A herringbone tile pattern has that rare mix of classic and modern. It feels tailored, eye-catching, and a little luxurious without trying too hard. Whether you’re refreshing a small kitchen, planning a spa-style bathroom, or giving your entryway a more polished welcome, this zigzag layout instantly adds movement and personality.
In this guide, we’ll walk through real-world ways to use a herringbone tile pattern in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, fireplaces, and accent walls—plus practical design tips so your project looks intentional, not busy. You’ll also see where TileHub and Pebble Tile Shop can fit into your plan when you’re ready to choose the actual tile.
What Is a Herringbone Tile Pattern and Why Designers Love It
At its core, a herringbone tile pattern is simply rectangular tiles laid in a V-shaped zigzag. Each tile meets the next at a right angle, creating a repeating pattern that looks a bit like fish bones—hence the name.
People often confuse herringbone with chevron. The difference is simple:
-
Herringbone uses standard rectangular tiles that overlap.
-
Chevron uses tiles cut at angles so the points meet in a perfect “V.”
Designers love herringbone because it:
-
Adds subtle movement without feeling chaotic
-
Works with many materials—marble, porcelain, stone mosaics, glass
-
Fits into almost any style, from modern and minimal to traditional and farmhouse
You can use a herringbone layout on floors, backsplashes, shower walls, or small accent areas. It looks good in both small and large spaces, and it’s one of those patterns that won’t feel dated a few years from now, especially when you pair it with natural stone or timeless neutrals.
Key Decisions Before You Choose a Herringbone Tile Pattern
Before you fall in love with a specific tile, step back and make a few big-picture decisions. This will keep your herringbone project from feeling random and help you choose the right look for your home.
1. Where will the tile go?
A herringbone layout works beautifully in:
-
Kitchen backsplashes or full stove walls
-
Bathroom floors, feature walls, and shower surrounds
-
Mudrooms and entryways
-
Fireplace surrounds and built-in niches
Each area has different needs. A kitchen backsplash can be glossy and light-reflective, while a bathroom floor needs more grip and slip resistance.
2. What material and finish fits your lifestyle?
-
Stone mosaics (marble, quartz, limestone): Great if you want a natural, high-end feel with soft veining and variation.
-
Pebble and stone mosaics: Perfect for spa-like showers and organic, textural spaces—this is where Pebble Tile Shop really shines.
-
Porcelain or ceramic: Durable, easier to clean, and often more budget-friendly, especially for larger floors.
-
Glass: Adds shimmer and depth, but works best on walls rather than floors.
3. Tile size and scale
Small herringbone mosaics on mesh-backed sheets are ideal for compact rooms, shower floors, and intricate areas. Larger “subway” style rectangles (like 3×6 or 3×12) create a bold, graphic look on big walls and floors.
4. Color and grout contrast
-
For a softer, more timeless effect, choose neutral tile and grout colors that blend.
-
For a statement look, pair a light tile with darker grout so the pattern stands out.
Ask yourself: do you want your herringbone to whisper or to shout? Your answer will guide both tile and grout choices.
Herringbone Tile Pattern Ideas for Kitchens (Backsplashes and Floors)
The kitchen is one of the easiest places to experiment with a herringbone tile pattern. You get high visual impact without changing cabinets or appliances, and a new backsplash alone can transform the room.
Classic White Herringbone Backsplash
A classic white or off-white herringbone backsplash is a safe win in almost any kitchen. Instead of lining tiles in a simple horizontal stack, you angle them into that zigzag layout so the wall feels more dynamic.
This works especially well when:
-
Your kitchen is small and you want it to feel brighter and taller
-
You like a clean, minimal look but still want subtle visual interest
-
Your cabinets and counters are simple and you’d like the backsplash to add texture
TileHub’s herringbone stone mosaics and rectangular tiles are an easy way to get that custom look with pre-arranged patterns. Pair them with warm white cabinets, simple hardware, and under-cabinet lighting and the whole space feels elevated without being busy.
Mixed Stone Herringbone for a Luxe Statement
If you want more depth than plain white, look for mixed stone herringbone mosaics—combinations of soft grays, creams, and beiges or a blend of polished and honed finishes. The pattern itself creates motion, and the natural variation of stone adds a rich, layered feel.
This style is ideal when:
-
You have plain, matte cabinets and want the backsplash to feel like jewelry
-
You’re working with neutral countertops and want to avoid a flat, all-one-tone look
-
You like the idea of a “feature wall” behind the range or sink
Keep the rest of the kitchen quiet: simple counter decor, no busy wallpaper, and clean-lined hardware. Let the herringbone stone mosaic be the star.
Herringbone Kitchen Floors for Added Movement
Using a herringbone layout on the floor draws your eye through the room and makes long galley kitchens feel more deliberate and designed. Larger porcelain or stone pieces laid in a herringbone pattern give the room a tailored, European-inspired vibe.
Some things to keep in mind:
-
Choose a matte or lightly textured finish for better slip resistance.
-
In high-traffic kitchens, mid-tones and soft patterns hide crumbs and smudges better than pure white.
-
Smaller stone mosaics or pebble-influenced patterns from Pebble Tile Shop can work nicely in breakfast nooks, pantries, or secondary entrances that connect to the kitchen.
If you already have a strong backsplash, consider keeping the floor more subtle so the two patterns don’t compete.
Herringbone Tile Ideas for Bathrooms and Showers
Bathrooms are where a herringbone tile pattern really shines. The layout plays beautifully with water, light, and steam—especially when you use stone mosaics and pebbles for a spa-like atmosphere.
Spa-Style Shower Walls in Herringbone
Picture a single shower wall done entirely in herringbone: elongated marble, porcelain, or stone tiles running in a diagonal or vertical zigzag. The effect is similar to a feature wall in a living room, but in your shower.
A few ways to make this work:
-
Run the herringbone from floor to ceiling behind the main shower fixtures.
-
Keep the side walls in a simpler layout, like stacked or brick bond, so the pattern has room to breathe.
-
Use neutral tones—creams, soft grays, or warm whites—for a calming, spa-like look.
Add a frameless glass door and simple fixtures and you instantly have a boutique-hotel vibe.
Herringbone Shower Floors and Pebble Transitions
On shower floors, smaller herringbone mosaics are not just beautiful; they’re functional. All those grout lines provide better grip and help the floor slope toward the drain more easily.
For a more organic twist, you can:
-
Use a herringbone tile pattern on the main floor and transition to pebble or stone mosaics from Pebble Tile Shop at the shower floor or threshold.
-
Frame a pebble “rug” inside a herringbone border so you get texture underfoot and visual detail.
This mix of structured zigzag and natural pebble texture feels luxurious but still grounded and nature-inspired.
Feature Walls and Half-Height Wainscoting
Herringbone doesn’t have to cover an entire bathroom. Sometimes a partial wall is all you need.
A few ideas:
-
A half-height herringbone wainscot behind a freestanding tub, finished with a simple stone trim
-
A herringbone accent behind the vanity mirrors, with plain tile on the other walls
-
A narrow herringbone strip up the center of the shower, flanked by simple field tiles
Choose softer tones for small bathrooms so the pattern doesn’t overwhelm. In larger spaces, deeper shades—like charcoal, sage, or navy—can feel dramatic and cozy when paired with warm lighting.
High-Impact Herringbone Moments in Entryways, Fireplaces and Accent Walls
Sometimes the most memorable design decisions happen outside of kitchens and baths. If you want a big visual punch without redoing an entire room, consider these smaller herringbone moments.
Entryway Floors that Set the Tone
Your entry is the first impression of your home. A herringbone tile pattern on the floor instantly says “thoughtful, designer-led space” instead of “builder basic.”
To keep it practical as well as pretty:
-
Choose durable stone or porcelain that can handle dirt, wet shoes, and daily wear.
-
Lean into mid-tones or patterned stone mosaics that won’t show every footprint.
-
Add a simple border tile to frame the herringbone, almost like a rug.
This kind of entry feels put-together even if the rest of the house is still a work in progress.
Herringbone Around the Fireplace
A fireplace surround is another perfect spot. Using stone mosaics or small rectangles in a herringbone layout around the firebox instantly turns the whole wall into a feature.
You can:
-
Keep the surrounding wall smooth and painted so the tile really stands out
-
Choose a stone palette that ties into your floors or kitchen backsplash for cohesion
-
Use a more dramatic color or texture here, since the area is compact
This is a great way to introduce a herringbone tile pattern if you’re not ready to commit to large square footage.
Micro-Feature Walls and Niche Accents
Herringbone also works beautifully in small doses:
-
Back panels of built-in shelving
-
The wall behind a dry bar or coffee station
-
Shower niches or recessed shelves
These micro-areas are perfect for using leftover mosaic sheets from bigger installations and still give you that custom, designer look.
Design Tips to Get Your Herringbone Tile Pattern Right
A successful herringbone project is about more than just picking a pretty tile. A few design details can make the difference between “wow” and “why does this feel off?”
Match the scale to the space
-
Larger rectangles in herringbone look best on wide walls and bigger floors.
-
Smaller mosaics are ideal for compact rooms, shower floors, and detailed areas.
Use orientation to shape the room
-
Diagonal herringbone (45°) adds energy and movement—great for feature walls and long hallways.
-
Vertical layouts can make low ceilings feel taller.
-
A traditional horizontal herringbone can widen a narrow space visually.
Think about grout early, not last
-
Matching grout blends everything for a soft, textured look.
-
Contrasting grout makes the zigzag stand out and leans more graphic and modern.
Consider installation
Herringbone can be more complex to lay out than a simple grid. Mesh-backed herringbone stone mosaics from curated brands like TileHub and Pebble Tile Shop simplify installation and reduce cutting time. For large-format tiles, working with an experienced installer is worth it—precise layout and straight reference lines are key.
Quick do/don’t checklist:
-
Do order samples and view them in your actual lighting.
-
Do test grout colors on a small board first.
-
Don’t mix too many strong patterns in one room.
-
Don’t forget to leave room in the budget for a skilled installer.
How to Choose Between TileHub and Pebble Tile Shop for Your Herringbone Project
Both TileHub and Pebble Tile Shop offer beautiful options that work with a herringbone tile pattern—it just depends on the style and feeling you’re going for.
If you’re dreaming of:
-
Clean, tailored backsplashes
-
Neutral stone mosaics and refined finishes
-
A wide selection of patterns to compare in one place
…then TileHub is a smart starting point. You’ll find stone mosaics and rectangular tiles that are easy to configure into herringbone layouts for kitchens, baths, and living areas.
If you’re leaning toward:
-
Spa-like bathrooms with lots of natural texture
-
Shower floors, poolside areas, or organic feature walls
-
Pebble and stone mosaics that feel closer to nature
…then Pebble Tile Shop is worth a deep dive. Their focus on pebble and stone mosaics makes it easy to create layered, organic looks, and many of those materials pair beautifully with herringbone layouts on adjacent surfaces.
Of course, you don’t have to choose only one. Many homeowners source a herringbone tile from TileHub for the main surfaces, then mix in Pebble Tile Shop mosaics for floors, niches, or transitions.
FAQs About Herringbone Tile Pattern
Q: Is a herringbone tile pattern hard to install?
A: It can be more involved than a straight grid because layout and alignment matter more. The easiest route is to use mesh-backed herringbone mosaics, which come pre-arranged in the pattern. For larger tiles, a good installer will snap clear reference lines and dry-lay a portion before setting anything in mortar.
Q: Does herringbone make a room look bigger or smaller?
A: It depends how you use it. Light, low-contrast herringbone with a subtle grout can visually expand a space by adding depth and interest without chopping up the surfaces. Dark, high-contrast patterns will feel more dramatic and cozy, which is great for feature walls and fireplaces but can feel intense in tiny rooms.
Q: Can I use herringbone tile on floors and in wet areas?
A: Yes—just choose the right materials. On floors and in showers, go for stone mosaics, textured porcelain, or other slip-resistant options. The many grout lines in small mosaics actually help with traction and water drainage. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for wet areas and consider sealing natural stone.
Q: How do I clean and maintain a herringbone stone mosaic?
A: Day to day, use a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or mop. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads that can scratch stone or dull finishes. For natural stone, regular sealing helps resist stains and makes cleanup easier. Check product instructions from TileHub or Pebble Tile Shop and stick to tile-safe cleaners.
Bring Your Herringbone Tile Pattern to Life with TileHub and Pebble Tile Shop
A well-planned herringbone tile pattern can completely change how your home feels. In a kitchen, it turns a simple backsplash into a focal point. In a bathroom, it adds spa-level detail. In an entryway or around a fireplace, it makes the everyday spaces you walk past feel more intentional.
The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small:
-
Pick the room or surface that bothers you most right now.
-
Decide whether you want a subtle, blended look or a bold, graphic pattern.
-
Choose the material—stone mosaics, pebble tile, porcelain, or glass—based on how you use the space.
-
Test samples on-site and play with grout choices before you commit.
When you’re ready to move from ideas to real materials, explore TileHub for refined herringbone stone mosaics and tile options that suit backsplashes, floors, and accent walls. Then look at Pebble Tile Shop for pebble and stone mosaics that bring organic texture and spa energy to showers, floors, and outdoor areas.
Together, these two sources give you plenty of ways to mix structure and nature, polish and warmth. Start with one surface—a backsplash, a fireplace surround, or a shower wall—and let your new herringbone tile pattern set the tone for the rest of your home.
