Nelson de Vloerenspecialist

·Patterns·5 min read

Two patterns, two characters

Herringbone and Hungarian point are both classic parquet patterns. They are often mentioned in the same breath, and often confused. Yet they are two totally different things, each with its own visual effect.

Herringbone: rectangular and symmetrical

With herringbone, the planks are cut straight at both ends. They are laid so that they meet at right angles (90°), each offset by half a plank. This creates the familiar "fishbone" pattern, as if the skin of a fish with regular stripes points upwards.

Herringbone is dynamic, striking and gives your floor a retro elegance. Thanks to the clear direction of the planks, you can make a room appear visually longer or wider, depending on how you choose the main direction.

Hungarian point: cut at an angle

With Hungarian point, the plank ends are cut at an angle, usually 45° or 60°. As a result, two planks connect seamlessly in a continuous V shape, without the offset you see with herringbone.

The result: a calm, flowing pattern that makes the room look longer and more elegant. Hungarian point has a somewhat more classic, stately appearance, perfect for modern penthouses or classic mansions.

Which do you choose?

• Herringbone if you love: playful movement, retro appearance, a floor that stands out. Works well in both classic and modern interiors.
• Hungarian point if you love: calm, continuous lines, an understated stately atmosphere. Fits beautifully with minimalist or design-oriented interiors.

What about price and lead time?

Hungarian point is usually slightly more expensive than herringbone. The diagonal cuts cause more cutting waste (±14% vs. ±12%) and the installation demands even more precision. For an average living room we calculate 1-2 extra working days compared to a straight installation.

The installer makes the difference

Both patterns are craftsmanship. A millimetre too far at the start means a few centimetres of shift at the end. That is why an experienced parquet layer is crucial, at Nelson we have installed both patterns hundreds of times. Come by for a live example in the showroom.