Few flooring styles have become as popular in recent years as herringbone. Once associated mainly with grand period homes and historic buildings, it’s now one of the most sought-after flooring designs for modern homes across Birmingham and the UK.
Whether you’re renovating a Victorian terrace, updating a new-build or transforming a family home, herringbone flooring offers a timeless appearance that combines elegance with practicality. Available in Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), and laminate, it provides homeowners with a wide choice of styles to suit almost every budget.
At Walk On Flooring, we’ve seen a significant increase in customers choosing herringbone flooring for kitchens, hallways, living rooms and open-plan spaces. Its distinctive pattern creates a premium finish that instantly adds character and visual interest to almost any room.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about herringbone flooring, including the different materials available, how much it costs, where it works best and whether it’s the right choice for your home.
What Is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone is a flooring pattern rather than a flooring material.
Instead of laying planks in straight rows, each plank is positioned at a 90-degree angle to the next, creating the distinctive zigzag effect that gives herringbone its classic appearance.
Although the pattern dates back centuries, it has experienced a huge resurgence in popularity thanks to modern flooring products such as LVT and laminate, which make the style more accessible and affordable than ever before.
Today, homeowners can enjoy the luxurious appearance of traditional parquet flooring without the high maintenance associated with solid hardwood.
Why Is Herringbone Flooring So Popular?
One reason herringbone flooring continues to grow in popularity is its ability to suit both traditional and contemporary interiors.
In older properties, it complements original architectural features while adding warmth and character. In modern homes, it creates a stylish focal point that helps elevate otherwise simple spaces.
Unlike standard straight plank flooring, the herringbone pattern naturally draws the eye across a room, creating depth and visual interest. Many homeowners also feel it gives a more bespoke appearance, helping their property stand out.
Another reason for its popularity is the wide range of colours and finishes now available. Whether you prefer light Scandinavian oak, warm natural timber tones or modern grey finishes, there’s a herringbone floor to match almost every interior style.
What Materials Are Available?
One of the biggest advantages of choosing herringbone flooring today is the variety of materials available.
Each offers slightly different benefits depending on your lifestyle, budget and the room being renovated.
Herringbone LVT
Luxury Vinyl Tile has become one of the most popular choices for herringbone flooring.
It offers realistic wood-effect designs while providing excellent durability, waterproof performance and easy maintenance. This makes it particularly suitable for kitchens, hallways, bathrooms and busy family homes.
Many homeowners choose herringbone LVT because it delivers the appearance of traditional parquet flooring without the ongoing maintenance associated with real wood.
Herringbone Laminate
Laminate flooring provides an affordable way to achieve the herringbone look.
Modern laminate products offer highly realistic wood finishes and good durability, making them ideal for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.
While laminate performs well in dry areas, it generally isn’t as water-resistant as LVT, so it’s worth considering where the flooring will be installed before making your decision.
Does Herringbone Flooring Make a Room Look Bigger?
This is one of the questions we’re asked most often.
The answer is often yes.
Because the eye naturally follows the direction of the pattern, herringbone flooring can create the impression of greater depth and movement throughout a room.
In smaller spaces such as hallways or compact living rooms, this can help the area feel more spacious than traditional straight plank flooring.
The effect can be enhanced further by choosing lighter wood tones, which reflect more natural light around the room.
Which Rooms Are Best for Herringbone Flooring?
One of the reasons herringbone has become so popular is its versatility.
It works beautifully in entrance hallways, where it creates an impressive first impression as guests enter the home.
Open-plan kitchen and dining areas are another excellent choice. The pattern helps define large spaces while adding warmth and character without overwhelming the room.
Living rooms benefit from the timeless appearance of herringbone, particularly when paired with neutral décor and natural furnishings.
Bedrooms can also look stunning with herringbone flooring, especially when softer oak finishes are used to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Thanks to modern LVT products, homeowners can now even enjoy herringbone flooring in bathrooms and utility rooms where traditional timber flooring would be less practical.
Herringbone Flooring vs Straight Plank Flooring
One of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to choose a traditional straight plank layout or the increasingly popular herringbone pattern.
Both styles have their advantages, but they create very different looks.
Straight plank flooring offers a clean, simple appearance that works well in almost any property. It’s often quicker to install and generally costs less because there is less cutting and wastage during fitting.
Herringbone flooring, however, creates a much more distinctive finish. The repeating zigzag pattern adds movement and character to a room, making it feel more bespoke and luxurious. It’s often chosen by homeowners looking to create a feature floor that immediately catches the eye.
If you’re aiming for a modern, high-end interior, herringbone is often the preferred option. If your priority is keeping costs lower while still achieving a beautiful finish, straight plank flooring remains an excellent choice.
Is Herringbone Flooring More Expensive?
This is one of the questions we’re asked most often, and the simple answer is yes.
Herringbone flooring usually costs more than straight plank flooring, but not because the flooring itself is significantly more expensive.
The additional cost comes mainly from the installation.
Each plank must be carefully positioned to create the distinctive pattern, requiring considerably more time, precision and craftsmanship than laying standard straight planks. There is also typically more cutting around walls, doorways and edges, resulting in slightly more material wastage.
Despite the additional cost, many homeowners feel the finished result is well worth the investment. A professionally installed herringbone floor creates an elegant, premium appearance that can completely transform a room.
How Long Does Herringbone Flooring Take to Install?
Installation times vary depending on the size of the room, the condition of the existing floor and the type of flooring being fitted.
Before any new flooring is laid, the subfloor must first be inspected to ensure it’s level, clean and stable. Any necessary preparation work is completed before installation begins.
Once the floor is ready, the herringbone pattern is carefully planned so it remains perfectly aligned throughout the room. Unlike straight plank flooring, every row must be accurately positioned to maintain the distinctive design.
Although installation takes longer than a standard plank layout, the additional time helps ensure a flawless finish that will look great for many years.
Choosing the Right Colour
The colour of your flooring has a huge impact on the overall feel of your home.
Light oak and natural wood tones remain among the most popular choices because they create bright, welcoming spaces and work well with almost every decorating style. They can also help smaller rooms feel larger by reflecting more natural light.
Medium oak finishes provide warmth and character while complementing both traditional and modern interiors.
Grey flooring continues to be popular in contemporary homes, although many homeowners are now moving towards softer greige and warm natural tones that create a more timeless appearance.
Dark wood finishes can look stunning in larger rooms with plenty of natural light, creating a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere. However, they may make smaller rooms feel more enclosed and tend to show dust more easily.
If you’re unsure which colour will work best, viewing full-size samples in your own home is often the easiest way to compare different options alongside your furniture, paint colours and lighting.
Does Herringbone Go Out of Fashion?
One reason herringbone has remained popular for centuries is because it isn’t driven by short-term trends.
The pattern has been used in homes, public buildings and prestigious properties for generations, and it continues to evolve with changing interior styles.
While flooring colours may change over time, the herringbone pattern itself remains timeless.
Modern LVT and laminate products have introduced fresh colours, textures and finishes, allowing homeowners to enjoy this classic design in both traditional and contemporary settings.
If you’re looking for flooring that is likely to remain stylish for many years, herringbone is an excellent choice.
Is Herringbone Flooring Easy to Maintain?
Despite its intricate appearance, herringbone flooring is no more difficult to maintain than standard plank flooring.
The cleaning routine depends mainly on the material you choose rather than the pattern itself.
For LVT flooring, regular sweeping or vacuuming followed by occasional damp mopping is usually all that’s required to keep it looking its best.
Laminate flooring should also be kept clean with regular vacuuming and lightly damp mopping, avoiding excessive water.
Regardless of the material, placing protective pads beneath furniture and wiping up spills promptly will help maintain your floor’s appearance for years to come.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A beautiful herringbone floor starts with careful planning and professional installation.
One of the biggest mistakes is choosing the pattern without considering the size and shape of the room. While herringbone works well in both large and small spaces, the layout should be planned carefully to achieve the best visual effect.
Another common issue is poor subfloor preparation. Even the highest-quality flooring can produce disappointing results if it’s installed over an uneven or unstable surface.
Trying to reduce costs by choosing inexperienced installers can also prove expensive in the long run. Because herringbone requires far greater precision than straight plank flooring, experience and attention to detail are essential.
Finally, many homeowners focus solely on colour without considering plank size. Wider or narrower planks can dramatically change the overall appearance of the finished floor, so it’s worth discussing the available options before making your final decision.
Is Herringbone Flooring Worth the Extra Cost?
For many homeowners, the answer is a definite yes.
While the installation is typically more time-consuming and therefore slightly more expensive than a straight plank layout, the finished result offers a level of elegance and character that’s difficult to match.
Herringbone flooring creates a focal point within the home, complements a wide range of interior styles and has remained fashionable for generations. Whether you choose LVT, or laminate, it’s a design that combines timeless appeal with everyday practicality.
If you’re investing in new flooring that you hope to enjoy for many years, herringbone is a style that’s unlikely to disappoint.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herringbone Flooring
1. Is herringbone flooring suitable for small rooms?
Yes. Many people assume herringbone only works in large, open spaces, but it can look just as impressive in smaller rooms. The pattern naturally draws the eye across the floor, creating a sense of movement that can make a room feel larger than it is. Choosing lighter colours, such as natural oak or light grey, can enhance this effect even further.
2. Which way should herringbone flooring be laid?
There’s no single correct answer, as it depends on the shape of the room and the overall look you’re trying to achieve. In many homes, the pattern is laid so it follows the longest wall or points towards the main source of natural light. An experienced flooring installer will advise on the layout that best suits your space.
3. Can herringbone flooring be installed with underfloor heating?
Yes. Most modern LVT and laminate flooring are compatible with underfloor heating systems. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure the installation is carried out correctly to achieve the best performance.
4. Is herringbone flooring good for families?
Absolutely. Herringbone is simply the laying pattern, so its durability depends on the material you choose. LVT herringbone flooring is particularly popular with families because it’s waterproof, easy to clean and highly resistant to everyday wear. It’s an excellent choice for busy homes with children and pets.
5. Does herringbone flooring add value to a home?
While no flooring can guarantee an increase in property value, professionally installed herringbone flooring is widely regarded as a premium finish. Its timeless appearance and high-quality look can make a home more appealing to prospective buyers, particularly in kitchens, hallways and open-plan living areas.
6. Is herringbone flooring difficult to replace?
If individual planks become damaged, replacement is often possible, particularly with LVT systems. However, because of the intricate pattern, repairs should ideally be carried out by an experienced flooring professional to ensure the new planks blend seamlessly with the existing floor. With laminate flooring, repairs is can be more difficult and time consuming – please contact us more information.
7. Which material is best for herringbone flooring?
There isn’t a single answer, as it depends on your lifestyle and priorities. LVT is ideal if you want a waterproof, low-maintenance floor that’s suitable for almost every room. Laminate offers a more budget-friendly alternative for dry areas.
8. How long will herringbone flooring last?
With the right product and professional installation, herringbone flooring can last for decades. Premium LVT often has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years or more. Regular cleaning and following the manufacturer’s care instructions will help maximise its lifespan.
Why Choose Walk On Flooring?
Choosing new flooring is about more than simply selecting a colour or pattern. It’s about finding a solution that complements your home, suits your lifestyle and continues looking great for years to come.
At Walk On Flooring, we understand that every property is different. That’s why we take the time to help our customers compare styles, materials and finishes before making a decision. Whether you’re looking for a classic oak herringbone floor, a modern grey design or a practical waterproof LVT option, we’ll guide you through the available choices and recommend the flooring that best suits your needs.
Our experienced fitting team takes pride in delivering a high standard of workmanship, paying close attention to every detail from the initial preparation through to the finished installation. We believe that quality flooring deserves quality fitting, ensuring your investment looks its best and performs well for many years.
From single-room renovations to complete home transformations, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Birmingham create beautiful living spaces with professionally installed flooring.
Final Thoughts
Herringbone flooring has stood the test of time for good reason. Its elegant pattern adds character, style and sophistication to almost any room while remaining versatile enough to suit both traditional and modern homes.
Whether you choose LVT, or laminate, investing in a professionally installed herringbone floor can transform the appearance of your property and provide years of enjoyment.
If you’re considering herringbone flooring in Birmingham, visiting a showroom and viewing samples in your own home can make choosing the perfect colour and finish much easier. With expert advice and professional installation, you’ll enjoy a floor that’s both practical and beautifully designed.
Contact Walk On Flooring today to arrange your free home measure and no-obligation quotation. Our friendly team will help you explore the latest herringbone flooring styles and find the perfect solution for your home.
