Checkerboard flooring brings a touch of immediate personality to any room, offering everything from classic black-and-white patterns to gentle pastel designs. Ideal for entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, and welcoming living areas, this approach sets a distinct mood that can range from retro to contemporary or playful, depending on the materials and scale used.
Options like glossy ceramic, matte encaustic tiles, painted wood, or layered rugs are all fantastic ways to usher in a new season with a fresh look for a room.
Incorporate contrast with elements like warm wood, brass accents, or textured textiles to achieve the desired atmosphere — whether it’s crisp and contemporary or warm and vintage.
Classic Black And White Checkerboard Entry
A timeless black and white checkerboard entryway immediately establishes a home’s character. Opt for large-format porcelain or polished marble for a reflective surface that’s both formal and welcoming. Complement with black grout and white baseboards, and introduce a woven runner to soften the look. Adding textures such as leather benches and brass hardware brings warmth, while a neutral runner or layered jute prevents the bold flooring from dominating the space. The color scheme remains monochrome, enhanced by natural wood and greenery.
Get the Look
- Anchor the space with a sleek console and round mirror for added contrast.
- Soften the floor with a sisal or wool runner that complements dark tones.
- Place a basket for shoes to maintain the cleanliness and shine of the tiles.
Glossy Checkerboard Kitchen With Marble Accents
This kitchen style merges playful designs with luxurious materials. Envision black and white polished tiles beneath brass pendant lighting, marble counters, and warm oak cabinets. The reflective tile surface amplifies light, enhancing the kitchen’s size, while elements like woven stools and linen curtains introduce softness. Minimal appliances and cohesive finishes — such as matte black hardware or brushed brass — allow the checkerboard pattern to take center stage. The overall color scheme remains monochrome, highlighted by warm wooden tones.
Design Notes
- Opt for marble or quartz counters to introduce subtle veining against the impactful floors.
- Highlight the tile’s sheen with under-cabinet lighting for added depth.
- Avoid busy backsplashes to ensure the floor remains the primary statement.
Matte Monochrome Bathroom With Checkerboard Tile
This bathroom style utilizes muted checkerboard tiles for a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. Choose matte porcelain tiles in soft black and off-white, complemented by concrete or soapstone countertops for a natural element. Incorporate textured towels, a woven laundry basket, and matte black fixtures to maintain a modern, relaxed aesthetic. Soft lighting and a frameless mirror keep the space open, while the flooring grounds the room with its design. This color palette is especially effective in smaller bathrooms, where contrast adds visual interest without creating glare.
Pro Tip
- Harmonize fixtures and hardware with the tile finish for a cohesive look.
- Add a niche with greenery to vertically break up the pattern.
- Maintain neutral wall tiles to let the flooring shine as the main attraction.
Retro Diner Style Kitchen With Bold Colors
Invoke 1950s allure with a retro diner-style kitchen, employing red and black checkerboard tiles for a spirited, vintage ambiance. Glossy enameled cabinets, chrome barstools, and rounded diner-style seating amplify the nostalgic feel. Introduce mint green or butter yellow through small appliances or dishware to accentuate the retro color scheme. Opt for durable glazed ceramic tiles for ease of cleaning and a high gloss finish. Incorporating vinyl or leather stools and a neon wall sign can serve as captivating focal points. This decor thrives in vibrant, social kitchen settings.
Styling Tips
- Incorporate chrome and glossy surfaces for a genuine retro gleam.
- Enhance the diner atmosphere with vintage signage or framed artwork.
- Choose durable, easy-to-clean materials for a practical yet stylish kitchen.
Soft Pastel Checkerboard Nursery Or Kid Space
Pastel checkerboard floors offer a magical base for a nursery or playroom, with soothing shades like dusty pink, mint, and pale gray in vinyl or painted wood maintaining a gentle, child-friendly palette. Combine with plush rugs, a variety of knitted cushions, and natural wood furniture for a tactile, cozy environment. Opt for washable surfaces and rounded furniture edges for safety. The pastel pattern lends brightness and playfulness to the room without overpowering the decor, and layered textiles introduce coziness for nap times or reading nooks.
Styling Tips
- Pair with soft, washable rugs for added comfort during play.
- Set up a reading nook with a small floor cushion in a coordinating pastel shade.
- Select low-profile furniture to keep the floor pattern in full view.