What Is Parquet Flooring? Designs, Types, and Benefits
June 20, 2025
Parquet wood flooring has been popular for quite some time now, all thanks to the many eye-catching and decorative patterns it has to offer. You can use parquet patterns in your kitchen or in any part of your house.
Due to its popularity, you may have heard about parquet floors but wonder what they really are. What is parquet wood flooring and what are the different types of parquet flooring designs? Here’s everything you need to know:
What Is Parquet Flooring
Parquet wood flooring is a type of flooring made up of small wooden blocks or strips arranged in a geometric or decorative pattern. In simple terms, it consists of small strips of wood that are arranged into patterns.
Parquet flooring became popular throughout the 1600s in France and has since gained popularity all over the world. It remains popular today due to its distinctive aesthetics, durability, and classic style.
Types of Parquet Flooring Design
Parquet flooring is known for its intricate patterns and textures, which add depth and style to any room of your house. There are many types of parquet flooring patterns, but here are the most common and popular parquet flooring patterns:
| Parquet Design | Pattern Description |
| Herringbone | Classic V-shaped zig-zag using straight-end blocks, timeless and elegant |
| Mosaic or Brick | Uniform thin strips arranged in squares for a neat, classic look |
| Versailles | Interwoven squares and diagonals form a regal, statement-making pattern |
| Chevron | Angled 45° ends form a sharp V, creating a seamless, flowing effect |
| Basketweave | Rectangular planks interlace for a woven, textured design |
| Checkerboard | Alternating square blocks in a grid layout for a clean, bold style |
| Chantilly | Framed squares with plus-sign motifs add motion and artistic flair |
Herringbone
Herringbone is the most popular type of parquet flooring design. It was named for its resemblance to the skeletal structure of the herring fish. The herringbone pattern dates back to Ancient Rome, where it was first used in road construction before becoming a popular flooring design.
Herringbone is a zigzag pattern using rectangular blocks or planks with straight ends. Because of its beautiful design, the herringbone pattern remains popular today. It never goes out of style.
Mosaic (or Brick)
The mosaic pattern (or brick) is a classic style where thin wood strips of equal sizes are formed into one square, and squares are placed next to one another to form a pattern. This classic design adds visual interest and a timeless charm to any room. It remains one of the most beloved types of parquet flooring design today.
It’s especially suited for smaller spaces, where its repetitive structure can make the room feel organized and visually balanced.
Versailles
Parquet flooring has been around for centuries, and this pattern was famously used in the hallways of the Palace of Versailles. This design includes interlacing diagonals and square panels. It features a large central square that’s surrounded by smaller squares and triangles.
This pattern forms an intricate, interwoven design of squares and diagonals, adding an elegant, regal touch to interiors, making it one of the grandest parquet styles.
Chevron
Second in pattern popularity is the chevron pattern. It’s similar to the herringbone pattern, but the ends of each plank are cut at a 45° angle to create a true V-shape.
In the chevron pattern, diagonal planks of the same size meet at a precise V-shape, creating a continuous, flowing effect. This parquet flooring pattern presents a more uniform look, and its advantage is that it can make rooms appear more spacious, making it one of the standout parquet styles for modern homes.
Basketweave
From the name itself, it’s a parquet flooring pattern that gives the appearance of a woven basket. In this design, rectangular blocks are arranged in a woven pattern. Wood planks appear to be interwoven under and over each other, creating a woven basket-like effect.
This pattern mimics the texture of a woven basket, with wood strips interlacing to create a dynamic, textured look. The basketweave pattern has different variations, which include the double basket weave and the square basket weave, perfect examples of versatile parquet styles.
Checkerboard
True to its name, this pattern consists of alternating square wood blocks, creating a striking, uniform grid-like appearance. This is a good choice if you are going for a uniform look for your space and want clean, structured parquet styles.
Chantilly
Chantilly is another classic parquet flooring pattern. Its design consists of a square border made of rectangular planks with the same cuts that surround an interlacing arrangement of plus-sign-shaped patterns. One of the great things about this parquet style is that it adds depth and movement to your space, giving it a lively vibe.
It’s a refined choice for formal areas like dining rooms or entryways, where a touch of classic elegance makes a strong impression.
Parquet Flooring: 5 Key Advantages and Benefits
Here are the advantages and benefits of choosing parquet wood flooring.
1. Wide Range of Patterns and Style
From the different types of parquet flooring design listed above, you can tell that parquet flooring does not lack in style. Parquet flooring comes in a variety of designs and colours, allowing you to achieve a distinctive and elegant look for your space. Its intricate patterns create a striking visual appeal, making a lasting impression on visitors.
Whether you prefer a classic herringbone or a bold Chantilly design, the wide variety of parquet styles allows you to personalize your flooring to match your taste and home aesthetic.
2. Durable and Long-Lasting
Parquet wood flooring does not just offer style and stunning designs; it offers durability as well. Parquet flooring can handle heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for busy areas. It can last for many years with little signs of wear and tear.
Some palaces from the old centuries still have their parquet floors, which further proves that it is long-lasting. It’s an ideal choice for high-traffic, busy households and can withstand the wear often seen with more intricate parquet styles.
3. Ideal for Any Room
You can use it in any part of your house because of its durability and wide range of parquet styles. Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas such as living rooms and kitchens. With various design options, parquet flooring complements any interior style.
From cozy bedrooms to elegant hallways, parquet flooring adapts effortlessly to any room, enhancing the overall ambiance with its rich textures and patterns.
4. Easy to Maintain
Parquet flooring is easy to clean. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, and dry mopping keep parquet styles looking pristine. Just as with other types of flooring, you can prevent scratches by placing rugs and mats over your parquet floors.
Thanks to its durable surface and low-maintenance needs, parquet flooring is perfect for homeowners who want both beauty and practicality without constant upkeep.
5. Allergen-Friendly Flooring
Parquet flooring does not trap dust or allergens, making it a healthier choice for allergy sufferers. Unlike some other flooring options, it resists dust accumulation and does not absorb allergens, ensuring cleaner indoor air, another reason to consider the many types of parquet flooring design available.
Its smooth, sealed surface not only repels allergens but also makes it easier to maintain a healthier indoor environment for families with children or pets.
Choosing the Right Parquet Style for Your Space
Parquet flooring combines beauty, durability, and design flexibility, allowing you to transform any room with patterns that reflect your personal style. From timeless classics to bold modern layouts, the right parquet style can effortlessly elevate your home, and flooring specialists like Nordic Homeworx can offer the support and selection to bring your ideas to life.
Parquet flooring offers more than just surface appeal; it brings timeless design, durability, and character into every room. With a wide range of patterns and flooring options to choose from, it’s easy to find a look that perfectly complements your space and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parquet flooring real wood?
Yes, parquet flooring is made from real wood, typically hardwood species like oak, walnut, or maple. Some modern versions use engineered wood for added durability.
Can parquet flooring be refinished?
Yes, solid wood parquet can be sanded and refinished multiple times. However, an engineered parquet can only be refinished a few times, depending on the thickness of the top wood layer.
Is parquet flooring suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
Parquet flooring can be used in kitchens but requires proper sealing to protect against moisture. It’s not recommended for bathrooms due to high humidity levels.
Does parquet flooring scratch easily?
Like other hardwood floors, parquet can scratch if not properly maintained. Using furniture pads, rugs, and regular cleaning can help prevent damage.
How is parquet flooring installed?
Parquet flooring can be glued down, nailed, or installed as a floating floor with a click-lock system, depending on the type and manufacturer.
Can I install parquet flooring over existing tiles?
Yes, parquet flooring can be installed over tiles if the surface is even, clean, and dry. A suitable underlayment may be required for stability.
How do I clean and maintain parquet floors?
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and debris. Use a damp (not wet) mop with a wood-safe cleaner and avoid excessive moisture to prevent damage.
Is parquet flooring a good idea?
Yes, parquet flooring is a good idea because it combines long-lasting durability with elegant, eye-catching patterns that enhance the visual appeal of any space.
Are parquet floors expensive?
Parquet floors can be more expensive than regular flooring due to their design and installation, but prices vary depending on the material and pattern.
How long can parquet flooring last?
Parquet flooring can last for several decades, or even over a century, if well-maintained. Solid wood options offer greater longevity than engineered varieties.
