Chevron Flooring Vs Herringbone Flooring: What's the Difference?

Looking for the best option between a chevron or herringbone flooring for your next design or renovation project? In this post, we will help you identify the differences between the two patterns and the specific advantages from installation to design versatility to help you make the best decision for your home or commercial space.

What Is Chevron?

Chevron timber floorboards feature a distinctive pattern where each plank is cut at an angle typically 45 or 60 degrees and laid in a continuous “V” shape to create a striking zigzag design. Unlike herringbone, where planks are rectangular and staggered, chevron boards meet at a perfect point, forming a seamless and symmetrical look. This elegant style has a strong architectural presence and adds a sense of movement and sophistication to any interior, making it a popular choice for both classic and contemporary spaces.

The term "chevron" refers to the chevrons used for military uniforms, which was popularised by French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Chevron patterns are used in modern homes as well as commercial spaces like offices, restaurants and retail stores.

Key Features of a Chevron Flooring

Angled Cut Planks: Chevron floorboards are cut at a consistent angle, commonly 45 or 60 degrees, which allows them to form a continuous V-shaped pattern when installed.

Distinctive Zigzag Pattern: The planks meet precisely at a point, creating a sleek and symmetrical zigzag effect that adds movement and visual interest to the floor.

Elegant and Refined Look: Chevron flooring is often associated with high-end, European-inspired interiors. Its clean lines and directional pattern lend a sophisticated and contemporary feel to a space.

Sense of Space and Flow: The directional pattern can elongate or widen the appearance of a room, depending on the layout, making it a great design tool for creating spatial impact.

Precision Installation: Due to the angled cuts, chevron requires careful alignment and professional installation to ensure the pattern is seamless and accurately executed.

Versatility in Style: While traditionally used in classic or Parisian-style interiors, chevron works beautifully in modern and minimalist designs as well, especially when paired with natural timber tones.

Available in Engineered Formats: Many chevron floorboard options, including those from Havwoods, come in pre-finished engineered timber, offering stability, ease of installation, and a durable surface.

What is Herringbone Flooring?

Herringbone pattern flooring is a classic parquet style where rectangular planks or 'blocks' are laid in a staggered zigzag pattern, with each piece meeting at a right angle to create a broken ‘V’ shape. This design has been used for centuries and is known for its timeless elegance and sense of movement. The interlocking pattern adds texture and visual interest, making it a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary interiors. 

Herringbone floorboards can be laid in various configurations, such as single, double, or diagonal patterns, to suit different spaces and design preferences. It is available in both solid and engineered timber formats, with engineered options offering added stability and ease of installation.

Key Features of a Herringbone Flooring 

Classic Broken "V" Zigzag Pattern: Herringbone is created by laying rectangular planks in a staggered zigzag formation, where each board meets another at a right angle. This broken 'V' pattern creates a sense of movement and texture.

Timeless Design Appeal: Herringbone has been used in flooring for centuries and remains a go-to for adding character, sophistication, and a touch of tradition to any interior.

Versatile Style: Whether used in heritage homes or modern interiors, herringbone flooring adapts beautifully to a wide range of design aesthetics. It can be laid in traditional orientations or with a modern twist, such as diagonal layouts.

Depth and Visual Interest: The repeating pattern draws the eye and adds a layer of visual complexity, making it ideal for enhancing both small and large spaces.

Engineered Timber Options: Engineered herringbone timber flooring offers improved stability and are ideal for use over underfloor heating or in environments with temperature or humidity fluctuations.

Precision Required for Installation: Herringbone requires careful alignment and skilled installation to maintain the integrity of the pattern and achieve a high-quality finish.

Range of Sizes and Tones: Herringbone flooring comes in various plank widths, lengths, and timber tones, from light oaks to rich dark finishes, allowing for complete design flexibility.

What’s The Difference Between Chevron and Herringbone?

Although Herringbone and Chevron are two styles of parquetry, they're both very different flooring designs.

Herringbone floors use complete rectangular blocks or planks whereas Chevrons' pieces come with the short ends cut at a 45 degree angle.

You can see the difference in the examples below:

What Are The Benefits Of Chevron Flooring?

Timeless yet striking, chevron timber flooring brings a refined sense of rhythm and sophistication to both residential and commercial interiors. Below, we explore some of the defining benefits that make this pattern a favourite among design professionals and discerning homeowners alike.

A Statement in Style

Chevron’s signature “V” pattern delivers more than just structure, it brings elegance and drama to a space. This classic European style evokes a sense of heritage while seamlessly complementing contemporary interiors, making it a design staple that transcends trends.

Design-Driven Movement

Unlike linear planks, chevron flooring introduces a dynamic flow underfoot. The directional pattern draws the eye across the space, enhancing architectural elements and creating a sense of energy and movement within the room.

Versatility Across Scales

Whether anchoring an intimate study or setting the tone in an expansive open-plan living area, chevron flooring adapts effortlessly to a variety of spatial layouts. Its geometric precision offers structure in large volumes and depth in smaller rooms.

Elevated Luxury, Accessible Price

Available in modern engineered timber formats, chevron flooring is more attainable than ever without compromising on craftsmanship or style. Havwoods’ curated selection makes it easy to bring this timeless design into your project. Explore our chevron timber products and order up to 5 samples online to experience its natural beauty in your space.

What Are The Benefits Of Herringbone Flooring?

Recognised for its rich heritage and refined aesthetic, herringbone timber flooring remains a timeless choice for interiors that prioritise elegance and enduring style. But beyond its visual appeal, herringbone also offers a suite of practical and design-focused advantages that make it a worthy investment for luxury residential and commercial spaces.

Luxury Made Attainable

Once reserved for grand estates and stately homes, herringbone flooring is now more accessible than ever, thanks to advancements in modern manufacturing. Today, you can achieve this opulent look at a surprisingly attainable price point, with engineered timber formats offering both beauty and budget-conscious appeal.

Built for Strength and Longevity

The interlocking nature of herringbone’s installation doesn’t just create aesthetic impact, it enhances structural integrity. The pattern distributes weight evenly across the surface, resulting in a timber floor that is not only striking but also highly durable and long-lasting.

Versatile in Style, Timeless in Impact

Whether paired with minimalist furnishings, classic detailing, or contemporary finishes, herringbone adapts effortlessly. Its subtle rhythm and rich texture bring depth and warmth to any space, from intimate retreats to grand architectural volumes.

Aesthetic Grace with Every Step

There’s a reason herringbone flooring continues to capture the imagination of interior designers. Its intricate layout creates a sense of refined movement across the floor, delivering understated sophistication and a strong design statement in equal measure.

Bring Herringbone to Life in Your Space

Discover the beauty of herringbone timber flooring firsthand by visiting a Havwoods showroom or ordering up to 5 free samples online from Havwoods’ premium herringbone collection. Whether you're designing a high-end residence or a bespoke commercial interior, herringbone offers the perfect blend of artistry and practicality.

Are Chevron and Herringbone Flooring Still In Style?

As a pattern, Chevron is still in style and you’ll often see it on clothing, blankets, towels and stationery. The chevron flooring design has undergone a Renaissance because of its effectiveness to create spacious designs for smaller projects while also having an antique personality with a modern-day feel.

The classic design of the Herringbone engineered floor has always been the perfect statement for guests, customers and clients. With its timeless aesthetic value from French chateaus, it brings luxury into any space, which is why Herringbone flooring will be an ideal choice in your home or office renovation project.

To Chevron Or To Herringbone? That Is The Question

If you can’t decide whether Herringbone or Chevron flooring would suit your space explore our range of timbre flooring today or get in touch with our team for expert advice on stairs and flooring. Visit one of our showrooms in Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, and Melbourne.  

You can also request a free flooring sample online or contact our friendly team today.