Obsessed with Checkered Tile? Here’s How to Get the Look

Checkered tile is a timeless pattern that has been used for centuries to add interest and dimension to floors and walls. From the grand ballrooms of European palaces to the cozy kitchens of country homes, checkered tile has a long and storied history. But this classic pattern is far from outdated. In fact, checkered tile is making a major comeback in modern homes, thanks to its versatility and ability to add a touch of personality to any space.

Whether you prefer a traditional look or want a pattern that’s entirely your own, we have the perfect tile to bring your checkered dreams to life. Today we’re walking you through everything you need to know to design your own checkered tile, and serving up plenty of gorgeous checkerboard installations to inspire your next project. Let’s get started!

Crafting Your Perfect Checkerboard

If you're considering a checkered pattern, there are a few things you'll need to decide on: size or shape, colors, and pattern.

First, you'll need to choose the right size or shape. We offer a wide variety of Ceramic and Glass square tiles in sizes ranging from 1x1 to 12x12, so you can create a pattern that's perfect for your space. Large-format square tiles can make a small space feel larger, while smaller sizes–especially mosaic tile–make a big design impact. Or, mix it up completely with other shapes like rectangles, triangles, or Star & Cross.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to colors because we offer over 100 hand-mixed, lead-free glazes with the option to create your own custom shades. Classic black and white checkered tile is a perpetual favorite, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Some people may think of 1950’s style diners but the traditional black and white combination is always in style and can be used to create a variety of looks from modern to vintage.

If you're looking for something a bit more unique, try a multi-colored checkerboard with all of your favorite hues. Bold and unapologetic, this look can leave a lasting impression and bring a daily smile to your face.

You can also use different shades of the same color to create a more subtle checkered pattern or try different sheens in the same color for a sumptuous and sophisticated look.

For an artisan take on the checkerboard tile trend, try using our Handpainted Tile. Squiggle, from the Block Shop x Fireclay Tile Collection, is a beautifully eclectic and unexpected way to incorporate checkered floor tile or backsplashes in any space.

Once you've chosen your size and colors, you'll need to decide on a layout. The most common layout for checkered tile is a straight grid, but you can also create a diagonal or diamond pattern. As an example of unexpected cascading diagonal checkered floor tile, maroon and white squares in different sizes create an eye-catching look in the kitchen below.

Where to Use Checkered Tile

This classic pattern is incredibly versatile–think beyond checkerboard ballrooms and checkered diners. It can be used in a variety of spaces and applications, both indoors and outdoors. Here are a few of our favorite ideas to spark inspiration.

Checkered Floor Inspiration

There’s nothing that conveys a sense of classic design like a checkerboard floor. Put a cheeky twist on this look by slipping in pops of another color within traditional black and white checkerboard tile floors like the kitchen below.

Create endless visual interest by playing with sizes within your checkered floor tile. Maroon and black and white, checks within checks–this game room is filled with gorgeous design, but the floor steals the show.

If you want textured floors, you can’t go wrong with designer-favorite Glazed Thin Brick. We love how Valeria Jacobs designed a parquet-style checkered floor with rows of brick in alternating orientations.

Elegant with a wink, this bridal suite features a statement-making floor of Handpainted Squiggle Tile in our black and white Charcoal Motif.

To visually enhance a space with smaller square footage, try larger-scale floor tile. The 12x12 red and white checkered flooring below creates a durable, high-impact and easy-to-clean surface with the added benefit of augmenting the kitchen.

Rotating traditional black and white tile 45 degrees is an easy way to leave a lasting impression with your checkered floor, as Hotel Julie’s diamond-patterned bathroom illustrates.

Checkered Wall Inspiration

For a truly immersive look, try stretching your checkerboard pattern from the floor up the walls of your space. We love the luxurious feel of the mustard and ivory checked bathroom below.

Walls present the perfect canvas to play with color within your checks. This multi-hued bathroom uses three colors to great effect by alternating the shades across the pony wall and back wall in an attractive, modern pattern.

Checkered Backsplash Inspiration

Create a captivating kitchen with a checkerboard backsplash. A pink and white half splash provides the perfect amount of color and pattern in the charming space below.

For an elevated modern take on this look, grey and white are always a good choice–bonus points if you extend the look onto your countertops.

Checkered Shower Inspiration

Your shower is a perfect place to surround yourself with a pop of this beloved pattern in your favorite shades. We love the 8x8 ceramic squares below in a rich terracotta and charcoal black color palette.

Or, try something completely your own like Rae Rockwell did with this one-of-a-kind, half-solid, half-checkered shower in soothing green and ivory.

Another take on the half-and-half trend, the shower below is wrapped in grey and white checks on the bottom with vertically stacked subway tile above for a look that’s altogether chic.

Reminiscent of piano keys–with an electric blue jolt–this kids' bathroom puts its own spin on the checkerboard trim thanks to Jessica Davis’s creative eye.

Checkered Pool Inspiration

Dive into this trend by applying it to your pool. Our high-quality Glass Tile is completely impervious and designed to withstand temperatures from very hot to freezing, meaning it’s the perfect choice for outdoor pools.

We also offer dozens of pool-safe Ceramic Tile options to give you a wider range of shades to choose from–or just stick with classic black and white!

Checkered Patio & Porch Inspiration

Add a touch of European flair to your patio or porch with a checkered tile floor, as Jean Stoffer did in her stunning covered porch below.

Or take the checkered look poolside by applying it to your patio. We love the earthy color story Claire Thomas chose for this petite backyard that packs a big design punch.