When it comes to elaborate flooring, parquet reigns supreme. Made from small pieces of hardwood fitted together in geometric patterns, parquet flooring provides a dramatic design element 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 slowed.
When it comes to elaborate flooring, parquet reigns supreme. Made from small pieces of hardwood fitted together in geometric patterns, parquet flooring provides a dramatic design element 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 slowed.
Lately, however, parquet flooring has shown signs of a resurgence, due in part to new production methods that offer consumers a wider range of wood species and motifs.
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 at a time, and then gluing them to the floor. Because of the skill and time required, parquet floors were originally the province of wealthy households as well as public buildings. A few of the earliest models 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 design of parquet floors lends a deep, 3D look that creates a bold design statement in the home. But be aware that not everybody prefers the busy, patterned look of a parquet floor. Future owners of your home might not have the same fondness for your preference, and some potential buyers will think of it as dated and old. If the future sale or your home is critical, this is possibly not the flooring to install. Parquet floorings are a good stylistic fit for mid century modern home styles but might seem out of place in other styles. If you're working on a historically accurate restoration or remodel, though, parquet floorings may be the ideal option, depending on the era you're wishing to match.