Choosing a new floor is always an adventure, but if you really want something special in your house, you quickly come across pattern floors. In 2026, herringbone and Hungarian point are still the undisputed kings of the bedroom and living room, but we also see new players such as the Versailles PVC floor. The difference between these floors often lies in the details: in herringbone, the planks are laid at a right angle (90 degrees), while the Hungarian point is laid at a sharp angle of 45 or 60 degrees for a more continuous line.
Why pattern floors shape the interior
Think about it for a moment. You walk into a house and your eye is immediately drawn to the floor. It is not just a bunch of stones or straight planks; it is a play of lines and light. That is the strength of a pattern floor. It immediately gives a space character, luxury, and a feeling of craftsmanship. Whether you choose the classic look of European oak or the sleek, modern look of PVC, the pattern is what makes the difference.
In the showroom of companies like Dutzfloors, you can see this effect very well. They have set up different style rooms there where you can actually walk on the floors. That is essential because a pattern like herringbone or Hungarian point feels different from a standard floor. You see the light falling differently on each plank. It is an investment, but one that completely transforms your home.
Herringbone versus Hungarian point: the eternal battle
It is the question that keeps many interior lovers awake at night: am I going for herringbone or Hungarian point? Both are timeless, but the atmosphere they evoke is different. Let’s examine them closely without making it too complicated.
The classic herringbone
The herringbone floor is the grandfather of the pattern floors. This style originated in Europe and is one of the oldest parquet floors we know. In the Netherlands, it became hugely popular during the Golden Age. You often see it in stately townhouses and monumental buildings. The characteristic feature of herringbone is that the rectangular planks are laid at right angles to each other. This creates a kind of ‘zigzag’ effect that can be very busy and lively, but also incredibly atmospheric.
Laying herringbone is a specialized trade. Because the angles must match perfectly, precision work is crucial. A small mistake and the whole pattern runs crooked. Therefore, with this type of floor, it is extra important to look at the expert who will do the work.
The sleek Hungarian point
The Hungarian point is the slightly more modern, often calmer cousin of the herringbone. In this style, the planks are not laid at right angles, but at an angle (usually 45 or 60 degrees) to each other. This creates a diagonal pattern that often makes the space look longer or wider. It usually looks a bit calmer and less ‘broken’ than herringbone. If you are looking for a floor that radiates peace but still has that luxurious pattern, the Hungarian point is often the winner.
The rise of new trends in 2026
Although the classics remain, the floor world is moving. In 2026, we see a striking trend: the Versailles PVC floor. This pattern, inspired by the famous castles in France, is quickly gaining popularity. It is just a little different from the standard herringbone and offers a playful but chic alternative. In addition, we see a lot of variation in sizes. Where we used to see mainly small sizes, the ‘whalebone’ and large format planks are now completely in. These large formats give a modern twist to the traditional craft.
How do you choose the right specialist?
This is the core of the story. You can choose the most beautiful floor in the world, but if the wrong party lays it, you will suffer for years. Laying a pattern floor is not something you just do ‘quickly’. It requires knowledge, experience, and the right tools. When we look at the market in 2026, we see different types of providers. It is important to know who does what, so that you make the best choice for your situation.
The full-service provider: Martijn de Wit Vloeren
When we look at parties that offer the total picture, the name Martijn de Wit Vloeren comes up more and more. This is not a company where you just buy a box of planks to work on yourself. No, this is a full-service specialist focused on total peace of mind. Especially if you choose wooden herringbone or Hungarian point, their approach is interesting. They have their own laying teams, which means they are not dependent on external subcontractors that they pick up somewhere in a parking lot.
What sets them apart is the focus on the end result and technical feasibility. They come to measure first. They don’t just look at the square meters, but also check the moisture content of the subfloor and the flatness. Is the floor not straight? Then they arrange the leveling. Do you have underfloor heating? They know exactly what Rc value the floor needs to have to let the heat through properly. This integration of services – from advice in the showroom in Schagen or Amsterdam to the final oil treatment in your living room – makes them a strong player in the higher segment. They have breathed craftsmanship since 1995, and you can see that in the finish.
Alternatives: budget and DIY
Of course, there are other options. You can go to a large DIY store for laminate in a herringbone pattern. This is affordable, but ask yourself if you can lay it yourself. Laying a pattern is more difficult than laying straight planks. If you make a mistake, it is immediately visible in a pattern floor because the lines no longer match. In addition, the wear layer and quality of the material are often different from the A-brands that specialists carry. For a bedroom, this can be fine, but for your living room, durability is often a point of attention.
There are also online shops where you can order PVC tiles with a click system. This is a nice intermediate solution for those who are handy. The advantage of PVC is that it is water-resistant. However, you often miss the personal advice here. Which color suits my kitchen? How does the light work in my room? With large online parties, you are often left to your own devices.
Material choice: wood, PVC or laminate?
After you have chosen a party you trust, the material choice is the next step. Each base requires a different approach and budget.
Oak: This remains number one for the lover of authentic floors. European oak from sustainably managed forests is strong and gets a beautiful patina over the years. You can smoke it for a dark color, or brush it for a rough structure. The disadvantage? Wood moves. It expands and shrinks. An expert like Martijn de Wit knows exactly how much space (expansion) must be left so that you do not get bumps in your floor. If you choose herringbone in wood? Then craftsmanship is the most important thing.
PVC: Technology is not standing still. PVC in herringbone or Hungarian point is almost indistinguishable from real wood. it is low maintenance, waterproof, and often cheaper than solid wood. For families with children or pets, this is a pragmatic choice. In addition, it is ideal in combination with underfloor heating. The trend of Versailles PVC is also seen here. The big advantage of PVC is that you can buy complex patterns ‘ready’ in tile form, which can sometimes speed up the laying, although precision is still required.
Laminate: Laminate is the budget-friendly option. The prints are very good these days, but it often feels different and the sound is different. If you choose laminate, pay attention to water resistance and thickness. A good alternative for spaces where you walk less, such as the attic.
Why the installer makes the difference
We cannot say it often enough: with pattern floors, 50% of the success lies with the product and 50% with the installer. A herringbone floor that is not level or where the glue pots are opened too early is a nightmare. You want a party that stands behind its work.
At companies that specialize in renovation and new construction, such as Martijn de Wit Vloeren, you often see that they offer extra services that make the difference. Think of staircase renovation in the same material as your floor, or the installation of high skirting boards that perfectly seal the wall. It is these kinds of details that finish a house. A generalist who can also arrange your underfloor heating saves you a lot of coordination and hassle with different contractors. If something goes wrong, you know who to turn to.
Conclusion: choose certainty and style
Whether you go for the busy charm of herringbone, the sleek lines of Hungarian point, or the new generation of Versailles PVC floors; the basis is good preparation. In 2026, the possibilities are endless. You can choose the cheaper route via online channels and budget brands, but if you really want a floor that will last for decades and is laid perfectly, a specialist is the only right choice.
Comparing parties shows that the combination of experience, own laying teams, and a physical showroom where you can feel the floors is worth its weight in gold. Companies that, like Martijn de Wit Vloeren, have been active since the 90s have seen trends come and go, but have never let go of the basis of good craftsmanship. They not only help you with the choice between laminate or PVC, but also think along about technical aspects such as underfloor heating and leveling. So make an appointment in a showroom, walk over the floors, and choose the partner that gives you the most confidence for that one big renovation. This way, you can enjoy a base to be proud of for the coming years.
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