Herringbone and chevron are two patterns that have resurfaced and taken the world of interiors by storm. Both add depth and interest to a space, whether they are used in flooring, fabrics, wallpaper, or even art. While they look very similar, there is a difference. Herringbone has a break at reversal so that it resembles an interrupted zigzag. The rectangle arrangements are interlaced. Chevron, on the other hand, is a repeated pattern of inverted V shapes that seemingly connect along a straight line. Here’s a visual:
Picture compliments of Apartment Therapy.
Herringbone is often considered classic and chevron is sometimes classified as more modern. Though herringbone floors date back to the 1500s, chevron floors appeared shortly after in the 1600s. The trend has been revived and now the patterns grace all types of products and design. That’s it for the history lesson. Now on to the pictures.
via Christine Fife.
These herringbone floors complement the traditional space and give it depth.
via Iris Interiors.
Porcelain tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern look sleek when paired with a rustic bench. The pattern also adds some drama.
via House Beautiful.
Hand painted chevron gives white built-in bookcases personality.
An amazing blue and white chevron floor. It really pops against the white.
via Lonny Magazine.
A chevron fabric-covered inspiration board is the perfect accent for this eclectic office nook. Here’s a close-up:
Via Lonny Magazine.
via Veranda.
Mary McDonald used hand painted chevron floors to spruce up a formerly boring bathroom and make it current. The gray color of the floors matches a shade of gray in the marble.
via Croma Design Inc.
Modern kitchen with a breathtaking herringbone backsplash.
via Design Sponge.
DIY project! The owners used tape to create the pattern and then painted.
via Coco + Kelley.
The herringbone napkins set the stage for a perfect place setting. The gold flatware gives the tailored pattern an elegant look.
via Nest Design Studios.
A bold chevron rug and orange accents keep the space from feeling too restrained.
via West Elm.
I love this unique use of pattern. The metal bed frame features herringbone openwork making it the perfect focal point for the room.
Which space is your favorite? Are you team herringbone or team chevron?
June 25, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Oh, boy, I don’t think I ever met a herringbone or a chevron I didn’t like. I have done herringbone bricks in kitchens, herringbone 3′ x 15″ Imperial Danby marble in bathrooms, herringbone honed Carrara marble mini-bricks in showers, 12″ x 24″ herringbone Pietra Serena on a master bath floor, and I won’t even start on the fabrics…. Great post–love it! xo
June 25, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Hi Andrea, So your comment really peaked my interest and I had to check out some of your work on Houzz, as I absolutely love herringbone. Love the pictures that I found. Also love the various types of marble and stone that I saw. You must have an awesome source in CA! Absolutely gorgeous (:
Also I am 100% in agreement with your design approach… And your dog looks sooo sweet.
Best regards,
Iris
June 26, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Thanks, Iris! Now, I have to peep back:) Of course, from your posts, I know that your aesthetic is A++.
My dog, Chuck, is the sweetest. He’s always by my side!
xo,
Andrea
June 26, 2012 at 10:49 am
Reblogged this on Ray-Lee M. Interiors and commented:
This is one of the best explanations I have seen to date.
June 29, 2012 at 9:34 pm
I am definitely Team Herringbone! I love, love, love it. I really like chevron, too, but it’s been really played out lately IMO.
June 29, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Agreed. I really love Herringbone. It definitely has a more classic feel. Though the chevron floors I’ve seen are understated and interesting.
June 30, 2012 at 2:05 pm
That blue and white floored room is stunning and the white and gray bath from Veranda I could live in. Lovely. Great post. Interesting pattern uses I’ve never considered.
July 1, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Thanks! I love the blue and white floor too. I can’t believe the floor of the bathroom from Veranda is hand painted. Supposedly, the bathroom was boring prior to the makeover. Now, like you said, it’s a space I could live in.
July 9, 2012 at 5:29 pm
I love that bold blue rug! (second to last) I think both patterns are great, but I’m kind of pulled to chevron prints more often than not…
July 9, 2012 at 6:11 pm
I love the rug too! It looks so pulled together paired with the neutrals and bright oranges. I can’t stay faithful! Sometimes I love chevron and sometimes I’m all for herringbone. I think it depends on the space. Thanks for reading!