The herringbone layout is a design classic and has boomed in popularity in recent years. Seen across floors and walls alike, herringbone is a fabulous layout for a variety of tile styles and will work in virtually any style of home. If you want to work this cool trend across the walls and floors of your abode, read on for our top styling tips.
Experiment with Kitchen Splashback Tiles
Good news for herringbone fans! Pretty much any rectangular tile can be laid in this style –simply check the height is divisible by the width of the tile, then you’re good to go. A pattern that will add interest to any kitchen, metro tiles laid in a herringbone format will offer the ultimate wow factor to your walls.
Image Credits: (Left) Poitiers Azure Gloss Tile | (Right) Alba Verde Tile
If you love bold design, consider a strong coloured tile for extra impact, like our Poitiers in Azure. You can style with cabinets in a lighter shade of the same colour. For a really polished look, add contrast with some patterned floor tiles that have a tone within the design that matches the scheme, this will tie the whole look together.
Or for a more pared-back look, go for a white or softly coloured tile. Style a pastel tile like our Alba Verde Tile against a gentle colour palette for a calming look. When the scheme is softer, the herringbone pattern will quickly catch the eye, bringing an interesting finish to a more muted scheme.
Style Bathroom Tiles
Another place to add the herringbone effect is in the bathroom. To make a statement, cover your bathroom walls from floor to ceiling in this brilliant style and they will do all the talking.
Image Credits: (Left) Poitiers Green Gloss Tile | (Right) Dyroy Green Tile @sally_tateIf you like a bold maximalist look, a full wall of herringbone in a shower enclosure will do the trick, and if you go for a bold colour like our Dyroy Green Tiles, the end result will be truly impressive.
Top Tip
To really make the zigzag pattern pop, choose a contrasting grout colour.
If you’re working with a smaller bathroom space like a cloakroom, a unique herringbone splashback behind the sink can bring a room to life. Making the room feel fresh and stylish, opt for a palette of coordinating tones across cabinetry and accessories and offset your bold colour with a muted shade on the upper walls. Complete the look with a striking mirror and hardware in interesting finishes like aged brass, matte black or brushed chrome to add textural interest.
Get Playful with Living Room Floor Tiles
Image Credits: (Left and Right) Sherwood Mahogany Tile If you’ve always dreamed of a wooden herringbone floor but can’t face the high maintenance and damage risk, you’re in luck. For an innovative take on luxe herringbone flooring try herringbone wood-effect tiles. Offering the look and feel of real wood, with subtle unique details and texture, our porcelain Sherwood Mahogany Tile is the perfect option.
Porcelain tiles also have additional qualities that wood can’t offer. Benefiting from easy maintenance and durability, they also offer a level of slip resistance so you can even go for herringbone wood-effect tiles in the bathroom!
The herringbone effect is fabulously versatile – it looks great in traditional and modern homes and is easy to style with your favourite furniture and décor. For a bold look, give a nod to the floor style, by choosing herringbone woven, patterned fabric and then finish with fun, bright accessories.
Alternatively, styling with simpler fabrics and soft colours, as seen above, will let the flooring make the most impact.
We hope you have enjoyed reading about all the possibilities of herringbone tiles, it’s one of the most interesting ways of bringing pattern to surfaces, and we know you will love it in your home!