If you’re looking for a tile design that blends classic sophistication with modern flair, herringbone tiles should be at the top of your list for 2025. This pattern has been used for centuries in European architecture, but today it’s experiencing a major resurgence thanks to its geometric beauty, versatility, and ability to instantly elevate any room. Whether you want a bold feature wall, a stylish kitchen splashback, or a luxurious bathroom floor, herringbone tiles offer endless design possibilities that suit both traditional and contemporary homes.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about herringbone tiles—from layouts and material choices to trending colours, design ideas, and expert styling tips for 2025.
What Makes Herringbone Tiles So Popular?
Herringbone tiles form a V-shaped zig-zag pattern that creates movement and visual interest. Unlike straight or stacked layouts, the herringbone pattern adds depth and direction, making a space feel more dynamic and thoughtfully designed.
Its popularity continues to grow because:
- It enhances small spaces by drawing the eye along the pattern’s direction.
- It adds personality without overwhelming the design.
- It works with a wide range of tile materials and colours.
- It brings a premium, high-end feel to both modern and traditional spaces.
Popular Herringbone Tile Layouts
While the herringbone pattern may look complex, there are several variations that work beautifully in different areas of the home. Here are the most common layouts and how they influence the overall aesthetic.
1. Classic 45-Degree Herringbone
This is the traditional pattern most people imagine. Tiles are laid at a 45-degree angle to the floor or wall, creating a striking zig-zag effect. It works beautifully for feature walls and splashbacks because it instantly becomes a focal point.
Best for: kitchens, bathroom feature walls, and fireplaces.
2. Straight Herringbone (90-Degree Pattern)
This version aligns the tiles at 90 degrees, creating a more structured and modern appearance. It feels sophisticated and slightly more contemporary than the classic angle.
Perfect for: floors, hallways, and minimalist interiors.
3. Double Herringbone
This bold layout uses two tiles per “leg” of the pattern, resulting in a chunkier and more dramatic look. It creates a statement and adds depth to larger spaces.
Best used in: open-plan kitchens, living rooms, and large bathrooms.
4. Diagonal or Vertical Herringbone
These layouts play with direction to create height or width illusions.
- Vertical herringbone makes ceilings feel taller.
- Horizontal herringbone widens compact rooms.
- Diagonal herringbone adds movement and visual interest.
Popular Materials for Herringbone Tiles
Herringbone tiles come in various materials, each offering a different aesthetic and durability level. Here’s a look at the top materials trending in 2025.
1. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic is budget-friendly, easy to clean, and perfect for walls. It comes in endless colours and finishes, making it an easy go-to for kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Porcelain Tiles
Loved for durability, porcelain tiles are moisture-resistant and ideal for high-traffic or wet areas. Porcelain herringbone tiles are popular for showers, bathroom floors, and even outdoor areas.
3. Natural Stone
Marble, travertine, limestone, and slate give the herringbone pattern a luxurious, earthy feel. These materials are more premium and require sealing, but they offer unmatched elegance.
4. Wood-Look Tiles
Wood-look porcelain tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern mimic traditional parquet flooring—without the maintenance issues of natural wood. Ideal for living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
5. Glass Tiles
Glass herringbone tiles brighten darker spaces and add a glossy, reflective finish. They’re perfect for splashbacks and shower niches.
Colours and Finishes Trending in 2025
As interior trends evolve, herringbone tiles have embraced new colours and textures that bring character to any room. Here are the top trending options for 2025.
1. Soft Neutrals
Beige, cream, taupe, and light grey remain top choices. These calming shades pair perfectly with minimalist, Scandinavian, or coastal interiors.
2. Earthy Greens
From sage to olive, green herringbone tiles bring a natural, grounding feel to kitchens and bathrooms. Green is one of the biggest tile colour trends of 2025.
3. Deep Blues
Navy and midnight blue tiles add richness and sophistication, especially when paired with brass fixtures.
4. Black and Charcoal
These dramatic shades create a bold, modern look. They work best with matte or satin finishes for a sleek feel.
5. High-Gloss White
No trend list is complete without classic glossy white tiles. They make rooms feel brighter and bigger while keeping the design timeless.
6. Textured or Handmade Look Tiles
Tiles with raw edges, natural variation, or handcrafted finishes add organic warmth to any herringbone design.
Best Places to Use Herringbone Tiles in the Home
1. Kitchen Splashbacks
Herringbone splashbacks instantly elevate a kitchen’s look, whether you choose glossy ceramic tiles or bold colours. A 45-degree pattern is particularly eye-catching behind cooktops and sinks.
2. Bathroom Walls and Shower Areas
The upward movement of the herringbone pattern helps elongate small bathrooms. It works well for:
- Shower walls
- Behind vanities
- Feature walls
Use porcelain tiles for moisture-prone areas to ensure durability.
3. Floors in Living Areas
Wood-look porcelain herringbone flooring is one of the hottest interior trends. It brings warmth and elegance but remains resistant to scratches, moisture, and temperature changes.
4. Entryways and Hallways
A herringbone tile floor creates a memorable entrance. Patterns can be laid to guide visual flow into the home.
5. Fireplace Surrounds
Herringbone tiles make a fireplace the star of the room. Marble or matte-black porcelain tiles are especially striking in modern homes.
Pros and Cons of Herringbone Tiles
Pros
✔ Adds timeless elegance
✔ Works with multiple interior styles
✔ Visually enlarges small spaces
✔ Creates movement and depth
✔ Available in many materials and colours
✔ Offers design flexibility through various layouts
Cons
✖ Installation can be more expensive due to complexity
✖ Requires precise measuring and alignment
✖ May create visual “busyness” in small spaces if colours are too bold
✖ Natural stone requires maintenance
Modern Styling Tips for 2025
1. Use the Pattern as a Feature, Not Everywhere
Herringbone looks best when it’s used as a feature wall or accent area. Overusing it can dilute its visual impact.
2. Play with Grout Colours
- Light grout creates a subtle, seamless look.
- Dark grout adds contrast and highlights the pattern.
- Colour-matched grout is trending for a minimalist finish.
3. Combine Textures for Depth
Mix matte floors with glossy walls, or pair textured herringbone tiles with smooth cabinetry for a balanced look.
4. Consider Tile Size for Different Rooms
- Small tiles = intricate, detailed pattern
- Medium tiles = balanced and modern
- Large tiles = bold, contemporary statement
5. Incorporate Lighting
Herringbone tiles look stunning under LED strips, pendant lights, and natural light. Lighting enhances shadows and makes the pattern pop.
FAQS
Yes, herringbone tiles are more complex to install because the pattern requires precise alignment and accurate cutting. Each tile must be positioned carefully to maintain the V-pattern and avoid misalignment. Professional installation is often recommended, especially for large areas or rooms with many edges, corners, or fixtures that require custom cuts.
Absolutely. The diagonal movement of the herringbone pattern draws the eye across the room, making spaces feel larger and more open. Vertical herringbone layouts can create height, while horizontal ones widen narrow rooms. Choosing lighter colours or glossy finishes further enhances the sense of spaciousness, especially in compact kitchens and bathrooms.
The ideal tile size depends on the look you want. Traditional herringbone uses smaller rectangular tiles, but modern designs often use 75 × 300mm or 100 × 400mm tiles for a cleaner, more contemporary style. Larger tiles create dramatic lines, while smaller ones deliver intricate detail, particularly in splashbacks or shower niches.
Herringbone tiles work well in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and living areas. Splashbacks and shower walls gain elegant texture from the pattern, while hallways and open-plan floors look more dynamic with wood-look porcelain herringbone. Even fireplace surrounds become luxurious focal points when styled with marble or matte-finished tiles.
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