Latest Tile Trends: Herringbone & Chevron

It seems like tile projects are on top of my clients’ minds these days.  And while we’re visiting showrooms to find the perfect pieces, I’ve noticed that herringbone and chevron patterns are the latest tile trends.  Some clients love them, while others have a definite dislike of them. When I discovered this article from Porcelanosa, I knew that it was one that needed to be shared. Enjoy…

Herringbone is becoming more and more popular and is so versatile that it can be used for a traditional or modern design, depending on the material that is chosen. Many of you have probably seen and admired a Herringbone design but didn’t know that the pattern actually had a name.

What is Herringbone?

Herringbone is a pattern that is composed of rectangular pieces of equal size, arranged in a zig-zag, pattern. The perfectly cut rectangular are staggered slightly, so that the end of one plank meets the side of another.

Herringbone is not to be confused with a ‘Chevron’ pattern which is similar. The easiest way to differentiate the two is: Chevron is an inverted ‘V’ whereas Herringbone resembles a broken zip-zag pattern.

Where did it come from?

Fundamentally the design came from the skeleton of the Herring fish but, it truly originated during the Roman Empire. During the Roman Empire, Romans began constructing a series of roadways that would move people and products more efficiently. The construction they created required an interlocking “paver system”.

Later, Romans discovered that when the planks were pointed in the direction of traffic, the roads were extremely stable; making this pattern not only pleasing to the eye but, durable also.

How can I use Herringbone?

Herringbone can be used in a multitude of ways with a multitude of products. You can create this classical pattern with flooring tile as well as walls; make them large scale or small – the choice is ultimately up to your own design aesthetic. The is one of the latest tile trends.

Using Herringbone on the floor

Instead of installing your tile in the more traditionally staggered way, try installing it in a herringbone pattern to create something more visually appealing. This particular installation looks its best when it can be viewed from high up or afar, allowing you to really take in the pattern. Consider creating the Herringbone pattern when you can view it from a balcony, or the top of stairs. Alternatively, installing it in a hallway can give the appearance of it being longer while providing ‘decoration’ to an otherwise bland space.

Using Herringbone on the wall

There are two ways in which you can use Herringbone on the wall; large format or small format.

The smaller format mainly consists of mosaics or smaller planked tiles. These make for excellent backsplash choices as well as fireplace surrounds. Using a larger wall tile to create a Herringbone effect makes great accent walls while keeping the rest of the walls in the space a simpler design and color choice.

The Chevron pattern has been trending in clothing and decorative fabrics for the last few years.  So it was no surprise to see it featured on floors and walls in nearly every showroom we visited.  If you had the choice, which would you choose?  Herringbone or Chevron?