If you're in the process of choosing a new floor or wall, you've undoubtedly come across the term: herringbone tiles. What once started as a classic pattern in stately mansions has now grown into one of the most sought-after interior trends of the moment. And truthfully: we understand why.
A herringbone pattern instantly adds character, dynamism, and a touch of luxury to any space. Whether you dream of a striking wall in the kitchen or a warm wood-look floor in the living room; with herringbone, the possibilities are endless. But what should you look for when choosing and laying these tiles? In this blog, we share everything you need to know!
What makes the herringbone pattern so special?
In a herringbone pattern, rectangular tiles are placed perpendicular to each other at a 45-degree angle, creating the well-known 'V' shape or 'herringbone'.
The great advantage of this pattern is its optical illusion. The zigzag effect draws the eye into the space. If you lay the points lengthwise in the room? The space will appear optically longer. If you lay them widthwise? The space will appear wider. So it's not just an aesthetic choice, but also a clever trick to make a small bathroom or narrow hallway seem more spacious.
Popular applications of herringbone tiles
Herringbone tiles are incredibly versatile. These are the three most popular places in the house where we see this pattern:
1. The eye-catcher in the bathroom
The bathroom is the ultimate place for a herringbone wall. Often, the choice is made to tile one specific wall, for example, the wall behind the shower or behind the vanity unit, with elongated, glossy herringbone tiles (such as zellige or subway tiles). By combining this with calm, large floor tiles, you maintain balance and create a truly hotel chic feeling without it becoming too busy.
2. A playful backsplash in the kitchen
A sleek, modern kitchen instantly gains more warmth and personality with a herringbone backsplash. Especially colors like emerald green, deep blue, or even very soft pink and beige are currently very popular. It breaks up the straight lines of the kitchen cabinets and is also easy to keep clean.
3. The wood-look herringbone floor in the living room
Everyone loves the charm of a wooden herringbone floor, but no one loves the intensive maintenance and susceptibility to scratches. The solution? Ceramic parquet in a herringbone pattern. Wood-look tiles are now indistinguishable from real wood. They are extremely durable, scratch-resistant, require no maintenance, and they are perfect for combining with underfloor heating.
Three important tips before buying herringbone tiles
Choosing the right tile is step one, but with herringbone, there's a little more to it. Keep the following points in mind:
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The size determines the atmosphere: Small tiles (e.g., 7.5 x 30 cm) create a detailed and classic effect, perfect for walls. Large, long planks (like wood-look tiles) appear calmer and more robust and are ideal for the floor.
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The power of the grout color: Don't underestimate the grout! Do you want the pattern to really stand out? Then choose a contrasting grout (for example, a light gray grout with a dark green tile). Do you prefer a calm and even look? Then choose a grout color that is as close as possible to the color of the tile.
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Account for cutting waste: Laying a herringbone pattern requires a lot of cutting, especially along the edges. Where you would typically assume about 5% to 10% cutting waste for a normal laying pattern, we recommend always calculating 15% cutting waste for herringbone. Nothing is as annoying as running just short!
Laying herringbone tiles: DIY or hire a professional?
Let's be honest: laying a herringbone pattern is a lot more complex than straightforward tiling. The angles are extremely precise; one small measurement error at the beginning, and the entire pattern will be crooked.
Are you a very experienced DIY enthusiast with a good tile cutter or water-cooled saw table? Then you can certainly attempt this with a good step-by-step plan. Are you a beginner? Then we strongly advise hiring a professional tiler. The costs for laying are often slightly higher due to the extra time, but the sleek end result is well worth the investment.
Ready to transform your space?
Are you convinced by the charm of herringbone? Then take your time to find the right color and size that suits your living preferences. Request sample pieces, place them in the space where they will be laid, and observe how the light falls on the tile throughout the day.
