Introduction

Herringbone tile rose to popularity during the 70s as a unique flooring for residences. They took home interiors by storm because of their V-pattern. They are stacked either horizontally, vertically or even in zigzag pattern.

In this post, we look at some of the best herringbone tiles. At the end of the post, a whole section on some of the most popular herringbone tile pattern ideas are featured if you intend to incorporate in your home spaces soon.

Content

1.10 Best Herringbone Tile Overview

2.What Type of Material is the Best for Herringbone Tile?

3.Herringbone Tile Applications: Where to Put Herringbone Tile？

4.7 Steps to Choose the Best Herringbone Tile

5.20 Herringbone Tile Pattern Ideas

6.FAQs Before Buying Herringbone Tiles

I.10 Best Herringbone Tile Overview

So, you have settled your decision into going for a herringbone tile pattern for your living space. Before laying them out and installing them, you must be aware of the pros and cons of the different herringbone tiles. In this section, we give you an overview of the best herringbone tiles out there to help you narrow down your choice.

1.Ombre Herringbone Tile

Ombre Herringbone Tile >>>

Photo by Tiletell

Solid colors are cohesive and uniform looking buy why go solid when you can go for gradual, fade style blending of one color. Ombre herringbone tiles in particular are popular because it is easier to layout and install. It is perfect for feature walls, backsplashes, and shower wall tiles.

2.Glossy Green Herringbone Tile

Glossy Green Herringbone Tile Wall>>>

Photo by Tiletell

Glossy tiles are perfect for wet bars, to accentuate wall trims and for feature walls. In particular, you can go for vibrant colors such as glossy green in herringbone pattern to give your living space a flashy revamp. Glossy green herringbone tiles are not good for flooring as it could become slippery.

3.Herringbone Subway Tile

Herringbone Subway Tile >>>

Photo by Tiletell

Most days, subway tiles can look plain and boring. To notch it up to a more contemporary, minimalist or modern look, you can have a herringbone subway tiles. Subway tiles are inexpensive but making a herringbone pattern out of it can make it look high-end and crafty. It is the most common type of tile to use for herringbone patterns.

4.Marble Herringbone Tile

White Modern Marble Herringbone Tile Mosaic Backsplash  with Multiple Texture>>>

Photo by Backsplash

If you want a high-end look for your walls and flooring, a marble herringbone tile is the right choice for you. They come in different color mixes, and have natural stains and grains for a luxe look.

To avoid the traditional horizontal look associated to marble herringbone tiles, you can also have it zigzag or cut it into triangles and rectangles. It is perfect for backsplash walls and floorings.

5.Herringbone Mosaic Tile

White and Beige Mix Herringbone Glass Mosaic Tile >>>

Photo by Tileclub

If you want a more inexpensive alternative to marble but with the same high-end effect, a mosaic tile in herringbone tile pattern is the choice. Mosaic tiles also has the widest range of colors so you can go for ombre, fading, and multicolored herringbone tile for your walls and floorings.

6. Blue Herringbone Tile

Blue Herringbone Tile Kitchen Backsplash>>>

Photo by Tiletell

There is something commanding about blue. The same is true for blue herringbone tiles. They can come be glazed, unglazed, matte, or rough in finish depending on the type of tile material you choose. It is perfect for bathroom walls, feature wall, and backsplashes. You can also go for ombre blue herringbone tile for added scenic affect.

7. Herringbone Wood Look Tile

Herringbone Wood Look Tile >>>

Photo by Tiletell

Time and again, the preference for wood look tile is unceasing because of its opulent and timeless effect. But true hardwood is expensive and they are porous and vulnerable to elements. This makes wood look tiles a practical choice to this decorative end. Going for a herringbone wood look tile can add versatility and edge to your flooring or accent wall. The best material for this is porcelain.

8.Carrara Herringbone Tile

Carrara Herringbone Tile >>>

Photo by Tiletell

The Carrara marble is a popular blue-grey marble used mainly for flooring, countertops and walls. It is Italian marble and it has beautiful, delicate grains and natural stains. For another high-end look but easy to cutout into herringbone tiles, this is a prime choice to consider.

9. Grey Herringbone Tile

Grey Herringbone Tile >>>

Photo by Tiletell

Grey is an outstanding neutral color for walls, floorings and more. The best tile material for grey herringbone tile would be porcelain, mosaic, and marble. It goes with any type of design scheme and also does well in hiding dirt and grime.

Go for glossy grey or matte finish herringbone time for backsplashes and wall trims. Large format grey herringbone tiles are also perfect for floorings.

10. Herringbone Porcelain Tile

White and Black Herringbone Porcelain Tile >>>

Photo by Tiletell

For flashy and glossy look for your walls and flooring, go for some herringbone porcelain tile. Aside from being inexpensive, the color variety is outstanding and it is very workable. The decorative look of compact, vertical herringbone porcelain tile is also eye-catching.

II.What Type of Material is Best for Herringbone Tile?

It is said that any rectangle shaped tile can make a herringbone tile pattern. As such, there are different tile materials that are used in making one. The following are considered as the most common types of tile materials for herringbone. Hence, for this part, we square the best type for herringbone tiles.

1. Porcelain

Porcelain Herringbone Tile >>>

Photo by Tiletell

Porcelain herringbone tiles come in many textures and sizes. It can be etched, glazed, and texturized. It is also easier to customize. Hence, using porcelain for herringbone tile patterns are recommended if you want a surface which resembles wood, marble or even bricks.

2. Mosaic

Blue Grey Herringbone Mosaic Tile >>>

Photo by Tileclub

When it comes to color, pattern, shape and size variety, mosaic tiles are on top of the list. They are best to use for backsplash walls and in accentuating spaces. Hence, use mosaic in herringbone pattern for your kitchen backsplash and also in bar trims. You can also play with color using this material so as not to stick with herringbone tile monochromes.

3. Marble

Marble Bathroom Heringbone Tile for Wall>>>

Photo by Tiletell

Known for the variations in their natural stains, subdued look and regal features, marble offers a classic and timeless effect when made into a herringbone pattern. It is an elegant choice for flooring in large format herringbone.

It also makes a practical yet stunning shower wall thanks to marble’s natural balanced texture. It is however, more expensive than the rest on this list so that is one thing to consider.

4. Glass

Gorgeous Glass Herringbone Tile Backsplash Traditional Kitchen >>>

Photo by Houzz

This type of tile material is best for wall backsplashes especially in the kitchen or the bathroom and/or shower walls. Glass tiles are the least permeable to stains and acids. Its only drawback is that it dents or cracks easily. Nonetheless, if you are eyeing for a feature wall for any of your living spaces, a glass herringbone tile is a good choice.

5. Wood

Stark Greige Herringbone Water-resistant Laminate Tile >>>

Photo by Floor Decor

Herringbone and wood have one obvious application and that is on floorings. To notch up your hardwood floors, the herringbone pattern is a viable choice. You can go for large formats for wider spaces, and more compact ones in cabin type and contemporary interiors. It is also beautiful in small accent walls.

Ⅲ.Herringbone Tile Applications: Where to Put Herringbone Tile？

There are different ways to install herringbone tiles depending on its application. There are also suggested herringbone materials for different installations. In this section, we look at some of the most common herringbone tile applications and how they differ from one another.

1. Herringbone Tile Backsplash

Beige Herringbone Tile Backsplash >>>
Photo by Houzz

The most common direction for herringbone tile backsplash is either vertical or horizontal. The best places to put a herringbone tile backsplash would be in the kitchen, bathroom and shower walls.

Start at a 45degree angle from the floor to the wall and start stacking the herringbone tile either upwards or downwards. Here is a video on how to install a herringbone tile backsplash in a kitchen wall.

DIY Herringbone Pattern Kitchen Backsplash With Matte White Subway Tiles

Video By That Guy DIY

2. Herringbone Tile Feature Wall

Herringbone Tile Feature Wall >>>

Photo by Tiletell

A herringbone tile feature wall is best for small living rooms to make the space larger. It is also used for spaces that you want to highlight such as coffee stations, decorative corners, and for one side of the kitchen walls for condiments.

Herringbone feature walls may come in solid colors or ombre ones. The trick here is to make it as playful and colorful as possible. Here is how to install a herringbone tile feature wall.

Super Easy DIY Herringbone Accent Wall

Video By Eric Wise Interiors

3. Herringbone Tile Fireplace Surround

 Marble Tile Wall Fireplace Renovation – Herringbone Pattern >>>

Photo by Do It Yourself Divas

Ceramic, marble and porcelain herringbone tiles are perfect for a dainty looking and eye-catching fireplace surround. You can also extend the herringbone tiles up to the accent wall to give it a cohesive look.

The herringbone tile could also go out to the hearth. Install the herringbone tile fireplace around the fireplace case or enclosure to give added effect to the entire living room. Here is how to install a herringbone tile fireplace surround.

DIY Install Marble Tile Wall Fireplace Renovation – Herringbone Pattern

Video by Do It Yourself Divas

4. Herringbone Tile Flooring

Herringbone Tile Flooring >>>

Photo by Tiletell

You can install herringbone tile flooring to any living space. But the best floor areas to install it into would be the living room. Going for the traditional herringbone V-look (somewhat like chevron style) and using either marble or wood look herringbone tiles are also recommended.

If you intend to revamp your home interior using herringbone tile flooring, here is a video tutorial which you can check out.

5. Herringbone Tile Shower

Herringbone Tile Bathroom Showerr >>>

Photo by Tiletell

You can put a herringbone tile shower for the entire shower walls or put a herringbone accent wall for your bathroom essentials on one side. The best types of herringbone tile for shower would be porcelain, ceramic or marble.

Glossy herringbone tile shower is also recommended. Here is a video clip which you can check out for some tips and heads-up in installing herringbone tile shower.

6. Herringbone Tile Bar

White Herringbone Tile Bar >>>

Photo by Tiletell

A herringbone tile bar is best applied using the horizontal or vertical herringbone pattern. The purpose of a herringbone tile bar is to break the monotony of monochrome paints or to give visual variation in a room. If you are thinking of installing a herringbone tile bar, it would be best for you to checkout this video.

Ⅳ.7 Steps to Choose the Best Herringbone Tile

Your choice of the best herringbone tile should also be dependent on many factors. There are some patterns that would work best on certain design schemes. Texture and size may also be factors to consider. Here are seven steps to choose the best herringbone tile for you.

1.What First? Timeless over Trendy!

The material used for the herringbone tile is important in determining the final look of the wall or flooring. If you want a subdued, classic look, go for brick herringbone or subway tiles. If you want a more trendy one, go for glazed porcelain or mosaic material for your herringbone tile.

Attractive Wholesale Modern Herringbone Tile and Minimalism Herringbone Tile >>>

Photo by Tiletell

3. Go Big or Small?

Herringbone tiles come in large format tiles, the usual tile panel sizes, and there are also smaller herringbone pieces. If you want depth and illusion of space, go for large format tiles. If you want a warmer, more intimate look, go for smaller sized herringbone tile. The best backsplash size would still be using the usual tile panel sizes of 4-6”.

4. Which Layout? Be Playful!

Playful Herringbone Tile Layouts>>>

Photo by Tiletell

Herringbone tiles are very versatile but you should layout them well.Do not just settle with the horizontal stacking. Explore other ways to give your backsplash or flooring a playful look. You can go for vertical pattern or even zigzag if you want to.

5. Rougher Textures or Polished Flat Surfaces?

Since there are different materials used for herringbone tiles, you can have different surface finishes to choose from. For herringbone flooring, rougher textures are good choices for outdoor spaces and of course, polished flat surfaces should go in interior floors. 

As to kitchen backsplashes, both rough and polished surfaces are viable options. In shower rooms, go more for a polished surface. In damper areas such as the laundry room, a rougher texture is more practical.

6. Hate Cleaning? Factor in How Easy It is to Clean

Between rough textures and polished surfaces, the latter gives more ease in cleaning. And between glazed and non-glazed ones, the former could easily be wiped clean. If you do not have the luxury of time for cleaning your herringbone tiles, go for the types that are easier to clean.

7. Play with Shape, Tile Patterns and Texture for A Modern Twist

White Bathroom Herringbone 3D Wall Tiles >>>

Photo by Tiletell

As have been mentioned, herringbone tiles are very versatile. There is no limit to the shape, pattern, and mix and match of textures which you can incorporate in your walls and floorings using herringbone tiles. You just have to be firm and final as to the final layout and design to make sure that you are giving it the proper design twist.

Ⅴ.20 Herringbone Tile Pattern Ideas

When everything is said and done, the beauty of herringbone tiles could only be appreciated once it is installed in the wall. To give you an idea on the many ways you can flexibly install herringbone tiles in your living spaces, here are some herringbone tile pattern ideas to consider.

1. Classic White Herringbone Tiles Kitchen Backsplash

Classic White Herringbone Backsplash Tiles Emphasize the Beautiful Pattern >>>

Photo by Houzz

To give your kitchen a delicate yet vintage look, a classing white herringbone tile is a fine choice. It highlights all the fine details of the kitchen and at the same time an eye-catcher on its own. The addition of these wood details, brass accents, and vibrant blue shelves bides well with this classic white herringbone tile backsplash.

2. Contemporary Neutral Herringbone Tile

Neutral Marble Herringbone Tile Kitchen Backsplash >>>

Photo by Houzz

Nothing speaks more contemporary than marble herringbone tiles. While you can incorporate more colorful tones, sticking with the neutrals always gives a neat and polished look especially for kitchens like this one here. The subdued balance of gray, white and some streaks of black is just dainty.

3.Dark and Graphic Herringbone Tile

Contemporary Industrial Home Dark and Graphic Herringbone Tile >>>

Photo by Homeworld Design

For a brooding, bold, and masculine effect to your backsplash wall, go for a dark and graphic herringbone tile like this one here. Layers of gray never disappoint. Who would not want to spend time and gather around for drinks with a wall backsplash as regal as this, right?

4. Colorful Herringbone Tile

Colorful Herringbone Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Photo by Houzz

If you want a more eccentric taste but in a lowkey manner, this is a colorful herringbone tile backsplash to consider. The graphic ensemble of gray, yellow, and white herringbone tiles very much personalize this kitchen.

With the warm lights and dominant white monochrome, this colorful herringbone backsplash is a standout.

5. Vertical Herringbone Tile Layout

Vertical Herringbone Tile Layout>>>

Photo by Tiletell

If you want to add a different edge to your kitchen wall backsplash, try the vertical herringbone tile layout. Just flip up the traditional horizontal herringbone layout to give it a more contemporary flair. With this simple trick in your herringbone tile stacking, you can add a non-costly effect to your backsplash wall like this one here.

6. Large Format Herringbone Tile Backsplash

Garay Large Format Herringbone Tile Backsplash >>>

Photo by Penny Layne

Large format tiles are most conventionally used for flooring. But the effect is just bold and unique when you apply it in wall backsplashes.

This kitchen using charcoal gray large format herringbone tile for this kitchen backsplash is just phenomenal. It works well with the laidback wood and stainless-steel accents of this kitchen.

7. Black Herringbone Tile

Black Herringbone Tile Backsplash Modern Style >>>

Photo by Houzz

 What better way to spruce up a classic kitchen than to give it a powerful contrast. In this kitchen wall, a black herringbone tile backsplash was used to give it a tonal yet more modern balance. The brushed brass touches go along the white and black contrast to give this kitchen more warmth and elegance.

8. Herringbone Peel and Stick Tile

Rustica Gray 4-in x 4-in Matte Glass Herringbone Mosaic Wall Tile >>>

Photo by Lowes

The kitchen and sink area are the most common spaces where a herringbone peel and stick tile is used. These spaces are more prone to stain, dents and cracks because they are often heavy traffic areas. 

Hence, a peel and stick tile is practical. In this idea, white and gray streaked herringbone peel and stick tile are installed. It looks contemporary chic and rustic warm at the same time.

9. Herringbone Wood Look Tile

Herringbone Wood Look Tile >>>

Photo by Home Dreamy

Wood always speaks of opulence but not everyone would want to splurge on true wood backsplash. The good news is, you can achieve the rich grains and the multitoned look of wood using a herringbone wood look tile. Here is a hard to forget idea which you can consider.

10. Carrara Herringbone Tile

Carrara White Herringbone Marble Tile >>>

Photo by Stonedeals

This is one of the more high-end herringbone tiles out there. It is made of Carrara marble, known for their veined look. They offer a soft feature for the walls and the flooring. They are more popular in shower rooms and kitchens. If you are more into some dainty design schemes, this is an idea using Carrara herringbone tile to consider.

11. Ombre Herringbone Tile

Scandinavian Modern Grey and White Ombre Herringbone Tile>>>

Photo by Mercurymosaics

We all dig the two-toned display of an ombre pattern. But using this pattern on herringbone tiles just look very seamless and natural. If you want a refined look for your bathroom wall, this gray and white ombre herringbone tile gives you that vibe. It is neat yet eye-catching and definitely makes a modern or Scandinavian statement for your bathroom wall.

12. Bar Tile Design

Green 3×6 Subway Tile in Herringbone Bar Wall >>>

Photo by Mercurymosaics

To gracefully incorporate a herringbone tile pattern for bars, it should be moody yet vibrant. Take for instance this glossy, emerald green herringbone tile pattern. In a backdrop of ambient lights, you would not have expected for this subway tiles to become bold, sleek and daring. It offers a perfect accent column to a small bar like this one.

13.Colorful Ombre Backsplash

Colorful Ombre Backsplash >>>

Photo by Tiletell

Ombre designs for walls need not be in two contrasting hues or in one color variety. It does not even have to follow the fading-into-color scheme of ombres. Getting creative like incorporating a colorful ombre backsplash in your wall could do a lot of wonders. Take this mosaic masterpiece as an example on how to go with your own version of a colorful ombre backsplash.

14. Custom Tile Lettering

Custom Herringbone Tile Lettering>>>

Photo by Tiletell

For a more personalized take on herringbone tiles, why not try the craze of custom tile lettering. From initials, to favorite phrases, to spruced up bar statements, you can incorporate any lettering in your herringbone tile. This one is a trendy idea to consider for your home coffee counter.

15. Glossy Green Backsplash

Glossy Green Backsplash Herringbone Tiles >>>

Photo by Tiletell

If you want an organic, tropical vibe in your kitchen wall or a glistening, coastal touch to any wall, a glossy green, herringbone tile backsplash is always a good idea. Combining it to bright monochromes is also a popular design scheme. Let us just let this idea here speak for itself.

16. Farmhouse Backsplash

White Farmhouse Herringbone Tile Backsplash >>>

Photo by Pinterest

When it comes to farmhouse backsplashes, classic white subway tiles are always a go-to option. But it does not have to be plain looking. You can crank up your farmhouse backsplash with a herringbone tile pattern just like this one. Giving it a dainty, black grout, would give it a 2D look. If it is a modern farmhouse kitchen you are eyeing, this is an idea to strongly consider.

17. Laundry Room Herringbone Backsplash

Dark Laundry Room Herringbone Backsplash>>>

Photo by Mercurymosaics

A herringbone tile for the laundry room is a practical choice. Laundry rooms are damp and moist. As such, tile backsplash in these areas is commendable.

But it does not have to be dull. Installing a neutral or dark colored herringbone tile for your laundry room backsplash can make it at par with other living spaces in the home. This idea here is a prime example.

18. Pink Statement Floor

Pink Statement Floor Herringbone Tile >>>

Photo by Cotswoldstiles

When it comes to making a statement, a herringbone tile pattern with a vibrant pink color is enough. It evokes a lot of playful tone and at the same time a mellow and laidback personality. If you want to give your floor a much-needed overhaul, going for a pink statement floor like this one using a herringbone tile stack is a good choice.

19. A Herringbone Shower Full of Variation

A Herringbone Shower Full of Variation >>>

Photo by Mandarin Stone

In itself, a herringbone tile pattern is already unique and bold. Hence, you do not need to go full blast on color contrasts just to give it variety. This shower wall for instance is already a showstopper with the splash of white and gray herringbone tile. Complemented with other monochromes, it is overall a relaxing view.

20. Herringbone Bar Trim

Herringbone Bar Trim >>>

Photo by Marazzi

In any design scheme, less is more. If you want a standout piece that would define the whole area, why not try a herringbone bar trim. It may be just a small detail to a small area but a herringbone bar trim like this one shall surely make a focal point in the bar.

Ⅵ.FAQs Before Buying Herringbone Tiles

Aside from what we have already covered, it is also essential for you to know some FAQs on herringbone tiling and about the herringbone tile pattern in general. Here are some FAQs about this decorative tiling pattern.

1. Does It Take More Tile When Laying a Herringbone Pattern?

Yes. Because it is more of a geometric pattern, more cuts are needed to achieve the herringbone tile pattern. It is then essential for you to layout first and then calculate. As per rule of thumb, you must allocate at least 10% for the straight layers and 15% for herringbone tile cutouts.

2. What Is The Best Tile Size For a Herringbone Tile Pattern?

As per suggestion of contractors and interior designers, a 3×12 tile is the best size for a more workable herringbone tile pattern. This is notwithstanding the use of large format herringbone tiles, however. Also, one pro tip: when cutting rectangle tiles for herringbone tile pattern, note that the divisible sides re more workable.

3.Does a Herringbone Tile Pattern Make a Room Look Bigger?

White and Green Herringbone Tile >>>

Photo by Tiletell

Yes. To some degrees, interior designers would say that the herringbone tile pattern truly affect the width of the room. This is the reason why herringbone tiles are used for small spaces like bathrooms and powder rooms. They are also used for cabin style homes because of the illusion of depth and space.  

4. Can Any Tile Be Herringbone?

In most respects, yes. The term herringbone refers to a tile pattern and not really a type of tile. It is said that any rectangular tile can be cut out to make a herringbone tile pattern. Specifically, it is made out of rectangle tiles with a width that is half of its length. It should not be mistaken to the chevron pattern because they are totally different.

Conclusion

Herringbone tiles are always a go-to choice when it comes to contemporary, country and modern designs. While the horizontal herringbone stack is traditional, you can always be creative and go vertical or even crisscross if you want.

Another good thing about herringbone tile patterns is that there is virtually an endless choice. All you have to do is mix and match, and strategize. Sprucing up is never a hard task when it comes to herringbone tile patterns.