Our Top Black and White Tile Floor Kitchen Design Tips

Black and white floors are not just a design choice–they’re a statement. Whether you’re channeling vintage vibes or crafting a modern minimalist space, these floors are the chameleons of interior design, gracing everything from the halls of ancient castles to the floors of 50s diners.

As design eras come and go, black and white floors remain steadfast and in style–particularly in the kitchen. The most utilitarian room of your house requires a floor that’s not only attractive but highly functional, too, and black and white tile fits the bill exquisitely. We’ve rounded up our best tips and tricks to bring the timelessness of a black and white tile floor to your kitchen.

First, it’s important to choose the best black and white shades that work for your space and unique style. Like all of our glazes, Fireclay’s black and white options were specially formulated in-house by our Innovation Lab, and are all hand-mixed and lead-free as well as being made right here in the USA. We offer black shades that range from smoky charcoal to inky black, and whites that are crisp and bright to creamy beige.

We recommend bringing home samples of the shades that speak to you (your first five color samples are free when you talk to a rep!), then setting them in your kitchen and observing them throughout the day to see how the shades look in different light with your cabinets, fixtures, etc.

The Best Materials for a Black & White Kitchen Floor

Ceramic Tile is the quintessential choice for kitchens. With its timeless appearance, easy-to-clean surface, and a breaking strength of 393 lbs per food (making it stronger than the average porcelain tile), this material is ideal for spaces that see a lot of action.

The classic contrasting look of a black and white checkered floor in the kitchen is also surprisingly versatile. Ceramic Tile with a glossy finish can create an elegant and glamorous foundation or add a touch of retro diner charm, while matte finishes exude modern sophistication even in the most luxe of spaces as illustrated below in one of Hotel Julie’s kitchenettes.

If you’re partial to a touch of rustic charm, our Glazed Thin Brick is also an excellent choice–the durability, texture, and depth it brings to a kitchen are unparalleled. Plus, the elongated shape gives you the opportunity to create a pattern that’s different than black and white checkerboard in case checks aren’t your thing. We love how the space below used black Bitterroot Brick to create a border within an otherwise white floor.

Finally, don’t overlook Handpainted Tile for a unique take on the black and white kitchen floor. Our Handpainted Tile is where art meets functionality, bringing a touch of artisanal elegance to your kitchen, and with many patterns and motifs to choose from, you’re sure to find the black and white Handpainted Tile of your dreams.

If not, take a page out of Elena Lohse’s book and create your own custom motif from one of our existing patterns. That’s the beauty of Handpainted Tile–it’s extremely customizable!

Design Pairings for Black & White Tile Kitchen Floors

Play with pattern! Whether you choose hexagons, diamonds, or one of our Handpainted Tile motifs, you aren’t limited to classic checkerboard with a black and white colorway. The kitchen below chose an unconventional checkered pattern as the wavy lines of our Handpainted Squiggle Tile echo a herringbone backsplash, making the space full of movement yet perfectly cohesive.

Neutrals are always a safe–and sophisticated–bet with black and white floors. Whites, blacks, and greys with simple wood tones create a serene and elegant space where the floor becomes the star of the show.

Case in point: the modern eclectic kitchen below benefits from a bold burst of pattern courtesy of a black, white, and grey Handpainted Tile floor that’s beautifully balanced with simple neutral cabinets, countertops, and backsplash.

Don’t be afraid to work in bold colors. A black and white floor can serve as a neutral canvas, allowing other colors to pop whether that’s in the form of richly colored cabinets or standout appliances.

Another fun way to incorporate pops of color is by slipping pops of color directly into your black and white floor. We love how boutique hotel Noble + Proper added squares of Hunter Green into the checkered floor below to coordinate with the cabinetry while giving the kitchen’s foundation a jolt of energy.