Chevron, Herringbone, and Parquet Floors Explained

When it comes to luxury wooden flooring, elegance is truly the name of the game. The 2020s have seen a wonderful renaissance of intentional, naturalistic home design, and from that, a renewed interest in particular natural wood flooring varieties has begun to take form. 

From the Louis XIV-inspired European beauty of Parquet floors to the intricate zigzagging of French Chevron, French aesthetics have been the obvious choice for those that wish to pair their modern interiors with a timeless appeal. For those in the interior decor space, this will likely come as little surprise given the overwhelming presence of French Provincial furniture that Australia has seen in the past decade. However, whilst this resurgence is understandable, that doesn't mean there hasn't been some confusion around the differences between styles.

Here at VICTiles, we're passionate about helping Australian homeowners discover flooring that feels just right for their space. Whether you're renovating a classic Australian terrace or building a sleek new home in the suburbs, understanding the nuances between patterns like chevron, herringbone, and parquet can make all the difference. 

Let's break them down one by one, explore where they shine in modern Australian homes, and see how they compare.

What is Chevron Flooring?

Chevron flooring features wooden planks (or blocks in parquet form) cut at precise angles, usually 45 degrees, so they meet to form sharp, continuous V-shapes across the floor. The result is a clean zigzag that flows in one directional line, creating a sense of rhythm and forward motion. Unlike simpler straight-laid timber, chevron draws the eye along the pattern, making spaces feel more dynamic and expansive.

It's often crafted from solid or engineered hardwood like oak, walnut, or Australian species such as blackbutt or spotted gum. The angled cuts demand skilled installation, but the payoff is a polished, almost architectural look that feels sophisticated without overwhelming the room.

A Little History of Chevron Floors

The chevron pattern has ancient roots, appearing on Bronze Age pottery from places like Knossos in Crete and in medieval European heraldry, where the inverted V symbolised strength and protection. It also found a home in paving and Medieval masonry, especially through the arrangements of "opus spicatum". The word "chevron" itself comes from the French for "rafter," reflecting its roof-beam-like shape.

As a flooring style, it gained prominence in 16th-century Europe, particularly France, where it graced the chateaus and palaces of the elite. By the Renaissance, chevron became a marker of luxury, often seen alongside other geometric designs in grand interiors. It enjoyed a revival in the 20th century and now feels fresh again in contemporary Australian homes, blending old-world charm with modern minimalism.

Best Places and Uses For Chevron Flooring

Chevron excels in open-plan living areas, hallways, and entryways where you want to guide the eye and add subtle drama. In larger Melbourne lounges or dining spaces, the continuous V-pattern can make the room feel longer and more cohesive, especially in lighter timbers that reflect our sunny climate.

It's a favourite for formal sitting rooms or home offices too, where the sharp lines bring a touch of quiet luxury. Pair it with neutral walls and statement furniture for a refined look, or go bold with darker stains in period homes. Avoid very wet areas unless using sealed engineered versions, but it's brilliant underfoot in high-traffic dry zones.

What is Herringbone Flooring?

Herringbone flooring uses rectangular planks laid at 90-degree angles to each other, creating a staggered zigzag that mimics the skeleton of a herring fish (hence the name). Each plank butts against the next in an offset pattern, forming short V's that break up rather than continue seamlessly.

This creates a textured, woven effect with plenty of visual interest from light playing across the joints. Like chevron, it's typically hardwood or engineered timber, and the pattern adds warmth and depth without dominating the space.

A Little History on Herringbone

Herringbone goes back even further, originating in ancient Rome where it was used for durable brick roadways; the interlocking design distributed weight evenly and prevented shifting. The pattern appeared in Egyptian jewellery and Italian fabrics too.

It transitioned to wooden flooring in 16th-century France, with one of the earliest examples in the François I Gallery at Château de Fontainebleau in 1539. During the Renaissance and Baroque eras, herringbone symbolised status in European palaces, spreading across the continent as a sign of refined craftsmanship. In Australia, it echoes the heritage feel of many Victorian and Edwardian homes.

Best Places and Uses For Herringbone Flooring

Herringbone suits almost any room, but it particularly shines in bedrooms, living areas, and kitchens where you want a classic yet lively floor. The staggered pattern adds subtle texture that makes smaller spaces feel richer and more inviting; perfect for cosy Australian apartments or family homes.

It's forgiving in transitional areas like hallways, where the broken zigzag directs movement naturally. In open kitchens or dining zones, it grounds the space beautifully, especially with mid-tone oaks that complement our indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

What is Parquet Flooring?

Parquet is the broader category: geometric mosaics made from small wood blocks or slats arranged in repeating patterns. Chevron and herringbone are specific types of parquet, but traditional parquet includes more elaborate designs like Versailles (large diagonal squares), basketweave, or medallions.

These blocks are fitted precisely, often in contrasting woods or grains, to create intricate, artistic floors. Modern parquet is usually engineered for stability in Australia's variable humidity.

A Little History on Parquet Flooring

Parquet emerged in 16th-century France as an alternative to cold marble floors in chateaus. Italian influences (via the Medici family) helped popularise it, with early examples in palaces like Fontainebleau.

It reached its height at Versailles under Louis XIV in the 1680s, where the famous "parquet de Versailles" replaced marble in grand rooms for warmth and beauty. The style spread across Europe, symbolising opulence. In the 20th century, simpler parquet blocks became widespread, and today engineered versions make them accessible again.

Best Places and Uses For Parquet Flooring

Parquet brings wow-factor to formal spaces like dining rooms, studies, or entrance foyers. The Versailles pattern suits larger open areas in heritage homes, while simpler motifs work in modern lounges.

In Australian homes, it's ideal for adding character to period properties or creating focal points in new builds. Use it sparingly in high-moisture spots, but it's stunning in living zones where you want elegance with a nod to history.

What Are the Advantages of Chevron and Herringbone?

• Chevron flooring offers the most directional flow and modern sophistication. Its seamless V's make rooms feel larger and more structured, with excellent light play. It's durable in dry areas and adds instant luxury, though installation is more precise (and costly) due to angled cuts.
  

• Herringbone flooring provides timeless versatility and a warmer, textured look. The staggered design distributes wear evenly, hides imperfections better, and suits both traditional and contemporary styles. It's often easier (and cheaper) to install than chevron, with less waste.

Each boosts resale appeal, feels luxurious, and pairs beautifully with rugs or underfloor heating.

Do These Flooring Types Work Together in a Home?

Absolutely, and many Australian homeowners do just that for added interest. Use herringbone in living areas for classic warmth, transition to chevron in a hallway or dining space for drama, or feature a parquet border/medallion in an entryway.

Mixing keeps things dynamic without clashing, especially if you stick to similar timber tones. In open-plan homes, subtle shifts between patterns can define zones elegantly.

At VICTiles, we stock a beautiful range of engineered parquet in chevron, herringbone, and classic motifs, crafted to suit Melbourne's style and climate. Pop into our showrooms in Dandenong South or Kilsyth South to see samples up close, feel the quality, and chat with the team about what will work best in your home. Whether you're after quiet luxury or a bold statement, these patterns never go out of style.