Classic patterns like chevron flooring and herringbone flooring are the most popular choices when choosing an attractive flooring design for your home or office. With their geometric and angular designs, both patterns add beauty and character to a space. However, it can be hard for many to distinguish between them, and it’s easy to be confused. The key is understanding the differences in how the planks are cut and installed.
In this post, we’ll help you identify each pattern and explore its differences in various aspects, including installation, cost, durability, and design versatility.
What Is Chevron?
The word chevron comes from the French word for slope or sloping roof. However, the first evidence of chevron flooring dates back to the Roman Empire in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Its heyday was in 17th-century France when the design symbolised elegance and was mainly used in palaces and aristocratic homes.
In a chevron flooring pattern, each plank is cut at a 45 or 60-degree angle and placed together in a way that meets exactly the same point, creating the iconic “V” shape. This style creates a symmetrical look and visual movement, making the space seem alive and energetic. Chevron can be an attractive choice for any interior design style, from modern minimalist to classic and contemporary. Solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring are the best flooring options for chevron patterns. This design can also be applied to laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring.
What is Herringbone Flooring?
The Herringbone pattern resembles the bones of a herringbone fish. Ancient architecture from Mesopotamia and Egypt shows that the herringbone pattern was used in paving and flooring before the chevron. The herringbone flooring of Chateau de Fontainebleau in France, dating back to 1539, is evidence that the pattern’s popularity in the heart of Europe also has a long history.
In this pattern, parquet boards are laid at a 90-degree angle to each other. Unlike chevron, the planks overlap at their ends to create a broken zigzag that adds movement and texture to the floor. The interlocking layout of the herringbone pattern allows for better pressure distribution and increased durability.
Herringbone can be applied to various flooring, from hardwood to laminate, giving the space a classic and warm feel.
Also read : How to Choose the Right Patterned Flooring
Chevron vs Herringbone
Now that we know both patterns, can we better understand the difference between them? Let’s examine herringbone and chevron from different perspectives.
Installation technique
In the herringbone installation technique, planks are cut into rectangles and laid together at 90-degree angles to create a zigzag look. In a chevron pattern, each plank is cut at a specific angle (usually 30 or 45 degrees) so that when installed, they fit together end-to-end in a straight line, creating a V-shaped pattern.
Installation cost
Because chevron flooring requires angled cuts and more precise execution, it tends to produce more waste, take longer to install, and can be more expensive than herringbone. The price depends on factors such as the type of material, the quality of the flooring, the type of finish, and even the colour.
Durability and maintenance
Herringbone floors are generally easier to maintain and clean than chevron floors, especially with materials like laminate or vinyl. However, the sharp angles and lines in a chevron pattern can be areas where more dust accumulates. Additionally, herringbone flooring spreads pressure and impact more evenly across the surface due to the rectangular arrangement of the planks. Chevron flooring may require more care due to the angled cuts. The thickness and type of flooring should also be considered.
Visual impact
Both patterns work beautifully for large, bright interiors. Herringbone adds texture and visual depth, making it a luxurious choice for creating statement spaces. On the other hand, chevron flooring can make a space appear longer, wider, or taller, depending on the direction of the chevron pattern. As a result, it is a good option for small rooms and hallways. To implement herringbone in smaller spaces, consider light herringbone flooring colours.
| Feature | Herringbone | Chevron |
| Installation Technique | Rectangular planks arranged at 90° angles in a broken zigzag pattern. | Angled planks (30°,45° or 60°) joined end-to-end to form a continuous V shape. |
| Installation Cost | Less waste and quicker to install. | More waste and time-consuming due to angled cuts. |
| Maintenance & Durability | Easier to clean; distributes pressure evenly. | Angles may trap dust; may require more care. |
| Visual Impact | Adds depth and texture, creating a luxurious feel | Creates a sense of space, elongating or widening a room |
| Recommended Use | Ideal for large, open, or luxurious spaces, as well as high-traffic areas | Effective in smaller rooms or hallways, while also suitable for high-traffic areas |
| Design Compatibility | Modern, minimalist, and contemporary, trend-forward space | Angles may trap dust; they may require more care. |
Which should I choose – Herringbone or Chevron?
Herringbone and Chevron floors have graced homes, mansions and palaces for centuries. These patterned floors make a space feel more luxurious while adding visual variety and a strong focal point to the interior design.
Using planks with mixed colours can also create more visual variety. However, choosing between the two patterns depends on your style and interior design preferences.
Contact us for expert advice if you’re unsure whether Herringbone or Chevron flooring is the best for your space. Flooring Surgeons offers both designs in a wide range of colours and flooring materials, helping you choose the best option for your preferences and budget.
For any flooring queries, drop us an email at info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk – or visit our showrooms located in Birmingham & Wolverhampton!
Halesowen
214A Dudley Road. Halesowen, Birmingham, B63 3NJ
0121 274 8575
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Weekends: 10 AM – 4 PM
Wolverhampton
317 Penn Rd, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV4 5QF
01902 836666
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sun: Closed
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