A herringbone tile pattern features rectangular tiles arranged in a staggered zigzag, where each tile meets another at 90-degree angles. This centuries-old design adds visual depth to floors, walls, and backsplashes while making spaces appear larger through its distinctive broken V-shape layout.
Why does one tile pattern show up in Roman ruins, French palaces, and today’s most popular homes?
The herringbone tile pattern has survived thousands of years because it works. It turns plain surfaces into focal points, makes small rooms feel bigger, and fits with almost any design style.
You’re about to learn everything you need to know about this pattern. We’ll cover what makes it different from other designs, where to use it, how much it costs, and whether you should tackle installation yourself or hire a pro.
What Is a Herringbone Tile Pattern
The herringbone pattern arranges rectangular tiles in a zigzag structure with an aesthetic appearance that has inspired countless interior designs. The name comes from its resemblance to a herring fish skeleton.
Each rectangular piece meets another at the end, creating a “broken” zigzag pattern. Unlike straight-laid tile, herringbone creates movement and depth on any surface.
The pattern works with almost any rectangular tile size. Common dimensions include 2×6, 3×6, 3×12, and 4×12 inches. You can use subway tiles, planks, or custom cuts.
Herringbone vs. Chevron: Know the Difference
Many people confuse these two patterns. Here’s how they differ:
Herringbone:
- Uses rectangular tiles with straight 90-degree corners
- Creates a broken zigzag with staggered joints
- Easier to install since tiles don’t need angled cuts
- Offers a more textured, traditional look
Chevron:
- Requires tiles cut at 45-degree angles on the ends
- Forms continuous V-shapes with no interruption
- Needs professional installation for precise cuts
- Delivers a sleeker, more modern appearance
The key difference: Herringbone tiles are left uncut and interlocked at 90-degree angles, while chevron tiles are cut at 45-degree angles on both sides to create a V-shape.
Best Tile Sizes for Herringbone Layouts
Your tile size changes how the pattern looks and feels.
Small Format (2×6, 3×6):
- Creates intricate, detailed patterns
- Works well for backsplashes and shower walls
- Requires more grout lines and installation time
- Best for accent areas rather than large floors
Medium Format (3×12, 4×12):
- Balances visual interest with practicality
- Longer pieces stretch the pattern and emphasize direction, making them nice for floors and hallways
- Popular choice for most applications
- Easier to install than tiny tiles
Large Format (6×24, 8×36):
- Makes bold statements in spacious rooms
- Bump the waste factor up to 20% for tricky rooms with angles, niches, and lots of obstacles
- Requires a very flat substrate
- Can overwhelm small spaces
Where to Use Herringbone Tile
Kitchen Backsplashes
The herringbone design on walls is ideal for kitchens, showers, and sinks. A 3×6 or 2×8 tile works perfectly behind your stove or sink.
The pattern adds interest without overwhelming your cabinets or countertops. White subway tiles in herringbone create a classic look, while colored glass tiles make a statement.
Keep your grout color simple. Light gray or white lets the pattern shine. Dark grout makes the zigzag more visible.
Bathroom Floors
The angled pattern has the effect of making a space appear larger, so it’s no wonder herringbone works so well in showers.
Small mosaic herringbone tiles provide better traction on wet surfaces. The increased number of grout lines compared to a larger format tile increases the traction underfoot when things get wet and slick.
Choose matte or textured finishes for safety. Marble adds luxury but needs regular sealing. Porcelain offers durability with easier maintenance.
Shower Walls
You have two orientation options:
90-degree herringbone: Tile edges run perpendicular to your walls and ceiling. The 90-degree pattern will require fewer custom cuts along the base of the pattern.
45-degree herringbone: Pattern sits at a diagonal to your walls. Creates more dramatic movement but needs more precise cutting.
Use flat liner trim around the edges, as the tight cuts of a herringbone pattern make trim even more advantageous.
Kitchen and Entryway Floors
Herringbone can be paired with a variety of tile types and mosaics, offering a spectrum of color combinations.
Longer planks (4×12 or 6×24) work best for floors. They create the pattern without making the space feel busy. Porcelain stands up to heavy traffic and spills better than natural stone.
In narrow hallways, run the pattern lengthwise to make the space feel longer. In square rooms, center the pattern and work outward.
Choosing Materials for Your Herringbone Pattern
Porcelain and Ceramic
These remain the most popular choices. Porcelain tiles cost $15 to $50 per square foot installed, depending on the size and pattern.
Benefits:
- Water-resistant and durable
- Wide range of colors and finishes
- Easy to clean and maintain
- More affordable than natural stone
Ceramic costs less but absorbs more water. Use porcelain in wet areas like bathrooms.
Natural Stone
Marble, travertine, and limestone bring luxury to herringbone patterns.
Marble herringbone tile can create a sense of sophistication in a room, while limestone herringbone tile gives a space a rustic charm.
Keep in mind:
- Requires sealing every 6-12 months
- Shows stains more easily than porcelain
- Costs significantly more
- Each piece has unique veining
Glass Tiles
Glass works beautifully for backsplashes and shower accent walls. The material reflects light and makes small spaces feel bigger.
Glass tiles cost $20 to $100 per square foot with installation, depending on the size, pattern, and color.
Glass requires careful installation since it shows imperfections in the adhesive beneath. Always hire experienced installers for glass herringbone.
Wood-Look Tiles
Get the warmth of wood with the durability of tile. Wood-look porcelain planks in herringbone offer the best of both worlds.
These work especially well in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens where you want a cozy feel without the maintenance of real wood.
Color and Finish Considerations
Classic White and Neutral Tones
Cooler and lighter colors like white herringbone tile are a good choice in smaller spaces or rooms that do not get much natural light.
White creates a clean backdrop that works with any decor style. Beige and cream add warmth while staying neutral.
Dark and Dramatic Colors
For bigger spaces, darker colors will add to the herringbone tile’s opulent feel.
Black, navy, and charcoal make strong statements. They work best in well-lit rooms or as accent walls.
Grout Color Impact
Your grout choice changes the entire look:
Matching grout: Creates a seamless, subtle appearance where the pattern stays understated. Contrasting grout: Bold black grout makes the herringbone even more recognizable and emphasizes the zigzag
Gray grout: The middle ground that hides dirt better than white without the drama of black
Matte vs. Glossy Finishes
Glossy tiles reflect more light and can appear lighter, while matte tiles absorb light and can look slightly darker.
For floors, prioritize slip resistance with matte or textured finishes. For backsplashes and walls, you can choose based on aesthetics. Glossy tiles show water spots more easily in showers.
How to Install Herringbone Tile
Planning Your Layout
Start in the center of the space to ensure symmetry, especially at the edges. Mark the starting point with a pencil and use a level to draw a straight reference line.
The center of a herringbone pattern isn’t obvious. The center is between where the two points overlap, not where you would think.
Dry-lay your tiles first. This helps you see how the pattern will look and where you’ll need cuts. Adjust your layout to avoid tiny slivers at walls.
Required Tools and Materials
You’ll need:
- Wet saw or tile cutter with a rotating square
- Notched trowel (appropriate size for your tile)
- Spacers (1/16″ or 1/8″)
- Level and measuring tape
- Thin-set mortar or adhesive
- Grout and grout float
- Sponges and buckets
Installation Steps
- Prepare your surface: Ensure it’s clean, level, and dry. Apply primer if needed.
- Mix your mortar: Follow package instructions for proper consistency.
- Start at the center: Cut the points off one end of the subway tiles at a 45-degree angle to create starting triangles.
- Work outward: Place each tile snugly against the previous one, following the herringbone pattern and ensuring they align correctly. Use tile spacers to maintain even gaps.
- Check alignment: Check alignment frequently with a level and adjust before the mortar sets.
- Cut-edge pieces: Since herringbone tiles are angled, you’ll need to make lots of diagonal cuts with a wet tile saw.
- Wait before grouting: Let the mortar dry for at least 24 hours before applying grout.
Common Installation Mistakes
If your angle for the first few pieces is off, then it only gets more difficult and off-center as you progress, with grout lines becoming wider or pieces not fitting together.
Other mistakes to avoid:
- Not ordering enough tile for waste
- Applying too much mortar at once
- Skipping the dry layout
- Not using spacers consistently
- Rushing the grout process
Installation Cost and Time Estimates
Professional Installation Costs
Complex patterns like herringbone cost more to install than a basic pattern or design. Expect to pay 25-50% more in labor compared to straight-laid tile.
Tile installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot or $2,000 to $10,000 total on average for 200 square feet, depending on the tile material, labor cost, and location.
For a typical backsplash (30-40 square feet), budget $600-$1,200 for materials and labor. For bathroom floors (50-75 square feet), expect $1,500-$3,500 total.
Material Waste Factor
Plan 10-15% extra tile for waste and cuts, bumping to up to 20% for tricky rooms with angles, niches, and lots of obstacles. This buffer covers off-cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
Order extra boxes. Running out mid-project means delays, and dye lots can vary between batches.
Time Investment
Installation takes at least twice as long as normal tiling.
A straight-laid backsplash might take one day. The same area in herringbone could take two days. Factor in drying time between steps.
Complex areas like showers with niches need even more time for precision cuts and waterproofing.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
When DIY Makes Sense
You can tackle herringbone yourself if:
- You have tile installation experience
- The project is small (backsplash, accent wall)
- You’re using modular tiles already cut for herringbone
- You have time to work carefully
- Mistakes won’t be highly visible
Start with a practice area. Your first few rows determine the entire pattern’s success.
When to Hire a Pro
For showers, high-traffic floors, pricey stone, or tight deadlines, hiring a pro is usually the smarter move.
Professional installers:
- Complete the job faster
- Make precise cuts consistently
- Handle complex transitions properly
- Guarantee their work
- Have specialized tools
The cost difference between DIY disasters and professional results makes hiring experts worthwhile for important spaces.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Daily Maintenance
Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dirt buildup. Mop with pH-neutral cleaners.
Herringbone floor tile should be made with a brushed or matte finish, while other applications, such as herringbone backsplash tile, may look best with a polished finish.
Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage grout or etch natural stone. A simple soap and water solution works for most tiles.
Grout Care
Grout requires more attention than tile. Seal it annually to prevent staining and moisture penetration.
Clean grout lines with a soft brush and gentle cleaner. Dark grout hides stains better than white, but still needs regular cleaning.
Stone-Specific Maintenance
Natural stone needs sealing every 6-12 months. Test your seal by dropping water on the tile. If it beads up, you’re good. If it absorbs, time to reseal.
Use stone-specific cleaners. Acidic products (even vinegar) can etch marble and limestone.
Design Tips for Maximum Impact
Create Visual Flow
The pattern provides movement. When strategically placed, this pattern will lead the eye toward the object you want to highlight.
In kitchens, run the pattern toward your range or window. In bathrooms, orient it toward your tub or shower. The zigzag naturally draws attention.
Mix Patterns Thoughtfully
You can combine herringbone with other patterns, but keep it balanced. Use herringbone as a focal point with simpler patterns surrounding it.
Pair herringbone floors with solid color walls. Or use herringbone on one wall and simple subway tile on others.
Border and Frame Options
A straight-lay border around a herringbone field makes edges tidy and avoids tiny slivers at walls or transitions. It also gives the pattern a gallery-frame finish.
Borders work especially well on floors. A 4-6 inch border in a complementary tile creates a finished, polished look.
Scale to Your Room Size
Shorter, wider herringbone subway tile will have a much more spacious feel. Longer, thinner tiles will create a more delicate, intricate mosaic.
Small tiles in small rooms can feel busy. Large tiles in large rooms create a better proportion. Match your tile size to your space.
Final Thoughts
The herringbone tile pattern works because it’s both practical and beautiful. It adds visual interest without requiring bold colors or complicated designs. The pattern itself does the work.
Start by choosing your location. Backsplashes offer the easiest entry point for DIYers. Floors and showers need more planning and skill.
Pick your tile material based on your budget and maintenance preferences. Porcelain offers the best balance of cost, durability, and appearance for most projects.
Don’t skip the planning phase. A proper layout prevents costly mistakes. Measure twice, cut once still applies.
Whether you install it yourself or hire a pro, herringbone delivers lasting value. The herringbone pattern has been used in design since the Romans used it to build roads. That it’s still popular today after nearly 3 millennia is a testament to the pattern’s staying power and timeless appeal.
FAQs
Is herringbone tile outdated?
No. Herringbone remains a classic pattern that works with traditional and modern styles. While herringbone can be done with a classic or traditional look, designers are constantly innovating the pattern with contemporary sensibilities.
How much extra tile should I order?
Plan 10-15% extra tile, or up to 20% for complex spaces. Purchase between 15% and 20% extra tiles for rooms with angles and obstacles.
Can I use square tiles for herringbone?
No. A herringbone tile layout is created by using equal-sized rectangular pieces and cannot be recreated using square tiles. The pattern requires rectangles to form the zigzag properly.
Which costs more: herringbone or straight-laid tile?
Expect 15-35% higher labor hours compared to a simple grid layout. Materials cost the same, but installation takes longer and creates more waste.
Does herringbone work in small bathrooms?
Yes. For small bathrooms, a 90-degree layout feels more orderly and can make the space read larger. Choose smaller tiles to maintain proportion.