Herringbone Tiles

Herringbone mosaic tiles are small rectangular pieces arranged in a repeating V-shaped or zigzag pattern. The tiles usually come pre-mounted on a mesh backing sheet, so the classic angled layout is already set for you. This makes them far quicker to fit than laying individual bricks by hand, whilst still giving that traditional herringbone look on walls and floors.

Both patterns use angled tiles, but the tile shapes are different. Herringbone uses standard rectangles laid at 90-degree angles to each other, creating a staggered zigzag with jagged edges along the border. Chevron tiles have angled ends cut at 45 degrees so they meet in a clean point, forming a continuous V-shape. Herringbone is the more traditional of the two and is easier to lay because the tiles don't need precision-cut ends to line up.

The most common brick sizes are around 23×48mm and 48×98mm, though this varies by product. Smaller bricks create a more detailed, intricate pattern that works well on splashbacks and compact surfaces, while larger bricks give a bolder look and suit bigger walls and floors. Check the dimensions on each product page to make sure the scale suits your space.

You can use them on kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls, shower enclosures, and feature walls throughout your home. The mesh-backed sheets suit most flat, dry interior surfaces once properly prepared. For wet areas like showers, check the individual tile is rated for that use and seal the grout well. Natural stone versions may need extra sealing before and after grouting.

You can trim the mesh backing with a sharp utility knife to remove whole tiles, then cut individual pieces with a tile cutter or wet saw for a clean edge. Plan your layout first so the cut tiles fall at the least visible edges, such as behind appliances or in corners. Dry-lay a few sheets before fixing to check the pattern lines up across joins.

A matching grout keeps the surface looking seamless and lets the pattern read as one block, whilst a contrasting grout makes each tile stand out and emphasises the zigzag. Grey or beige tones are the most forgiving and hide marks well in kitchens and bathrooms. Test a small area first, as darker grout can dull very light tiles.

Measure the area in square metres, then add roughly 10% extra for cuts, wastage and future repairs. Each product page lists the sheet size and coverage, so divide your total area by the coverage per sheet to get the number of sheets. Order all your sheets in one go where possible, since batches can vary slightly in shade.

They're manageable for a confident DIYer because the mesh backing holds the pattern in place, removing the tricky job of angling each tile by hand. The main things to get right are a level starting line, even adhesive coverage and consistent spacing between sheets. If you're tiling a large floor or a wet room, a professional tiler will give the most reliable finish.

Use a flexible, white rapid-set adhesive for glass and light-coloured stone, as grey adhesive can show through translucent or pale materials. Porcelain and ceramic herringbone sheets work fine with a standard flexible tile adhesive. For natural stone, choose an adhesive recommended for that specific stone type, as some marbles and travertines can discolour with cement-based products. Always use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive evenly and press the sheets firmly to avoid hollow spots.

Yes, our Sample Service means you can see the colour, finish and scale of the tiles in your own space before committing to a full order. Checking a sample under your actual lighting is the best way to judge how the tile will look, as screens rarely capture stone veining or glaze tones accurately.