron or herringbone better, you must take a look at the pros and cons of both options. The primary benefits of going with the chevron floors include the following:
- They create exotic European views thanks to the lines falling out
- The diagonal lines enhance the beauty and appearance of your home
- The arrow design induces a movement feeling
- The end result is gorgeous, even with cheaper chevron planks
- Your space will feel classic, fashionable, and modern
- Is chevron more expensive than herringbone? The answer is no. Chevron is cheaper.
- It’s easier to install than herringbone
Disadvantages of Chevron Pattern Flooring
- It is a custom-made floor type
- You have to scale and design the floor to fit the size of your room. Failure to do so may lead to an impaired visual effect.
Features of the Herringbone Flooring Pattern
Now that you understand the key features of chevron flooring, it is time to learn about the herringbone floor pattern. Herringbone has rectangular planks that look like the bone structure of the herring fish. Installation requires the arrangement of the parquet blocks in a way that forms a staggered zigzag pattern. This flooring has to be installed this way because the ends are cut at a right angle. They have to be placed perpendicularly to one another.
If you are targeting a classic and traditional look, a herringbone floor pattern will be perfect for you. Aside from flooring, the design has been used for centuries for many other things. The design is observed in ancient Egyptian history. It was not until much later that herringbone was adopted for hardwood floors.
With herringbone pattern wood, you get the freedom of choosing from a large variety of wood species. Keep in mind that each wood species has a unique colour and shading. Therefore, you need to pick a wood species with care. Popular hardwood options for herringbone floors include:
- Red oak
- White oak
- Maple
- Hickory/Pecan
- Walnut
The above hardwood materials are known for their stability and durability. They require minimal maintenance. To maximize aesthetics, you should consider combining several types of hardwood. Your floors will be more distinctive when you use contrasting colours or patterns.
If your goal is to remain true to the traditional look and feel, you should stick with one material. You can modernize the traditional look by staining the floors to highlight wood grains. Another option is to use a tinted stain. You can also use darker stains to make the wood grains invisible.
When designing and installing herringbone pattern wood, you are only limited by your imagination. You can install the floor type in any pattern, style, and shape. The floor type can be arranged in many ways, including single, double, and diagonal patterns.
Advantages of Herringbone Pattern Flooring
- Herringbone floors give a more sophisticated look than chevron
- Enhances the visual effect of your home without any distractions
- It is more traditional or classic than chevron
Disadvantages of Herringbone Pattern Flooring
- The installation process is more complex due to mitering
- It does not create a length illusion
- It is a custom-made floor type
Similarities Between Herringbone and Chevron Floors
Although this post aims to look at the differences in herringbone vs. chevron, it is hard to ignore the similarities. The most obvious similarity is that both options are hardwood floor types. They are considered to be the perfect alternative for old-fashioned hardwood flooring, which has straight designs.
With both herringbone and chevron, you will have a wide selection of options to go with. Moreover, these floors are compatible with most wood materials and colours. Finding one that suits your style will be easy. You can rest assured that your floors will be beautiful and stand out. While these flooring patterns are considered both useful and magnificent, they look better when used in large spaces.
Is Chevron or Herringbone Better?
By this point in the article, you definitely know quite a lot about herringbone and chevron flooring patterns. You also understand the key differences between the two. However, the big question is this: which floor patterns should you install in your home?
There are no prescribed ways of how to select a flooring pattern. The choice is all a matter of personal preferences. While popular in wood flooring, both chevron and herringbone patterns are used in backsplashes, bathroom tiling, wooden walls, and many other areas.
Going with chevron or herringbone pattern flooring is dependent on personal taste. However, if you need help choosing between the two, you must first understand the difference between the two. This is because each flooring pattern will give your space a timeless and classic look. However, if you need more convincing when choosing chevron or herringbone, keep reading to find out more.
Flooring Styles You Can Create Using Chevron and Herringbone Patterns
Instead of worrying about the floor type to install, why not appreciate the many flooring styles you can create with either chevron or herringbone? The two come in many colours and sizes. When used correctly, you can create a remarkable zigzag effect on wooden floors.
The Scandinavian style using chevron pattern is perfect for a contemporary look. This style uses larger chevron planks paired with light wood. For a traditional wooden design, you can achieve the perfect look with the herringbone floor pattern. Use it with rich dark wood.
Both flooring patterns can be used to achieve a tight pattern. For this, you need to use planks that are both thin and long. Smaller planks will also be able to achieve the same effect. You can create the desired effect by selecting from the wide selection of finishes and colours.
For hardwood flooring using a herringbone pattern, you can try the stylish gray design. This offers a classic twist to the traditional herringbone pattern.
There is a lot you can achieve with either chevron or herringbone. The important thing to do is ensure you select materials that are of high quality. Keep in mind that hardwood is a remarkable investment that will serve you for decades. The material also needs very little maintenance to maintain its unique aesthetic appeal. Making a significant investment is thus something you should not shy away from. High-quality hardwood is a gift that keeps on giving.
How are Chevron and Herringbone Floors Installed
So far, the article has covered the differences between herringbone and chevron floors. It has also looked at the similarities and how you can use them to create striking designs. Now is time to learn how these floors are installed. Take note that these floor designs have to be installed carefully to achieve a lasting result and a perfect look.
Installation involves the gluing of the planks to a wooden or concrete subfloor. For the chevron floor pattern, the ends of two planks are cut to equal size at an angle of 45-degrees at the ends. The two planks are then fitted in a way that the ends fit together, forming an inverted ‘V’ shape. The zigzag pattern will go along the surface. The herringbone pattern is created by placing the planks in a way that makes them look like they are pushing against each other. The best thing about this installation method is the planks will have less tendency to expand or move.
It is recommended to install each plank separately and at an angle. The angle will depend on whether you are installing chevron or herringbone.
One of the reasons both chevron and herringbone are expensive is because installation is very time-consuming. It is also challenging, thus the reason you should leave the work to an experienced installer. The installer should also maintain constant plank alignment.
Advances in technology have made the installation of both floors easy. Pre-made planks are now available. These pre-cut planks can be installed by your regular floor contractor.
Is Chevron Costlier than Herringbone?
The answer is no. The herringbone floor pattern is high-priced. However, when it comes to the installation cost, the price difference is not so much.
Is Chevron or Herringbone Better for My Home?
The question of which floor pattern is better is dependent on personal preferences. Some homeowners see chevron floor designs and install them. Other homeowners prefer the herringbone shape and design. You should note that there are no rules on which flooring pattern to use.
For help on when to use herringbone flooring and when to use chevron flooring, here is a quick tip. If you love the traditional setting, the herringbone floors will create a better look. The chevron floors are preferable for modern and fashionable settings.
In a Nutshell
You now understand the difference between herringbone and chevron floors. With this information, choosing the floor type to go with will not be as difficult. Nonetheless, if you are ready to buy the chevron or herringbone flooring, make sure you focus on high-quality hardwood as well as a finish that you really love.
At Hardwood Planet, we have an impressive selection of herringbone, chevron, and other wooden flooring options. We only offer the best quality and the most competitive prices for flooring designs. We encourage you to go through our selection and get in touch if you need any help. Our company is committed to saving you time and money while making it easy for you to bring your vision to life. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our products and services.
