Herringbone Vs. Chevron: The Key Differences & Choosing The Right Pattern For Your Space

Herringbone and chevron are the two classic parquetry patterns, and the right choice comes down to the look you want and how the pattern sits in your space. This guide explains the difference and how to choose between them.

What’s the difference between herringbone and chevron?

Herringbone is made from rectangular blocks laid so each one meets the next at a 90-degree angle, creating a broken zigzag. Chevron is made from blocks cut at an angle and joined point to point, creating a continuous V that runs in clean lines down the room. In short: herringbone feels classic and full of movement, while chevron feels sharper and more contemporary. Royal Oak offers both patterns in oak, and both have a long history in interior design.

At a glance

	Herringbone	Chevron
The cut	Rectangular blocks, square ends	Blocks cut at an angle, with mitred ends
How it joins	Each block meets the next at 90 degrees	Blocks meet point to point in a continuous V
The look	A broken zigzag with plenty of movement	Clean, continuous arrows down the room
Feels	Classic and characterful	Sharp, refined and contemporary
Origin	Roman architecture	French parquetry
Best for	Adding warmth and movement in rooms of most sizes	A directional look that draws the eye down a space

What is herringbone flooring?

Herringbone is a classic pattern that dates back to ancient Roman architecture. It’s created by arranging rectangular blocks in a zigzag, where each block meets the next at a 90-degree angle. The result adds depth, movement and dimension to a room.

Its benefits:

• Versatile: Herringbone sits comfortably in both traditional and contemporary interiors. The distinctive V-shaped weave creates a sense of movement and can make a space feel larger and more dynamic.
• Practical for busy rooms: Herringbone can work in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. The floor’s durability depends on the engineered construction, finish, installation and care, rather than the pattern alone.

What is chevron flooring?

Chevron originated in French parquetry. Its blocks are cut at an angle and joined to form a continuous zigzag, so the pattern reads as clean, unbroken arrows running the length of the room. The effect draws the eye down the space and gives a strong sense of flow.

Its benefits:

• Refined symmetry: The uniform angled cuts create a clean, polished look that suits classic and modern interiors alike, from living areas to dining rooms and entryways.
• Design flexibility: Whether your home is urban and contemporary or pared-back and minimalist, chevron adapts to the look.
• At home in different settings: Royal Oak’s chevron flooring is engineered European oak suited to residential and commercial spaces. See how it works in the Luna House project.

Which pattern suits your space?

Both patterns suit most rooms, so it often comes down to the feeling you’re after.

Choose herringbone if you want warmth, character and a sense of movement, or a pattern that reads as timeless in a period or a new home alike. It’s the more forgiving of the two across different room shapes.

Choose chevron if you want a sharper, more directional look. The continuous V draws the eye down the length of a room, which works beautifully in hallways, open-plan living and long spaces.

In a very small or heavily styled room, herringbone’s busy weave can feel a little much, and chevron’s strong lines can dominate. In smaller spaces, a narrower block and a lighter oak tone can keep either pattern feeling calm.

Do herringbone and chevron floors date?

Both patterns have long histories and can feel current today. Herringbone traces back to Roman architecture and chevron to French parquetry. How classic or contemporary a floor reads depends on the scale of the block, the oak tone, the finish and the surrounding interior.

What sizes do herringbone and chevron come in?

Block size changes the feel of the floor. A narrower block reads as more traditional and can suit a smaller room; a wider, longer block gives a more contemporary, open look in a larger space.

Royal Oak’s herringbone and chevron options are engineered European oak, with profiles, tones and finishes varying by product. If you’re unsure which size suits your room, our team can talk it through, or you can see both patterns in person in our showrooms.

How are herringbone and chevron installed?

Both patterns are available in engineered oak. Royal Oak’s installation guidance covers installation over prepared concrete substrates and with underfloor heating, subject to its preparation and operating requirements.

Herringbone is laid block by block in the 90-degree weave. Chevron’s angled cuts have to align precisely for the V to run true, which makes it a more exacting installation. We recommend a professional installer for either pattern and can introduce you to expert installers in your area. Our installation guide covers straight boards, herringbone and chevron.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the main difference between herringbone and chevron?

Herringbone uses rectangular blocks that meet at a 90-degree angle to form a broken zigzag. Chevron uses angled-cut blocks that meet point to point to form a continuous V. Herringbone feels classic and full of movement; chevron feels sharper and more contemporary.

Does herringbone make a room look bigger?

It can. The V-shaped weave creates movement that can help a space feel larger and more dynamic, especially in lighter oak tones.

Is chevron harder to install than herringbone?

Generally, yes. Chevron’s angled cuts have to line up precisely for the V to run true, so it’s a more exacting installation than herringbone. We recommend a professional installer for either pattern and can introduce you to expert installers.

Do herringbone or chevron floors date?

Both patterns have been used for centuries. Their appearance over time depends on the oak tone, block size, finish and surrounding interior as much as the pattern itself.

Can I see herringbone and chevron in person?

Yes. You can see both in our Melbourne showroom in South Yarra and our Sydney showroom in Surry Hills, or order a sample to view at home.

Renovate your home with luxury engineered oak and timber flooring at Royal Oak Floors

Whether you choose herringbone’s dynamic elegance or chevron’s sophisticated symmetry, high-quality timber flooring transforms a space. At Royal Oak Floors, we’re the market leader in engineered timber flooring, offering only the highest-quality European oak. As the leading brand in Melbourne and Sydney, we’ve completed numerous large-scale projects across Australia and abroad. Contact us or order a sample to find the perfect floor for your space.