Sibling Patterns: Herringbone and Chevron

In the world of interiors, there can be so many names for so many different types of materials and patterns which can lead to confusion. A pair of patterns that, much like siblings who look alike, can be mistaken for one another are the herringbone and chevron. But there is one easy way to tell them apart.

Both patterns depend on strong diagonal lines. In the case of tile, shown in the photos below, or wood plank flooring, the planks or rectangular tiles will be placed at a diagonal. But it is how the ends are finished that determines which pattern it will be.

A herringbone pattern leaves the tile or plank as it is and simply lays them next to each other, without any cutting or adjustments. The staggered layout is reminiscent of a zipper's teeth...

Herringbone floor in bathroom by Fiorito Interior Design

By contrast, a chevron pattern is basically the same thing but with the ends cut at an angle so the join becomes a straight line instead of a staggered/overlapping intersection, like a herringbone.

Happy designing!