The Best Ways To Decorate With Checkerboard Tile Floors

Mixing traditional elegance with modern sleekness, checkerboard seems to be on the rise. The pattern as a flooring motif brings both a contemporary element and a classic look to a room. Checkerboard has been an iconic feature of many interior designs, from French country homes to 1950s diners. By simply using two colors of tiles–typically black and white — you can create a flooring design that is versatile enough to fit in with a variety of styles.

The traditional black and white tile floors have once again regained popularity and have become a way for people to infuse a little bit of charm into their interiors. With the rise of DIY projects and the desire to create a customized space, many people are getting creative with how they add checkerboard floors to their homes. Whether you go more traditional or more modern, there are plenty of ways to make checkerboard tile floors the standout feature of your home.

Luxurious black and white marble tiles create classic checkerboard flooring. The heavy veining in the marble tiles also creates a texture that adds visual interest to the room. It's a stylish base that is versatile enough to work anywhere in the home and can lean both traditional and modern. Mix in both to create a cozy and contemporary look, such as the one featured in this kitchen. The dark green and wood table pair well with the neutral-colored tiles. Classic flooring such as this makes for an ideal base for an eclectic interior design.

The traditional black-and-white color scheme isn't your only option when it comes to checkerboard flooring. Using colored square tiles, create a checkerboard with a little more pop. This kitchen uses green and yellow tiles to create a pretty earthy interior. Styled with an antique table and minimalistic décor, this room has a bit of a vintage feeling with plenty of coziness. Paired with sleek stainless steel counters and appliances, there are modern details that add a contemporary touch.

Give checkerboard floors a little more depth. Using tile with a wood-like appearance will add texture and visual interest to a room. Just as you would standard checkerboard flooring, use two colors of square tiles to create the pattern. The wood graining adds some warmth and coziness to the modern interior. In this interior design, the checkerboard is laid to appear like diamonds, which gives the space a more modern and eclectic detail. Paired with the spotted sofa and woven side chair, the checkerboard floor is the perfect maximalist feature.

Larger tiles create a bolder detail. Opt for oversized squares instead of the standard-sized tile to create a statement. Larger tiles are ideal for large, open spaces such as two-floor living rooms and foyers to match the grand scale of the room. With larger rooms, small tiles can make the design look too busy. The large white and gray marble tiles in this foyer are elegant, with a touch of both modern and traditional aesthetics. The heavy veining creates a texture that only adds to the grandiose look of the foyer.

Give your checkerboard a bit of a funky update by insetting shapes into the tile. This design uses white circles and squares set into black tiles, creating a unique play on the classic checkerboard design. This bold design also works well because it's a focal point running down a hallway and into the foyer. A design this bold can easily overwhelm if done in an entire room, but as a small statement, it works well. By still using black and white, the flooring design has plenty of contrast while also acting as a neutral base for the room.

You don't always have to opt for tile to create a checkerboard floor. This DIY-friendly project uses paint to create a checkerboard pattern on wood plank floors. This DIY can also be used on floors that are already tiled to create a checkerboard effect without retiling. Use painter's tape to tape off the boxes before using durable paint to create the checkerboard effect. With this DIY, you get a highly customized finished product, as you can choose the color and size of the checkerboard or add unique details like a stenciled design.

Checkerboard floors don't have to stay inside. Dressing up your outdoor patio with unique floors can make it feel like an extension of the interior of your home. The peachy-tan and white checkerboard pattern pairs well with all the natural and blonde wood tones of the patio furniture and pops of greenery from plants. It creates a statement that doesn't overwhelm this relaxing outdoor retreat. The peach color also modernizes the classic black-and-white color scheme with a trendier shade.