Chevron vs Herringbone: All The Things You Must Know

chevron vs herringbone
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Chevron and herringbone are two tile designs that are often confused with each other and can produce similar results in appearance. However, did you know that they are quite different, from their etymological origins to their structures? Today, we will discuss together the differences between a chevron tile and herringbone pattern.

 

chevron tile floor

 

Let’s not ignore a fact that is the same for both of them: Whether used as a ceramic tile or a marble tile, both chevron and herringbone patterns will have no difficulty in bringing effortlessly chic design to your home.

 

Witty Green Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile 2x6

Witty Green Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile

2"x6"x3/8"
Satin Cotton Matte Chevron Ceramic Tile 2x6

Satin Cotton Matte Chevron Ceramic Tile

2"x6"x3/8"
SALE
Rosie Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile 2x6

Rosie Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile

2"x6"x3/8"

 

Chevron vs. Herringbone: What are the Differences?

 

1) Did You Know What They Mean?

The word chevron is derived from the old French word “cheveron.” The reason why this word was chosen is because its structure looks like a rafter on a roof. The herringbone pattern represents a visual reference to the structure of the herringfish’s skeleton.

 

herringbone tile

 

In fact, when we look at the places where the words come from, we can immediately see that they are the products of very different imaginations. One cannot help but wonder, how two such different connotations become two designs that are confused while appearing in our kitchen backsplash tiles. This distinction is a key element in understanding chevron vs herringbone design choices.

 

Lilac Honed Herringbone 5/8x3 Marble Mosaic 10 7/16x12 13/16

Lilac Honed Herringbone 5/8x3 Marble Mosaic

107/16"x1213/16"x3/8"
Calacatta Green Honed Herringbone 5/8x3 Marble Mosaic 10 7/16x12 13/16

Calacatta Green Honed Herringbone 5/8x3 Marble Mosaic

107/16"x1213/16"x3/8"
Calacatta Amber Honed Herringbone 5/8x3 Marble Mosaic 10 7/16x12 13/16

Calacatta Amber Honed Herringbone 5/8x3 Marble Mosaic

107/16"x1213/16"x3/8"

 

2) Actually, Their Shapes are Different

Although they both give more or less the impression of a “V,” there is a fundamental design difference between a chevron tile and a herringbone tile.

 

chevron mosaic tile

 

The chevron tile pattern has a 45-degree angle at both ends. So, this allows us to actually see it clearly as the letter V. On the other hand, the herringbone tile pattern is a structure formed by bringing together 90-degree pieces. So, we can say that what gives it this V appearance is actually like a visual illusion created by bringing two 90-degree pieces together! Surprising, isn’t it? This nuance perfectly illustrates the differences in chevron vs herringbone designs. Who would have thought that this mathematics could take place in our lives when choosing a bathroom floor tile sample?

 

SALE
Latte Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile 2x6

Latte Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile

2"x6"x3/8"
SALE
Black Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile 2x6

Black Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile

2"x6"x3/8"
Cold Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile 2x6

Cold Glossy Chevron Ceramic Tile

2"x6"x3/8"

 

3) Let’s Be Honest, Their Structure is Different, Too!

As we mentioned in the previous article, the structures of a chevron tile and a herringbone tile are actually different from each other. One provides a completely sharp V shape, while the other provides a V-like shape by bringing two sharp pieces together. But did you know that you can use this to your advantage?

 

chevron tile backsplash

 

For example, if you’re about a light year away from a uniform design, you’ll need this information to use your chevron and herringbone patterns in a more customized way! When you want to use a chevron design in different colors, you can achieve this by choosing one of your chevron tiles in a different color and the other in a different color. Using this, you can use your living room wall tiles as a rainbow or with a more duochromatic elegance, such as a black and white ceramic tile design!

 

herringbone tile backsplash

 

On the other hand, since the herringbone pattern consists of two completely different pieces brought together, you can create even crazier designs with this method. You can proceed by repeating the pattern you have created or have a completely personalized interior design experience with help from different colors, textures, or materials. By comparing these approaches, you can see how chevron vs herringbone patterns lend themselves to unique interior expressions.

 

SALE
Thassos, Thassos White Honed Herringbone 1x2 Marble Mosaic 11x11

Thassos, Thassos White Honed Herringbone 1x2 Marble Mosaic

11"x11"x3/8"
Snow White Polished Herringbone 1x2 Marble Mosaic 11x11

Snow White Polished Herringbone 1x2 Marble Mosaic

11"x11"x3/8"
SALE
Aspen White Honed Herringbone 1x2 Marble Mosaic 11x11

Aspen White Honed Herringbone 1x2 Marble Mosaic

11"x11"x3/8"

 

4) The Final Look of Both Patterns

Here is the design of the space you have always dreamed of! It may be a kitchen floor tile or entryway tile design, when you look at every place where you use these patterns from a distance, there will be a difference you will see.

 

herringbone pattern

 

The herringbone tile pattern will give you more of a broken zigzag effect, resulting in a more classic, more textured impression. It is possible to make this type of design more textured and more classic, especially by choosing marble floor tiles. It is entirely up to you to make your guests experience the feeling of luxury by using such a design in areas such as commercial spaces!

 

chevron tile bathroom

 

If you have goals such as creating an accent wall or bringing a more eye-catching touch to kitchen tiles for walls, chevron tile can provide you with a more seamless and flowing appearance, making you see it as a whole. Thus, you may like to see the color palettes you choose to use in your home more fluid and more complete. This seamless effect highlights the difference between chevron vs herringbone patterns in creating design fluidity.

 

SALE
White Carrara Honed Chevron Waterjet Marble Mosaic 13x10

White Carrara Honed Chevron Waterjet Marble Mosaic

13"x10"x3/8"
SALE
Skyline Vein Cut Polished Chevron Waterjet Marble Mosaic 13x10

Skyline Vein Cut Polished Chevron Waterjet Marble Mosaic

13"x10"x3/8"
Calacatta Green Honed Thin Chevron Waterjet Marble Mosaic 10x13

Calacatta Green Honed Thin Chevron Waterjet Marble Mosaic

10"x13"x3/8"

 

5) Last Touch: How Difficult Are Their Installations?

Now, it’s time to talk some facts. A herringbone flooring would be an easier option to install. Since herringbone is more independent from the chevron pattern due to its structure, it will not cause you much difficulty during installation. However, this may change! Remember, if the piece you are using is a herringbone mosaic tile rather than a large herringbone tile, small pieces are generally always more difficult to install than larger pieces. But do not be intimidated by this, because a professional who is suitable for this job will easily offer you the support you want.

 

large herringbone tile

 

Chevron tiles may present a more challenging installation process compared to the herringbone pattern, but after installation, the chevron tile backsplash image you see will definitely be worth the effort. So, no holding back and no negative thinking. Just think and decide which one will suit your personal interior style better. By understanding chevron vs herringbone installation differences, you can make informed decisions for your tile projects.

 

Skyline Textured Large Herringbone Marble Mosaic 12 7/8x9 11/32

Skyline Textured Large Herringbone Marble Mosaic

127/8"x911/32"x3/8"
Skyline Honed Large Herringbone Marble Mosaic 12 7/8x9 11/32

Skyline Honed Large Herringbone Marble Mosaic

127/8"x911/32"x3/8"
Calacatta Amber Honed Large Herringbone Marble Mosaic 12 7/8x9 11/32

Calacatta Amber Honed Large Herringbone Marble Mosaic

127/8"x911/32"x3/8"

 

Conclusion: If You Have More Questions?

If you have more questions and need information, one of your best options is definitely contacting us! Our experienced teams will be happy to guide you regarding our extensive natural stone tile collections and other design questions. As the Country Floors team, we are happy to provide you with brand-new ideas and tools to express yourself, such as mosaic customization. Let’s make your dream home come true together!

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