Chevron or Herringbone? How to Decide on the Best Flooring Pattern
After buying your first house, you're probably excited to make it your own, but choosing the right flooring can be daunting. With countless options—like classic oak, laminate, or engineered wood—it's hard to know where to start. As you browse social media for inspiration, you come across a beautiful v-shaped wooden flooring pattern that catches your eye. However, one platform calls it "Chevron," while another says it's "Herringbone." Suddenly, your excitement turns into confusion. How do you figure out which pattern is which? This guide will help you understand the difference between these popular patterns and choose the right one for your home.
What is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone has a broken zigzag pattern, with each piece of wood meeting at a 90-degree angle, a traditional flooring pattern dating back to the 19th century. Herringbone flooring was a common feature in Victorian and Edwardian-era homes so if you’re renovating a home from this era, herringbone is a great way to revive classic historical details. Its timeless appeal can endure changing trends, and with the proper care and maintenance, your floors could last you a lifetime.
Although herringbone has historical significance, it has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Homeowners seeking a unique and eye-catching feature may use herringbone to add visual interest to a modern space while ensuring a timeless appeal.
Create a bold first impression by using herringbone flooring in your entryway, leading the eye along the space, to make it feel longer or wider. It can set the tone for the rest of the house, signalling a sophisticated and, well-designed space.
Herringbone also looks great in your living room; styled with a Persian rug for a historical touch, or let the floor be the focal point with a simple rug. The intricate pattern adds texture and depth, enhancing the overall feel of the room.
However you choose to decorate in the future, herringbone flooring is built to last. Its durability and classic design make it a long-term investment for your home.
What is Chevron Flooring?
Similar to Herringbone flooring, Chevron has a continuous zig-zag pattern with the ends cut at an angle, forming a distinct uniformed “V” shape. Its clean lines, and geometric pattern, suit contemporary interiors. If you are someone who likes to stay on top of trends, chevron flooring is perfect for making a statement piece in your modern home.
This type of flooring is typically harder to install due to its precise lines, however, if you are updating an older home but looking for a modern twist on classic looks, Chevron patterned flooring will bring a fresh look to your space whilst respecting the original character of your home.
Like Herringbone, you can use Chevron flooring in your entryways and living rooms. Its distinctive pattern can act as a focal point, allowing you to build your room's design around it as the geometric pattern adds visual interest without overwhelming a space.
Chevron flooring is great in kitchens as its simple design can complement various countertops and cabinet styles. Due to its striking “V” shape, chevron flooring can make a kitchen space feel more open by creating a sense of movement and flow; making your kitchen feel much bigger than it is.
If you choose quality materials such as tile or engineered wood, your floor can withstand the wear and tear of a busy kitchen. Thanks to its geometric pattern, it can help disguise those uh-oh marks and minor scratches.
What are the cost differences between Herringbone and Chevron Flooring?
Herringbone is typically more affordable than Chevron due to the complexity of the chevron pattern. But, this can also depend on the type of flooring you would like to select. Check out our guide for flooring types for more comprehensive information on which floor type suits your home life.
Choosing the Right Pattern for You
If you are stuck between deciding which one is better, Herringbone or Chevron, you need to choose the right one for you. It is important to note the size and shape of the room you want to floor and the style and aesthetic you would like to achieve.
Style and Space
Herringbone is versatile in terms of space so it can work in both smaller and larger rooms, whereas, Chevron tends to work better in bigger spaces as the pattern can feel cramped when used in a small space. In square rooms, Chevron can become a dramatic focal point yet herringbone can enhance symmetry to create a balanced look.
You may also want to think about the atmosphere you are looking to create within the room -whether it is classic and traditional or modern and bold. A good way to decide on which atmosphere you want is to create a Pinterest board of styles you like so you can see what kind of style would be best suited to your floor type.
At Newland Floors and Doors, we invest in good quality materials from top flooring brands like Elka, Ted Todd and Quickstep in both chevron and herringbone patterns. Whatever you choose, we have you covered.