Herringbone Pattern Tile Inspiration

The herringbone pattern is a classic but lately, I’ve been noticing it more and more in home design. Adding an elegant touch, the pattern can be subtle, adding quiet interest to a neutral space – or bold in graphic monochrome, commanding attention.

No matter how you prefer your herringbone pattern, it’s a relatively simple installation once you set the first few tiles. And perhaps after seeing this post, you may want to add it somewhere in your own home.

White on White

This is probably one of the most popular ways I see the herringbone pattern executed. With white tiles and white grout, the pattern is subtle but creates a much more interesting feature than simply using a straight or brick pattern. Combined with black hexagon tiles on the floor, the patterns don’t compete but compliment each other beautifully.

Embrace the Edges

For something a little different, leaving the edges of the tiles exposed is another way to create some additional interest with the white-on-white look, making a feature of the pattern and creating a fun backdrop to a sink or kitchen worktop. You could always paint the wall behind in a deeper shade to really make the most of this simple but stylish statement. Check out our 300mm x 100mm white metro tiles for a similar look.

Black and White Metro Pattern

In this space, the herringbone commands attention but look closer and you’ll see it’s actually made up of individual metro tiles, cut at an angle where the tiles meet to emphasise the striking pattern that’s created. It’s a strong look of course, but a brilliant way to create a herringbone pattern in your tiles without having to use thin rectangular shapes. This would be an easy look to replicate using our black metro tiles and white metro tiles.

With Dark Grout

Another way to play with the herringbone pattern is to use a darker or coloured grout. In this example, the pattern creates a stand-out feature for a kitchen backsplash as your eye is naturally drawn to the pattern that is created. It’s great for those who feel the white-on-white is too subtle and the black and white is too strong. The perfect compromise between bold and timid design. We have a full range of different coloured grouts to suit your own look.

In Black with Vintage Accents

Of course, this pattern marries equally well with both contemporary design as well as vintage looks. Here, a long thin rectangular tile in black is laid in a herringbone fashion but combined with the classic metro tile as well as vintage furniture and fixings, the resulting mix is simply stunning and perfect for a period property. Our 300mm x 75mm black metro tile is a great option for a similar look.

Inside a Fireplace

Of course, floors and walls are not the only place for a herringbone pattern. Here, a stone fireplace gets a stunning accent by way of herringbone pattern tiles within. It’s a striking look that adds an understated elegance to an already beautiful space. Try our 75mm x 300mm Cream Metro Tile Tile for a sophisticated look.

In a Bold Colour

And finally, speaking of bold, while most of my examples so far have used white or black tiles, you can also draw the eye to your design by using a bold colour. I adore the pattern here that’s created in this kitchen using a deep teal tile for a punchy contemporary look that would compliment any neutral space. The pale grout really makes the most of the resulting pattern and highlights the worktops, making it a feature in an otherwise simple kitchen design. Try our 300mm x 100mm Teal Metro Tile to recreate it.

Would you consider using herringbone in your home? Which is your favourite example? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

For more tile pattern ideas, check out our infographic 10 New Ways to Lay Wall Tiles and Floor Tiles!