In this latest instalment of my A to Z of Interior Styles; H is for Herringbone.

The dictionary definition of Herringbone is “a pattern consisting of columns of short parallel lines, with all the lines in one column sloping one way and all the lines in the next column sloping the other way so as to resemble the bones in a fish”.

This ancient pattern shows up in cloths, basketry, and road paving systems across the globe and is currently enjoying a revival particularly in the design of floor coverings and will tiles.

Herringbone Pattern Flooring

Stone, laminates and wood are all contenders in this field. A herringbone pattern floor looks particularly appealing in a hallway, downstairs reception room, a bathroom or a kitchen.

My top tip would be not to mix too many different floor finishes. By all means have a wood, laminate or stone throughout a single storey in your home but select one type and stick to it. This will ensure your home flows and doesn’t feel ‘bitty’.

These images demonstrate how effective a wood or tile floor can look when laid in a chevron design.

Herringbone Pattern Wall Tiles

Herringbone patterns look great on walls too. Either source patterned tiles like these from True Day or use metro tiles to create a stylish design in virtually any colour you choose.

Herringbone Pattern Soft Furnishings

Whether you’re snuggled under your duvet or chilling in your sitting room herringbone patterns add texture and warmth to home furnishings. Bedding and upholstery fabrics typically have this subtle pattern.

Herringbone Pattern Carpets & Rugs

Striped carpets, especially stair runners, have been really popular in recent years. Roger Oates Design has a vast range and on closer inspection you will see that most incorporate a herringbone pattern. Crucial Trading offer a range of subtly patterned herringbone carpets whilst Loaf have this lovely muted striped rug.

Herringbone Pattern Fireplaces

I visited a friend’s Devonshire farmhouse recently and was given a tour of the whole building. In the oldest part, which dated back to the 16th century, was a herringbone patterned brick lined Inglenook fireplace. Nowadays companies like Brick Bond Solutions offer pre-fabricated chamber lining panels which, they claim, are quick and cost effective to install.

Useful Links

• Tinsmiths
• Roger Oates Design
• Crucial Trading
• Brick Bond Solutions Limited
• Loaf
• True Day kitchens & bathrooms
• Bert & May
• Tile Giant
• Topps Tiles
• Cox & Cox

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