If you’ve been researching wood floors, you’ll have come across “parquet” and “herringbone”—and maybe wondered, aren’t they the same thing? Well, sort of, but not exactly.
Parquet is the umbrella term. It refers to those decorative wood floors made from small blocks arranged into patterns—think jawdropping geometric shapes that add instant character to any room.
“Herringbone flooring” is one of those patterns—probably the most famous. Imagine laying short planks in a zigzag V shape: each block sits at a right angle (90°), creating that staggered fishbone look. It’s bold, classy and always ontrend.
So, parquet = flooring; herringbone = style
Make sense? Parquet refers to the material—the little wood blocks themselves—whereas herringbone describes how they’re laid out. It’s why lots of people call their floor “herringbone parquet”.
Why herringbone is the goto parquet pattern
• Iconic look: That zigzag, angled layout is instantly recognisable and suits both classic and contemporary interiors.
• Visual magic: It adds movement and interest to a floor, making rooms appear wider or longer depending on plank direction.
• Craftsmanship on show: Installing herringbone isn’t a job for novices—the precision involved elevates the whole room.
Parquet options beyond herringbone
Parquet isn’t limited to one style. Fancy something different? You’ve got choices:
• Basketweave: Blocks form little squares—charming and symmetrical.
• Brickbond: Like laying bricks on a wall—rows offset for that casual elegance.
• Chevron: Though similar to herringbone, here the plank ends are cut at 45° so the V shapes meet perfectly—no stagger.
Material choices: wood and beyond
Parquet’s not just about solid oak anymore. Nowadays you’ll see:
• Solid or engineered wood: Classic, natural, lasting. Engineered works well over underfloor heating.
• Parquet vinyl or luxury vinyl tile (LVT): Imitates wood grain patterns and often comes clickfit—with splashproof practicalities.
• Laminate: Another budgetfriendly parquet mimic, tough and easy to install.
DIY or call in the pros?
Laying any parquet—most especially herringbone—is a precise art. Small errors become glaring visible lines. Herringbone in particular typically requires a skilled installer for best results.
Final word: choose what fits you best
• Want showstopper floors? Go herringbone.
• Looking for something geometric but relaxed? Explore brick-bond or basket-weave.
• Prefer sleek uniformity? Chevron’s your friend.
• Budget-conscious buyer? Vinyl or laminate parquet gives the style on a smaller spend.
And don’t forget the finish! Matte, satin, or gloss can radically change the ambiance of your parquet floor. Matte finish provides a more natural, rural aura, whereas high-gloss reveals the wood grain and reflects light magnificently throughout the room. Satin falls well in between, providing warmth without being overly reflective.
Additionally, think about the tone of colour—cool grays, warm honey tones, or rich smoked stains evoke a different emotion. With all the pattern, material, and finish pairings, parquet flooring is more than a surface—it’s a design statement. It’s functional art on the floor.
Regardless of whether you choose herringbone, chevron, basket-weave, or brick-bond, parquet adds a touch of elegance and character to your home. And now that you understand the difference, you’re good to go to pick the ideal pattern for your home.
