Parquet's association with grand old houses and period interiors is real, but the assumption that it's stuck in the past isn't. Rather than just asserting parquet "will never go out of style," it's worth actually answering the question with what's currently happening in flooring trends.
Getting the history right first
Parquet's story doesn't begin at Versailles, even though that's the association most people reach for. The pattern was already established in France by the 16th century, with one of the earliest documented examples laid at the Château de Fontainebleau in 1539. The specific, highly decorative Parquet de Versailles pattern came later, in 1684, giving one particular design its famous name rather than marking parquet's actual beginning. It moved from an aristocratic luxury to something far more widely accessible over the centuries that followed.
So, is it actually in style right now?
Yes, and there's real evidence behind that answer rather than just a hopeful claim. Herringbone and traditional parquet layouts are seeing a genuine resurgence, in some cases overtaking the chevron patterns that dominated in recent years. Warmer, richer tones like honey and chestnut are replacing the pale and grey-washed looks that had dominated for a while, matte finishes have taken over from high gloss, and oversized patterns using wider, longer planks are giving parquet a bolder, more contemporary scale than the smaller, traditional blocks of the past. Our guide to what's new in parquet flooring covers this in full detail, and our piece on current oak parquet flooring trends goes further into specific tone and texture choices.
Why it holds up even when trends shift
This is the more honest version of "timeless." Parquet isn't immune to changing tastes any more than any other flooring, but it has a genuine advantage most other options don't: a solid or thick-veneer engineered floor can be sanded back and refinished in a completely different tone, texture or sheen without replacing the underlying floor. That's part of why parquet keeps reappearing across different design eras rather than being tied to one specific period look. It's less that it never changes and more that it can change with you.
Genuine variety, not just pattern
Parquet's range goes well beyond the pattern itself. Herringbone, chevron, basketweave, brick bond and more each bring a different geometric character, and every one of them is available across a wide range of wood species, colours, textures and grades, meaning no two parquet floors end up looking quite the same. Our guide to wood flooring patterns covers the full range if you're weighing up options.
Built to last
A well-maintained parquet floor can last decades, sometimes a century or more with proper care, and unlike most flooring, wear doesn't mean replacement. Sanding and refinishing strips away scratches, dents and a tired finish, bringing the floor back close to its original condition rather than requiring it to be torn out.
Easy to maintain, without exaggeration
Routine care is simple: vacuum regularly using a soft-bristle attachment or hard-floor setting to avoid fine scratches, and use a damp mop with a wood-specific cleaner for anything more stubborn. Water is the one thing to be careful with, so keep it to a minimum during cleaning. Our guide to parquet wood floor cleaning covers the full routine, including when a deeper clean or professional refinish is worth considering.
If you're weighing up parquet for a current project and want it to feel of-the-moment rather than dated, our parquet floor fitting team can talk through species, pattern and finish that suit where the trends are heading now. Get in touch for a free quote whenever you're ready.
Frequently asked questions
Is herringbone really more popular than chevron right now? Current design coverage does lean toward herringbone regaining ground on chevron, though both remain popular choices with long track records. It's worth choosing based on which look you actually prefer rather than chasing whichever is marginally more fashionable this year.
If I install parquet now, will it look dated in ten years? Trends will shift, as they always do, but a solid or thick-veneer engineered floor can be resanded and refinished in a different tone or finish later without replacing it. That flexibility is part of what's kept parquet relevant across so many different design eras.
Does an older, existing parquet floor need to be replaced to feel current? Often not, since refinishing in a current tone or a lower-sheen finish can bring an older floor much closer to today's look without a full replacement. It's worth having the floor assessed before assuming a full replacement is necessary.
Is parquet suitable for a strictly modern, minimalist interior? Yes, particularly with a pale, uniform tone and a smaller-scale pattern, which reads as clean geometric texture rather than a busy, dominant feature. Herringbone and brick bond both tend to suit minimalist spaces well.
Do all parquet patterns trend the same way, or does it vary by pattern? It varies. Herringbone and chevron currently get the most attention, while basketweave and Versailles panel patterns have a steadier, less trend-driven following tied more to specific interior styles than current fashion.
