Parquet flooring has become one of the most popular choices for premium homes across Melbourne, with Chevron and Herringbone leading the trend. Both patterns create a luxury appearance and add value to a property, but they are often confused because they look similar at first glance.

The biggest difference is that Chevron flooring forms a continuous V-shaped pattern using boards cut at precise angles, while Herringbone flooring uses rectangular boards installed at 90 degrees to create a broken zigzag pattern.

If you're planning a renovation or building a new home, understanding these differences will help you choose the flooring style that best suits your interior.

What Is Chevron Flooring?

Chevron flooring is a premium parquet flooring pattern where each board is precision-cut at matching angles—typically 45° or 60°. When installed, the boards meet at a perfect point to create a continuous series of clean V-shaped lines.

Because every plank aligns precisely with the next, Chevron creates a strong architectural appearance with symmetry and direction throughout the room.

Chevron flooring is commonly available in:

• Engineered Oak
• Solid Timber
• Selected premium timber species

It is especially popular in luxury homes, architect-designed residences and high-end apartment developments.

What Is Herringbone Flooring?

Herringbone flooring also belongs to the parquet family, but it uses standard rectangular boards.

Instead of meeting at an angled point, each board overlaps the next at a 90-degree angle, creating the familiar broken zigzag pattern that has been used throughout Europe for centuries.

Herringbone offers a softer and more traditional appearance while still providing the elegance associated with parquet flooring.

It is available in:

• Engineered Oak
• Solid Timber
• Selected Hybrid flooring ranges

The Biggest Visual Difference

Although both patterns look sophisticated, the overall effect is very different.

Chevron Flooring

• Continuous V-shaped lines
• Strong visual direction
• Symmetrical layout
• Clean architectural appearance
• Modern luxury feel

Herringbone Flooring

• Broken zigzag pattern
• More texture and movement
• Classic European appearance
• Rich visual detail
• Timeless traditional character

Many homeowners describe Chevron as more contemporary, while Herringbone feels slightly more classic.

Board Shape Comparison

The difference begins before installation.

Chevron

Each board is manufactured with angled ends so two boards join together perfectly.

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Every joint creates another perfect "V".

Herringbone

Boards remain rectangular.

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The pattern is created by overlapping each board at right angles.

Which Pattern Makes a Room Look Bigger?

Both patterns can visually enhance a room, but they do so differently.

Chevron

Because the pattern forms long continuous lines, Chevron naturally draws the eye through the room.

It often makes spaces appear:

• Longer
• More open
• More symmetrical
• More architectural

This is one reason Chevron is frequently used in modern homes with open-plan living areas.

Herringbone

Herringbone creates movement rather than direction.

Instead of pulling the eye forward, it spreads visual interest throughout the floor, making it an excellent choice for:

• Heritage homes
• Victorian homes
• Character homes
• Traditional interiors

Which Style Suits Modern Homes?

If your home features:

• Minimalist interiors
• Large windows
• Modern kitchens
• Frameless glass
• Clean lines
• Contemporary architecture

Chevron flooring often complements these features beautifully.

The straight V-shaped pattern reinforces the clean geometry found throughout modern architecture.

Which Style Suits Traditional Homes?

Herringbone has been used in European architecture for hundreds of years.

It pairs naturally with:

• Victorian homes
• Edwardian homes
• Federation homes
• Decorative cornices
• Feature fireplaces
• Traditional timber joinery

That doesn't mean Herringbone only suits older homes—it also works extremely well in contemporary interiors that want a warmer, more textured look.

Installation Complexity

Both flooring styles require professional installation.

However, Chevron generally demands even greater precision because every angled board must align perfectly.

Professional installation includes:

• Accurate centre-line layout
• Pattern alignment
• Precise perimeter cutting
• Subfloor preparation
• Expansion allowance
• Adhesive selection

Even a small layout error becomes noticeable because the V-shaped pattern continues throughout the room.

Cost Comparison

Chevron flooring usually represents a slightly higher investment because:

• Boards require angled manufacturing.
• Installation is more labour intensive.
• Greater precision is required during installation.

Herringbone flooring is also considered premium flooring, but it generally offers more product options across different price ranges.

The final investment depends on:

• Product selected
• Board size
• Timber species
• Subfloor preparation
• Installation method
• Project size

Which Flooring Adds More Value?

Both patterns are considered premium flooring styles and can enhance the appearance of a property.

Rather than asking which pattern adds more value, it is better to choose the pattern that best complements the architecture of your home.

A well-designed Chevron floor in a contemporary home often creates a striking architectural statement.

A professionally installed Herringbone floor in a period home delivers timeless elegance.

Either option can become a standout feature when installed correctly.

Chevron vs Herringbone Comparison

Which Flooring Should You Choose?

Choose Chevron flooring if you want:

• A modern architectural look
• Clean symmetrical lines
• A luxury contemporary interior
• A statement feature floor

Choose Herringbone flooring if you prefer:

• Traditional elegance
• Rich parquet texture
• European character
• A timeless design that suits almost any home

Neither option is better—they simply create different visual effects.

Visit Our Kew Showroom

Seeing the difference in person is often the easiest way to decide.

At Elite Wooden Floors, you can compare Chevron and Herringbone flooring side by side, explore different timber colours and finishes, and receive expert advice on selecting the right flooring for your project.

Whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing property, our experienced team can help you choose the perfect parquet flooring solution.

Request a Free Measure & Quote

Thinking about installing Chevron or Herringbone flooring?

Contact Elite Wooden Floors today to arrange a free measure and quote, or visit our Kew showroom to view our premium Engineered Oak and Solid Timber parquet flooring collections.