When it comes to elaborate floors, parquet reigns supreme. Constructed from small pieces of hardwood fitted together in geometric patterns, parquet flooring adds a dramatic design aspect to any room. In the United States, parquet reached its popularity peak in the 1960s, and then, as with a lot of boom trends, demand decreased.
When it comes to elaborate floors, parquet reigns supreme. Constructed from small pieces of hardwood fitted together in geometric patterns, parquet flooring adds a dramatic design aspect to any room. In the United States, parquet reached its popularity peak in the 1960s, and then, as with a lot of boom trends, demand decreased.
Recently, however, parquet flooring has shown signs of a comeback, due partly to new production techniques that provide consumers a wider range of wood species and concepts.
Parquet comes from the French term "parquetry," meaning "small compartment." It originated in France in the 17th Century, where artisans created intricate designs by cutting and fitting small geometric pieces of wood together, one by one, and then gluing them to the floor. Because of the skill and time required, parquet floorings were initially the province of wealthy households and public buildings. A few of the earliest specimens still exist-- such as the Galerie d'Hercule at the Hôtel Lambert, Paris-- and are considered works of art in their own right.
The multi-piece construction of parquet floors gives a deep, 3D appearance that creates a bold design statement in the home. But know that not everyone prefers the busy, patterned look of a parquet floor. Future owners of your home might not have the same fondness for your taste, and some potential buyers will think of it as dated and old. If the future sale or your home is important, this is maybe not the flooring to install. Parquet floorings are a good stylistic fit for mid century modern home styles but may look out of place in other styles. If you're working on a historically accurate restoration or remodel, though, parquet floors might be the ideal choice, depending on the period you're wanting to reflect.