Herringbone tiles are taking centre stage in interior design for 2025, bringing timeless elegance and modern flair into homes. Their distinctive zig-zag pattern offers depth, movement, and visual interest that instantly elevates kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply updating a feature wall, herringbone tiles deliver designer-level sophistication with versatile applications.
In this guide, we explore the top herringbone tile trends for 2025, including popular designs, layouts, materials, colours, pros and cons, and expert installation tips to help you achieve a stylish, modern home.
Why Herringbone Tiles Remain a 2025 Favourite
The herringbone pattern has endured through centuries because of its ability to balance classic and contemporary aesthetics. Designers favour it because:
- It creates dynamic movement in rooms of all sizes
- Enhances both small and large spaces visually
- Offers flexibility across floors, walls, splashbacks, and feature areas
- Pairs beautifully with a wide range of colours and materials
- Adds a luxurious, high-end feel without being overwhelming
In 2025, interior trends lean toward natural textures, calming earthy tones, and subtle statement walls—perfectly complemented by herringbone patterns.
See more: The Pros and Cons of Using Subway Tiles in Your Home
Design Ideas for 2025 Herringbone Tiles
1. Kitchen Splashbacks
A herringbone tile splashback adds character and sophistication behind a cooktop or sink. Choose glossy ceramic tiles for a sleek, contemporary look, or textured porcelain for warmth. Pair with contrasting grout to make the pattern pop, or keep a tone-on-tone palette for understated elegance.
2. Full-Height Bathroom Walls
Extending herringbone tiles from floor to ceiling transforms bathrooms into luxurious spa-like spaces. Consider soft neutrals or calming earthy greens for a soothing effect, or deep navy or charcoal for a dramatic statement.
3. Floors with a Statement
Wood-look herringbone tiles on kitchen or bathroom floors create a warm, high-end look while remaining practical and durable. Porcelain is a popular choice for water resistance and easy maintenance, mimicking natural timber without the drawbacks.
4. Feature Walls and Alcoves
A herringbone tile feature wall around a fireplace, bathtub, or hallway alcove instantly becomes a focal point. Marble, slate, or textured porcelain tiles add depth, luxury, and a curated designer aesthetic.
Popular Herringbone Layouts in 2025
The herringbone pattern is adaptable, and several layouts are trending this year:
1. Classic 45-Degree Herringbone
Tiles are laid diagonally at 45 degrees to create the signature zig-zag look. Ideal for splashbacks, feature walls, and floors, it balances tradition with contemporary style.
2. Straight (90-Degree) Herringbone
Tiles are aligned vertically or horizontally for a modern, clean aesthetic. Perfect for minimalist kitchens, bathrooms, and floor installations.
3. Double Herringbone
Two tiles form each V, creating a chunkier, bold pattern. This is ideal for expansive floors or statement feature walls.
4. Vertical and Horizontal Variations
- Vertical herringbone: adds perceived height to small rooms
- Horizontal herringbone: widens narrow spaces
- Diagonal layouts: enhance visual flow and movement
Materials Trending in 2025
The material you choose will influence both the look and function of your herringbone tiles.
1. Ceramic
- Affordable and versatile
- Excellent for walls and splashbacks
- Easy to clean and maintain
2. Porcelain
- Highly durable and water-resistant
- Suitable for floors, bathrooms, and kitchens
- Available in a wide variety of colours and finishes
3. Natural Stone
- Marble, travertine, and limestone add luxurious textures
- Requires sealing and maintenance
- Perfect for high-end feature walls and flooring
4. Wood-Look Tiles
- Porcelain tiles that mimic timber are trending in 2025
- Ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms
- Combines warmth with practicality
5. Glass Tiles
- Reflective and bright, ideal for splashbacks
- Adds a modern and contemporary feel
- Works beautifully with metallic or natural accents
Trending Colours for Herringbone Tiles in 2025
- Soft neutrals: beige, taupe, cream, light grey for calm, airy interiors
- Earthy greens: sage, olive, eucalyptus tones for nature-inspired spaces
- Deep blues: navy and teal for bold, luxurious accents
- Charcoal & black: sleek, modern, and dramatic
- Glossy white: timeless and perfect for small rooms
- Textured finishes: handmade or stone-look tiles for character and warmth
Pros and Cons of Herringbone Tiles
Pros
✔ Adds depth, texture, and visual interest
✔ Enhances the perception of space
✔ Suitable for walls, floors, and feature areas
✔ Compatible with modern and traditional interiors
✔ Available in a variety of materials and colours
Cons
✖ Higher installation cost due to precision required
✖ Pattern can appear busy in small rooms with bold colours
✖ Precise cuts needed, especially around corners and edges
✖ Natural stone tiles need sealing and maintenance
Installation Tips for 2025
1. Hire a Professional
Herringbone tiles require accurate measuring, cutting, and placement. A professional ensures a clean, seamless pattern and reduces mistakes.
2. Choose the Right Tile Size
Smaller tiles suit intricate splashbacks, while larger tiles work well on floors or feature walls. Consider room scale when selecting tile size.
3. Consider Grout Colour
- Light grout for a subtle, blended look
- Contrasting grout to highlight the pattern
- Tone-on-tone grout for minimalistic modern style
4. Mix Finishes
Combining matte floors with glossy wall tiles adds depth and visual interest. This approach balances the pattern without overwhelming the space.
5. Lighting Matters
Good lighting highlights the herringbone pattern. Under-cabinet LEDs, pendant lights, or natural light can enhance texture and angles, creating a premium designer effect.
FAQS
Yes. Herringbone tiles create visual movement that draws the eye across the room, making spaces feel larger. Vertical patterns increase perceived height, while horizontal layouts widen narrow areas. Pairing with light colours or reflective finishes maximises this effect in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
Typically, yes. The pattern requires precise alignment and cutting, increasing labour costs by 15–25% compared to straight layouts. Professional installation ensures flawless results and maximises the pattern’s visual impact, which is essential in high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
Popular sizes include 75×150mm, 75×300mm, and 100×400mm. Smaller tiles offer detailed patterns suitable for splashbacks, medium tiles work for walls, and large-format tiles make bold statements on floors or feature walls. Room size and desired visual effect should guide the choice.