skip to main content

Design Dilemma Before & After

Which direction for herringbone floor?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I'm struggling with which direction to put the herringbone tile. When you approach the bathroom, all you see is the vanity, so my first instinct would be to have the herringbone lead you into the room.

But the floor space is slightly more rectangular to the eye because of the vanity and toilet, so should the herringbone point towards the shower? (the room dimensions are correct, but the vanity, toilet, and 4 x 12 tiles are not to scale)

Which one should I go with?

Featured Answer

PRO

Beth H. :

6 years ago

i did mine w/option 2,,,because the shower was the focal point (the door is to the left)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (24)

PRO
M&M Interiors
6 years ago
I would definitely go with the first illustration so the herringbone leads you into the room. Good luck!
Lee Ann
6 years ago
I agree, #1!

Love herringbone. Good choice :)
Related Discussions
What direction should herringbone pattern point?
Q
Comments (7)
Yes, they are correct. Herringbone patterns are tricky, because the pattern does have a certain 'direction' to it. This layout seems pleasing and correct to me. And, unless you're inserting a border or other design element in another room area, breaking up a herringbone pattern with a transition and changing direction is the wrong thing to do. However, it could have been turned 90 degrees and not been a problem with the walls and such, but would have visually narrowed the hallway. I assume the points in the room in the background run lengthwise in the room, is that right? I think the installer's choice is what I would have suggested. This post was edited by glennsfc on Tue, Oct 1, 13 at 15:24
...See More
which direction for rectangular floor tiles?
Q
Comments (12)
Where are your natural light sources, windows and doors? Is the tile only in the kitchen or does it extend to adjacent areas? What will it transition to and does that material have a distinct pattern? All things to consider. What might work best in isolation of the kitchen might not be the best in the overall picture. In our old house, we ran wood through the main living area, including kitchen, the planks were laid lengthwise from the front door to the family room windows. This put them running perpendicular to the kitchen peninsula but made much more sense for the whole house.
...See More
Which direction for herringbone floor tile?
Q
Comments (2)
I'm not sure there is a right or wrong way in your space. In the top rendering it is pointing toward the back (stove) wall which is frequently done. In the second one it is pointing toward the fireplace, which to me seems equally valid. Since the adjacent space isn't drawn, I don't know if you have a traffic pattern going in that direction also. Is this tile only going to be laid in this room and stop at the doorways? Which room or space does the door on the right of the fireplace lead to? Will people be coming into this room from the opposite wall as well?
...See More
Wood Floors: Which Direction? (With visuals)
Q
Comments (9)
We are about to install hardwood floors and the contractor said, in general, you want to run them in the direction that you are walking when you enter the front door. Since we are also putting wood floors upstairs, the direction will change -- in that case we will run them in the direction we are walking after reaching the top of the stairs. Our subfloors are diagonal.
...See More
PRO
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
You only have a small 3'x 5' open space in your bath. The scale of a 4"x12" tile will be too large for your space, and the length to width ratio is off for a herringbone pattern. You need a much smaller tile in order to appreciate the pattern choice, and the tile needs to be twice as long as it is wide for a herringbone. Like the classic 3x6 subways that you see used in showers.

And the second pattern makes the room seem larger. But only if you use the right scale tile.
woodteam5
6 years ago
I like the second pattern, I agree that it makes the room seem larger.
PRO
European Marble & Granite
6 years ago
The second pattern will definitely make the room feel larger! I always tell my clients to picture a person wearing vertical stripes verses horizontal stripes. Vertical stripes make you look taller which is good for a person but bad for a long room.
PRO
21st Century Tile
6 years ago
I would go with option #2. I agree that it will make the space seem larger.
PRO
Gerety Building and Restoration
6 years ago
The 1st one. It really does seem to lead you in.
PRO
Urban Loft Window Treatments
6 years ago
#1 is the way to go! its will be awesome!
PRO
Carrell Design And Staging
6 years ago
Cook's Kitchen is right. Totally agree with her. It doesn't matter wether the tile "leads" you into the room; you're bath is small and option 2 makes it look bigger. That's what you probably want -- a larger looking room.
PRO
OTM Designs & Remodeling Inc.
6 years ago
I like option #1
PRO
Raegan Ford Interior Design
6 years ago
I love the first option!
PRO
Frenchs Cabinet Gallery llc
6 years ago
I would definitely go with first picture....much more inviting
PRO
Verona Home Design
6 years ago
Direction one for sure.
Patrick Minoofar
5 years ago
I would just like to say I came here to get answers and it has made my decision even more difficult I have the same problem and my bathroom looks just like the one in the photo below or above I guess.
ClemsonFan Suzy
5 years ago
Patrick: I sympathize with your dilemma. receiving lots of advice, some of which is contradictory can be confusing, But the responders just give their opinion, and opinions vary. In the end, it’s what you like best that matters.

On a practical note, you could try creating a full size sketch that you actually lay down on the floor. Actually seeing a facsimile might help you decide. That’s a lot of effort, but you’ll be looking at your choice for a long time.
Patrick Minoofar
5 years ago
Dear Tiger, I was joking... oh and I did option one because my bathroom is like the photo that was later uploaded by someone and there is no right or wrong answer bc they are both gorgeous! I just like mine pointing to my vanity
ClemsonFan Suzy
5 years ago
Got it!
PRO
LB Interiors
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
# 1. It guides you into the room. Upon entering from the doorway, the flow for the eye continues in a forward direction and creates a smooth transition into the space.
Mariam Shadi
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
@The Cook's kitchen, can the wooden look tile size of 47x 7 or 39 x 10 inches be arranged in a herringbone layout in a 12 x 15.5 feet kitchen?

And what do you think of this diagonally oriented layout, rather than vertical or horizontal?
Mariam Shadi
3 years ago
PRO
Altair
3 years ago
I feel like #1 gives me the vibes of the room being a little bigger.
PRO
Beth H. :
3 years ago
post is years old.
HU-901935350
last year
Option 2 . This way it looks more like flooring rather than being directed in to a room .

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Bang for Your Buck: Herringbone Tile Floors

By Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

Make an Ordinary Tile Extraordinary for Extra Pizzazz Underfoot

BATHROOM DESIGN Which Flooring Should I Choose for My Bathroom?

By Sarah Alcroft

Read this expert advice on 12 popular options to help you decide which bathroom flooring is right for you

REMODELING GUIDES Your Floor: An Introduction to Solid-Plank Wood Floors

Get the Pros and Cons of Oak, Ash, Pine, Maple and Solid Bamboo

KITCHEN DESIGN Designers Share Their Top Choices for Kitchen Floors

By Bryan Anthony

See which flooring materials and patterns these pros have been using in their latest kitchen projects and why

FLOORS What's the Right Wood Floor Installation for You?

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Straight, diagonal, chevron, parquet and more. See which floor design is best for your space

MOST POPULAR Pros and Cons of 5 Popular Kitchen Flooring Materials

Which kitchen flooring is right for you? An expert gives us the rundown

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Install a New Tile Floor

By Erin Carlyle

Is it time to replace your tile floor? Here’s how to get it done, which pros to call and what it will cost

DECORATING GUIDES Chevron, Herringbone, Flame Stitch: What’s the Difference?

By Laura Gaskill

Make the right point by learning the differences among these 3 popular zigzag patterns

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 6 Ways to Rethink Your Patio Floor

By Laura Gaskill

Figure out the right material for your spring patio makeover with this mini guide to concrete, wood, brick and stone

KITCHEN DESIGN 13 Alternatives to Plain Wood Flooring in the Kitchen

By Erin Carlyle

Graphic patterns, surprising transitions and unexpected materials make these kitchen floors stand out

Sponsored

Nova Design Build

Custom Premiere Design-Build Contractor | Hilliard, OH

More Discussions

Please help choose Tile?

63

Help with doors????

80

How many skylights should I put

1

Outdoor Fireplace Grout Question

0

exterior changes

1