Herringbone vs. Chevron Flooring: What’s The Difference?

Herringbone and chevron are two of the most popular hardwood flooring patterns, and they are easy to confuse. The distinction goes beyond just appearance. The two patterns differ in visual effect, installation complexity, cost, and which interiors they suit best. 

Both use short angled planks to create a zigzag effect, but the key difference is how the planks meet. Herringbone planks are straight-cut and laid at 90-degree angles, creating a broken zigzag. Chevron planks are cut at matching angles on both ends and meet at a precise point, forming a continuous, unbroken V shape. 

Here is everything you need to know to choose the right one for your space.

What Is Herringbone Flooring?

Herringbone flooring is a pattern made from rectangular planks, all cut with straight edges, laid at 90-degree angles to each other. The result is a broken zigzag that resembles the skeleton of a herring fish, which is where the name comes from.

The pattern dates back to ancient Rome, where it was used to build durable road surfaces. By the 16th century, it had become a hallmark of luxury interiors across Europe, particularly in French palaces and aristocratic homes. Today, it remains one of the most popular patterned flooring styles in both residential and commercial settings.

Key characteristics of herringbone flooring:

• Rectangular planks with straight-cut ends
• Planks laid at 90-degree angles to each other
• Creates a staggered, broken zigzag effect
• Adds texture, depth, and visual movement to a room

What Is Chevron Flooring?

Chevron flooring is a pattern where each plank is cut at an angle on both ends so that when the planks meet, they form a continuous, unbroken V shape. Unlike herringbone, where the planks overlap at the joint, chevron planks meet precisely at a point.

The chevron pattern also has a long history, appearing in ancient pottery, medieval heraldry, and military insignia before becoming a popular flooring choice in 16th-century Europe. Today, it is closely associated with modern, contemporary interiors and is considered the bolder of the two patterns.

Key characteristics of chevron flooring:

• Planks cut at matching angles on both ends
• Planks meet point to point, forming a continuous V
• Creates a sharp, directional arrow effect
• Gives a sleek, geometric, and modern feel

Herringbone vs Chevron: How to Tell Them Apart

From a distance, the two patterns can look nearly identical. Up close, the difference is clear once you know what to look for.

The Cut

This is the most fundamental difference. Herringbone planks have straight ends and are cut at 90 degrees. Chevron planks are cut at an angle, typically 45 degrees, on both ends. If the plank ends are straight, it is herringbone. If they are angled, it is a chevron.

The Pattern

In herringbone, the end of one plank butts up against the side of another, creating a staggered, overlapping joint. In chevron, the angled ends of two planks meet at a central point to form a perfect, seamless V. Herringbone has a broken look. Chevron has a continuous, uninterrupted flow.

The Visual Effect

Herringbone scatters the eye across the floor, creating texture, rhythm, and a sense of warmth. Chevron draws the eye in one direction, creating a feeling of length and flow. A room with herringbone feels rich and classic. A room with chevron feels sleek and directional.

Which Pattern Makes a Room Look Bigger?

Both patterns can make a room feel larger, but they do it differently.

Herringbone creates an optical illusion that expands a room outward, making smaller spaces feel wider and more open. It works especially well in narrow hallways or compact rooms where you want the space to feel less confined.

Chevron draws the eye along the length of the floor, making a room feel longer and more expansive. It is particularly effective in rectangular rooms where you want to emphasize the length of the space.

If your priority is making a small room feel bigger, herringbone is the more versatile option. If you want to elongate a space, chevron is the stronger choice.

Cost Difference: Herringbone vs Chevron

Both patterns cost more to install than standard straight-lay flooring, but they differ in how much. Here is a quick breakdown:

Herringbone:

• Planks have straight ends, so material waste is lower
• Easier to source and cut, reducing labor time
• More affordable installation overall
• Better suited to tighter budgets without sacrificing style

Chevron:

• Every plank requires angled cuts on both ends
• Higher material waste due to precision cutting
• More labor-intensive, which pushes up installation costs
• Worth budgeting extra before committing to this pattern

Choosing a patterned layout like herringbone or chevron can add an extra 30% to the total installation bill, with patterned hardwood installations reaching around $12 per square foot.

Which Style Suits Which Interior?

The pattern you choose should match the overall style and mood of your space.

Herringbone: Classic and Traditional Spaces

Herringbone works beautifully in period properties, traditional homes, and spaces with character features like high ceilings, ornate moldings, and antique furniture. 

Best rooms for herringbone:

• Living rooms with traditional or eclectic decor
• Hallways and entryways
• Kitchens with a classic or farmhouse feel
• Period homes and older properties

Chevron: Modern and Contemporary Spaces

Chevron is a natural fit for open-plan living, minimalist interiors, and modern homes with clean lines and sharp furniture. Its continuous V pattern creates a strong geometric statement that pairs well with contemporary design.

Best rooms for chevron:

• Modern living rooms and open-plan spaces
• Master bedrooms with a boutique hotel aesthetic
• Contemporary kitchens and dining areas
• Commercial spaces and offices seeking a high-end finish

According to the National Wood Flooring Association, herringbone and chevron were among the flooring products with the most dramatic increase in demand in 2024, confirming that both patterns are firmly in step with where interior design is heading.

Which Flooring Pattern Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your space, your style, and your budget. Use this as a quick guide:

Choose herringbone if you:

• Want a timeless pattern that suits both traditional and modern interiors
• Have a smaller or irregularly shaped room
• Prefer a slightly easier and more affordable installation
• Want a versatile floor that works across different design styles

Choose chevron if you:

• Want a bold, geometric statement with a modern edge
• Have a larger, open-plan, or rectangular room
• Are you comfortable budgeting more for precision installation
• Want a floor that creates a strong visual direction and flow

Both patterns are available in solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and luxury vinyl plank, giving you flexibility depending on your room conditions and budget. 

Can you use herringbone and chevron in the same house? 

Yes. Used in different rooms or zones, the two patterns can complement each other well. Keep them on separate floors or in clearly defined spaces to avoid visual conflict. Consistent wood species and finish tones will tie the look together.

Is herringbone or chevron more expensive? 

Chevron is generally more expensive to install because every plank requires angled cuts on both ends, increasing material waste and labor time. Herringbone uses straight-cut planks, making it slightly more affordable and easier to source.

Which is better for small rooms, herringbone or chevron? 

Herringbone is typically the better choice for small rooms. Its broken zigzag pattern creates an optical illusion that makes a space feel wider and more open. Chevron elongates a room, so it works better in narrow or rectangular spaces where you want to emphasize length.

Final Note 

Herringbone and chevron are both timeless patterns that add genuine character and lasting value to any space. Herringbone gives you warmth, texture, and versatility. Chevron gives you geometry, boldness, and a modern edge. Neither is objectively better. The right one is simply the one that fits your room, your style, and the impression you want your floor to make. 

At Rustic Wood Floor Supply, we carry contractor-grade solid and engineered hardwood that works beautifully in both herringbone and chevron layouts. With over 13 years in the business and wholesale pricing, we make it easy to get premium flooring without the premium markup. Whether you are a homeowner planning a renovation or a contractor sourcing material for a project, we have the products, the knowledge, and the pricing to get it done right.

Get your custom quote today and let us help you find the perfect hardwood for your project.