Discover the charm of the herringbone floor tiling

The herringbone floor tiling is a testimony to the art and history of architecture, a symbol of refinement and style that has evolved over the centuries. This technique uses precisely cut tiles arranged to form a geometric pattern resembling the bones of a fish and has its origins in ancient Rome. Here, the herringbone pattern, known as "opus spicatum", was used not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its ability to evenly distribute weight and pressure on floors and paths.

Over time, the herringbone has maintained its popularity, evolving into different variations and styles. In Italy, this design has been embraced for its ability to combine functionality and beauty, finding its place in historic residences, noble palaces and modern spaces. In fact, it was precisely aristocratic and exclusive houses that chose this type of solution to emphasise the elegance of their rooms and welcome prestigious guests.

The herringbone pattern is perhaps the most popular and desired installation method even today. From period homes, herringbone wooden floorboard effect stoneware has made its way to more contemporary homes, where it helps to bring warmth and style. One of the virtues of this installation is its ability to interact with light, both natural and artificial, creating attracting colour reflections and maximising the textural rendering of wood.

Difference between Italian, Hungarian and French herringbone installation

A key distinction in the world of herringbone design is between the traditional Italian herringbone and its variants, such as the Hungarian and French herringbone. 

Italian herringbone installation consists of rectangular elements of equal size that are arranged in parallel rows at 90° to each other, so that the head of one matches the side of the other. Once installed, the floor figuratively recalls the central bone of the fish, thus taking its name.

In contrast, the Hungarian herringbone, has its short sides cut at an angle of 45° to 60°, has rhomboid-shaped strips and a very wide angular opening, around 22°, which is very contemporary on the whole, especially if large strips are chosen. If, on the other hand, one opts for thin strips, the mood will be more informal. In Hungarian herringbone floors, the planks and joints are differentiated into "right" and "left" handed depending on the position they will assume during installation.

Finally, the French herringbone has a smaller angle than the Hungarian, around 45°. This recurring installation in iconic Parisian homes with a chic and casual atmosphere is the right choice for those seeking a more classic effect and a taste of the past.

An ever-present feature of French courts, it featured the splendid floors of the Palais-Royal, as well as that of all the most prestigious salons in aristocratic France. The special feature of herringbone installation is that the strips run parallel to each other, joining in a "V" shape to those in the adjacent rows. The joining of several rows of strips creates a straight line in the centre of the bone, which favours the formation of regular, symmetrical and elegant patterns.

The French herringbone wooden floorboard differs from other herringbones in that the heads are traditionally cut at 45°, so that they form a 90° angle when placed side by side.

Stone-effect stoneware from the Ubik collection

In the proposed image, the herringbone stone-effect tiles of the Ubik Collection stand out for their discreet elegance. The floor surface reflects a palette of neutral greys that harmonises with the contemporary interior design of the room, while the herringbone size adds a dimension of sophisticated elegance. The arrangement of the tiles, with their texture reminiscent of natural stone, creates a visual focal point that guides the eye through the space, enhancing both the designer furnishings and the panoramic view offered by the large window.

Elements Design - The earthy hue of cotto

The Elements Design collection with its Cotto colour brings the warmth of natural warm tones into a contemporary form through resin-effect porcelain stoneware.

The floor features a geometric layout that plays on alternating shapes and shades, adding dynamism and depth to the room. The choice of the herringbone size for the tiles is not random; it introduces a sense of movement and visual complexity that contrasts beautifully with the walls decorated with Rombi Mosaic and the surrounding neutral surfaces. This design is particularly effective in accentuating the width of the space, guiding your eye on a path that explores the room.

The overall effect is that of an environment that harmoniously balances the boldness of the tiles with the sobriety of clean lines and solid colours, creating a both welcoming and sophisticated visual dialogue.

Journey collection Honey

The Journey collection in Honey colour embodies the rustic charm and cosy atmosphere of natural wood along with the practicality and durability of porcelain stoneware. These tiles are characterised by the warm shade of honey and faithfully reproduce the texture of wood, offering a warm and natural feeling that is rare in such durable and easy-to-maintain materials.

In the image, the herringbone floor in wood-effect stoneware transforms the place into a sanctuary both of calm and style. The traditional herringbone pattern is reinterpreted in a modern key, with the use of wide planks enhancing the continuity of the pattern and the harmony of the lines.

Lineo collection White

The Lineo collection in white brings brightness and modernity to the world of wood-effect porcelain stoneware. The tiles in this collection, with their light finish and subtle veining, offer a neutral yet characterful base that reflects light and amplifies the feeling of space.

In the picture, we see how the floor fits perfectly in a modern, minimalist space. The white hue of the tiles, with its discreet grain mimicking the natural characteristics of wood, creates a visual effect that is both relaxing and sophisticated. The choice of a herringbone installation pattern is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also lends an elegant directionality to the space, inviting you to enter and discover the surroundings.

Evoke collection Beige

In the image, the beige porcelain stoneware floor of the Evoke Collection stands out for its warm shade that emulates the texture of natural wood, enhanced by the herringbone installation that adds a sense of elegance and visual continuity. The orderly arrangement of the herringbone tiles creates an eye-catching pattern that harmoniously intertwines with the selected furnishings - a perfect synergy between the classic and the modern.