Herringbone tiles are a perfect way to add a decorative touch to a kitchen or bathroom. From glossy metro tiles to wood effect herringbone flooring, this on-trend pattern offers a classic look working in both modern and traditional homes. A common question asked is how to lay herringbone tiles as many believe it to be difficult, but with a few simple points, it is easy to achieve a beautiful herringbone kitchen floor or herringbone bathroom wall. We’ve put together a handful of frequently asked questions on everything you need to know about herringbone tiles to help you in your home renovations!
What is a herringbone tile?
A herringbone tile is simply a thin rectangular tile that is laid at an angle to create the classic pattern. A lot of tiles can be laid as herringbone, so long as the width of the tile is half or less of the length of the tile. Most commonly, metro tiles and smaller wood planks look best when laid as herringbone flooring or wall tiles.
What is the difference between herringbone and chevron tiles?
Many ask the difference between herringbone and chevron tiles – the end of a herringbone tile is cut at the usual 90-degree straight angle, whereas chevron is at 45 degrees. Chevron flooring creates a ‘zig zag’ style pattern with the angled edges meeting, whereas herringbone flooring has straight edges with a staggered pattern effect mimicking the look of recognisable parquet wood flooring.
How to lay herringbone tiles?
When laying herringbone flooring or walls, it is important to note the first tile installed is at a 45° angle, the pattern should then be simple to follow from there. Using tile spacers are essential to achieve consistent grout joints and equal spacing from tile to tile. We also recommend using a flexible white adhesive and a grout the same colour or lighter than the tiles. Read more on our general installation advice.
Is herringbone tiling difficult?
The herringbone tile pattern is simple to lay following the correct steps as noted above. The main thing to note is that it can be a little more time consuming than a standard staggered or stacked brick bond. However, the end result is worth the extra effort as the herringbone pattern is a wonderful way to elevate and enhance any tile. We recommend employing the work of a professional tiler to achieve a sleek herringbone pattern.
Do herringbone tiles make a room look bigger?
Yes, definitely! The beauty of herringbone tiling is that it can make any sized room look bigger. Particularly working in narrower areas such as hallways or galley kitchens to give the illusion of movement and a larger space. This laying pattern also works in large open plan kitchens and ground floors and helps to create a spacious, inviting feeling.
Are herringbone tiles expensive?
Our range of herringbone tiles are competitively priced and sourced from premium Italian and Spanish manufacturers. You can expect to pay between £45m2 upwards to £65m2 for a good quality herringbone tile. Our collection is priced fairly and offers an inexpensive but highly effective herringbone floor or wall tile look.
Our Favourite Herringbone Tile Looks
There are so many options and colourways to choose from to achieve the herringbone tile look! Whether a wood effect herringbone floor or metro herringbone bathroom tile - a few of our favourites can be found below.
Eaton Oak Wood Effect Herringbone Flooring
Starting with the Eaton Oak which is perfect for a herringbone kitchen floor, this wood effect porcelain is a beautiful true oak colour replicating the look of wood with realistic knot and grain details. In a small plank size, it really does mimic classic parquet wood flooring – our top tip is to go for a narrow grout line that matches the tiles colour for a truly authentic feel.
Falmouth Sandy Oak Wood Planks
On the topic of wood effect tiles, the Falmouth Sandy Oak is a larger tile size but equally effective when laid in the herringbone tile pattern. Its neutral warm tones contrast wonderfully with rich navy kitchen cabinets and this herringbone tile is great at making a space feel bigger than it is.
Orkney Terracotta Metro Tiles
For herringbone wall tiles, the Orkney Terracotta metro tiles are a favourite, with its on-trend terracotta hue and consistent matt finish. This metro tile is a perfect way to colour block and looks excellent with the Terrazzo Ivory porcelain tiles for a fun and contemporary bathroom.
Hockley Antiqued Rose Gloss Metro Tiles
Another metro wall tile that is high on the list is the Hockley Antiqued Rose gloss metro tiles. Hockley Antiqued Rose is a beautifully glazed, high quality Italian decorative tile that offers a pop of colour – those loving the pink tile trend need look no further! With just enough variation from tile to tile and an antiqued gloss finish, this metro tile laid as herringbone offers a perfect statement to a bathroom.
Eaton Birch Wood Effect Herringbone Tiles
The final favourite herringbone tile look is the Eaton Birch wood effect herringbone tiles. Paired with neutrals, this wood effect plank creates a light and airy feel to any bathroom space. It also benefits from being a much more hardwearing and durable tile for bathroom floors than real wood. We particularly love the Eaton Birch herringbone floor paired with the Adastra Calacatta Oro marble effect tiles – its classic grey veining and amber hues adding a subtle warmth to a neutral bathroom scheme.
