There’s no color combination more classic and enduring than black and white. From high-contrast glamor to modern minimalism this perpetually on-trend pairing gracefully integrates into any design style, which is why black and white tile floors are always a great choice.
Whether you’re looking for a classic checkerboard floor or something a bit more out of the box, these black and white tile designs are sure to spark inspiration for your next project.
FAQ
What era is black and white tile from?
The most famous Black and white floor tile is the classic large checkerboard pattern that was popularized in the Victorian era which spanned from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. The checkerboard pattern created by alternating black and white tiles was a popular choice for entrance halls, bathrooms, and kitchens. These tiles were often made of materials such as ceramic, encaustic cement, or mosaic.
The distinctive black and white tile pattern continued to be used in subsequent design periods as well. It had a resurgence in popularity during the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s, where it was often combined with geometric and decorative patterns.
Are black and white tile floors in style?
Black and white tile floors are very much in style today. Not only is the timeless checkerboard pattern more popular than ever, there are now dozens of other designs of black and white tile available for someone looking for something different. The key is the high contrast that this combination that adds visual interest to any room.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in retro and vintage aesthetics, which has contributed to the continued popularity of black and white tile floors. Many homeowners and designers appreciate the nostalgic charm and character that these floors can bring to a room.
Where did black and white floor tiles come from?
One significant influence on black and white tile patterns is ancient Rome. In ancient Roman architecture, black and white mosaic floors were commonly used in grand villas, public buildings, and temples. These intricate mosaic designs often featured geometric patterns or depicted scenes from mythology.
During the medieval period, Islamic tilework and Moorish architecture also played a role in the development of black and white floor tiles. Intricate geometric patterns, known as zellige, were created using white and dark clay or stone. These patterns were widely used in the construction of mosques, palaces, and public buildings throughout the Islamic world.
1. Pretty in Pinwheel
Hit the right notes of modern and vintage with a pinwheel mosaic floor. White 1x2 and black 1x1 tile laid in a pinwheel pattern create a classic backdrop that looks especially handsome with sleek midcentury-inspired furniture, although this look is also perfect for art deco or even new traditional spaces.
Pro tip: our Egret + Condor Matte Glass Pinwheel Tile comes already sheeted for easy installation.
Tile Shown: Egret + Condor Matte Glass 1x1 & 1x2 Pinwheel, 3x6 in Overcast
2. Modern Half-Moons
Make a memorable impression with modern black and white tile. This tile kitchen floor features handpainted geometric half-circles laid in an offset pattern that makes for an unforgettable focal point. The longer you stare at it, the more patterns your eye detects!
Tile Shown: Handpainted Fallow in custom colorway, similar to Cool Motif // Design + Image: Elena Lohse
Alternatively, visit the dark side of the moon with the same pattern in the inverse colorway. The rounded edge of this tile floor provides a clear–and beautiful–separation between the kitchen and living room, while the coordinating tile backsplash adds another graphic punch to the playfully appointed bar.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Fallow in Cool Motif // Design: Me & General Design // Image: David Patterson
3. Mosaic Checkerboard
Checkerboard is a timeless look that always feels fresh, and Vanessa Carlton’s beautifully moody bathroom with 1x1 mosaic tile, including a distinctly patterned border, is a breathtaking example of how sophisticated this classic trend can be.
Tile Shown: 1x1 in Akoya, 1x1 in Halite, and 6x6 in Akoya // Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel // Image: Joseph Bradshaw
The dark grout adds even more drama to this classic pattern. If you’re looking for a similar mosaic look, our Design Consultants would be happy to help you customize a checkerboard mosaic floor with our free design assistance.
Tile Shown: 1x1 in Akoya, 1x1 in Halite // Design: Sarah Sherman Samuel // Image: Joseph Bradshaw
4. Color Block Beauty
Instead of alternating colors by tile, make a statement by color blocking black and white tile. Color blocking can easily be achieved by using one color on the bathroom floor and another for the shower tile.
Tile Shown: 2x8 in Raven Matte, 3x6 in Calcite Gloss // Design + Image: Liz Stanley
Using opposite-colored grout while color blocking adds to the effect (bonus points if the tile is a fun shape). Separated by a shower curb topped in marble, mosaic Hexagon Tile in a dark color with light grout contrasts beautifully with white Diamond Tile and dark grout. Just make sure the white tile you choose is approved for use with dark grout!
Tile Shown: 2" Hexagon in Raven Matte, Small Diamond in Calcite Gloss, 2x6 in Calcite Gloss // Design: High Street Homes // Image: Dan Swindel
5. Geometric Patterns
A black and white palette makes geometric patterns pop, and even more so on a large scale across the floor. If you find a tile with an intricate design that you love, don’t be afraid to make a statement by using it as an unforgettable floor tile.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Palmera in Cool Motif // Design: Angela Tafoya // Image: Erin Kunkel // Installer: Intelligent Tile
Watch how this exact tile is handpainted by skilled artisans in our California factory.
6. Unconventional Checkerboard
If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic checkered pattern, this squiggly-lined black and white tile delivers all that and more. Paired with an inviting clawfoot tub and pink wall tile, the checkerboard floor completes a dreamy Art Deco look.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Squiggle in Charcoal Motif
7. Moroccan Inspiration
Bring some Moroccan flair to your space with intricately-designed black and white patterns across the floor. Our ultra-popular handpainted Kasbah Trellis tile is a favorite for bathroom floors particularly and is often available in our Quick Ship Shop–meaning it ships in five days or less.
Check to see if Kasbah Trellis is in stock now.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Kasbah Trellis in Neutral Motif // Design: Patti Wagner // Image: Meg Cooper Photography
Can’t get enough of this confident, classic pattern? This space showcases how stunning Kasbah Trellis Tile looks when laid across the floor and wall. Don’t miss a peek at the bright blue shower and striped ceiling in the mirror, which combines with the Moroccan tile to create one big, bold, and beautiful bathroom.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Kasbah Trellis in Neutral Motif, 2x8 Aegean Sea // Design + Image: Joyful Design Studios
8. Petite Powder Rooms
Small square footage is a great place to pack a big design punch with black and white tile. This petite powder room features another take on checkerboard, with alternating black and white triangle tile along the floor paired with green walls for a vivacious look you and your houseguests will love.
Tile Shown: 6" Triangle in Halite, 6" Triangle in Magnetite // Design + Image: The Fresh Exchange
Handpainted Tile goes a long way in a small room, as evidenced by the Starburst Tile floor in the powder room below. The mostly black tile with light pattern lines creates a stellar focal point that elevates the room from ordinary to one-of-a-kind.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Starburst in Dark Motif // Design + Image: John Colaneri
9. Border Accent
If you have a large floor space, using mostly white tile with a black border accent (or vice versa) is a great way to give structure to the room with visual interest. The communal space in this luxury apartment complex uses Glazed Thin Brick to achieve this look.
Brick Shown: Lewis Range and Bitterroot // Design: Basile Studio // Image: Adrian Tiemens // Installer: Broadstone Makers Quarter
Working on a commercial project and interested in creating something custom? Start here.
10. Pattern Play
Whether you’re into subtle and serene or bold and graphic patterns, incorporating your favorite patterns into black and white floor tile adds your own unique touch to the space of your choosing. This bathroom channels serene vibes with black and white tile that hints at the lines of a mountain range in the distance.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Uni Mountain in Black + White Motif, Brick Shown: San Gabriel // Design: Annette Vartanian // Image: Bethany Nauert
On the opposite end of the spectrum, this kitchen floor features a blend of shapes in an abstract pattern from black to white for an overall patchwork-type look that’s as remarkable as it is memorable.
Tile Shown: Handpainted Grange and Fallow in custom colorway // Design: Taylor & Taylor, Anne Sage // Image: Monica Wang Photography
Feeling inspired by the beauty of black and white floors? Bring home five free samples to recreate your favorite look in your own home.