We Heart Herringbone: 13 Ways to Weave This Pattern Into Your Home
From fixtures to furnishings, herringbone is an easy-to-live-with pattern that adds a classic vibe
Classic herringbone is experiencing somewhat of a revival in our homes, as we see this subtle yet sophisticated pattern transitioning from our floors and moving up the walls on splashbacks, fireplaces and furnishings. With its distinctive V-shaped pattern, there’s something mesmerising and heartwarming about the precise interlocking rectangles that differ slightly from the continuous zigzags of chevrons. If you are in the market for some visual textures to enliven your interiors, we’ve found some ingenious ideas that are sure to inspire.
Cabin fever
Likewise, this striking backdrop sets a dramatic tone in this timber-heavy haven. The rustic wood panelling is laid in a herringbone effect, haphazardly mixing the different tones to capture the essence of snowy mountain cabins or woodland retreats. This creates a connection with nature that is homey and nurturing, perfect for a tranquil night’s sleep.
Successfully mixing timber types
Likewise, this striking backdrop sets a dramatic tone in this timber-heavy haven. The rustic wood panelling is laid in a herringbone effect, haphazardly mixing the different tones to capture the essence of snowy mountain cabins or woodland retreats. This creates a connection with nature that is homey and nurturing, perfect for a tranquil night’s sleep.
Successfully mixing timber types
Follow the arrows
Inject an all-white bathroom with an uplifting patterned wallpaper, such as a lively herringbone, and you’ll see the effects immediately. The bold, monochrome pattern will bring a contemporary twist to any classic scheme and give it a timeless touch.
Feather wallpaper: Serena and Lilly
Inject an all-white bathroom with an uplifting patterned wallpaper, such as a lively herringbone, and you’ll see the effects immediately. The bold, monochrome pattern will bring a contemporary twist to any classic scheme and give it a timeless touch.
Feather wallpaper: Serena and Lilly
Dark and dramatic
Herringbone pattern can elongate a narrow shower when the statement floor tiles extend up to the ceiling. Combining slim, dark tiles with crisp white walls allows the herringbone tiles to take the starring role and dictate the look of the room, while still remaining calm and quiet.
Herringbone pattern can elongate a narrow shower when the statement floor tiles extend up to the ceiling. Combining slim, dark tiles with crisp white walls allows the herringbone tiles to take the starring role and dictate the look of the room, while still remaining calm and quiet.
Country charm
Herringbone patterns can make a surprise appearance in all sorts of settings, from modern to traditional. Take this classic country kitchen for example. It features a subtle herringbone-tiled splashback behind the oven. The on-trend tiles are the perfect accompaniment to the classic Shaker-style units and timber benchtop, as they help to make the room feel very of-the-minute. If you are trying to find a way to update a tired space, a herringbone backdrop will definitely ramp up its street cred.
Herringbone patterns can make a surprise appearance in all sorts of settings, from modern to traditional. Take this classic country kitchen for example. It features a subtle herringbone-tiled splashback behind the oven. The on-trend tiles are the perfect accompaniment to the classic Shaker-style units and timber benchtop, as they help to make the room feel very of-the-minute. If you are trying to find a way to update a tired space, a herringbone backdrop will definitely ramp up its street cred.
Hipster-happy
If you really want to make a strong contemporary statement, use a contrasting grout that will make the tile pattern stand out. This is a familiar trend seen in hipster cafes to capture an industrial, utilitarian look. Team with buckets of black, bare vintage bulbs and chunky benchtops, and you’ll have an oh-so-cool kitchen that will give many coffee spots a run for their money.
Enjoy the modern charm of subway tiles
If you really want to make a strong contemporary statement, use a contrasting grout that will make the tile pattern stand out. This is a familiar trend seen in hipster cafes to capture an industrial, utilitarian look. Team with buckets of black, bare vintage bulbs and chunky benchtops, and you’ll have an oh-so-cool kitchen that will give many coffee spots a run for their money.
Enjoy the modern charm of subway tiles
All mixed up
Herringbone works surprisingly well with bold stripes, as long as you stick to a similar tone in both patterns. Use these loud designs to bring focus to defining features of the room, such as the window treatments and flooring. A herringbone rug will set a confident tone in a monochrome scheme, and will tie the main elements of the room together. Meanwhile, bold horizontal-striped curtains will visually expand a window and make the room feel larger.
Herringbone works surprisingly well with bold stripes, as long as you stick to a similar tone in both patterns. Use these loud designs to bring focus to defining features of the room, such as the window treatments and flooring. A herringbone rug will set a confident tone in a monochrome scheme, and will tie the main elements of the room together. Meanwhile, bold horizontal-striped curtains will visually expand a window and make the room feel larger.
On the flip side, herringbone can be a busy pattern that will dominate a space when used on a big scale, so it can be a good idea to keep the rest of the room plain and simple to balance out the noisy design.
On a small scale
Mosaic tiles have had a modern update, thank goodness. Instead of the familiar teeny weeny square tile that we know and have fallen out of love with, you can now opt for tiny herringbone mosaic tiles that have a stunning and beautiful finesse. Dedicate a statement wall to these delicate tiles and you’ll create an interesting contrast between the sleek contemporary fittings and the dainty rectangles.
Mosaic tiles have had a modern update, thank goodness. Instead of the familiar teeny weeny square tile that we know and have fallen out of love with, you can now opt for tiny herringbone mosaic tiles that have a stunning and beautiful finesse. Dedicate a statement wall to these delicate tiles and you’ll create an interesting contrast between the sleek contemporary fittings and the dainty rectangles.
Classic undertones
What could be more fitting than a classic herringbone timber floor framing a graceful clawfoot bath? These two elegant design features are a match made in heaven and will create an everlasting beauty together. Worried about using timber in your bathroom? Timber-look tiles can be laid in a classic herringbone pattern just as easily as timber can – without the risk of moisture damage.
What could be more fitting than a classic herringbone timber floor framing a graceful clawfoot bath? These two elegant design features are a match made in heaven and will create an everlasting beauty together. Worried about using timber in your bathroom? Timber-look tiles can be laid in a classic herringbone pattern just as easily as timber can – without the risk of moisture damage.
Another perfect pairing is the beautiful look of marble teamed with this enduring pattern. Ideal for spaces with no other defining features, such as pantries or laundries.
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Flaming fabulous
Don’t restrict these gorgeous tiles to functional utility spaces; they can also make stunning additions to comfier spots too. Herringbone-laid mosaic tiles are a classic companion to a traditional fire surround and will tone superbly with soft greys and calming creams for a refined scheme.
Don’t restrict these gorgeous tiles to functional utility spaces; they can also make stunning additions to comfier spots too. Herringbone-laid mosaic tiles are a classic companion to a traditional fire surround and will tone superbly with soft greys and calming creams for a refined scheme.
Wonderful weave
Introduce some understated patterns and textures into your bedroom for a soothing ambience. A simple herringbone pattern will team with neutral tones and other delicate patterns to create a sensuous effect without being too busy or in-your-face. Bliss.
TELL US
How have you introduced this classic pattern into your home?
Tell or show us in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more home-decorating ideas
Introduce some understated patterns and textures into your bedroom for a soothing ambience. A simple herringbone pattern will team with neutral tones and other delicate patterns to create a sensuous effect without being too busy or in-your-face. Bliss.
TELL US
How have you introduced this classic pattern into your home?
Tell or show us in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more home-decorating ideas
Create instant impact with a bespoke timber wall displaying a bold herringbone pattern. Against a pared-back palette of calming hues, the differing timber tones are highlighted throughout the dramatic zigzags, pulling the focus to the entertainment wall and evoking a sense of warmth.