Vinyl Flooring Styles Explained: Herringbone vs. Plank

When choosing vinyl flooring, it’s not just about colour and thickness. The style and layout of your flooring can completely transform the look and feel of a room. Two of the most popular choices today are herringbone vinyl flooring and vinyl plank flooring. Both are beautiful, practical, and versatile — but they create very different effects in your home.

In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between herringbone and plank vinyl flooring, their benefits, and how to decide which is right for your space.

Why Flooring Style Matters

Flooring is the foundation of any room. Beyond durability and practicality, its style sets the mood and helps tie everything together. The way planks or tiles are laid can make a room feel bigger, cosier, or more sophisticated.

• Herringbone vinyl flooring adds pattern, movement, and elegance.
  
  

• Vinyl plank flooring offers a timeless, simple look that works in any home.
  
  

Understanding how these styles work in different spaces will help you make the best choice.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring mimics traditional wooden floorboards. The planks are laid in straight, parallel rows, creating a clean, classic appearance.

This style is the most common type of vinyl flooring and is beloved for its simplicity and versatility. It suits almost every interior design style, from modern minimalism to rustic farmhouse charm.

Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Timeless look – A straight plank design never goes out of style.
  
  

• Versatile – Works in any room, from bedrooms to kitchens.
  
  

• Easy to install – Options like click lok vinyl flooring make DIY fitting straightforward.
  
  

• Cost-effective – Plank layouts are usually quicker to install, keeping labour costs down.
  
  

• Flexible styling – Available in a wide range of colours, from textured grey flooring to embossed natural flooring.
  
  

Best Rooms for Plank Vinyl

Because it’s simple and easy to lay, plank vinyl is great for:

• Living rooms and bedrooms.
  
  

• Kitchens and dining areas.
  
  

• Hallways and landings.
  
  

Plank flooring creates a streamlined look that makes spaces feel cohesive and uncluttered.

Herringbone Vinyl Flooring

What is Herringbone Flooring?

Herringbone vinyl flooring is laid in a distinctive zig-zag pattern, with each plank placed at an angle to form a V-shape. This design has been used for centuries in traditional parquet floors and has seen a huge revival in recent years.

Vinyl makes herringbone more affordable and practical, offering the same elegance without the high cost of solid wood.

Benefits of Herringbone Vinyl Flooring

• Sophisticated design – Instantly elevates the style of any room.
  
  

• Adds movement – The pattern draws the eye and adds visual interest.
  
  

• Illusion of space – Can make smaller rooms feel bigger and more dynamic.
  
  

• Versatile finishes – Available in everything from light embossed natural flooring to dramatic smoked textured flooring.
  
  

• Durability – With options like 4mm flooring or 5mm vinyl flooring, herringbone is just as practical as plank styles.
  
  

Best Rooms for Herringbone Vinyl

Because it’s such a statement, herringbone works best in:

• Entrance halls and hallways.
  
  

• Living rooms and dining rooms.
  
  

• Open-plan spaces where the pattern can flow seamlessly.
  
  

It’s especially popular in period properties or homes where you want a touch of elegance.

Comparing Herringbone vs. Plank

Both styles have plenty to offer, but the choice depends on your taste and the effect you want to achieve.

Practical Considerations

Installation

• Click lok vinyl flooring makes plank installation straightforward for DIYers.
  
  

• Herringbone patterns can be more complex, and while some ranges are designed for easy fitting, professional installation is often recommended for the best finish.
  
  

Thickness

Both herringbone and plank vinyl come in a range of thicknesses, from slim 2mm vinyl flooring for light-use rooms to robust 4.2mm vinyl flooring for busy households.

Finish

You’ll find both styles available in finishes such as textured herringbone flooring, natural plank flooring, and smoked flooring — giving you endless design options.

How to Choose the Right Style

If you’re still deciding between herringbone and plank, here are a few quick tips:

• For simplicity – Choose plank. It’s straightforward, timeless, and budget-friendly.
  
  

• For elegance – Choose herringbone. It adds a designer touch and elevates your interiors.
  
  

• For small rooms – Herringbone can help make the space feel larger.
  
  

• For large open spaces – Plank keeps the look cohesive and balanced.
  
  

• For DIY projects – Plank is easier to fit, while herringbone may require professional help.

Final Thoughts

Whether you fall for the clean lines of vinyl plank flooring or the timeless elegance of herringbone vinyl flooring, both styles combine practicality with style. Thanks to the durability, waterproof design, and easy maintenance of vinyl flooring, you’ll enjoy a floor that looks beautiful and lasts for years.

• Plank gives you versatility and simplicity.
  
  

• Herringbone makes a bold style statement.
  
  

Whichever you choose, there’s a world of colours, finishes, and thicknesses to explore — from grey vinyl flooring for a modern touch to smoked textured flooring for drama or embossed natural flooring for a classic feel.

Explore more at Flooring365.co.uk to browse our full range of herringbone and plank vinyl flooring styles.