An Ultimate Checkerboard Tile Guide: 13 Modern Ideas & Tips

30 Seconds Summary

• Checkerboard tiles are timeless and versatile. They can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and even outdoor spaces, giving any home a stylish look.
• Color and material choices can make a huge difference. Black and white, neutral, or colorful combinations work with different materials like marble, porcelain, or ceramic to create bold or soft effects.
• Tile size and layout can change the feel of a room. Large tiles make spaces feel open, medium tiles are balanced, and diagonal patterns help small rooms look bigger.
• Grout color can affect the design. Black grout adds drama, white grout keeps it clean, and gray grout gives a soft, modern look.

Checkerboard tiles have been loved for centuries. This timeless pattern has always been a symbol of style, and can be seen in ancient palaces & Victorian homes. Some people think checkerboard floors look old or belong only in retro diners. But today, designers are proving the opposite.

The checkerboard tile trend is back. Homeowners are now using it in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and even outdoor patios. With new colors, materials, and layouts, this classic design feels fresh, modern, and easy to fit in any home.

In this Guide to Checkerboard Tile, we will look at the history, answer some common questions, and share 13 modern checkerboard tile ideas that you can try. 

Ready to see how this classic design can add instant charm to your space? Read on

Why the Checkerboard Tile Trend is Here to Stay?

Are checkerboard floors in style? Yes, they are very much in style today. In fact, the checkerboard tile trend has been strong for thousands of years.

The checkerboard tile history shows us that it is not just a trend but a timeless pattern. The design first appeared in ancient Egypt and Rome. Later, it was used in grand palaces like Versailles and became popular again in Victorian homes. In the 1950s, black and white checkerboard floors became famous in American diners. Every time the trend fades, it always comes back in a new way. That is why many call it a timeless pattern.

The reason is simple. The checkerboard design is a classic design that feels both elegant and bold. The light and dark squares create balance, which is pleasing to the eye. This is also part of the psychology of the checkerboard pattern; it brings both order and energy to a room.

Designers love it because it works anywhere. On floors, it makes a strong graphic floor statement. On walls, it feels modern and playful. By changing the colors or the material, the same pattern can look vintage, retro, or completely new.

That is why checkerboard tiles never really go out of style. They just change with time and continue to inspire.

Bring timeless style to your home with black and white checkered porcelain tile from Mosaicenter. 

The Main Event: 13 Modern Checkerboard Tile Ideas

Checkerboard tiles are not just one look. With today’s materials and colors, you can shape them to match almost any style. Here are 13 modern checkerboard tile ideas that can inspire your next project:

Black and White Classic Kitchen

The most famous style is the black and white checkerboard tile kitchen floor. It feels bold and timeless. This look works with modern flat cabinets or vintage wood cupboards. White grout keeps it clean, while black grout adds a touch of drama.

Tip: Consider porcelain for a durable and easy-to-clean finish.

Neutral Gray and White Calm

If you want a softer look, go for neutral checkerboard tile in gray and white. It blends perfectly with minimalist kitchens or Scandinavian-style rooms. This combo feels calm and modern without being too loud.

Bold Green and White Statement

Green and white tiles are a fresh take on colorful checkerboard tile. They bring nature indoors and make any space feel lively. Great for mudrooms, bathrooms, or creative kitchens where you want energy and brightness.

Checkerboard Bathroom Retreat

For a black and white checkerboard tile bathroom floor or even a gray-and-white version, porcelain is a safe choice. It handles water and moisture well, making it perfect for a long-lasting bathroom style.

Check out Bathroom Tiles for Floors & Walls from Mosaicenter and build your own spa-like retreat.

Diagonal Elegance in the Entryway

Want to make your hallway feel bigger? Lay tiles in a diagonal checkerboard pattern (also called harlequin style). This trick makes the floor look longer and the space more open. It is perfect for entryways and dining rooms.

Modern Matte Finish Style

Surface finish changes the mood. A matte checkerboard tile feels soft, calm, and modern. A polished finish adds shine and luxury. Both work well, but matte tiles are easier to keep streak-free in busy spaces.

High-Contrast Marble Luxury

Marble takes the checkerboard tile trend to a new level. A high-contrast marble floor in an entryway or living space feels rich and grand. It is durable but needs care, so sealing is important to protect its beauty.

Learn more tips and creative ideas in our complete Tile Guide.

Small Spaces Done Right

In small bathrooms or laundry rooms, a checkerboard can feel too busy. The trick is to use medium-sized tiles. For checkerboard tile for small bathrooms, laying tiles diagonally also makes the space look bigger and less cramped.

Checkerboard Accent Wall

Checkerboard isn’t just for floors. A checkerboard tile accent wall in a bathroom, shower, or behind a kitchen counter can be eye-catching. Neutral tones feel subtle, while bold colors create a striking modern feature.

Outdoor Checkerboard Patio

Bring the pattern outside with a checkerboard patio. Porcelain, granite, or other strong outdoor tiles work best. This style gives gardens, courtyards, or pool decks a playful yet classic feel.

Colorful Retro Style Floors

For a vintage touch, try colorful checkerboard tile in shades like blue and white, pink and cream, or even yellow and green. These floors bring back retro charm while still feeling fun and fresh.

Minimal Neutral Tones

Not a fan of strong contrasts? Go for neutral checkerboard tile in beige and cream. This tone-on-tone look is perfect for large open-plan rooms, where you want texture without too much pattern.

Checkerboard Mix with Wood

Mixing materials adds warmth. Pair checkerboard tile with wood planks for a creative floor. Use darker and lighter stains on the wood to mimic the same checkered effect. This blend feels cozy, modern, and unique.

Shop checkered tiles from Mosaicenter now and give your floors a classic, modern look!

A Practical Guide to Your Perfect Floor 

Checkerboard tile looks simple at first glance, but small choices in material, size, and grout can completely change the design. Here is how you can use these tiny variations to get your perfect floor:

What is the Best Material for a Checkerboard Floor?

The material you choose is the foundation of your project. Each type has its own look, cost, and level of care.

• Marble Checkerboard Floor

Marble is the most luxurious option. It feels classic and works beautifully in entryways, living rooms, and grand bathrooms. But marble can scratch and stain if not sealed properly. It also needs regular care. If you love a high-end, timeless style, marble is worth the effort.

Shop our Marble Tile collection now; durable, stylish tiles perfect for backsplashes, floors, and walls.

• Porcelain Checkerboard Tile

Porcelain is a top choice for busy homes. It is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways where traffic is high. Porcelain also comes in many finishes, i.e., matte for a modern finish or polished for shine.

Explore Mosaicenter's extensive collection of porcelain tiles.

• Ceramic Tile

Ceramic is an affordable, everyday option. It works well in high-traffic spaces but is slightly less durable than porcelain. The plus side is the wide range of colors and finishes, making it easy to customize your design.

Check out Mosaicenter’s collection of ceramic tiles today.

• Vinyl Tiles

For a budget-friendly checkerboard floor, vinyl is quick to install and softer underfoot. It may not last as long as tile, but it is great for quick makeovers.

Shop Mosaicenter Vinyl tiles; stylish, durable, and easy to install. 

Pro Tip: If you are mixing materials, like marble and ceramic, you should check if their thickness and durability match before installing.

What Size Tiles Should You Use?

A big part of the checkerboard tile trend is how scale changes the mood of the room.

• Large Format Checkerboard Tile

Large tiles (12”x12” or bigger) create a bold, modern look. They make small patterns feel less busy and are perfect for large open rooms, like living areas or open kitchens.

• Medium Tiles

Medium sizes (8”x8” or 10”x10”) are the most balanced choice. They work well in kitchens and bathrooms, offering enough pattern without overwhelming the space.

• Small Tiles or Mosaics

Small tiles bring fine detail to compact spaces, like powder rooms or entryways. But be careful: small tiles can make a checkerboard floor look busier. Laying them in a diagonal checkerboard pattern helps open up small bathrooms.

Think about the size of your room before choosing. Large tiles expand the feel of a space, while small tiles bring detail and charm.

Choosing the Right Grout Color

Grout may seem small, but it can change the whole look of a checkerboard floor.

• Black Grout

Creates a bold, graphic effect. Great for black and white checkerboard tile bathroom floors, where you want drama and contrast.

• White Grout

Keeps the floor looking clean, fresh, and classic. Works well if you want the tiles to shine without distraction.

• Gray Grout

A softer, middle choice. It blends the tiles together and is often used in neutral checkerboard tile designs (like gray and white or beige and cream).

Your checkerboard tile grout color is just as important as the tile itself. A small change in grout can make a design feel modern, vintage, or minimalist.

FAQs

Q: What is a checkerboard pattern?

A: A checkerboard pattern is a classic design of alternating dark and light squares. It is simple but very versatile. 

Q: What is the difference between the checkerboard and the harlequin pattern?

A: The difference between a checkerboard and a harlequin pattern is that a harlequin uses diamond shapes set on point, while checkerboard squares are laid straight.

Q: How to lay checkerboard tile?

A: Start by marking the center of your room. Snap chalk lines to guide your layout. Then begin laying the tiles outward from the center. Balance is important; make sure the squares line up evenly for a clean, professional look.

Q: How to create a checkerboard pattern with a tile?

A: Choose two contrasting tile colors of equal size. Alternate the tiles row by row, both horizontally and vertically. You can also experiment with diagonal checkerboard patterns to make small rooms look larger and add energy to your space.

Q: How to choose checkerboard tile colors?

A: Here are a few combinations that work:

• Black and white checkerboard tiles give you a timeless look.
• Neutral checkerboard tile combinations, like gray and white or beige and cream, are best for a soft, modern look.
• However, for a playful or retro style, you can try non-traditional checkerboard color combinations, such as green and white or blue and white.

Q: How to clean checkerboard tile floors?

A: Here is how you can clean checkerboard tile floors:

• Sweep daily to remove dust and dirt.
• Mop weekly using a pH-neutral cleaner.
• For marble checkerboard floors, blot spills immediately to prevent staining.
• Porcelain and ceramic are easier to maintain and can handle regular cleaning without special care.

Q: Is checkerboard tile too busy for a small bathroom?

A: Not if you choose medium-sized tiles or use a diagonal checkerboard pattern. These tricks make the space feel larger and less cluttered. This is a simple way to modernize a checkerboard floor in small spaces.

Q: What is the best tile for a checkerboard floor?

A: Porcelain is the best choice for most homes. It is strong, easy to clean, and works well in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. Marble is great for a luxurious look, but it needs more care. Ceramic, on the other hand, is also a good option for everyday use and is affordable.

Q: What color grout for black and white checkerboard tile?

A: With white and black checkerboard tiles, you can use both white and black grout. White grout will give a clean look; however, black grout will look dramatic and bold.

Q: What size tile for a checkerboard floor?

A: Large tiles (12"x12" or bigger) make the room look open and modern. Medium tiles (8"x8" or 10"x10") are balanced for most kitchens and bathrooms. Small tiles or mosaics work in small spaces but may feel busy. Laying tiles diagonally can make small rooms look bigger.

Over to You

Checkerboard tile is a versatile and stylish choice for any modern home. From black and white checkerboard tile bathroom floors to neutral or colorful checkerboard tile in kitchens, entryways, and even outdoor patios, this timeless pattern adapts to every space. By choosing the right material, tile size, and grout color, you can create a floor that is both beautiful and practical.

Ready to bring this timeless look to your home? Explore our curated collection of porcelain and natural stone tiles to start your project today.

Explore all styles. Shop Mosaicenter tiles now.