Of all the parquet patterns, none makes an entrance quite like the Versailles panel. Once reserved for palaces and grand country houses, this most theatrical of floors is enjoying a genuine revival in Britain’s finest homes. Here is the story behind it, and why it works so well in interiors today.

A floor born in a palace

The Versailles panel takes its name from the Palace of Versailles, where it was introduced in the late seventeenth century to replace the marble floors that were forever being damaged by water. The solution was a large square panel of interwoven oak blocks, framed by diagonal borders, grand enough for a palace, yet warmer and quieter underfoot than stone. The design has carried the name ever since.

What makes a Versailles panel

Each panel is a square composed of diagonally woven blocks held within a border, so that the pattern repeats as a series of large, self-contained tiles across the room. It is a world away from a running herringbone: where herringbone draws the eye along, Versailles anchors it, creating a sense of order and grandeur. Because the panels are large and intricate, they are almost always made to order.

Why it is making a comeback

Two things are driving the revival. The first is a renewed appetite for statement floors. Homeowners and designers increasingly want the floor itself to be a feature, not just a backdrop. The second is a wider return to craftsmanship and provenance: a hand-made Versailles floor carries a sense of history and skill that a plain board simply cannot. In a beautifully restored townhouse or a bold contemporary space, a Versailles floor is unforgettable.

Where it works best

Versailles panels reward space and light. They look magnificent in entrance halls, drawing rooms, dining rooms and large reception spaces where the full repeat of the pattern can be appreciated. In smaller rooms the scale can feel cramped, so we often suggest herringbone or chevron there instead. You can compare them all in our guide to parquet patterns.

Species, tone and finish

Traditionally laid in oak, a Versailles floor can be taken in almost any direction by its finish. A pale, natural oil keeps it light and current; a smoked or fumed oak lends drama; a rich stain gives the deep, aged tone of an old country house. As with all our floors, the finish is applied by hand, and we will show you samples in your own light before anything is made.

Made for your home

Because every Versailles panel is built to order, the size of the panel, the block layout, the species and the finish can all be tailored to your room. It is the ultimate bespoke floor, and exactly the kind of project we love. Explore the possibilities on our bespoke flooring page, browse tones in the collection, or get in touch to design a Versailles floor for your home.

Parquet is where a wood floor becomes something more than a surface. The way the blocks are arranged completely changes the feel of a room, from crisp and contemporary to grand and traditional. Here is a guide to the patterns we are asked for most, and where each one works best.

Herringbone

The classic. Rectangular blocks are laid at right angles to form a distinctive zig-zag of interlocking Ls. Herringbone has been used in fine homes for centuries and never dates. It suits almost any room, adds a sense of craft, and works beautifully in both period and modern interiors. Laid in a warm oak, it is timeless; in a smoked or darker finish, it feels wonderfully contemporary.

Chevron

Often confused with herringbone, chevron is subtly different. Here the blocks are cut at an angle and meet point to point, forming continuous, unbroken zig-zag lines that run the length of the room. The effect is more streamlined and elegant, and it can make a space feel longer. Chevron is a favourite in smart, design-led interiors.

Versailles panels

The most grand of all. Versailles panels are large square panels of interwoven blocks, originally designed for the palace itself. They bring real drama and craftsmanship to entrance halls, reception rooms and any space where you want a floor to be a centrepiece. Because each panel is made to order, they are the ultimate bespoke floor.

Basket weave and beyond

Basket weave arranges blocks to look like woven strips, giving a softer, more traditional feel. Beyond these classics, parquet can be laid in brick-bond, double herringbone and custom designs. If you have seen a pattern you love, we can almost certainly make it.

Choosing the right pattern for your room

Larger, well-proportioned rooms can carry bolder patterns like Versailles; smaller rooms often look best with herringbone or chevron. The wood species, block size and finish matter just as much as the pattern itself. You can see our full range of designs on the bespoke flooring page, and browse finishes in our collection.

Every bespoke floor we make is finished by hand in the colour and grade you choose. Get in touch to talk through the right pattern for your home.