PQ Ceramics

Rectangular coverings offer different possible positions to be adopted in the installation, such as fish scale and herringbone layouts.

Both feature the zigzag pattern, which is gaining ground and becoming a trend in decoration. This style has a more dynamic and versatile profile and can be used in different ways and in different environments in an interior project.

Fish scale and herringbone layouts are well known. They look very similar and are therefore often confused, but the main difference is the angle of application in relation to the wall.

Ask your questions below!

Remember: what is floor layout?

Floor layout refers to the planning of how a floor covering should be applied in a room. It allows you to create different directions and designs so that each piece fits into the space with maximum benefit.

The main types of layout include aligned, vertical, horizontal and zigzag. Your choice will depend on the shape, color, design and cut of each piece, as well as the measurements of the area where the tiles will be laid.

What is the difference between fish scale and fish bone?

The main difference between fish scale and herringbone tiling is the angle at which the tiles are laid, with reference to the wall. This applies to both floors and walls.

In both types of layout, two tiles are installed at an angle of 45º to each other. The angle to the wall is 90º for fish scale and 45º for herringbone.

Because of these characteristics, herringbone is often the preferred layout for brick walls or subway tiles, for example. Fish scale, on the other hand, is often seen on floors, especially on sidewalks with drainage surfaces.

Learn more about the characteristics of each type below.

Fish scale layout

Sidewalk ramp with fish scale drainage floor — Fish scale is a common application on sidewalks, ramps and outdoor areas(Project: Luan Corrêa Alves / Photo: Meriele Stang Fotografias)

In the fish scale layout, the tiles are interspersed horizontally and vertically, forming 45º angles between them. They form a 90º angle to the wall and, visually, their fittings create continuous L letters.

This type of pattern goes well with a more retro decor, as it was often used to install parquet flooring - a wooden material often used in the past to cover floors.

Fish scale is ideal for rooms where you want to emphasize spaciousness. In addition, when calculating the number of pieces needed at the time of purchase, it is necessary to take into account the 30% loss due to the cut-outs.

Herringbone layout

Bathroom countertop in a neutral tone with green wall cladding in herringbone pattern — The herringbone layout adds creativity and transforms the room's decor(Project: Doma Arquitetura / Photo: Dâmaris Mol Marcelo)

This type of flooring has similar characteristics to fish scale flooring. The difference is that the tiles are installed at a 45º angle to the walls. In this way, they run diagonally across the room and visually form a letter V when fitted.

This pattern enhances the height of the walls and gives the room a classic and contemporary look. As with the other zigzag pattern, the 30% loss must be taken into account when calculating the quantity for each room.

Ideas for using these types of layouts

Now that you've understood the difference between fish scale and herringbone patterns, check out some interior projects in which these patterns are used:

In the bathroom cladding

Bathroom cladding offers endless possibilities. This is because the room is usually humid, requiring material from the floor to the ceiling - especially when the space has a bathing area.

As well as mixing different floor positions, you can harmonize colors and textures when choosing the finish. Using a herringbone pattern on a shower wall, for example, will create a distinctive texture in your bathroom.

Bathroom all in white with gold metals — Tiling gives the bathroom a modern style(Project: Myriam Anselmo Interiores)

For a retro and romantic look, the best bet is to combine two colors of tiles that harmonize, such as white and pink or even green.

On the kitchen wall

White and light tones are the favorites when it comes to covering kitchen walls. For those who want to follow this tradition and don't like prominent colors, using a different layout is a great option.

Both fish scale and herringbone patterns create a super-discreet effect on the wall above the worktop. The option is to use a mixture of light colors and create subtle visual points or even create a gradient of tones that harmonize with each other.

Kitchen with white fish scale walls. White furniture. — The cladding in the kitchen creates a harmonious effect with the decor(Project: MN Arquitetura e Interiores / Photo: João Friederichs)

On the living room floor

The herringbone pattern and fish scale pattern bring movement and elegance to the living room floor. Wood-inspired porcelain t iles are the best choice for this room, as they reproduce the nuances of the natural material.

With this same piece, we can create a living room with a contemporary and modern style. All you have to do is mix coverings with lighter and darker shades of wood.

Spacious living room in a contemporary-style house with wood panelling in light and dark tones and fish scale pattern. — Herringbone cladding gives a sophisticated and modern effect(Project: Anderson Assis)

In the bedroom

Herringbone layout can also be used in the bedroom. Creating a half-wall behind the bed with cladding, for example, not only gives a distinctive effect, but also replaces the headboard.

And the colors of the flooring can vary: shades of gray are among the favorites of modern decor. In double bedrooms, the classic wood-inspired flooring is a favorite.

Bedroom with herringbone layout, a bed with a white and gray comforter. — Herringbone layout makes the bedroom charming(Project: Nathália Montans)

Finishing a room is one of the most important stages in a construction or renovation project and the layout of the floor makes all the difference. Today, we take a closer look at how fish scale and herringbone can be used in certain spaces.

‍

Fish scale and herringbone layouts: understand the difference