Herringbone & Parquet Flooring: Design Guide for London Homes

Quick Takeaways

• Herringbone suits period and contemporary properties equally
• Chevron creates cleaner, more modern lines but requires a greater investment
• Allow for additional investment compared to straight plank installation
• Pattern direction affects room perception
• Professional installation is essential for perfect pattern alignment

The Enduring Appeal of Parquet

Parquet flooring has graced grand homes for centuries. The intricate patterns - herringbone, chevron, basket weave - create visual drama that simple planks cannot match. After years of minimalist trends, patterned wood floors are firmly back in fashion, appearing in London's most stylish renovations.

Understanding Pattern Types

Herringbone

The classic parquet pattern. Rectangular blocks are laid at 90-degree angles to each other, creating a broken zigzag pattern reminiscent of fish bones (hence the name). The blocks step on each other rather than meeting at points.

Herringbone works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary settings. It's the more forgiving pattern, with the stepped design hiding minor installation variations.

Chevron

A more refined, modern take. Blocks are cut at angles (typically 45 or 60 degrees) so they meet precisely at points, creating continuous 'V' shapes down the room. The clean lines create a more contemporary, directional look.

Chevron requires precision cutting and installation - there's no room for error when blocks must meet perfectly at points.

Design Considerations

Pattern Direction

Herringbone 'points' can run in different directions:

• Toward entrance: Creates welcoming visual flow drawing you into the room
• Toward windows: Maximises light reflection and apparent room length
• Diagonal to room: Works in square rooms, adds dynamic energy

Block Sizes

Traditionally, parquet used small blocks (70x350mm typical). Modern interpretations often use larger formats (90x400mm to 120x600mm) for less busy, more contemporary appearance. Larger blocks suit larger rooms; small blocks suit compact spaces and authentic period looks.

Get a Quote

Every herringbone and chevron project is unique, depending on wood species, block size, and subfloor requirements. As a specialist installer, Yazco provides detailed quotes covering supply, preparation, and installation. Contact us on 020 7224 8876 for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your project.

Conclusion

Herringbone and chevron flooring transforms rooms with timeless elegance. The investment premium over straight planks delivers significant visual impact and potentially increases property value. For London's period properties especially, parquet feels authentically appropriate while making a contemporary design statement.