The Right Angle: Herringbone Laminate Flooring

Combining classic parquet styling with everyday practicality, herringbone laminate brings character, movement and an effortlessly polished finish to modern interiors.

Few flooring patterns have quite the staying power of herringbone. Once associated with traditional parquet floors and grand period homes, its distinctive zigzag has found a more accessible guise in laminate. Capturing the character of timber alongside the practical qualities of modern laminate flooring, it offers an easy way to introduce pattern underfoot without making the rest of the room work too hard.

Bring character to practical flooring

Laminate may be chosen for its practicality, but herringbone proves functional flooring needn’t fade politely into the background. The repeating pattern creates movement and visual interest, giving living rooms, kitchens and hallways an instantly more considered feel.

Warm things up with natural tones

Oak-inspired shades, from pale washed finishes to warmer honey and caramel tones, soften the geometry of herringbone. They pair particularly well with off-whites, earthy colours, natural fabrics and timber furniture for a relaxed take on the classic pattern.

Give contemporary rooms a classic detail

Herringbone has heritage appeal, but laminate finishes can give it a distinctly contemporary edge. Against clean-lined furniture, simple cabinetry and pared-back colour palettes, the pattern provides just enough decorative detail without pushing a scheme towards the traditional.

Add flow to open-plan interiors

The directional quality of herringbone makes it particularly effective across larger, open-plan spaces. Continuing the same laminate flooring between kitchen, dining and living zones creates a cohesive backdrop, while the pattern stops an expansive floor from feeling flat.

Let the pattern do the decorating

One of herringbone laminate’s greatest strengths is that it brings pattern into a room without adding another colour or accessory. Keep surrounding finishes simple and let the geometry provide the interest.