Herringbone Splashback Tiles & Rescue Remedy For Small Spaces

Herringbone marble tiles and herringbone mosaic tiles seem to be appearing a little more in the media right now with the overload of renovation TV, and while some of these products run into the hundreds of dollars with a little smarts and cheekiness you may be able to achieve ‘the look’ without the cost.

 

5fa857eb351432df22a08f69084b6368

Such a cool look.

Origins of the pattern tie it to the resemblance of a fish skeleton (think herring) – the herringbone pattern has been a staple of pavements from the old world and a reminder of simplicity for the new world – a simple brick, paver or tile can become something quite different by installing it differently.  This is where the magic happens.

d05b26acb4caf21209d513e736938fc8

c0e1aac0bf9ca4726e475bff6241024d

ca57d682f8478e4efb63e78d7f312d38

 

Herringbone Layout Variations

The shape shifting, space changing illusion can be crafted and adjusted to suit your taste, and using one of the two main (‘Parallel to Boundary’ and ’45 Degree’) variations in your project wisely will be key to getting the look you want.

Examples of Parallel to Boundary form herringbone pattern:

35b1a42436f50dc3a7c6c25755f03f88

9be11feab08d7d7c63bd0c3d861510a9

89a00d44d45af9d3ecdb4bf91bd58ab6

 

Examples of 45 Degree form herringbone pattern:

760b80695d1ce3a910d61ae66fa66f38

f90324f0fb457290e9d0938fa31e8581

a52f82274edb1c16b985ec95e656ab03

 

Herringbone Ration Variations

Squish, squash and stretch your herringbone pattern and effect by understanding the difference of tile (or brick/paver) ratio.  For example a classic ‘subway tile‘ with a 2:1 ratio installed herringbone will create a chunky, full pattern – and by alternating colour/shade you can create a bold chevron quite easily.

Examples of 2:1 ratio herringbone pattern:

1f4f4bb8aee3e41146d187e8d03e06f4

7d70a87e970fc1a130733faf1d31178a

 

Examples of 3:1 ratio herringbone pattern:

d9b890d4adae4a434509085beac921c9

6967343c5bedd51fcad75246691fe6a3

 

Examples of herringbone pattern with a ratio of greater than 4:1:

619e356e23ae891f8cf077b40a5ad022

97b5835af3baa71bf3a96b3a7cbe8bbf

54a8753945e69211ab855e4d961b654f

904804670c7697ba83c13e9076050887

 

Does herringbone pattern make a space appear smaller?

Good question – this is how it works – listen in…

Some interior designers use the herringbone pattern to visually create more space within a small room.  Your eye is naturally drawn to the width of the ‘V’ within the pattern, providing an optical illusion of a larger space.  Therefore – think herringbone pattern splashbacks, laundry splashback and kitchen splashback – take any small space and open it up.  Small areas in your home that could most benefit from its use are your bathroom, ensuite, laundry and hall ways.

ae8fa3f66f70a64939b094e85649026e

0d929b45bc75219b1461c95f5d1c018a

 

How Much Does Herringbone Cost To Install?

Another good question, and to answer this i’m turning to local expert installer Michael from Tile By Design.  Well versed in all aspects of tiling with a vast knowledge and skill base Michael also chose to use the herringbone pattern in his own home.  According to Michael costs can range from an installation per square meter increase of up to 100% and depending on the size of the tile and layout of the room (ie difficulty) even up to 200% – that’s right, double if not triple the cost per square meter.  The reason is pretty simple really: it just takes a lot more time.  Set up time increases drastically, and actual install time too.  Keep in mind though however often the tile you will use for your herringbone pattern will not be expensive – this will hopeful balance the equation.

Bonus Tip: stay away from rectified edge tiles for this pattern unless the tiles are perfectly flat. If you are not sure what this means check with the tile shop.  Also check the competency of the tiler, ask for photos etc.  It’s a little extra work, however once it’s done it looks amazing.

b2e202ca70ff2a3a6537c0a6ce7252b4

731d5ac4b9b96b609c129255649df45e

20f9887d6db654e3fa50999c95095975

For the full Pinterest board (and more) check it out here.

 

Other posts we’ve put together for herringbone can be found here:

30+ Herringbone Patterns: Image Gallery

HERRINGBONE: The pattern for petite places & special spaces

Evidence That Pattern Is Back

10 Tips To Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger

 

Find this post valuable? Say a simple thanks by liking.

TILE junket showcase the best tiles available in Australia from around the globe, right here in Geelong.  

Book your showroom complimentary Concept Consult for interior design assistance for your tile project.

[jetpack_subscription_form title=”Sooo…. Want To Stay On Top Of Design & Tiles?” subscribe_text=”Get blog updates in your inbox – unsubscribe when you no longer need them” subscribe_button=”Yes Send Me Updates!”]

About Patrick Sgro

Managing Director - TILEjunket.com.au

The Best Tiles In Australia Are Now Here In Geelong - Booked Your Tour Yet? Learn More