25 Herringbone Floor Ideas To Give You That European Flare
Herringbone floors first became popular in France during the 1600s, according to Anthology Woods. Before this pattern garnered such popularity, it was installed in places of prestige, such as the Francis I Gallery at Château de Fontainebleau in 1539. We see this pattern in our everyday life, from coffee shops to boutiques, and we've even incorporated it into our homes. Herringbone floors first became popular in the U.S. in the 1930s but were covered by carpet for about 50 years until designers and homeowners revealed their beauty again.
Many people are not only obsessed with the European lifestyle but also with fashion and design. Homeowners in the U.S. can easily interpret European aesthetics in their own homes, and they can start by installing herringbone floors wherever they see fit. Luckily, there's plenty of inspiration out there to get you started towards building your European getaway out in the west or wherever you reside.
1. Contrasting colors
Herringbone floors add not only contrast but also interest in a space that is mainly decorated in white with neutral accents. The tone is dark enough to add depth, and the grain is what adds the necessary interest.
2. Neutral necessity
The herringbone floors add a touch of neutrality against the green wall. They emit similar tones, creating this soft yet elegant design.
3. Multi colored
This living area is sophisticated and chic! Everything about it is absolutely divine: the wainscoting, tufted sofa, light fixture, and most importantly, the herringbone floor. This pattern is made up of light and dark colors to add contrast while it also complements the shades and tones of the space.
4. Dramatic lines
In this bedroom, the lines that compromise the herringbone pattern are more prominent, which creates a more dramatic look. This technique is beneficial in a room like this, as it is designed in all white and subtle grays. The color of the floor doesn't add too much contrast, so the lines do all the work.
5. Elevate your kitchen
This kitchen was definitely designed with luxury in mind, which means no cutting corners — especially for the flooring. The herringbone floors add much-needed warmth to the space and guide your eyes to the beautiful focal points of the kitchen.
6. Point toward a direction
You can use herringbone floors to emphasize a focal point in a room. Here, the large window with a beautiful view is showcased as the herringbone floors travel in their direction in a vertical pattern.
7. Interchanging colors
This herringbone pattern is made with two interchanging colors; one is lighter and the other darker. This creates a unique visual that looks similar to a braid pattern.
8. Long hallways
Instead of installing the typical wood-planked floors, you should use this flooring option to accentuate a long hallway. A herringbone pattern will add more creativity and uniqueness to your space. It can also bring enough interest to a room, so you don't have to fill it with décor pieces.
9. Stone
Creating a herringbone floor with stone tile is also an option if you desire something more cool-toned and sophisticated. Interest is added as stone naturally comes in a variety of color patterns, and many other tones can be incorporated as complementary shades.
10. Gray tones
This herringbone floor with gray tones shows that you can ensure a room looks exciting while also using simple, neutral colors. Its beautiful pattern travels across the space and creates a visual that is pleasant to look at.
11. European design
This is the perfect visual representation of a simple yet beautiful European design. The white accordion doors lead out to the patio adorned with green bars for an elegant touch of color. But the herringbone floors are what truly complete this design and turn it into something special — straight wood planks could never.
12. Small room
Although this room may be small, the herringbone floor still looks beautiful. All the warm tones in this space work together to create a relaxing vibe, and the floor ties it all together to complete the organic design it is also perpetuating.
13. Different widths and lengths
Herringbone floors can be made with different wood planks of various widths and lengths. Here, you can see that wood planks with a small width and extended length will create a dramatic, pointy, herringbone pattern.
14. Brick
Brick herringbone floor is perfect for someone who wants a design that is more rustic or something you'd see out in the countryside of France. It adds a lovely texture and charm to a space.
15. Illusion of a larger space
Although a herringbone pattern can sometimes look quite busy, it has the ability to make a room feel broader or smaller based on the direction it is installed in.
16. Children's room
A herringbone floor is perfect for a children's room, as its pattern adds a touch of playfulness to any space, along with elegance and beauty.
17. Patio
Not only will a herringbone pattern look beautiful indoors, but it also can be used to make a lovely patio floor. It gives off the same gorgeous vibe and will be fun to design your patio furniture around.
18. Black
Although black colors give off a more modern vibe, it still has a sophisticated appearance in a herringbone pattern. It nicely contrasts the white walls and tile and is brightened up with white grout.
19. Complement with trim
The herringbone pattern in this room is beautifully paired with the trim on the ceiling, as well as the coves on the wall and the wooden sill on the window. This is a winning combination for those who want to execute the European design.
20. Mudroom
Add some unique flare to your mudroom by installing herringbone floors. It'd be wise to use gray or other dark colors to hide scuff marks or dirt that anyone may track inside.
21. Rich wood
This herringbone was created with a deep, rich brown color that shows off texture to create an elevated design. It brings this space back to life and contrasts stunningly against the neutral colors.
22. Mosaic
Herringbone mosaics are also available to install on your shower floor. This is an excellent option for those who can't afford to have a herringbone pattern cover their entire bathroom floor.
23. Mini herringbone
This herringbone pattern was made on a smaller scale and is a great way to add tons of texture to your floor if you're going for a rustic, farmhouse design.
24. Comfy designs
As said before, herringbone patterns have a playful nature to them. So, it's easy to make a room feel warm and cozy by adding rugs or other décor items with a texture that screams comfort.
25. Fill your entire home
If by the end of this you have fallen in love with herringbone floors and want to install them into every room of your house — you can! It will create a consistent look that keeps harmony and interest flowing throughout the house.