From Roman roads to Renaissance parquet and 1970s fashion, chevron and herringbone patterns have stood the test of time. Here’s how to tell them apart – and how to use them beautifully in your home…
Chevron and herringbone patterns may look similar, but there’s a distinct difference, as this post explains. What both patterns share is a long and fascinating history. We’ve been exploring their respective stories, tracing examples through time and across design movements. And of course, we’ve put together some ideas for incorporating these classic patterns into your home—complemented, as always, by some appropriately zigzaggy Pooky lighting.
Chevron and herringbone – spot the difference
It’s just a matter of degree, really… So let’s start with the geometry. Both patterns are based on acute angles (less than 90 degrees). The chevron is the classic zigzag V shape, with a 40-degree angle between its two arms. Herringbone also forms a V, but its rows of parallel lines are set precisely at 45 degrees, creating a broken zigzag effect.
As with many patterns, once you start looking closely, you’ll see them everywhere. In cathedrals and historic churches, for example—look up at heraldic banners (gonfalons), and you may spot chevrons. Look down, and you might see herringbone flooring too.
A deep history
To find the earliest examples of chevrons, we must go back to the prehistoric and Neolithic eras, when this pattern appeared in cave paintings. Fast forward to 5,000 BCE and artisans in Mesopotamia and Egypt were using both herringbone and chevron motifs in woven materials, pottery and jewellery. Ancient Greeks used chevrons as decorative borders on pottery and architectural friezes.
Romans used herringbone for their roads, in a brick paving method called opus spicatum (spiked work)—a pattern that was strong, flexible, and ideal for high-traffic areas.
In medieval Europe, chevrons became a key feature of heraldry and symbolism. On coats of arms and gonfalons, an upward-pointing chevron represented leadership or accomplishment.
Chevron patterns also appear in Romanesque and Gothic architecture, particularly on arches and columns—take a look at the Galilee Chapel in Durham Cathedral, built in the 1170s.
Herringbone too gained popularity during the Middle Ages, especially in brickwork and parquet flooring.
By the Renaissance, herringbone flooring had become a marker of wealth and taste in Italy. Skilled artisans were needed to lay the intricate wooden patterns, which became synonymous with refinement – seen in French châteaux and, later, in the parquet floors of elegant 19th-century Parisian apartments.
The 20th-century comeback
While herringbone remained popular, the chevron made a dramatic return in the 20th century. During the Art Deco period of the 1920s and ’30s, it became a symbol of movement, glamour, and modernity—appearing in architecture, textiles, jewellery, and fashion.
In the 1960s and ’70s, chevron prints were everywhere – in fashion, interiors, and graphics – often paired with bold, psychedelic colours. Chevron knits and homeware became hallmarks of Italian fashion house Missoni.
Meanwhile, herringbone continued its quietly elegant course – especially in tailoring. Harris Tweed calls its signature herringbone weaves “possibly the loveliest tweeds in the world.”
Chevron and herringbone – here and now in the home
As we’ve seen, chevron and herringbone have stood the test of time. They remain stylish and versatile today, fitting easily into both traditional and contemporary interiors – on floors, walls, textiles, and more (not forgetting lampshades and lamp bases).
Chevrons bring energy and rhythm to a space, particularly when used on walls, fabrics and accessories. Herringbone, with its understated elegance, suits everything from curtains and upholstery to tiled splashbacks and parquet floors.
Zigzaggery at Pooky
We’re diving straight in with our Chevrons straight empire shade, a block-printed cotton lampshade that features a vertical chevron pattern, edged with solid colour tape. This is the deep, rich crimson version; Chevrons is also available in caramel and eau-de-nil.
The chevron is a traditional ikat pattern and our zigzag ikat lampshades are Pooky favourites. This striking black and white version is ideal for a streamlined contemporary space; it is also available in a strong orange and both colours come in lots of different sizes.
Simply charming or charmingly simple? Our Krysto ceramic table lamp has a nicely straightforward, horizontal zigzag pattern that really stands out in all the right ways.
Or how about Jaggery, in navy and off-white bone tile? It features an elegant pattern of zigzag geometry and makes quite a statement.
And if you’re wondering whether herringbone has a place in Pooky’s world, look no further than our fabulous straight empire lampshade range by Matthew Williamson. Colour wizard, Matthew, has added vibrant colours (it’s available in blue or pink), which offer the perfect contemporary combination: a traditional, classic pattern teamed with bold, confident colour.
Chevron and herringbone patterns carry centuries of style in their sharp, rhythmic lines. Whether you favour the bold energy of chevrons or the quiet elegance of herringbone, these timeless motifs bring structure, texture and movement to a space – and we think they’ll look right at home in yours.
Browse all our lights and shades – and find your own favourite patterns – here.
