The herringbone layout has its roots in traditional hardwood flooring, but today it is also widely used with wood-look porcelain tile. 
Its geometric pattern creates movement and visual depth, adapting with versatility to classic, sophisticated, and contemporary styles.

<h2 class="heading2">&nbsp;What is herringbone flooring?</h2>

Herringbone flooring is characterized by planks laid in alternating directions, creating a &ldquo;V&rdquo; or &ldquo;zigzag&rdquo; pattern. One example is the <a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/projects/restyling_of_salotto_regina/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">Regina Living Room Redesign project</a>, where the Sleekwood Nut 11x54 collection creates continuity between the rooms, combining the warmth of the wood-look to finish with the sophistication of the installation.

<h2 class="heading2">Italian, Hungarian, and French plugs: the differences</h2>

Each type of plug - Italian, French, and Hungarian - has specific characteristics that help identify them.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" summary="Type">
	<caption>Italian, Hungarian, and French plugs: the differences</caption>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="text-align:center">Type</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">Corner/cut</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">Join between elements</td>
			<td style="text-align:center">Visual effect</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Italian-style panel</td>
			<td>Rectangular panels, straight ends</td>
			<td>
			One panel meets the side at a 90&deg; angle
			</td>
			<td>A dynamic, broken-line design with traditional charm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			French Plank/Chevron
			</td>
			<td>Ends cut at a 45&deg; angle</td>
			<td>The planks meet to form a V or zigzag pattern with a continuous centerline</td>
			<td>More geometric, uniform, and visually striking</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hungarian plug</td>
			<td>Beveled ends. The angle may vary depending on the product</td>
			<td>The planks meet to form a V or zigzag pattern with a continuous centerline</td>
			<td>
			A more open and elegant design.
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

<h2 class="heading2">When to choose a herringbone pattern: aesthetic and functional benefits</h2>

Porcelain stoneware laid in a herringbone pattern combines aesthetic and functional benefits. The diagonal lines of the tiles break up the static appearance of a linear floor and add visual movement to the space. Furthermore, the direction of the pattern guides the eye and creates a perspective effect that adds depth to hallways, living areas, and open spaces. In this way, the floor becomes a design element, an integral part of the interior design.

Aesthetic appeal is complemented by technical performance: porcelain stoneware tiles are durable, low-porosity, and easy to maintain, allowing for continuity between different spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.

This installation style also adapts to a wide range of <a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/magazine/home-decor-styles/" style="color:#467886; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">interior design styles</a>. In classic styles, warm or dark tones, marble, wood, and wainscoting evoke historic flooring. In a contemporary setting, clean lines, neutral color palettes, glass, and metal highlight the geometry of the layout. In the Scandinavian style, light woods and natural materials create a bright and dynamic effect, while in the industrial style, weathered wood effects interact with concrete, metal, and raw surfaces.

<h2 class="heading2">How to install porcelain tile in a herringbone pattern</h2>

Installing porcelain tile in a&nbsp;herringbone pattern requires extreme precision, because the geometry of the pattern makes any irregularities particularly noticeable. 
Here are the main points to consider:

<ul>
	<li>Planning the tile layout: it is essential to pay attention to the orientation of the pattern, the starting axis, and how the layout relates to walls, doors, and passageways between different rooms.</li>
	<li>Substrate preparation: the substrate must be even, stable, clean, and sufficiently level to prevent installation irregularities.</li>
	<li>Identifying the axis: to correctly execute the herringbone tile layout, identify a reference line from which to progressively develop the two directions of the herringbone pattern.</li>
	<li>Laying porcelain stoneware tiles: in the chevron pattern, the pre-cut tiles are arranged to converge along the central axis, creating a continuous &ldquo;V&rdquo; shape.</li>
	<li>Pay attention to perimeter cuts: as you approach the walls, specific cuts are required that demand&nbsp;careful planning.</li>
	<li>Grout lines: you must follow the technical guidelines regarding the grout lines specified for the product.</li>
</ul>

Herringbone layout: a guide to patterns, wood-look porcelain tile, and when to choose it

On Monday, September 21, 2026, during EmilDays-Etherea, the awards ceremony for the fifth edition of the Emilgroup Project Awards took place. An event that each year celebrates the best international projects created using Emilgroup collections, recognizing works that stand out for architectural quality, design vision, and the ability to interpret materials in innovative ways.

After evaluating entries from around the world, the jury selected the winners in the four competition categories and awarded two honorable mentions to projects distinguished by the quality of their design vision.

&nbsp;

Inspiration Category

<a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/projects/olinda_a_restaurant_with_a_distinctive_design/" target="_blank">OLINDA</a>, the new restaurant created by Gervasi Destinations in collaboration with Morris Flooring &amp; Design, won the award in the Inspiration category. Located in Ohio, USA, the project stands out for its ability to create an immersive experience where design, hospitality, and materials interact harmoniously, giving life to a space with a strong and distinctive identity.

Creativity Category

In the Creativity category, the award was presented to <a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/projects/villa_padova_the_creativity_of_materials_as_a_design_language/" target="_blank">Villa Padova</a>, a private residence designed by Arch. Maila Borile. The project distinguishes itself through an innovative and creative use of materials, which go beyond their traditional role as surface coverings to become an integral part of the architecture and spatial identity.

Prestige Category

The award in the Prestige category was presented to <a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/projects/palazzo_san_gottardo_elegance_and_hospitality_on_lake_como/" target="_blank">Palazzo San Gottardo Lake Como, A Radisson Collection Hotel</a>, a project designed by Ultrapresent Studio. Overlooking Lake Como, the intervention enhances a historic hospitality property through a refined balance of architectural heritage, contemporary design, and meticulous attention to detail.

Emilgroup Project Awards 2026: winners of the fifth edition

New inspirations take shape in surfaces that redefine the language of matter. Emilgroup&rsquo;s new collections emerge from the meeting of research, innovation and attention to detail, where textures and finishes become new design opportunities, inspiring architects, designers and specifiers to create spaces with an elegant and distinctive character.

&nbsp;

👉 What&#39;s new:

Emilceramica

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/collections/brand/emilceramica/essenza-frammenti/" target="_blank">Essenza Frammenti</a> combines the compact foundations of Pietra Essenza with the expressive richness of marble fragments</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/collections/brand/emilceramica/pietra-essenza/" target="_blank">Pietra Essenza New Dimensions</a> expands the collection&rsquo;s design possibilities with the new 160&times;160 cm and 120&times;278 cm formats</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/collections/brand/emilceramica/n0rdea/" target="_blank">N&oslash;rdea</a> combines the natural strength of wood with the essential character of Nordic design.</li>
	<li>Tele di Marmo New Expressions enriches the <a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/collections/brand/emilceramica/tele-di-marmo/" target="_blank">Tele di Marmo</a> project with the new Rosso Levanto shade and expands <a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/collections/brand/emilceramica/tele-di-marmo-onyx/" target="_blank">Tele di Marmo Onyx</a> with the new Stormy Day and Stormy Night shades</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/collections/brand/emilceramica/dual-travertine/" target="_blank">Dual Travertine Expanded</a> introduces the Poro Chiuso finish in the 120&times;278 cm and 120&times;120 cm formats</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Ergon

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/collections/brand/ergon/conceptstone/" target="_blank">ConceptStone</a> brings stone craftsmanship to the forefront, transforming it into a contemporary language for architecture</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.frelquoxunemx.shop/collections/brand/ergon/matera-stone/" target="_blank">Matera Stone New Dimension</a> introduces the Neutra finish in the innovative 160&times;160 cm format</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
</ul>

New expressions of matter: discover Emilgroup's new products for 2026

Emilgroup returns to New York for BDNY 2026, one of the most prestigious events dedicated to international hospitality design.

An event that brings together architects, designers, and industry professionals to explore new design perspectives and innovative solutions for contemporary hospitality.

Come and discover the world of Emilgroup surfaces, our latest collections, and new design possibilities for the hospitality sector.

We look forward to welcoming you at our booth!

📍 Jacob K. Javits Center &ndash; NYC 
📅 November 8-9, 2026 
👉 Booth 630

Emilgroup at BDNY 2026

Related Articles

Herringbone layout: a guide to patterns, wood-look porcelain tile, and when to choose it

Emilgroup Project Awards 2026: winners of the fifth edition

New expressions of matter: discover Emilgroup's new products for 2026

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