Special Hungarian point and herringbone pattern in LVT, PVC, and vinyl

HUNGARIAN ITALIANS

SPLENDID VINTAGE INTERIORS AVAILABLE FOR THE MODAL FAIR

Photo – Tarkett In previous editions we’ve outlined how fashions from bygone days are emerging everywhere in the interior. As for floors, this certainly applies to the special fitting patterns herringbone and Hungarian point. Originally, they were very expensive wooden floor coverings, but now there are plenty of alternatives in the shape of PVC, vinyl, and LVT to give the look of centuries ago a new lease of life.

We’ve explained the difference between both the original and modern versions on various occasions. We’ve not only clarified how synthetic alternatives have the asset of being remarkably thin (ideal for renovation projects), but also we’ve shown how easy they are to fit. These floors have a click system, so the fitting is a lot less time consuming. Perhaps the main thing is that the look equates so closely to the original that you have to pay really close attention to the floor to see the difference clearly.

What was the origin?

What we’ve hardly covered, if at all, is the origin of these special design floors. You might think spontaneously of France, but nothing could be further from the truth. We have established that herringbone is the older of the two, with its origins in Italy, whilst it appears that Hungarian point certainly doesn’t come from Hungary. Its origins, too, lie in Italy.

Before we go back a few centuries in time, let’s outline briefly what both patterns look like. First of all, it is noticeable how much they resemble each other, and yet that’s not really the case. Actually, in both cases you can speak of herringbone, whilst Hungarian point (also sometimes called Chevron) is then regarded as a variant.

It boils down to the fact that both floors comprise wood pieces of the same size fitted synchronously in a zigzag pattern. Herringbone planks, like engineered parquet, are rectangular and may or may not fit each other with tongue and groove. In turn, Hungarian point is sawn mitred, so planks lie against each other to form a perfect point. Compare the look of that second floor with traditional sergeant stripes on the sleeve of a non-commissioned officer and you get a good idea.

Herringbone: first half of the 16th century

Both floors have a timeless character, due mainly to the zigzag pattern, which was first used by the Romans. They discovered they could build more solid roads by pointing the stones in the direction of the traffic. In the middle ages, this same zigzag pattern made its way into the interior, but it wasn’t until the 16th century that it was used for wooden floors. Herringbone is the oldest one. We find the first specimens of it in the first half of the 16th century. We find a good example in a floor developed in 1539 by Italian specialists for Galerie François Premier in Fontainebleau Castle by order of King François I. Hungarian point is from later in the same century, but, like herringbone, it also took up a place in stately palaces and castles. Since the French masses were charmed by this floor (interestingly enough under the name ‘bâtons rompus’), people tend to think that it originated in France.

Princess Elizabeth

We know that Hungarian point, too, originated in Italy. The link with Hungary came through a certain Princess Elizabeth of Hungary, who often travelled to Italy. Amongst other things, the princess often travelled to Perugia, saw there how the pattern was gaining popularity in large country houses, palaces, and castles and she took this design home with her.

As we’ve said, herringbone and Hungarian point soon caught on in France, but the really spectacular growth of both floors takes us back to the 18th and 19th centuries during the so called Haussmann era. In Paris in particular at that time, a large part of the city was rebuilt and scores of apartments were fitted with herringbone and floors with Hungarian point.

Two specialists

Parquetvinyl by Lamett

A floor in herringbone design is posh and elegant; a classic which is right back in fashion and this time for good. Do you want that typical sphere in your interior? Parquetvinyl makes this possible without having to spend huge sums of money. Herringbone floors are available in six colours and two styles. The Sava collection is a timeless and tranquil floor in natural colours. Yukon has rather more oomph and is also available in stylish grey or dark brown. Moreover, the Yukon collection planks have a deep and realistic wood structure, so you almost forget that it’s not real parquet. The herringbone floors are available in sizes 123 x 615mm. You can fit a parquet vinyl herringbone floor perfectly well yourself! This is due to the easy click system and the clear fitting instructions and video. Moreover, the planks have an integrated subfloor. And so, you can be sure that this smoothes out any minor unevenness, helps you to work very quickly, and absorbs the sound. You can see it on their new web site www.parquetvinyl.be

Tarkett

Herringbone and Hungarian point floors are very popular at the moment, both for homes and offices. Both looks shape your floor and lend themselves perfectly to different materials, such as LVT. The most common size in LVT (vinyl) for these patterns is 50-10 cm. Other sizes are available from Tarkett, either made to measure or in other materials, such as wood, laminate, and carpet tiles. Installing herringbone is easier than Hungarian point because Hungarian point works with left and right planks. Tarkett always provides a handy installation manual for installing complex patterns. With a herringbone, your floorboards lie obliquely at an angle of 90 degrees. This allows you to create a timeless and atmospheric appearance. The Hungarian point lies obliquely at an angle of 45/60 degrees. This creates a sleeker quiet look. Both patterns are available from Tarkett on request. Those who prefer more complex patterns can opt for the iD Mixonomi and iD Mixonomi Jewels assortment. Another technique frequently used in Tarkett's various collections is embossing. Ordinary embossing has a relief in the vinyl plank, but this is not identical to the print or the design of the wood. In addition, there is EIR (Embossing in Register). EIR is a technique that copies the exact groove structure of the wood print onto vinyl planks. This provides an exceptionally realistic finish. The embossing does not affect the installation process. info.be@tarkett.com