Herringbone or Parquet Flooring: Which Style is Right for Your London Property?
- Alba Flooring
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Break down the differences between two classic wood flooring patterns with design tips from Alba’s experts. Discover which suits your space and lifestyle best.
Choosing the right flooring is one of the most impactful design decisions you can make for your home or commercial property. In South London and beyond, parquet and herringbone flooring continue to be two of the most sought-after styles, offering not just durability and elegance but also a timeless appeal that complements a wide range of interiors. At Alba Flooring, based in Shirley, Croydon, we specialise in premium parquet flooring services and herringbone flooring installations across key locations such as Beckenham, Sutton, West Wickham, Bickley, and the wider South London area.
In this guide, we’ll explore the difference between herringbone and traditional parquet flooring, their individual strengths, and how to choose the right fit for your space. Whether you're renovating a period property in Wimbledon or upgrading a contemporary flat in Clapham, this article will help you make an informed choice.
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What is Parquet Flooring?
Parquet flooring refers to a mosaic of wooden pieces arranged in geometric patterns. This style has historic roots dating back to 17th-century France and is still celebrated for its sophistication and adaptability. Traditional parquet includes patterns such as basketweave, mosaic, and chevron, all of which bring texture and movement to a space.
Parquet floors can be made from a variety of woods including oak, walnut, and ash, and are available in solid and engineered wood formats. Parquet remains popular in London homes because it bridges classic design and modern functionality. Our clients in areas like Surbiton, Dulwich, and Tooting often choose parquet when they want to enhance the character of a home without sacrificing practicality.
What is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone flooring is actually a type of parquet, but its unique pattern has become so iconic that it is now recognised as a distinct style. Herringbone involves placing rectangular wood blocks in a staggered zigzag pattern, forming a dynamic, visually striking layout.
This style suits both traditional and contemporary spaces. In period properties in Bickley and Kingston, it adds a layer of classic detail, while in newer builds in Croydon or Balham, it introduces architectural interest and depth to minimalist interiors. Engineered herringbone wood flooring has become particularly popular in recent years due to its compatibility with underfloor heating and its excellent dimensional stability.
Visit Our New Cinematic Tiles Showroom
We invite you to visit our newly launched cinematic showroom at 574 Wickham Road, Shirley, CR0 8DN. This immersive space showcases over 100 flooring styles, including engineered oak herringbone flooring, chevron parquet mosaics, and an extensive tile collection.
Enjoy 10% off for all walk-in clients* and experience the quality of our parquet and herringbone boards in person. *T&Cs apply.
Our flooring specialists will guide you through product options, finishes, and full installation services.
Discover our full range of premium wooden flooring and tiles, suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.
High-quality materials. Timeless finishes. Expert advice.
Aesthetic Comparison: Texture vs Precision
While both styles offer refined elegance, they express it differently. Traditional parquet flooring is often chosen for its ornamental value and complex visual rhythm. It suits spaces where design flourishes are welcomed, such as entrance halls, dining rooms, or boutique commercial settings.
Herringbone, by contrast, delivers clean lines and structured movement. It’s slightly more understated than chevron parquet, making it suitable for open-plan living spaces, bedrooms, or high-traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways. In our recent project in West Wickham, a smoked oak herringbone floor brought both warmth and flow to an otherwise modern and angular space.
Durability & Practicality
Both herringbone and parquet floors are highly durable when installed and maintained properly. At Alba Flooring, we only work with top-quality materials sourced from trusted suppliers such as Ted Wood, Amtico Flooring, Woodpecker, and Tuscania Ceramiche.
Engineered boards in herringbone style offer the best of both worlds, the authentic look of hardwood with enhanced stability. This makes them ideal for family homes across Sutton and Croydon. They resist warping, are compatible with underfloor heating, and are easy to maintain.
We also offer parquet flooring restoration services for homeowners seeking to revive original timber floors, particularly in older homes in places like Wimbledon and Streatham.
Trusted Industry Partners
We proudly work with some of the most respected names in the flooring industry, including Ted Wood, Woodpecker, and other leading suppliers.Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation ensures that every floor we install meets the highest standards in design and durability.
Which Is More Suitable for Your Property?
The right flooring style depends on your property type, layout, and aesthetic goals. Here are a few considerations:
For Period Homes: Parquet, especially basketweave or antique-style mosaic patterns, beautifully complements Victorian and Edwardian properties found in Dulwich and Norwood.
For Contemporary Builds: Herringbone in whitewashed or distressed finishes adds structure without overpowering minimalist interiors, perfect for properties in areas like Clapham or Forest Hill.
For Compact Rooms: Herringbone patterns can elongate the feel of narrow rooms or hallways. Parquet mosaics, on the other hand, introduce texture without overwhelming small spaces.
Ultimately, both offer long-lasting beauty and value. Our experts are on hand to help you choose the best fit for your specific space.
Our Latest Work Across South London
We’ve completed a number of successful projects using both styles:
In Bickley, we installed a brushed UV-oiled oak herringbone floor in a full ground-floor refurbishment.
In Beckenham, a bespoke parquet pattern was chosen for a luxury loft extension.
In West Wickham, distressed antique parquet added character to a family dining room.
In Sutton, we supplied and fitted engineered herringbone boards across a multi-room renovation.
Each project was supported by detailed planning, high-end materials, and the care and precision our
team is known for.
Why Choose Alba Flooring?
Alba Flooring combines industry-leading products with personal service. Here’s what makes us South London’s go-to flooring specialist:
Quality Materials: Sourced from the best – Ted Wood, Amtico, Woodpecker, Tuscania Ceramiche.
Extensive Range: From herringbone timber flooring panels to reclaimed parquet flooring, we offer styles to suit every taste.
In-House Expertise: Our qualified installers ensure seamless fitting and long-term durability.
End-to-End Service: From the first consultation to final clean-up, we manage everything with professionalism and care.
We don’t just install floors, we help you reimagine your space.
Testimonials From South London Clients
"We wanted something timeless for our hallway, and Alba Flooring delivered exactly that with a stunning herringbone oak floor. The craftsmanship was outstanding." – Mr R., Beckenham
"From the first visit to the final finish, Alba's service was faultless. We chose a classic parquet design for our Victorian home in Sutton and we couldn’t be happier." – Mrs F., Sutton
Caring for Your Floor
Both herringbone and parquet flooring styles require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. We recommend dry sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment, followed by wood-safe floor cleaner. For deeper care, Alba Flooring offers floor sanding and professional restoration services to keep your flooring in pristine condition.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Still unsure which flooring style is right for your home or business? Let us help. Alba Flooring offers expert advice and full installation across South London. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of traditional parquet or the clean elegance of herringbone, we’ll help you bring your vision to life.
Walk in and receive 10% off your purchase – terms and conditions apply.*
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