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Herringbone Tile

Herringbone Tile Patterns: How to Choose the Right Style for Your Floor or Splashback

By

On November 29, 2025

In Herringbone Tiles

Herringbone tiles have become one of the most iconic interior design trends of recent years, especially heading into 2025. Their structured yet artistic layout brings a unique sense of movement that instantly elevates kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and living areas. Whether you’re renovating a splashback or updating your flooring, the herringbone pattern can completely transform the look and feel of your home.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the right herringbone tile pattern—from design ideas to materials, colours, pros and cons, and expert styling tips. If you’re considering herringbone tiles but aren’t sure which direction, size, or finish works best, this article will help you make a confident decision.

What Are Herringbone Tiles?

Herringbone tiles are rectangular tiles laid in an interlocking, V-shaped zigzag pattern. The layout gets its name from the resemblance to the bone structure of a herring fish. Originating in ancient Roman roads and European wood parquet, the pattern has evolved into a timeless design feature for modern interiors.

Unlike traditional straight-lay tiles, herringbone adds dynamic movement and visual rhythm. The alternating angles create depth and texture, making it perfect for homeowners looking to add subtle character without overwhelming a room.

Herringbone patterns can be installed in several ways—horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or even double-herringbone—allowing for endless creativity. Tile size also impacts the outcome: long, narrow tiles feel sleek and modern, while short, chunky tiles create a classic, heritage-inspired look.

Why Herringbone Tiles Are Trending in 2025

Herringbone tiles are among the top tile trends for 2025, and for good reason. Designers, renovators, and homeowners are embracing this pattern for both subtle and bold design projects. Here’s why the trend is growing stronger than ever:

1. Adds Instant Elegance

Herringbone brings a luxury aesthetic to even the simplest spaces. Its structured pattern makes kitchens, bathrooms, and floors feel custom-designed and high-end—no matter the tile material.

2. Works With Every Style

From minimalist Scandinavian homes to rustic coastal spaces, herringbone is incredibly versatile. You can make it muted and soft or bold and attention-grabbing depending on your colour and material choices.

3. Perfect for Small and Large Spaces

The angled pattern can make narrow rooms appear wider, and vertical herringbone can make walls look taller. In large open-plan areas, herringbone floors add architectural interest and break up broad spaces with style.

4. Expanding Material Options

Manufacturers are releasing more herringbone-friendly shapes in porcelain, ceramic, marble, timber-look tiles, terrazzo, and even peel-and-stick formats—making the pattern more accessible than ever.

5. The Rise of Textured Tiles

Textured and handmade-look tiles are trending in 2025, and herringbone magnifies these finishes beautifully. Imperfect edges, matte glazes, and subtle colour variations look stunning in a zigzag layout.

Design Ideas for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Living Rooms

Herringbone tiles shine in virtually any room. Below are the top 2025 design ideas tailored to each major space.

✨ Herringbone Tile Ideas for Kitchens

1. Splashback Feature Walls

A herringbone splashback instantly elevates your kitchen, even if the rest of your design is simple. Classic white subway tiles in a herringbone layout remain a top trend, bringing a clean, crisp look with a designer touch.

2. Bold Coloured Splashbacks

Deep navy, emerald green, charcoal grey, and terracotta are 2025 favourites for statement splashbacks. When paired with the herringbone pattern, these colours create a striking focal point that feels modern and artistic.

3. Timber-Look Herringbone Flooring

Porcelain tiles that mimic timber arranged in herringbone style give kitchens the warmth of wood with the water-resistant durability of porcelain. This is ideal for busy family homes.

4. Mixed-Material Textures

Combining matte herringbone tiles with glossy accents or vice versa adds depth. This works especially well in kitchens with open shelving or minimalist cabinetry.

Herringbone Tile

✨ Herringbone Tile Ideas for Bathrooms

1. Shower Walls in Herringbone

A full herringbone shower wall creates a luxurious spa-like atmosphere. Choose marble-effect tiles for elegance or soft pastels for a serene boutique feel.

2. Small Bathroom Floors

Micro herringbone mosaic tiles are trending for small bathrooms because they add pattern without overwhelming the space. Lighter shades like greige, cream, and pale sage make rooms feel larger.

3. Vertical Herringbone for Height

Installing herringbone vertically elongates the room, making low ceilings appear taller—a great trick for compact bathrooms.

4. Accent Niches and Borders

Using herringbone tiles inside a shower niche or around a bathtub adds subtle luxury and helps define the space beautifully.

✨ Herringbone Tile Ideas for Living Rooms and Open Spaces

1. Herringbone Flooring as a Statement

One of the most popular living room trends for 2025 is porcelain or engineered wood flooring in a herringbone layout. It adds sophistication and warmth while remaining durable and easy to clean.

2. Feature Walls with Texture

Larger-format herringbone tiles or panels create stunning feature walls behind TV units, fireplaces, or open-plan living areas. Textured stone or matte ceramic works especially well.

3. Hallways and Entryways

A herringbone entryway creates a memorable first impression. Darker tones add drama, while lighter colours feel airy and welcoming.

4. Outdoor Living Areas

Porcelain outdoor tiles in herringbone patterns are becoming popular for patios and alfresco spaces, blending indoor and outdoor living beautifully.

Popular Herringbone Patterns, Materials, and Colours for 2025

⭐ Trending Herringbone Patterns

  • Classic herringbone
  • Double herringbone
  • Broken herringbone
  • Diagonal herringbone
  • Vertical herringbone
  • Micro herringbone mosaics

⭐ Popular Materials

  • Porcelain (durable and versatile)
  • Handmade-look ceramic tiles
  • Marble and stone tiles
  • Timber-look porcelain
  • Terrazzo tiles
  • Slate
  • Glass mosaic tiles

⭐ Trending Colour Palettes for 2025

  • Muted sage, eucalyptus green
  • Soft blues and seafoam tones
  • Terracotta and warm clay shades
  • Pearl grey and creamy whites
  • Dusty charcoal
  • Matte black for bold designs
  • Brushed metallic accents

These colour and material trends allow you to tailor your herringbone pattern to match both modern and classic design styles.

Pros and Cons of Herringbone Tiles

✔ Pros

  • Adds luxury and texture
  • Works in small and large spaces
  • Pairs with nearly every design style
  • Wide material and colour options
  • Increases design value and resale appeal

✘ Cons

  • More complex installation
  • Requires careful alignment
  • Slightly higher labour cost
  • Mistakes are more visible than straight-lay patterns

Despite the added installation effort, the visual payoff often makes herringbone the star feature of a renovated space.

Styling Tips for Choosing the Right Herringbone Pattern

1. Consider Room Size

For small spaces, choose lighter colours and smaller tiles. In large rooms, oversized herringbone tiles create a bold, modern effect.

2. Think About Grout Colour

Matching grout blends the pattern softly, while contrasting grout highlights every line and angle. Choose based on whether you want subtlety or standout impact.

3. Choose the Right Direction

  • Diagonal: modern and dynamic
  • Vertical: adds height
  • Horizontal: widens narrow spaces
  • Classic orientation: timeless and elegant

4. Use Lighting to Highlight Texture

Wall lights, under-cabinet lighting, and natural sunlight all enhance the shadows and highlights in herringbone tiles.

5. Balance with Simple Décor

Because herringbone has natural movement, pair it with clean lines, minimalist finishes, and neutral tones for harmony.

FAQS

How do I choose the right herringbone tile size for my space?

Tile size depends on the scale of your room and the look you want. Small bathrooms or splashbacks look best with smaller or micro tiles, which create a delicate, refined pattern. Larger rooms benefit from long, narrow tiles that create a bold, sweeping effect. Always match tile size to room proportions for balance.

Is herringbone a good option for kitchen splashbacks?

Yes, herringbone is one of the best patterns for kitchen splashbacks because it adds detail and impact without overwhelming the space. The zigzag pattern enhances simple cabinetry and works beautifully with both modern and traditional kitchens. Whether you choose classic white tiles or bold colours, herringbone creates a designer-level finish.

Can herringbone tiles make small rooms look bigger?

Absolutely. Herringbone tiles create visual movement that tricks the eye into seeing a larger space. Diagonal or vertical layouts can elongate walls or floors, while lighter colours help open up small bathrooms or kitchens. When paired with minimalistic décor and good lighting, herringbone is a smart design choice for compact rooms.

What materials work best for herringbone tile floors?

Porcelain is the most popular choice because it’s durable, water-resistant, and available in many colours and textures, including timber-look designs. Marble and natural stone create a luxurious look but may require sealing. Ceramic is great for walls, while terrazzo adds a modern, textured feel perfect for contemporary homes.

Herringbone Tile

The History Behind Herringbone Tiles and Why They’re Still Trending

By

On August 19, 2025

In Herringbone Tiles

Introduction

Interior design is a beautiful balance of timeless tradition and contemporary innovation. Among the many patterns that have stood the test of time, herringbone tiles hold a special place. Recognized by their distinctive zigzag arrangement, herringbone tiles are experiencing a strong resurgence in modern interiors across Australia and around the world. Homeowners, architects, and designers are rediscovering this centuries-old pattern for its ability to bring movement, sophistication, and visual depth to a space. But what makes herringbone so enduring? To answer this, we need to take a closer look at its rich history, adaptability, and design appeal.

A Brief History of Herringbone

The herringbone pattern has a surprisingly ancient lineage. Its name is derived from the resemblance to the skeleton of a herring fish, but its use extends far beyond the sea-inspired imagery.

See more: The Benefits of Using Plywood Curved Concrete Forms in Custom Builds

  • Roman Roots: The earliest examples of herringbone can be traced back to the Roman Empire, where it was used in road construction. Known as “opus spicatum,” Roman engineers laid bricks and stones in herringbone formations to create strong, durable roads. The interlocking pattern helped absorb pressure from heavy foot traffic, horses, and carts, ensuring longevity.
  • Medieval and Renaissance Europe: The herringbone motif transitioned from roads to interiors, particularly in wooden parquet flooring. By the 16th century, French châteaux and Italian villas showcased elegant herringbone floors, turning the pattern into a symbol of luxury and refinement.
  • Global Spread: Over the centuries, herringbone became a hallmark of European architecture and gradually spread worldwide. By the 20th century, it had found its way into tilework, fabrics, and even textiles, proving its adaptability across mediums.

This deep historical foundation makes herringbone more than just a design trend—it’s a cultural and architectural legacy.

Why Herringbone is Back in Style

So why, after centuries, is herringbone seeing a modern comeback? Several factors contribute to its revived popularity:

  1. Timeless Appeal – The pattern is instantly recognizable, carrying both heritage and elegance. It works beautifully in both classic and modern interiors.
  2. Versatility – Herringbone can be used in flooring, walls, backsplashes, and outdoor areas. It seamlessly blends with a variety of design styles, from minimalistic Scandinavian to luxurious contemporary.
  3. Texture and Movement – Unlike linear or grid-like patterns, herringbone introduces a sense of movement. It guides the eye across the room, creating visual interest without overwhelming the space.
  4. Adaptability to Modern Materials – Today’s herringbone tiles come in an array of finishes—ceramic, porcelain, marble, or wood-look—making them more accessible and affordable than ever.

In Australia, where open-plan living and natural light are design staples, herringbone tiles are valued for the way they add depth and dimension without cluttering a space.

Herringbone Tiles

Design Applications

Herringbone tiles are no longer confined to flooring. They are being used creatively across the home, making them a designer’s favorite tool.

  • Bathrooms: A herringbone tiled shower wall or floor instantly elevates the space, adding a spa-like quality. Light-colored marble or porcelain in a herringbone arrangement creates a serene and timeless look.
  • Kitchens: One of the most popular applications is the kitchen backsplash. A herringbone layout transforms even the simplest subway tiles into a design statement. It pairs beautifully with stone benchtops and metallic fixtures.
  • Living Areas: Timber-look herringbone tiles or parquet floors bring warmth and sophistication to open living spaces. They can serve as a focal point while remaining subtle enough to complement other design elements.
  • Outdoor Areas: Stone or porcelain herringbone tiles work wonderfully on patios and walkways, providing both durability and visual charm.

This flexibility allows homeowners to use herringbone in small accents or bold, large-scale designs, depending on their vision.

Materials and Finishes

One reason herringbone remains so popular is the wide variety of materials available today:

  • Ceramic Tiles – Affordable and easy to maintain, ceramic herringbone tiles are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Porcelain Tiles – Durable and versatile, porcelain is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
  • Marble Tiles – Luxurious and elegant, marble herringbone tiles add a touch of classic sophistication, though they require more upkeep.
  • Wood-Look Tiles – For those who love timber flooring but want durability, porcelain wood-look herringbone tiles are a popular choice.
  • Glass Tiles – Often used in backsplashes, glass herringbone tiles can add a reflective, modern touch to kitchens and bathrooms.

Each finish influences the final atmosphere of the room, from rustic charm to sleek modernism.

Pros and Cons of Herringbone Tiles

Like any design choice, herringbone tiles have their strengths and challenges.

Pros:

  • Timeless and stylish, ensuring designs won’t look outdated quickly.
  • Adds visual texture and movement.
  • Increases perceived value of a home, appealing to buyers.
  • Works across many design styles, from traditional to modern.

Cons:

  • Installation can be labor-intensive and costly compared to simple layouts.
  • Requires precision; mistakes in alignment are noticeable.
  • Can generate more tile waste due to the angled cuts.

For many homeowners, the investment is worth it, given the elegance and sophistication herringbone brings to a space.

Styling Tips

To get the most out of herringbone tiles, consider these expert tips:

  • Choose Contrasting Grout: Dark grout with light tiles (or vice versa) emphasizes the pattern, making it bold and eye-catching.
  • Go Subtle with Tone-on-Tone: Using similar tones for tiles and grout creates a seamless, sophisticated look.
  • Play with Orientation: Horizontal herringbone elongates a room, while vertical layouts add height and drama.
  • Mix Finishes: Combine matte and glossy tiles to introduce depth and dimension.
  • Balance with Simplicity: Because herringbone is visually striking, pair it with simpler design elements to avoid overwhelming the space.

Future of Herringbone in Interior Design

The enduring popularity of herringbone suggests it’s far from a passing trend. As sustainable building materials and new tile technologies emerge, herringbone will likely evolve further. Expect to see:

  • Larger-format herringbone tiles for open spaces.
  • Eco-friendly materials like recycled glass and sustainable ceramics.
  • Creative hybrid designs combining herringbone with chevron or basketweave patterns.
  • More use of bold colors and textured finishes in modern homes.

The pattern’s adaptability ensures that herringbone will continue to inspire future generations of designers and homeowners.

Conclusion

Herringbone tiles are more than just a stylish choice—they’re a piece of history reimagined for the modern world. From Roman roads to today’s Australian kitchens and bathrooms, this timeless pattern has continuously adapted while retaining its elegance and charm. Its versatility, visual movement, and ability to blend tradition with innovation make it a staple in interior design.

For anyone considering a renovation or new build, herringbone tiles offer the perfect balance of sophistication and durability. Whether used as a subtle detail or a bold statement, they embody the idea that true design classics never go out of style.

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