Why Herringbone Carpet is the Perfect Choice for Your Home

What is Herringbone Carpet?

A Herringbone Carpet features a distinctive V-shaped weaving pattern that closely resembles the bones of a herring fish (hence the name). Herringbone carpet can be made from wool, nylon, polyester or blends, and the pattern can be either woven into the fabric or printed. Herringbone wool carpet offers warmth, durability, and a luxurious feel underfoot, while flatweave herringbone carpet has a more tailored look while still showcasing the intricate zigzag design. This timeless design adds a sense of elegance to any room, making it a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary interiors alike. But what makes herringbone carpet stand out from other patterns—and is it the right choice for your space? Keep reading to find out!

Key Benefits of Herringbone Carpet

Herringbone carpet notably complements a wide range of home decor from modern to traditional, making it a versatile choice for any home. Beyond its timeless aesthetic, Herringbone Carpet is highly practical. The zig-zag pattern disguises dirt, stains, and signs of wear far better than plain or flat designs, making it ideal for busy households or commercial spaces. In addition to hiding dirt, it has a durable construction, making it perfect for high-traffic areas, offering both style and practicality in one.

Best Areas in the Home for Herringbone Carpet

Herringbone Carpet for Stairs and Landings

Herringbone carpet stairs are a stylish and practical way to enhance the look of high-traffic areas like staircases and landings. Having carpet on stairs significantly reduces noise compared to wooden stairs, making your home feel quieter, more peaceful, and better insulated from everyday foot traffic. Herringbone carpet on your stairs and landing is the perfect way to create a unified look. Its intricate pattern brings a timeless look to your stairs and landing while also adding traction underfoot – an essential safety feature for stairs. Whether you choose a plush wool option like our Wool Herringbone range or a sleek flatweave design like our Flatweave Classic Herringbone, stair carpet herringbone styles are known for their durability and ability to hide footprints and daily wear.

Herringbone Stair Runners

A herringbone stair runner is a perfect choice for adding style and function to narrow or modern staircases. Its clean lines are often found in contemporary interiors while the classic herringbone pattern adds timeless elegance to any space. We have a wide selection of herringbone runners such as our Diana Herringbone range. This selection is woven from natural wool and comes in many colours, from Ash Herringbone to Denim Herringbone there is a choice for every staircase.

Pair the Diana Herringbone stair carpet runner with a neutral-toned carpet for your landing to create a seamless and cohesive look, or choose a contrasting landing carpet to add a bold, striking visual effect.

Herringbone Carpet in the Bedroom

Carpets add comfort and warmth to your bedroom while also providing sound insulation. Whether you prefer a plush feel underfoot with a Wool Herringbone carpet or a sleek, modern look with our Habberley Herringbone carpet, there are countless herringbone bedroom carpets to suit every preference. Visually, the herringbone carpet can ground the design of your bedroom and help tie the furniture in the room together.

Herringbone Carpet for the Living Room

The living room is often considered the heart of the home; that's why it is important to have an eye-catching carpet that will provide a foundation for all décor. The distinct V-shaped pattern of herringbone carpet makes it the ideal choice. Whether you choose a bold, vibrant colour or a classic neutral, this pattern works beautifully with modern and traditional furniture.  It also helps to define areas within open-plan layouts, adding structure without the need for walls or heavy furnishings. Overall, herringbone carpet is the perfect choice for stylish, functional living rooms.

Choosing the Right Herringbone Carpet Colour and Material

When selecting a herringbone carpet, colour and material play a key role in achieving the look and feel you want for your space. The most popular shades for herringbone carpet tend to be greys, charcoals and beiges as they match a wider range of interiors. A grey herringbone carpet like our Nature Premium Craft range in shade Linen is a customer favourite due to its ability to add subtle texture to a space while maintaining a clean, neutral palette. The right herringbone carpet material depends on the area of the home and how much foot traffic the area receives. Nylon is known for its stain resistance, longevity, and durability, making it perfect for busy households with pets and young children. Polyester is moderately durable, so it is great for lower traffic areas or quieter households. Wool combines both luxury and sustainability; it is extremely durable but may require some extra care in busier areas to preserve its lifespan. By pairing the right colour with the right material, you can create a herringbone look that’s both stylish and practical. For more tips on how to choose the right colours for your home be sure to check out our other colour theory blog and how to choose the best colour for your stairs and landing.

Installation, Cleaning, Maintenance Tips and Buying Advice 

To get the best results, we recommend getting a professional fitter to install your herringbone carpet, especially with the pattern, extra care is required when installing. Getting a professional ensures your carpet not only looks great but will last as long as possible. That’s why we here at Des Kelly Interiors have been a trusted name when it comes to carpets; our expert fitters make the installation hassle-free. Once your carpet is installed, regular cleaning is crucial to maintaining your carpet. Weekly vacuuming is recommended to prevent dirt buildup, and occasional professional/deep cleaning to keep your herringbone carpet looking like new. We also recommend blotting up spills immediately to prevent permanent staining. With these care and cleaning tips, your herringbone carpet will remain fresh for years to come.

Des Kelly Interiors: Your Carpet Expert

Herringbone carpet is the perfect blend of style, durability, and timeless design, suitable for every room in the home. From stairs and landings to bedrooms and living rooms, it adds texture, warmth, and sophistication wherever it’s placed. With a range of colours and materials available, there's a perfect option for every lifestyle and taste. Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we have 50+ years of experience in carpets, beds, flooring and furniture and offer a wide selection of high-quality herringbone carpets, expert advice, and professional fitting services to help you transform your space with confidence. Our measuring service and free consultation take the hassle out of the process, helping you find the ideal herringbone carpet for your home with ease. Visit one of our 9 showrooms or contact us today to find the perfect herringbone carpet for your home.

FAQ’S

What is herringbone carpet?

Herringbone carpet is a flooring style featuring a distinctive V-shaped zigzag pattern that adds texture and elegance to any space.

Is herringbone carpet suitable for stairs?

Yes, herringbone carpet is ideal for stairs due to its durability, added traction, and ability to hide wear. It also brings a stylish, structured look to staircases.

How do you clean herringbone carpet?

To clean herringbone carpet, vacuum regularly and blot spills immediately. Periodic professional cleaning helps maintain its appearance and longevity.

What direction should herringbone carpet go?

Herringbone carpet is typically laid to follow the flow of the room or staircase, with the pattern pointing upward on stairs or toward the main focal point in a room.

Does herringbone carpet make a room look bigger or smaller?

Herringbone carpet can make a room appear larger by drawing the eye along its zigzag pattern, adding depth and visual interest to the space.