Engineered parquet flooring features a distinctive zigzag pattern that adds movement and depth to a room. Unlike straight planks, its angled design creates a statement look while still offering the same strength and easy maintenance as other engineered wood floors.
Absolutely. While it has a classic heritage, herringbone works beautifully in modern interiors too — especially when paired with light oak tones, minimalist furniture, and neutral walls. It brings subtle texture without feeling old-fashioned.
Yes. Thanks to its multi-layered engineered construction, this flooring is highly stable and compatible with underfloor heating systems — unlike traditional solid wood, which can expand or warp.
It’s incredibly versatile. Herringbone looks stunning in living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, and dining areas, bringing character and warmth. For high-moisture spaces like kitchens or bathrooms, water-resistant finishes are recommended.
Very durable. It features a strong plywood or multi-layer core and a solid hardwood wear layer that can be sanded and refinished several times, offering decades of use with proper care.
The most popular choices are oak for its timeless grain and versatility, and walnut for its luxurious dark tone. Other finishes, such as smoked, brushed, or lacquered options, let you fine-tune the look to your home’s decor.
Light herringbone opens up spaces, making them feel brighter and larger — ideal for small rooms or minimalist interiors. Darker tones, like walnut or smoked oak, add depth and elegance to spacious living areas or rooms with ample natural light.
Yes. Many herringbone floors come in click-fit or tongue-and-groove systems, designed for straightforward installation by professionals or confident DIYers. Pre-finished options save even more time.
Simply sweep or vacuum regularly, and clean with a damp (not wet) microfiber mop and wood-safe cleaner. Avoid excess water or harsh chemicals to keep the finish looking pristine.
Definitely, at Flooring Surgeons, you can request free herringbone flooring samples to see how each colour and finish looks under your home’s lighting. It’s the easiest way to make sure your choice perfectly matches your interior.
Few flooring styles carry as much history, craftsmanship, and elegance as herringbone engineered wood flooring. Originating centuries ago in European architecture, the herringbone pattern was first seen in grand palaces and stately homes—where its distinctive zigzag layout symbolised refinement and artistry. Today, modern manufacturing has reimagined this timeless pattern in engineered form, combining classic aesthetics with advanced structural stability and easier installation.
Unlike straight plank or chevron designs, which follow cleaner, more contemporary lines, the herringbone layout instantly adds movement, texture, and visual interest to any space. It’s perfect for those who appreciate traditional, statement interiors—think period-style living rooms, elegant hallways, or boutique hotel-inspired bedrooms. The pattern draws the eye across the room, creating a sense of flow and sophistication that never feels outdated.

For homeowners who prefer modern minimalism, options like distressed, chevron, or wide straight planks from our Engineered Wood Flooring Collection may offer a sleeker, more understated appeal. However, for those who crave a touch of heritage charm, warmth, and design depth, modern herringbone floors remain unmatched—a design that bridges the gap between tradition and modern engineering.
The beauty of herringbone lies in its meticulous pattern—each board is laid at a precise 90° angle, forming a broken zigzag that creates rhythm and character. While it recalls the elegance of European parquet floors, the engineered construction beneath ensures greater resistance to humidity and temperature changes, making it suitable for both classic homes and contemporary renovations. To explore premium herringbone options designed for modern living, visit Flooring Surgeons and discover collections that balance craftsmanship with durability.
Whether you’re restoring a period home or adding heritage charm to a new build, modern herringbone floors capture the best of both worlds—classic artistry and modern practicality.
When it comes to patterned engineered wood flooring, herringbone and chevron are often mentioned in the same breath — yet they tell two very different design stories. Both patterns share a refined European heritage and a love of symmetry, but the atmospheres they create in a home couldn’t be more distinct. Choosing between them isn’t about which one is better, but rather which one feels more like you and fits the rhythm of your space.
At first glance, herringbone and chevron appear similar — both showcase elegant zigzag layouts that break away from straight plank uniformity. The key difference lies in the pattern’s angle and flow.
If herringbone feels like a classic painting full of brushstrokes, chevron is the smooth, confident line of a modern sketch — both beautiful, but expressive in entirely different ways.
There’s no clear winner — it’s about mood, personality, and space.
In short, herringbone celebrates the charm of the past, while chevron embodies the confidence of the present. Many homeowners even blend the two across different rooms — herringbone for formal spaces, chevron for modern open areas — achieving harmony through contrast.
There’s something irresistibly elegant about herringbone wood flooring. It’s a design that never rushes to impress — it simply draws you in with its quiet sophistication. While trends come and go, this pattern remains a steady symbol of style, balance, and craftsmanship.
The charm of herringbone lies in its intricate geometry. Each plank meets at right angles, creating an optical rhythm that catches light differently across the room. The pattern adds visual layers — it feels dynamic from afar yet perfectly balanced up close. Whether paired with neutral walls or bold furniture, herringbone acts as the foundation of elegance, complementing rather than competing with your décor.
This engineered version enhances that aesthetic with modern stability and easy installation, allowing you to bring historic charm into today’s interiors — from contemporary apartments to renovated townhouses.
Herringbone’s greatest strength lies in its versatility. It can feel formal and regal in one setting or casual and artistic in another — depending on your choice of wood tone, plank width, and finish.
Unlike flat modern patterns, herringbone creates a sense of storytelling — it guides the eye, defines spaces, and gives personality to your floors. For those who value timeless design that evolves with every season of style, this engineered parquet flooring is not just a surface; it’s an experience underfoot.
Each layout transforms the character of a space in its own way — not only visually, but emotionally.
Herringbone thrives in rooms that embrace heritage, artistry, and a lived-in charm. Its intricate geometry pairs beautifully with:
Herringbone works best in rooms where you want the flooring to become part of the story — such as living rooms, entryways, and formal dining areas where character matters.
Chevron flooring, on the other hand, is ideal for spaces with modern, architectural lines. It’s clean “V” shapes guide the eye through the room, creating a feeling of energy and order. It complements:
Chevron feels modern yet timeless, perfect for those who love structured design and balance.
It’s not a competition — it’s a choice of ambience and lifestyle.

Some homeowners even combine both — herringbone for cosy, intimate areas like lounges or bedrooms, and chevron for open, contemporary spaces like kitchens or hallways. The result? A seamless home that balances classic comfort with modern clarity.
Behind its timeless elegance, herringbone engineered wood flooring is built for modern performance. Each board features a durable, multi-layer structure with a high-quality hardwood wear layer that can be sanded and refinished multiple times, ensuring decades of beauty. Beneath the surface, its cross-bonded core provides superior stability against humidity, temperature changes, and everyday wear and tear, making it far less prone to warping than solid wood. This blend of craftsmanship and engineering means you get the classic charm of parquet flooring with the reliability of contemporary technology — a floor designed not only to look exquisite but to stand firm through daily life.
The beauty of herringbone timber flooring lies not only in its timeless pattern but also in how each wood species and finish transforms a room’s atmosphere. Every tone tells a different story — influencing light, mood, and even the perceived size of your space.
If you want to create a bright, airy environment, light oak herringbone is the perfect choice. Its pale golden hue reflects natural light beautifully, making smaller rooms or apartments feel larger and more open. Pair it with neutral walls, linen fabrics, and minimalist décor for a Scandinavian-inspired look that feels calm and welcoming.
For homes that lean toward modern luxury or moody sophistication, dark walnut herringbone brings richness and depth. The deep brown tones ground the room, making it ideal for large living spaces, home offices, or statement dining areas. It pairs perfectly with metallic accents, dark walls, and bold artwork, creating a sense of elegance and confidence.
If your style sits somewhere in between, smoked oak offers the best of both worlds — warm, mid-tone shades that balance light and dark interiors equally well. It’s a versatile option for contemporary homes that blend natural materials with modern design.
For those who appreciate texture and tactile detail, brushed finishes highlight the grain patterns, adding a natural, handcrafted charm. These work beautifully in rustic, farmhouse, or coastal settings where a relaxed yet refined look is desired.
Ultimately, there are no strict rules — only inspiration. These suggestions can help you find the right tone for your space, but the most important thing is choosing the colour and finish that feels right to you, because the best floor is the one that reflects your own sense of home.

You don’t have to imagine how a colour will look in your home — you can see and feel it in person. Flooring Surgeons makes it easy to order free herringbone flooring samples, so you can test different wood tones, finishes, and lighting effects right in your own space before making a final choice. It’s the best way to find the perfect match for your interior style with complete confidence.