Herringbone Tile Ideas

Amanda SamuelAmanda Samuel

September 10, 2014

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Herringbone header

Whether you prefer a neutral or colourful tile, you can make a style statement by choosing a herringbone laying pattern. This timeless laying pattern can provide a graphic finish when used with a contrasting grout colour, or a classic finish that replicates traditional parquet when used on the floor. It also has the amazing ability to change the proportions of a room when used correctly! Herringbone tiles add a touch of personality to your space and Topps Tiles has what you need to bring your home up to date.

What are herringbone tiles?

There are different variations of herringbone tiles but essentially it is a pattern comprised of rectangular tiles laid on an angle. The name comes from the distinct V shape which is reminiscent of a herring fish’s skeleton. It was most traditionally used in flooring but since the early noughties we’ve seen more and more herringbone patterns used on the walls.

Zellica

Popular herringbone tile styles

Herringbone Laying Patterns

Horizontal or Vertical Herringbone

The most typical style of herringbone, a side-to-end pattern which creates a unique zig zag effect. It adds instant interest to a tiling scheme, but it also helps draw the eye around the room. If you have a narrow space, like a hallway, then laying a horizontal herringbone will help the space feel wider. Similarly, if you have a shorter room, adding a vertical herringbone will give the illusion of height (both on the walls and/or floor), it works particularly well on the floor when flowing from room to room.

Block Herringbone

Sometimes referred to as a chevron, the block herringbone is typically laid as single tiles in a right-angle formation creating said block effect. It’s most commonly used in intricate outdoor flooring but has seen a resurgence on our walls as a graphic, geometric alternative to traditional herringbone.

Double block herringbone

The same as single block herringbone, the tiles are laid in a right-angle block formation, however the rectangular tiles are double stacked to widen the block effect, this works particularly well with slightly longer tiles for greater impact.

Top tips for bringing herringbone into your home

  • Create an ombre effect using the same tile range in differing colours to create an art inspired display, perfect for that bathroom feature wall.
  • Herringbone can be demanding on the eye, if you’re using a smaller tile consider tiling smaller feature sections, like a shower or splashback, or alternatively, covering half the wall and finish the edge with a tile trim.
  • You can leave the edges of the tiles uncut to create a more graphic, geometric edge rather than cutting to a shape and trimming it, perfect for a standout splashback.
Colourful rectangular tiles laid in a herringbone pattern on a shower wall
  • Choose a wood effect tile, such as LVT herringbone flooring to achieve a warm traditional finish in any room of the home, for a modern touch, try a specifically cut chevron tile.
  • Choosing a high gloss tile and placing it in a herringbone pattern will be more effective at bouncing natural light around a room than traditional brick bond, it will also give the room more movement adding interest for the eye.
Wood effect floor tile laid in a herringbone pattern on the floor of a modern bathroom

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