The difference between herringbone and Hungarian point flooring? Dadawood explains it to you.
They are two striking classics in the wood-flooring world: the herringbone and the Hungarian point. Both floor patterns exhibit the sought-after zigzag, yet they are slightly different. Dadawood is happy to explain the differences. You can also easily see for yourself how both patterns look in different sizes in a home using the online design studio on Dadawood’s website.
The origin of herringbone and Hungarian point
The zigzag pattern was first used by Romans who discovered that roads could be built much more stable by pointing the stones in the direction of traffic. The zigzag pattern found its way into interior design in the Middle Ages, but it was not used in wood floors until the 16th century.
One of the first examples of a wooden herringbone pattern can be seen at Galerie François-Ier in Château de Fontainebleau. The floor was designed and installed by Italian craftsmen hired by King Francis I in 1539. From the 17th century to the second half of the 18th century, the popularity of parquet flooring reached a peak. Wood patterned floors were laid in castles, palaces and the homes of nobility and empire throughout Western Europe.
Parisian flair
Herringbone and Hungarian Point floors remained a popular choice into the 19th century. In Paris during the Haussmann era, when much of the city was being rebuilt, many new apartments received herringbone or Hungarian point parquet flooring. It explains our association of these patterned floors with typical Parisian apartments.
After World War II, the popularity of wood floors declined sharply. The advent of synthetic fibers made carpets an inexpensive flooring solution, and hardwood was considered obsolete. It wasn’t until the 1990s that wood floors became popular again.
Both patterned floors consist of equal pieces of wood, right?
Yes indeed, and the zigzag pattern is also the same. It is the angle that makes the difference. The herringbone has a broken zigzag, while the Hungarian point ends in straight lanes. Visually, it makes the pattern a little quieter than the herringbone.
A broken zigzag? Explain that again.
In a herringbone pattern, the planks are first cut into perfect rectangles and then laid alternately at a 90-degree angle. The ends of left and right sections form a broken herringbone.
Does a herringbone look more modern than a Hungarian point?
No. Both herringbone and Hungarian point work wonders for sleek modern interiors. Both patterned floors give a room a sense of warmth and luxury. The wider and longer the planks the more modern the floor looks. At Dadawood, herringbone and Hungarian point floors come in sizes 12×60, 14×70, 16×80, 18x90cm. If you want an extra modern look, choose the 18x90cm!
Can I still personalize a herringbone or Hungarian point?
There are numerous options to customize these patterns to your specific needs: think wide or narrow planks, as well as planks with an even appearance or, on the contrary, planks with knots and color variations. At Dadawood, this wood selection is called Character. Pattern flooring from the Character selection creates a nice contrasting effect in interiors – it fits well with townhouses, industrial lofts and chic interiors.
Is patterned flooring inherently unsettled?
The pattern always adds value to the space. Choosing a Herringbone or Hungarian Point floor with large planks, an even wood grading, and minimal processing gives you the most tranquil effect. At Dadawood, we call this wood selection Pure. This type of patterned flooring works well in large spaces and sleek modern interiors.
Which space is best suited for which pattern?
Both patterned floors were originally laid in large rooms. It is a floor with impact, and without a doubt a special style element in the interior. Aside from your taste and the size of the home, whether this type of flooring also suits your interior is determined by the size of the planks you choose. A herringbone parquet with small, short planks gives a very different look than a patterned floor built from long wide planks. How to choose? Dadawood is happy to help. Get in touch and get advice from wood-interior specialists, or try it out yourself in the online design studio.
About Dadawood
Dadawood is a Dutch manufacturer and webshop of wooden floors with a showroom in Amsterdam. The company builds on decades of experience in producing, crafting and delivering quality wood floors. No stores, no middlemen and no warehouses. But it does: a high-quality range at a favorable price, and an inspiring online design studio where you can put together and purchase your ideal wood floor based on your dream interior.