Herringbone flooring is one of the oldest forms of floor patterns which has stood the test of time. First seen centuries ago, its combination of style and history is the secret of its success.
Xylo Flooring has been supplying top-quality flooring for almost two decades. Here we look at the origins of the herringbone, what effects can be created with it, and why it is still popular today.
The History of Herringbone
As a pattern, herringbone is believed to date back to Roman times, when it was a helpful indicator for traffic. It wasn’t widely used on floors until the 16th century. The first examples are believed to have been laid down in France, where they were called ‘batons rompus’, or broken sticks.
It is thought designers started to use the layered zig zag pattern to match some of the existing features of a building, such as the brickwork. One of the earliest can be seen in the Francois I Gallery at the Chateau de Fontainebleau.
In Britain the pattern did not begin to flourish until the 20th century. The name is derived from the V-shape of a herring’s bones and it has a quite different look from a chevron pattern, where the V-shape is not staggered.
Distinctive Modern Styling
The distinctive pattern of herringbone flooring means it has become popular in newer properties, as geometric shapes are in increasing demand. Different colours can be used on different parts of the herringbone to create additional points of interest.
Neutral or pale colours in a herringbone style can be offset perfectly with more modern, colourful furniture and fittings, while thinner patterns can form an integral part of rooms with themed looks such as ‘shabby chic’.
Creating a Sense of History
Herringbone can be ideal for creating a more historic look too. It goes well with the style of many older properties, including apartments. It creates an impression of solidity, permanence and age, particularly if blended with antique furniture and fittings. The pattern also looks very effective teamed with wood panelling.
Whether you are after a modern or historic look, wooden floors such as herringbone can also require less cleaning than a carpet and are less likely to accumulate dust and germs.
Choice of Colours
Xylo Flooring can supply several different types of herringbone in our oak Belgravia flooring range. Our traditional parquet designs of white and grey make for subtle tones, while our French grey comes in a darker, richer hue. For those who prefer a more traditional feel to their floor, we can supply a rustic oiled option.
Xylo Flooring supply a range of top-quality hardwood flooring options, in walnut as well as oak, and we also offer the choice of laminate and vinyl floors. We supply to retailers, contractors and interior designers. For more details of our products, follow the link above to download a brochure.
