Parquet flooring has been a staple in interior design for centuries, revered for its intricate beauty and timeless elegance. Parquet floor hallmarks lie in the arrangement of wood blocks or tiles in various geometric patterns. These patterns’ careful design and craftsmanship transform simple wood flooring into works of art, bringing character and style to any space. Making the appropriate decision if you’re considering installing parquet flooring in your house or place of business requires an awareness of the many available patterns.
What is Parquet Flooring?
Before delving into the various types of parquet patterns, it’s important to define what parquet flooring is. Parquet is a type of wooden flooring made from small, individual pieces of wood that are arranged in a geometric pattern. Unlike traditional wood flooring, which is laid in straight, parallel rows, parquet floors form intricate, repeating designs that can enhance the aesthetic of any room.
Parquet flooring is typically constructed from solid wood, which is valued for its enduring sturdiness and natural beauty, or engineered wood, which provides improved stability.
History of Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring has its origins in France during the 16th century. Originally, it was created as an alternative to marble flooring, which was often too expensive and impractical for many estates and royal residences. The intricate geometric patterns were first used in Versailles, and the style quickly became synonymous with French luxury.
Over the years, the design of parquet flooring evolved, and by the 18th century, it had gained popularity across Europe. Parquet flooring is a flexible option for both traditional and modern rooms because it comes in a range of styles and materials these days.
Popular Types of Parquet Flooring Patterns
There are many types of parquet patterns, each offering a unique aesthetic and atmosphere for a room. Some patterns are classic and timeless, while others bring a modern, edgy twist. Below, we will discuss the most popular parquet flooring patterns in detail:
Herringbone Pattern
One of the most recognizable and famous parquet patterns is the herringbone pattern. It consists of rectangular wooden tiles arranged in a zigzag formation, with each piece positioned at a 90-degree angle to the adjacent ones. Since the characteristic V-shaped pattern resembles the structure of a fish’s skeleton, the term “herringbone” refers to the likeness to fish bones.
Advantages of Herringbone Pattern:
- Enhanced Space Perception: The zigzag lines can make a room appear larger and more dynamic by drawing the eye in different directions.
- Durability: This pattern is often more durable than traditional parallel plank flooring due to its interlocking design.
Applications:
- Living rooms
- Hallways
- Bedrooms
- Luxury spaces
Chevron Pattern
With one significant exception—the individual pieces are cut at a 45-degree angle, forming a V-shape at the intersections—the chevron pattern is comparable to the herringbone pattern. This continuous, V-shaped design gives a sense of flow and movement.
Advantages of Chevron Pattern:
- Modern and Dynamic: Chevron flooring creates an elegant and sharp look, making it ideal for contemporary designs.
- Increases Perceived Space: Like herringbone, the sharp angles can help make a room feel larger, adding depth and dimension.
- Seamless Look: The clean lines and angled joints create a seamless design that can be visually striking.
Applications:
- Living rooms
- Offices
- Modern or minimalist interiors
Basketweave Pattern
The Basketweave pattern alternates between vertical and horizontal wooden pieces, creating the visual illusion of woven threads. The pattern can range from simple to intricate, with various sizes of blocks and different arrangements.
Advantages of Basketweave Pattern:
- Intricate and Decorative: The interlocking blocks mimic the look of woven baskets, giving it a traditional yet decorative feel.
- Versatility: It works well in both classic and transitional interiors and can adapt to different wood types.
- Rich Texture: The varying directions of the wood pieces create interesting textures that catch the light differently.
Applications:
- Kitchens
- Entryways
- Living rooms
- Traditional or vintage-inspired homes
Versailles Pattern
One of the most ornate and opulent parquet designs is the Versailles pattern. It features a series of squares arranged in a grid, with additional designs within the squares, often incorporating borders and intricate geometric shapes. This design, which takes its name from the French Palace of Versailles, is a byword for luxury.
Advantages of Versailles Pattern:
- Grand and Opulent: The intricate design exudes luxury, making it perfect for large, elegant spaces.
- Timeless Design: Although the pattern is complex, it remains timeless, ideal for historic homes or those seeking a classical aesthetic.
- Visual Impact: The richness of the pattern makes a dramatic statement and adds a sense of depth to large areas.
Applications:
- Large hallways
- Dining rooms
- Palatial or formal spaces
Windmill Pattern
The Windmill pattern is a unique and dynamic design. It features a rotating pattern that creates the illusion of movement, often arranged in squares that fan out from a central point. The look is both geometric and organic, with strong lines that give a sense of direction and flow.
Advantages of Windmill Pattern:
- Dynamic and Energetic: This pattern adds an element of movement and flow, making it perfect for spaces where energy is desired.
- Contemporary Appeal: Its bold geometric design gives it a modern flair while maintaining its timeless charm.
- Focal Point: The central focus of the windmill pattern makes it a natural focal point in a room.
Applications:
- Entryways
- Offices
- Contemporary homes
Diagonal Pattern
The Diagonal pattern involves placing wooden tiles at a 45-degree angle to the walls, creating a dynamic and modern aesthetic. This pattern is less formal than herringbone or chevron and is perfect for smaller rooms that need an added sense of space.
Advantages of Diagonal Pattern:
- Space-Expanding: The diagonal orientation of the planks can make a room appear more expansive and elongated.
- Casual Elegance: In contrast to more complex designs, diagonal boards offer a casual yet elegant look.
- Clean and Simple: This pattern is subtle and works well with any interior style, from rustic to modern.
Applications:
- Smaller rooms
- Bedrooms
- Contemporary and minimalist interiors
Parquet with Borders and Insets
Parquet engineered wood flooring can also be enhanced with borders and inset designs, which can give the floor a customized, more elaborate look. These additional design elements are added around the edges of the floor or within the center of a room, incorporating geometric shapes and patterns like circles, diamonds, and rectangles.
Advantages of Parquet with Borders and Insets:
- Customization: This design allows for great flexibility, as the borders can be tailored to the size and shape of the room.
- Luxury Feel: Inset designs elevate the overall look of the parquet floor, making it feel custom and luxurious.
- Timeless Beauty: This traditional style complements both contemporary and classic designs.
Applications:
- Grand living rooms
- Hallways
- Entrance foyers
Choosing the Right Parquet Flooring Pattern for Your Space
A number of considerations should be made when selecting a parquet pattern to make sure it complements the design and functional requirements of your space.
Room Size
- For smaller rooms, Chevron, Herringbone, or Diagonal patterns can create the illusion of more space.
- Larger rooms can accommodate intricate patterns like Versailles or Basketweave.
Design Style
- Traditional and Vintage: Patterns like Versailles and Basketweave complement traditional or vintage interiors.
- Modern and Minimalist: Chevron, Windmill, and Diagonal patterns work well in modern and minimalist spaces.
Durability and Maintenance
Consider the material used for parquet, as intricate patterns like Versailles may require more care and maintenance than simpler designs like Herringbone.
Budget
While basic Herringbone and Chevron designs may be more affordable, custom designs with borders and inset like Versailles can be more costly.
Cost of Parquet Flooring Patterns
The cost of parquet flooring depends on several factors, including the complexity of the pattern, wood species, and installation method. On average, the cost per square foot for parquet flooring ranges between $5 and $20, with more intricate patterns costing more due to labor and material requirements.
Cost Comparison (per square foot):
| Pattern Type | Cost Range (Low-End) | Cost Range (High-End) |
| Herringbone | $5 | $12 |
| Chevron | $6 | $15 |
| Basketweave | $7 | $14 |
| Versailles | $8 | $20 |
| Windmill | $9 | $18 |
| Diagonal | $6 | $13 |
Parquet flooring is a great option for designers and homeowners wishing to create a unique style because of its classic beauty, elegance, and adaptability. There is a parquet style to fit every taste and space, ranging from traditional patterns like chevron and herringbone to opulent designs like Versailles and basketweave.
By understanding the different types of parquet flooring patterns, their advantages, and applications, you can choose the perfect design to transform your space. Whether you’re looking for traditional charm or modern flair, parquet flooring will enhance your home with both style and durability.
