Why Herringbone Hardwood Flooring Is a Timeless Choice For Your Home
Whether you're looking for a classic, traditional, or modern aesthetic in your home, Herringbone Flooring seamlessly adapts to any interior design. This is one of many reasons why Herringbone has surged in popularity in Irish homes. Want to find out why Herringbone is such a popular choice for Irish homeowners? Keep reading. We’ll be delving into everything throughout this blog, including the best wood to choose, the pros and cons, and how to lay it out.
If you're considering this luxurious flooring option, explore our Herringbone Wood Flooring Collection to find the perfect fit for your home.
What is Herringbone Pattern?
Herringbone is a distinct elegant V-shaped interlocking wood layout, arranged in a staggering zig-zag formation. This pattern gets its name from the herring fish's skeleton, which it closely resembles.
Why Is It Called Herringbone Pattern?
This classic design dates back to ancient times, with its earliest known use in Roman roads and historical architecture. The Romans used interlocking brickwork in a herringbone formation to create durable, long-lasting roads that could withstand heavy foot traffic and horse-drawn carts. Over the centuries this design has transformed from a practical construction to a sophisticated flooring option for many homeowners.
Herringbone Pattern Wood Floor: How It Enhances Room Design
Timeless Elegance and Visual Appeal
Herringbone wood floors in a home create an air of sophistication and luxury making it a standout feature. Its intricate, interlocking design adds depth and visual interest without overpowering the space, allowing it to complement a variety of décor styles. If you're looking to make a statement, the unique V-shaped pattern will draw the eye of anyone who visits your home, creating a subtle yet captivating focal point.
Makes Rooms Appear Larger and More Spacious
One question we often get asked is ‘Does herringbone make a room look bigger or smaller?’ the answer is bigger if the herringbone flooring is used correctly. Its V-shaped patterns create a sense of movement and depth making the space appear bigger. Using lighter tones of oak herringbone flooring can make a smaller room appear larger and more open. Strategically laying the pattern parallel to the longest walls amplifies this effect, elongating the room visually.
Adds Depth and Texture to Flooring
Herringbone wood floors offer a timeless elegance that goes beyond traditional straight plank flooring, introducing texture and depth that instantly adds interest to any space. The geometric pattern interacts beautifully with natural light, creating dynamic shifts in tone and shadow throughout the day. This visual depth enhances both modern and minimalist interiors.
A Durable Investment for Your Home
Hardwood flooring in general is extremely durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic while aging gracefully over time. The hardwood herringbone pattern is no exception to this, as this design offers the same longevity and durability expected of quality wood flooring. In addition to being durable, the herringbone layout further distributes wear and tear evenly across the floor, helping maintain its beauty for decades. So if looking for a floor to stand the test of time, herringbone is the perfect choice for you.
Elevates Property Value
Not only does herringbone flooring provide durability it's also a great long-term investment and can greatly increase the value of a home. The timeless charm of herringbone exudes an air of sophistication, making the home appear more high-end often helping a house sell at a higher price point. So if you're considering renovations, installing herringbone hardwood flooring is a stylish and valuable upgrade.
Best Wood for Herringbone Pattern: Hardwood and Oak Options
The best wood for herringbone depends on your budget, personal preferences and durability. Oak hardwood herringbone is a popular choice among Irish homeowners due to its durability and natural aesthetics. While walnut herringbone is known for its luxurious appearance and its resistance to insects. The real winner when it comes to herringbone flooring is engineered, which is best for both quality and aesthetics. Engineered flooring has many benefits including its moisture resistance, its compatibility with underfloor heating and its availability in various finishes meaning there’s a style for every home interior. Need some more inspiration? Check out our herringbone-engineered flooring collection here.
How to Layout Herringbone Pattern
Laying herringbone wood flooring takes extra precision to ensure a symmetrical finish. First, start from the centre of the room, this will help create a balanced look on both sides. Next, ensure to use accurate measuring tools, each plank should be placed at a precise 45-degree angle to maintain proper alignment and create a classic herringbone effect. A slight misalignment can disrupt the whole look so we recommend professional services for installing herringbone to guarantee a precise look. Check out our free Des Kelly Home Consultation & Measuring Service here. We handle everything—from supply to installation—so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Benefits of Herringbone Flooring:
- Herringbone flooring is a timeless and luxurious choice that adds elegance to any space.
- Crafted from durable hardwood, herringbone floors are perfect for high-traffic areas, offering both longevity and classic charm.
- When installed correctly, this pattern enhances the dimensions of a room, adding depth and complementing both traditional and modern interiors.
Engineered Herringbone Flooring A Practical Choice
Engineered herringbone flooring in Ireland offers a stylish and durable alternative to solid hardwood or laminate flooring. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered herringbone flooring is made up of multiple layers, making it extremely durable and resistant to warping, even in areas with fluctuating humidity—perfect for the Irish climate. Explore our range of Herringbone Engineered Wood Flooring to find the perfect fit for your space.
Laminate Herringbone Flooring: Style with Easier Maintenance
One of the key differences between Laminate Herringbone and Hardwood Herringbone is the cost. Laminate herringbone flooring brings the timeless elegance of the classic herringbone pattern without the hefty price tag of traditional hardwood. Known for its durability and scratch resistance, Laminate is an ideal choice for busy households and high-traffic areas. Laminate Herringbone mimics the look of oak herringbone flooring, providing realistic textures and finishes for a fraction of the cost. You can check out our full range of Herringbone Laminate Flooring in any of our stores.
Herringbone Vinyl Flooring: An Affordable Alternative
Herringbone Vinyl Flooring is a budget friendly alternative to hardwood while still providing a luxurious look. Herringbone Vinyl has many benefits, starting with but not limited to easy installation, moisture resistance and ease of maintenance. Due to its resistance to moisture Herringbone Vinyl is an ideal choice for areas prone to spills like a bathroom or kitchen where hardwood may not be practical. If you need some more vinyl home inspiration you can view our full collection in one of our 9 showrooms.
Shop Des Kelly Interiors for Quality Herringbone Flooring
Herringbone remains a timeless and practical choice for Irish homeowners, adding elegance and durability to any space. Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we have 50+ years of experience in flooring, we have a large range of hardwood, engineered and vinyl flooring options available in-store and online. We also offer a free home consultation where we will bring our showroom to you and help you select the best Herringbone Flooring for your home. Contact us today to find your perfect flooring.