Herringbone tiles have become one of the most sought-after interior design features in 2025, adding character, texture, and timeless charm to homes of all styles. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, updating a bathroom, or elevating your living area, the herringbone pattern brings movement and sophistication that few other layouts can match.
With designers embracing bolder colours, new materials, and creative layout variations, herringbone tiles have re-emerged as a must-have trend—proof that classic design always comes back stronger. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about herringbone tiles, from their benefits and trending colours to styling ideas for a contemporary home.
What Are Herringbone Tiles?
Herringbone tiles are arranged in a zigzag pattern made up of rectangular tiles placed at right angles. The name comes from the resemblance to the bone structure of a herring fish. This geometric layout has existed for centuries, originally used in European parquet flooring and grand architectural spaces.
Today, herringbone tiles appear in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and living areas due to their ability to add instant texture and visual interest. The classic pattern can be installed in several directions—horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or chevron-inspired variations—making it versatile for both traditional and contemporary homes.
Unlike straight-lay designs, herringbone is dynamic. It creates a sense of movement, guiding the eye across the surface and making spaces feel more refined and intentional. That’s a big reason why it’s the go-to choice for homeowners and designers wanting to elevate a space without overwhelming it.
Why Herringbone Tiles Are Trending in 2025
Herringbone tiles aren’t just having a moment—they’re leading design trends in 2025. Here’s why they’re more popular than ever:
1. They Bring Instant Luxury
Herringbone layouts mimic the look of high-end European interiors. Even with budget-friendly materials like porcelain, this pattern elevates a room’s overall appearance.
2. Perfect for Modern and Minimal Homes
As minimalism continues its rise, homeowners are looking for subtle pattern and texture without clutter. Herringbone provides depth without overpowering simplicity.
3. Works Beautifully in Compact Areas
Whether it’s a small powder room or a narrow kitchen, the angled layout creates the illusion of space. Diagonal herringbone can stretch a room visually, while vertical herringbone can make walls look taller.
4. Widely Available in New Formats
Tile manufacturers are releasing more herringbone-ready mosaics, oversized formats, and warm earthy colours. This increased variety makes custom design easier than ever.
5. Part of the “Soft Geometry” Trend
2025 design heavily features geometric forms softened by natural tones and textures. Herringbone fits perfectly into this trend—structured yet visually gentle.
Design Ideas for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Living Rooms
One of the strongest advantages of herringbone tiles is their flexibility. The same layout can appear subtle, bold, classic, or contemporary depending on where and how it’s used. Here are the top design ideas for each major living area in 2025.
✨ Herringbone Tile Ideas for Kitchens
1. Herringbone Subway Tile Splashbacks
Classic white subway tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern remain a leading trend. The pattern brings a designer feel to even the simplest kitchens and pairs perfectly with timber, matte black hardware, and modern cabinetry.
2. Coloured Herringbone Backsplashes
For bold and creative kitchens, look to navy blue, forest green, or clay terracotta herringbone splashbacks. These deeper shades add warmth and personality while still keeping the pattern refined.
3. Marble-Effect Herringbone Tiles
Marble and marble-effect porcelain tiles add instant luxury. When combined with gold or brass fixtures, the look becomes modern yet timeless.
4. Herringbone Porcelain Floors
Porcelain tiles designed to mimic timber are extremely popular for kitchen floors in 2025. They offer the warmth of wood but with the durability needed for high-traffic cooking areas.
✨ Herringbone Tile Ideas for Bathrooms
1. Full Feature Walls
A floor-to-ceiling herringbone wall, especially in marble-look or pastel ceramic, can transform a bathroom into a spa-like retreat. This trend is huge for homeowners who want a premium feel without using heavy decoration.
2. Shower Niche Details
Using herringbone inside shower niches or around bath surrounds creates a boutique-hotel look. Pairing contrasting grout helps define the pattern beautifully.
3. Micro Herringbone Mosaic Floors
Micro herringbone tiles are trending for bathroom floors due to their anti-slip texture and elegant visual detail. Soft stone shades or muted greens work especially well.
4. Vertical Herringbone
Installing herringbone vertically adds height, making small bathrooms feel more spacious. It’s a smart option for narrow walls or compact shower stalls.
✨ Herringbone Tile Ideas for Living Rooms and Open Spaces
1. Herringbone Timber-Look Porcelain Flooring
One of the most requested features in modern homes is a timber-look herringbone floor. It offers the elegance of solid parquet at a fraction of the maintenance and cost.
2. Fireplace Surrounds
A herringbone tile border around fireplaces creates a luxurious focal point. Stone, handmade ceramic, or matte glazed tiles elevate the look further.
3. Entryway Statements
Herringbone flooring in entryways makes a strong first impression. Darker tones like charcoal or espresso add dramatic depth, while lighter neutrals create a soft, welcoming feel.
4. Accent Walls
Large-format herringbone tiles are trending for feature walls in living rooms, blending contemporary style with architectural interest.
Popular Patterns, Materials, and Colours for 2025
⭐ Trending Herringbone Patterns
- Standard herringbone
- Double herringbone
- Broken herringbone
- Diagonal herringbone
- Micro herringbone mosaics
- Wide-format herringbone
⭐ Popular Tile Materials
- Porcelain
- Handmade ceramic tiles
- Timber-look porcelain
- Marble & marble-effect tiles
- Travertine
- Slate and natural stone
- Glass mosaic tiles
⭐ Trending Colours in 2025
- Earthy terracotta and clay
- Sage green, eucalyptus, and olive tones
- Dusty blues and deep navy
- Pearl grey and soft beige
- Matte black
- Warm cream and stone white
- Brushed metallics (bronze, gold, silver)
These trending colours allow homeowners to choose between calming minimalism or bold, expressive design.
Pros and Cons of Herringbone Tiles
✔ Pros
- Adds luxury and visual movement
- Makes small spaces appear larger
- Works with almost any interior style
- Available in many materials and colours
- Creates a designer look instantly
✘ Cons
- More time-consuming to install
- Requires accurate measurements and alignment
- Slightly higher labour cost
- Pattern mismatch is noticeable if installed poorly
Despite the cons, the overall aesthetic and value boost make herringbone a top choice for 2025 renovations.
Styling Tips for Using Herringbone Tiles
1. Choose Grout Wisely
Matching grout creates a soft, seamless effect, while contrasting grout highlights the pattern. This choice alone can change the entire mood of the room.
2. Start with a Feature Zone
If you’re unsure whether to commit, begin with a small feature—like a splashback, shower niche, or half-wall—to see how herringbone fits your style.
3. Balance with Simplicity
Because the pattern offers visual movement, balance it with clean lines, neutral décor, and simple hardware.
4. Consider Tile Size
Small tiles give a handcrafted feel, while large tiles create a bold, modern effect. Choose based on the scale of your room.
5. Play with Direction
Vertical, diagonal, or horizontal layouts offer different visual outcomes. For example:
- Diagonal = dynamic and modern
- Vertical = elongates walls
- Horizontal = widens narrow spaces
FAQS
Yes, herringbone tiles are ideal for modern homes because they add texture and subtle visual movement without overpowering the space. Their geometric layout complements contemporary, minimalist, and Scandinavian interiors. With 2025’s trending colours and materials, herringbone tiles can easily blend into both warm neutral palettes and bold, statement-making designs.
Herringbone tiles work beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and living areas. In small spaces, the pattern can make rooms appear larger. In large areas, like open-plan living spaces, herringbone flooring adds sophistication and continuity. It’s also perfect for splashbacks, shower niches, and fireplace surrounds due to its visual impact.
Maintenance depends on the material, not the pattern. Porcelain and ceramic herringbone tiles are very low-maintenance, needing only regular cleaning. Natural stone may require sealing. The pattern itself does not make cleaning harder; in fact, the angled layout often hides minor dirt better than straight-lay tiles.
Earthy tones like terracotta, olive, sage, and clay are trending this year, along with muted blues, navy, and soft greys. For bold designs, matte black and metallic accents are also popular. These colours work well with herringbone’s dynamic layout, creating a stylish balance of movement and modern sophistication.
