The herringbone brick pattern is a design that’s anything but a passing trend—it’s a style staple that brings a serious dose of sophistication and a playful zigzag energy to any space. You’ve probably spotted it everywhere, from the chic floors of historic brownstones to the cozy kitchens of modern farmhouses, and that’s because herringbone effortlessly straddles the line between classic elegance and contemporary cool. This architectural legacy has stood the test of time, proving its versatility and enduring appeal.
While we see this iconic pattern gracing everything from luxurious marble tiles and sleek subway tile backsplashes to warm wood floors, its most time-honored and beloved application is undoubtedly in brickwork. The use of the herringbone pattern in brick dates back centuries, and for good reason! This pattern transforms the humble brick into a dynamic design element, creating visual intrigue and a sense of enduring craftsmanship.
Six Uses and Benefits of the Herringbone Brick Pattern
Whether in residential or commercial settings, you’ll find herringbone brick in a plethora of places, from grand walkways and welcoming patios to soaring vaulted ceilings, cozy fireplace surrounds, and stunning accent walls. It’s a versatile and powerful design choice that proves bricks are for so much more than just a simple wall. Here are six uses and benefits of this incredible pattern that make it the ultimate choice for your next brick project.
Strength and Durability
The herringbone pattern isn’t just for looks; it’s a structural powerhouse. Because the bricks are laid in an interlocking V-shape, they distribute weight and pressure more effectively than a standard running bond pattern. This interlocking design makes herringbone brick highly resistant to shifting, cracking, and vehicle traffic, which is why it’s the gold standard for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial projects. From bustling driveways and public plazas to heavy-duty walkways, this pattern ensures a surface that remains stable and durable for decades.
Timeless Aesthetic Appeal
This pattern offers a classic yet dynamic look that has been in style for centuries. It’s simple, repetitive zigzag creates a powerful sense of movement and visual interest that elevates any space from ordinary to extraordinary. This versatility is precisely why it’s a go-to pattern for designers, as it complements everything from traditional, rustic, and industrial looks to sleek, contemporary designs. When it comes to brick, the herringbone pattern is a popular pick because it transforms a simple rectangular building block into a sophisticated design element. It breaks up the monotony of a standard running bond, allowing a basic and affordable material to be used for high-end aesthetic applications, adding a rich, textural layer without the risk of looking dated.
Versatility Across Spaces and Styles
The herringbone brick pattern is incredibly versatile, proving its use isn’t limited to just one application. You’ll find it creating a stunning focal point in a kitchen backsplash, where the textured V-shapes add character and a custom feel. It’s also the quintessential choice for walkways and patios, creating a welcoming and visually dynamic path. For home exteriors, the pattern can be used to add a grand, European flair to a facade, while a vaulted herringbone pattern ceiling creates a breathtaking architectural feature. This pattern’s adaptability extends to its materials as well. The same herringbone layout can look dramatically different depending on the brick color and mortar. A mix of light and dark bricks creates a high-contrast pattern that feels bold and modern, while a single brick color with a matching mortar provides a more subtle, textured surface. A light-colored mortar will make the distinct zigzag “pop,” emphasizing the pattern, whereas a dark mortar creates a more cohesive, seamless look. This combination of application and material makes herringbone the ultimate design tool.
Visual Direction and Flow
Beyond its eye-catching aesthetic, the angled V-shape of the herringbone pattern naturally guides the eye, creating a strong sense of visual direction. When used in a walkway or hallway, this pattern can make the space feel longer and more expansive, directing traffic and creating a dynamic sense of flow. This visual guidance also has a key accessibility benefit. For individuals with visual impairments, the pattern’s distinct and repeating lines can serve as a valuable visual and tactile cue, helping them navigate a space with greater ease. This makes herringbone not just a beautiful design choice but also an essential element of universal design, creating an inclusive surface that is both stunning and functionally helpful.
Enhanced Drainage
The herringbone brick pattern’s appeal extends far beyond aesthetics, offering significant functionality, particularly in outdoor applications. The unique V-shaped arrangement is a strategic choice for managing water. The angled layout naturally directs rainfall and runoff away from the surface and into the joints, reducing pooling and improving overall drainage. This is a crucial benefit for outdoor areas, such as patios, driveways, and walkways, as it helps prevent water damage and ensures a safer, less slippery surface during wet weather. For interior applications where moisture can still be a concern from spills or humidity, the pattern’s tight, interlocking quality provides a similar functional benefit. The closely set bricks create a highly durable and sealed surface that is difficult for liquids to penetrate, making clean-up a breeze and protecting the subfloor from potential damage.
Easy Upkeep
When installed correctly, the herringbone brick pattern is a remarkably low-maintenance choice, especially in harsh conditions. Its unique V-shaped arrangement is the secret to its resilience. Unlike other patterns where bricks can shift or heave under stress, this superior layout’s weight distribution maintains the brick surface’s stability through heavy vehicle traffic, extreme freeze-thaw cycles, and relentless use. This durability means you’ll spend less time on costly and frequent repairs. The tightly packed brick joints also act as a natural defense, making it significantly more difficult for weeds to take root and grow. With its robust construction, routine sweeping and an occasional power washing are often all that’s needed to keep your brick surface looking pristine for years to come.
The Iconic Herringbone Brick Pattern As a Lasting Solution
The iconic zigzag layout of the herringbone pattern in brick is far more than a beautiful design. Its interlocking structure provides unparalleled durability and strength for high-traffic areas, while its remarkable versatility allows it to seamlessly elevate any space, from kitchen backsplashes to commercial patios. This makes it a smart and resilient choice for both residential and commercial projects. Ultimately, herringbone pattern brickwork is a perfect fusion of form and function, proving that this timeless look can be a lasting and practical solution for your home and business.
Find Herringbone Pattern Brick Examples at North Georgia Brick
For design inspiration and herringbone pattern examples with North Georgia Brick, visit our Pinterest or reach out to one of our experts at any of our showroom locations in Cumming, Lovejoy, Newnan and Cartersville.
