Herringbone floors have surged in popularity in recent years, adorning homes all over the UK (and no doubt your Instagram feed too!) But if you’ve been keeping up with the latest interior news, you might have noticed a similar looking design - Chevron. So, what’s the difference?

Herringbone and chevron flooring boast a gorgeous pattern that makes your floor a cut above the rest, but these two designs have their own unique beauty. Here, we explore herringbone vs chevron and the differences between these two popular flooring styles.

What is Chevron Flooring?

The key identifier of a chevron floor is the zigzag pattern that comes to a sharp point, forming the chevron. Look for a ‘V’ in the planks which will tell you if the floor uses a chevron design or not. The planks on chevron floors are cut at angles to fit together perfectly, forming the iconic ‘V’ shape chevron is known for. The easiest way to clearly distinguish a chevron floor is to look for a pattern like the chevron road signs found on motorways. 

Chevron floors are not only eye-catching, but they also have the benefit of making a room feel larger. The V-shaped design creates an optical illusion that can make small or narrow rooms feel longer and more spacious - perfect for opening up modest bedrooms and cosy living areas.

Engineered Wood Flooring: Chamonix Cafe

The History of Chevron Flooring

Like its herringbone counterpart, chevron flooring originated in 16th century France and was favoured by affluent members of society. From the 19th century, chevron floors also featured in churches and historical buildings in France and across Europe, with many of these properties and their original floors existing to this day. 

The exact inspiration for chevron patterns is unclear, but in its early days, it was featured in textiles, Medieval heraldry and Ancient Greek pottery, so it’s fair to say this classic design is truly historical.

What is Herringbone Flooring?

A herringbone floor is characterised by its use of rectangular planks that are laid in a staggered zigzag pattern. Just like a chevron floor, the planks in a herringbone design form a ‘V’ shape. However, in a herringbone floor the planks overlap slightly at the bottom of the ‘V’ creating a layered effect. This is the easiest way to distinguish a herringbone style.

Herringbone floors ooze sophistication and are likely to make your home more attractive to a potential buyer, making them a worthwhile investment. This captivating style boasts a rich history, but don’t be fooled, it offers anything but a dated look. Herringbone floors are constantly adapting and are currently cropping up in modern properties worldwide. Their timeless, classic beauty is unparalleled and is particularly striking when featured with a dark wood such as walnut.

Engineered Wood Flooring: Painswick Owl

The History of Herringbone Flooring

Herringbone floors hold a lot of history, first appearing in France in the 16th century, before the introduction of carpets and vinyls. The signature pattern of a herringbone floor was inspired by the skeleton of a herring fish. It was one of numerous parquet wood flooring patterns that gained popularity among the French Nobility. At that time, herringbone was believed to symbolise luxury and elegance, so it’s no surprise it was highly sought after!

What is the difference between Herringbone vs Chevron Flooring?

The main difference between herringbone and chevron flooring is the appearance. From a quick glance, the two floors look pretty similar, but how the characteristic V-shape sits is the tip-off. 

In a chevron floor, the two planks of flooring that create the ‘V’ shape are cut so that they fit seamlessly together at the bottom of the letter. However, in a herringbone floor, the same distinctive ‘V’ can be seen in the design, but rather than the two planks meeting together at the base of the shape, the end of one plank cuts across the other so the two overlap.

And there you have it. Once you’ve decided which of these gorgeous parquet designs will look best in your home, make sure you give our unlimited free samples a try. You’ll be able to compare all your favourite colours, finishes and styles from the comfort of your sofa, so you can feel confident you’ve found the right floor for your space!

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