Herringbone tiles date back to the ancient Roman Empire. Road builders learned that laying bricks in a V-shaped pattern on gravel could construct a more stable road. This approach would help absorb road traffic compression, reducing maintenance costs. These same streets are still in existence today.
Fast-forward over two thousand years, herringbone tile patterns can be seen everywhere, from commercial kitchens and bathrooms to creatively tiled entryways and avant-garde residential kitchen backsplashes.
Imagine transforming your living spaces into a haven of sophistication and style. The herringbone tile pattern adds a classic yet trendy touch to any home. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of herringbone tiles, their versatility, and the latest applications for 2025.
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What Are Herringbone Tiles?
For those unfamiliar with the herringbone design, it’s a geometric pattern sometimes called a “broken twill weave.” The name comes from a distinctive pattern that resembles the skeleton of a herring fish-yes a fish skeleton!
Now, if you’re debating which tile pattern to lay over your floor, you might wonder how herringbone compares to the chevron design. While the two patterns may look similar at first glance, there’s a key difference:
- The herringbone pattern is created using equal-sized rectangles in a staggered zig-zag design. Each rectangular piece meets another at the end, creating an attractive “broken” zig-zag similar to the herringbone fish.
- By comparison, the chevron geometric tile pattern uses identical rectangular tiles cut at angles so they meet point to point, creating a seamless, arrow-like effect.
Are Herringbone Tiles Timeless?
Yes! Herringbone tile ideas are timeless. They may have gotten their start with the Roman Empire, but the French nobility in the 1600s took ‘parquetry,’ which loosely means intricate wood floor layouts, to a whole new level. Historians say herringbone and other parquet patterns became one of their era's top flooring tile trends within society’s elite circles. Herringbone floor tile soon became synonymous with elegance and luxury.
How to Choose Herringbone Patterns
When choosing a herringbone pattern, the possibilities are endless, with over a dozen variations to suit any design aesthetic. At Oasis Tile, for your convenience, we offer the traditional herringbone pattern in tiles already aligned for an easy, ready-to-use option. But you can also design your custom herringbone layout to suit your style perfectly. Here are some standout options to consider.
Traditional Herringbone
Laid in the traditional side-to-end fashion, their design creates a zig-zag across the entire floor. This is the most popular traditional herringbone pattern tile, similar to our Boardwalk Herringbone Polished Stone Tile, and is an excellent kitchen floor idea.
Skinny Long Herringbone
Use a skinny, extra-long herringbone tile such as our Himalayan Arches Nanda Blue Glossy and Frosted Glass Tile to create a fantastic large zigzag. This is a very creative way to tile a large bathroom floor or shower area, keeping in mind that glass tiles are best suited for low-traffic areas. The versatility of this tile shines on walls, where its elongated design adds a touch of elegance, making it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial settings.
Where Can I Use Herringbone Tiles?
Herringbone tiles are the ultimate game-changer. These tiles can be used in almost any space in your house. Below is a glimpse of the many options homeowners have when utilizing the beauty of herringbone tiles.
Bathroom
Incorporate herringbone bathroom tile made of stone or glass to transform your daily self-care routine into a spa-like experience. Regardless of your chosen material, the unique herringbone tile pattern adds a touch of luxury, transforming an ordinary tiled bathroom floor or shower walls into a stylish retreat.
Kitchen Backsplash
The kitchen, often the heart of the home, deserves a touch of elegance. While using floor tiles in your kitchen is a popular choice, why not turn your attention to the backsplash instead? A herringbone tile backsplash is a fantastic way to infuse sophistication into your culinary space.
With endless possibilities, you can experiment with colors and materials to suit your style, whether you prefer white or bold shades like our Castle Fort Brilliant Blue Herringbone Glossy Glass Tile.
Fireplace
A herringbone tile fireplace is timeless and sophisticated. The pattern’s intricate layout is eye-catching and will draw the eye to the heart of your living room. Herringbone tiles are available in various colors and sizes, making them adaptable to any interior design theme.
Consider our Cobalt Sea Blue Herringbone Glossy and Iridescent Glass Tile if you want to make a bold statement. Follow our fireplace tile guide to ensure a smooth installation.
Floors
Herringbone tile floors are a surefire way to elevate the look of any residential or commercial space. If you’re between carpet and tile for your living room floor, take a moment to weigh your options. Our floor tile buying guide is a great resource to help you consider all the important factors. And if you’re looking for a truly standout option, check out our Natural Bianco White and Gold Metal Herringbone Stone Tile—a stunning choice that combines elegance and durability.
Is It Difficult to Lay Herringbone Tiles?
At Oasis, customers often ask us if herringbone tile is hard to install. While the thought of tackling such a project might seem daunting, fear not! Installing herringbone tile can be tricky, especially if you haven’t installed it before, but it’s doable with the right resources and patience.
For those considering a DIY approach, our comprehensive flooring installation guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you achieve a flawless finish. If you prefer to leave it to the pros, the cost of floor tile installation can vary depending on the project's complexity.
The size and shape of your tiles can impact the difficulty of installation. Rectangular tiles are ideal for achieving the signature herringbone floor layout, and smaller tiles of this same shape can make intricate designs easier to handle. Additionally, the size of your floor matter areas may require extra planning and precision to maintain alignment and ensure a seamless installation. Yes, a herringbone floor layout is more challenging than standard tile patterns due to the precision cuts and alignment, but the stunning, intricate results are well worth the effort.
Do Herringbone Tiles Make A Room Look Smaller?
One common concern is whether floor tiles in a herringbone pattern can cramp a room. However, when applied strategically, herringbone patterns can expand a space. The captivating zig-zag movement brings uniformity and works wonders in creating compact, dimly lit rooms that feel more radiant.
Herringbone Tile Ideas for 2025
Bring in 2025 with flair by utilizing the beauty of herringbone tiles. From fantastic bathroom applications to stunning backsplashes, the uses of tiles are endless.
1. Dramatic Black Floor
Imagine black herringbone shower tiles, such as our Natural Nero Black and Gold Metal Herringbone Stone Tile, for your floor and white subway-tiled walls in your revitalized bathroom.
Stone tiles, known for their durability and versatility, are two of the top reasons people choose tile, and the above is an excellent choice for this design. While some may assume dark tiles like black or any color will make a space dark and uninviting, that’s far from the truth. Dark porcelain tiles, especially those with a matte finish or subtle shine, can reflect light and create depth, adding dimension and intrigue to any room. Understanding the basics of porcelain tile - its resilience, low maintenance, and water resistance- makes it clear why it’s a timeless favorite for bold and elegant spaces.
2. Mosaic Herringbone Patterns
Herringbone pattern tiles using mosaic tiles, each is slightly different from the other, like our Boardwalk Herringbone Polished Stone, have become a popular and visually engaging flooring choice. These unique tiles create a uniquely personalized aesthetic throughout your home and provide practical benefits. Whether you choose porcelain or ceramic floor tiles, both are excellent options for pet-friendly homes due to their durability, scratch resistance, and ease of cleaning.
3. Blue Herringbone Tiles
Blue herringbone tiles such as our Larati Lane Blue Mini Herringbone Glossy Glass Tiles are popular because they can bring a refreshing and calming feel to your home, especially in bathrooms. Whether you choose soft blue pastels or deep navy tones, they complement every design plan, creating a soothing and stylish atmosphere.
Transform Your Space with Timeless Herringbone Tiles
As we enter 2025, why not make a statement with the elegance of herringbone tile flooring? This versatile design works beautifully on shower walls, bathroom floors, fireplaces, kitchen backsplashes, and more, bringing sophistication and style to every corner of your residential or commercial space.
Don’t wait to elevate your space. Explore Oasis Tile's extensive floor tile collection and find the perfect match for your project. Inject your living spaces with elegance, charm, and contemporary flair. The trend is clear: Herringbone tiles are a timeless classic. Start your transformation today!
