Checkered floors can add a touch of classic, timeless style to any room. The black and white checkerboard pattern is iconic, recognizable from restaurants to home decors and everything in between. While the classic black and white checkered floor is a popular choice, creative varieties on the checkered floor idea open up tons of possibilities.
This article will cover everything you need to know about pulling off stunning checkered flooring ideas for your home, from classic designs to creative twists. We’ll cover directions to lay tile in a checkered pattern, different sizes and colors to consider, rooms it works best in, along with general design ideas like using borders or mixing the shapes. Let’s dive in!
Checkered Floor Pattern History
Before we get to the ideas, let’s quickly cover some history on the checkered floor pattern. The signature checkered floor design has it’s origins centuries ago. Some sources cite the pattern back to medieval times in European churches. The checkerboard motif was used to represent the good and evils in the world.
Later on, checkered floors became ubiquitous in the kitchens of Victorian era homes. The pattern helped hide unattractive marks and stains on the floors resulting from food preparation. Checkered tile floors were also easy to clean.
These days, the checkered floor endures as a versatile, timeless pattern that works well in homes. The classic black and white checkerboard floors may elicit thoughts of a diner or old-school burger joint. But modern variations with different colors, tiles and patterns take the checkered floor to stylish new heights.
The Evolution of Checkered Floors Across Different Eras
Checkered floors have evolved in popularity and style across various historical eras. Let’s take a closer look at how checkerboard floors trended during major time periods:
Checkered Floors in Medieval Times
As mentioned earlier, checkered floors date back centuries to medieval European churches. The black and white tile motif held symbolic meaning, representing good and evil. Medieval era checkered floors were simple, using basic stone materials heavily contrasting in just black and white.
In the Middle Ages, only churches, palaces or estates of the wealthy featured tiled floors at all due to the expense. Peasant homes mostly had dirt floors strewn with rushes and herbs. So checkered floors indicated high societal status in medieval times.
Checkered Floors in The Renaissance Era
The Renaissance era spanning the 15th to 17th century brought artisanal stone mosaics to the forefront. Elaborately detailed mosaic tile floors became status symbols among Europe’s early modern aristocrats. This extended to early forms of checkerboard floor patterns interpreted through fine mosaic work.
Renaissance style checkered floors played with black, white and cream colors in marble, travertine and limestone. More intricate borders, three-dimensional cubes, diamonds and triangular shapes augmented the relatively simple squared checkered floors of the Middle Ages.
Checkered Floors in The Victorian Era
Checkered floors hit widespread mainstream popularity during the Victorian era between 1820 to 1900. Advancements in mass production made ceramic tile affordable for middle class homeowners. This allowed checkerboard floors to move beyond churches and royal palaces into regular homes.
Victorian era checkered floors trademarks include:
- Black and white ceramic or porcelain tile material
- Octagons contrasting squares
- Elaborate mosaic borders
- Diamonds, pinwheels and floral accents
- Marble inlays for ornate detailing
The Victorian flair for intricate details and elaborate decoration upgraded the basic medieval style checkered floor into an artform.
Checkered Floors in The 20th Century
The 20th century Art Deco design movement embraced checkerboard floors thanks to it’s sleek, angular geometric lines fitting with modernist style. Black and white stone terrazzo floors often arranged in checkered patterns became popular in early 20th century office building lobbies and department stores.
Later mid-century modern interiors favored checkered floors like sleek black and white vinyl tile. Formica laminate kitchen counters and dinette sets with checkered edges remained trendy from the 1950s-60s suburban boom.
The 1960s British Mod culture embraced checkerboard floors as a classic retro symbol, often using a red and white or blue and white color scheme. 1970s disco clubs picked up on bold checkered dance floors.
Through all modern design eras of the 1900s, the checkered floor motif persists thanks to it’s crisply graphic charisma. Sometimes classic black and white, other times infused with era-specific panache.
Famous Checkered Floors Throughout Pop Culture
Beyond interior design, checkerboard floors hold an iconic place across pop culture. Cinematic diner scenes, familiar fictional locations and musical artists have all referenced the classic checkered floor over the years.
Checkered Floors in Hollywood Movies
Vintage 1950s diners prominently feature black and white checkered floors as their restaurant flooring in countless Hollywood films. Classics like Back to the Future show Marty McFly eating at Lou’s Cafe standing on an archetypal diner checkerboard tile floor.
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining series the climactic chase scene across the ghostly abandoned Overlook Hotel, revealing a prominent checkered floor pattern on the recognizable set. Similarly, a blood red and cream checkered floor marks the hidden passageway in Dario Argento’s classic 1977 horror film Suspiria.
Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 classic Pulp Fiction starring John Travolta and Uma Thurman memorably opens with Tim Roth’s character “Pumpkin” holding up patrons in a retro diner, prominently showing the black and white checkered vinyl floors.
Overall, the checkered floor makes cameos across all genres of Hollywood movies to represent classic all-American diners, spooky old hotels or retro color schemes.
Checkered Floors on Classic TV Sets
In addition to cinematic references, popular television series have incorporated checkered floors to signify retro diner settings. Happy Days famously used Arnold’s Drive-In diner as their go-to hangout spot, featuring the requisite checkerboard linoleum floors.
The black and white checkered floor under the Friend’s Central Perk coffee house couches undoubtedly imprinted itself on viewer’s cultural memories. The Simpsons ubiquitously represents quintessential Americana, complete with classic red and yellow checkered floors in their fictional family restaurants.
Checkered Floors in Musical Works
The alternative rock band Nirvana referenced checkered floors in their breakthrough 1992 grunge anthem “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The memorable line “Load up on guns and bring your friends / It’s fun to lose and to pretend” namechecks “a mulatto / An albino / A mosquito / My libido” performing as entertainment upon a checkered floor.
Likewise, pop singer Katy Perry’s peppy 2008 song “I Kissed a Girl” features the lyrics “Cherry chapstick / Color of bubblegum / We did it on a checkered floor.” Clearly checkerboard floors resonate widely across musical genres from rock to pop!
Tips for Maintaining Checkered Tile Floors
Now that we’ve explored the expansive charm of checkered floors, let’s cover some cleaning and maintenance essentials:
Seal Porous Materials: Natural stone floors with porous surfaces like travertine require sealing to resist stains and etching from acidic materials. Applying sealants protects the integrity of high-end marble, limestone or slate checkerboard floors. Re-apply sealants annually or bi-annually.
Install Floor Protectors: Affix felt pads under movable furniture legs, chair legs and table legs. This prevents scratching or premature wear that ruins checkerboard floors over time.
Sweep and Mop Regularly: From cooking messes to tracked in dirt, checkerboard kitchen floors and entry floors need frequent sweeping and mopping. Establish a consistent cleaning routine. Use mild PH neutral cleaners, not harsh chemicals that may damage tile glazes or grout.
Clean Spills Quickly: Promptly wiping any spills prevents staining on unsealed grout lines or unglazed stone tile. Oils, wine, juice and other liquids can permanently mark checkerboard floors if not cleaned immediately.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of harsh cleaners with acids, ammonia or bleach that corrode tile glazes, strip finishes or discolor grout lines. Stick to gentler cleaning products specifically formulated for natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Laying a Checkered Floor Tile Pattern
Before jumping to the ideas, let’s go over some basics on how to lay tile in a checkerboard pattern. There are a few simple techniques to ensure your checkered floor turns out in a symmetrical, eye-catching pattern.
Measure Accurately
You want the tiles to line up properly so the checks come out even. Take careful measurements so you know where to start. Measure the center point of each adjacent wall. Mark lines across the room, dividing it into four equal quadrants. Use the center point as your starting point to lay the first tile.
Use Grid Lines
Make a grid with perpendicular lines in chalk across the surface of the floor space. This creates guide lines in a box pattern. You’ll lay the first tile at the center point, using the grid as a guide. The grid ensures each quadrat lays symmetrically.
Start from the Middle
As mentioned above, always start laying tile from the center point outwards. Work one quadrant at a time, row by row. By starting at the middle and working outward symmetrically, you avoid misaligned edges or mistakes that throw everything off.
Mind the Pattern Direction
Pay attention to the direction of the checkered pattern as you go. Each row should alternate the orientation of the checks, so they run opposite from the last row. This creates the crisscross checkerboard pattern.
Use Tile Spacers
Tile spacers go between tiles, keeping consistent alignment and spacing. The small plastic crosses make it easier to lay floor tiles snug together in straight rows with even spacing. This helps the professional checkered floor pattern come out neatly.
Follow these tips, go slowly, double check your work and your checkered tile floor install will come out flawlessly! Next let’s get into the checkered floor styles, sizes, colors, rooms and clever ideas to inspire your next project…
Checkered Floor Tiles and Styles
You can create a checkered floor with all types of flooring materials, beyond basic ceramic tile. Here are some options:
Porcelain Tile: Porcelain tile makes an excellent choice for checkered floors in high traffic areas like kitchens. Durable glazed porcelain stands up well to heavy daily use. The color stays true without showing wear and tear over time. Modern porcelain checkerboard tiles come in all types of colors, finishes and quality grades.
Vinyl Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles offer an affordable checkered floor option. Sheet vinyl or vinyl composite tiles can mimic styles of pricier tile, stone or hardwood. With Armstrong and other top vinyl floor brands, you can achieve the checkered pattern look on a budget. Just make sure to buy enough material to account for the additional waste that occurs when cutting vinyl tiles to size.
Natural Stone Tiles: For a high-end, luxurious checkered floor, natural stone tiles are the way to go. Carefully laid marble, travertine, slate, limestone or granite tiles create dazzling checkerboard floors with old-world charm. Just know that natural stone costs more and requires extra care to seal and maintain the quality finish.
Laminate Flooring: Laminate flooring presents homeowners with a DIY-friendly material for checkered floors. Many laminate options today mimic wood or tile flooring impressively well at a fraction of the price. Just make sure to buy laminate flooring rated for high traffic areas for kitchens or other well-used rooms.
Checkered Floor Tile Size Ideas
Varying the size of the alternating floor tiles opens up creative possibilities with checkered floors. Here are some checkered floor tile sizes to consider:
Standard 1′ x 1′ Checkerboard Pattern
The classic checkered floor uses 1′ by 1′ square tiles. This size keeps the checks perfectly even for that iconic diner floor or chess board style. 1′ square tiles present a versatile, medium size well-suited to all kinds of rooms.
Large 1.5′ x 1.5′ Checkerboard Pattern
Upping the tile size to 1.5-foot squares creates an oversized, dramatic checkerboard pattern. The bigger tile size better suits larger open concept rooms. Oversized checkerboard tile floors make a bold stylistic statement.
Smaller Mosaic Checkerboard
On the flip side, choosing a mosaic tile size of 1” or smaller checks makes for a higher resolution, intricate checkered pattern. Tiny glass, stone or ceramic mosaics create dazzling, artsy checkerboard floors with visual depth. Just know that working with miniature mosaic tiles requires extra skill and patience!
Rectangle Tile Checkerboard Pattern
Who says you have to stick with squares? Mixing rectangular tiles adds interesting new dimensions to checkered floors. Try a pattern mixing 1′ by 2′ rectangles with 1′ squares in contrasting colors. Or rotate the orientation of rectangular wood planks in a checkered motif. The options open up wider creativity.
Classic Black and White Checkered Floor Ideas
The timeless black and white color scheme never fails when it comes to checkered floors. But even the classic black and white checkerboard floor leaves room for creative varieties:
Bold High Contrast
Stark black and bright white tile creates maximum contrast and visual pop. High gloss polished tiles boost the dynamic, graphic energy. The sharp high contrast best suits contemporary, modernist decors.
Classic White Octagons and Black Squares
Put a twist on the squares by integrating white octagon tiles within black square tiles. The Gatsby era octagon-tile floors breathe retro flair. Work in borders with contrasting triangular tiles for a further nod to roaring twenties style.
Weathered Black and White Tile
Instead of glossy polished perfection, go for an artfully faded, distressed checkerboard tile floor. Duller matte tiles in mottled grey-black and oyster white have an antiqued, well-worn look. For added authenticity, use reclaimed tiles for a salvaged checkerboard floor.
Bold Oversized Pattern
Create drama with 1.5′ or 2′ foot square tiles in a bold black & white checkerboard pattern. The super-sized floor grabs attention, contrasting sharply with modern furnishings and finishes.
Creative Checkered Floor Color Combinations
The classic black and white will never go out of style. But the checkered floor motif also shines by playing with color combinations. Have fun mixing colors that appeal to your personal taste:
Blue and White Coastal Checkerboard
Evocative of sailing flags and seaside living, the blue and white color combo channels breezy coastal vibes. Variations like navy and white or sky blue and white work nicely. For beach house style, white octagon tiles contrasting with blue square tile tiles keep the nautical checkerboard floor looking beachy.
Earth Tone Checkerboards
Warm up any room with natural earth-tone checkerboard floors. Mix terracotta with tan, brown with taupe or shades of grey and cream for an organic vibe. Slate stone or travertine tiles in their natural color variations make stunning checkerboard patterns.
Primary Color Checkerboards
Make a vibrant splash by mixing primary color tiles: red, yellow and blue. Shuffle glossy tiles in fire engine red, sunflower yellow and cerulean blue for Pop Art power. Tone it down with muted barn reds, mustard yellows and robins egg blue. However you mix primary hues, this checkerboard oozes fun.
Metallic Checkerboard Floors
Take the shine up a notch with reflective metallic or iridescent glass tiles for glitzy checkerboard pizazz. Imagine onyx, bronze and silver tiles mixing together to catch the light. Shimmery mother of pearl tiles also dazzle underfoot in a pearlescent checkerboard floor.
Creative Checkered Floor Border Ideas
Want to elevate your checkered floor game? Clever borders provide eye-catching framing details that make ordinary checkerboard floors extraordinary.
Decorative Tile BorderAround Perimeter
The most common upgrade borders the checkerboard floor with decorative tile banding. Contrasting colors or mosaic tiles make for subtle yet striking borders. Multi-colored tile mosaics perfectly complement classic black & white checkerboard floors inside.
Geometric Area Rugs Over Checkerboard
Layer area rugs over checkered floors for funky geometrical interplay. The jazzy overlapping shapes and patterns energize modern rooms or eclectic spaces. Moroccan trellis tile rugs work nicely over black and white checkered floors.
Inlaid Wood Border Around Checkerboard
For richer visual texture, border checkerboard floors with contrasting wood inlays. The trompe l’oeil effect suggests intricate parquet flooring. Combining real hardwood outlines with faux painted wood grain inside carpet tiles amplifies the realistic 3D effect.
Faux Painted Checkerboard Border
Take shortcuts by faux painting checkerboard borders instead of installing actual tile. Clever visual trickery fools the eye with the illusion of 3D tiles. Chalk paint, special adhesive stencils and glazing techniques simulate light reflecting off tile borders. The skillful shadowing and depth creates wow factor without the hassle of additional tilework.
What Rooms Work Best for Checkered Floors?
What rooms shine best with checkered floors? Here are the spaces where checkerboard floors feel right at home:
| Kitchens | Historically the checkered floor pattern traces back to Victorian kitchen floors. Time has tested this stylish, practical pattern in the kitchen. Checkerboard tile floors withstand messes, spills and heavy traffic while looking fabulous. |
| Dining Rooms | In the dining room, checkerboard floors remind us of classic diner floors. That nostalgic association works perfectly for family meal spaces meant for gathering around delicious food and conversation. |
| Bathrooms | Black and white checkerboard tiles lend a retro flair to bathrooms, reminiscent of Old Hollywood glam. Vintage styled bathrooms, powder rooms and poolside cabana changing rooms sensibly suit the classic tilework. |
| Laundry Rooms | Like kitchens, practical laundry rooms benefit from durable, low-maintenance checkerboard tile floors. The bold graphic floors inject visual interest into the often bland utility space. |
| Entryways / Foyers | Welcome guests with dazzling checkered floors in the entryway or foyer. This makes a strong first impression and sets an artistic tone. Checkerboard floors overlaid with area rugs in entry spaces display original style. |
| Basements | Jazz up dull basements and man caves by installing inexpensive checkerboard laminate flooring or vinyl tiles. The lively pattern instantly modernizes and brightens windowless basement spaces. |
Design Ideas for Styling Checkered Floors
Now that we’ve covered the basics on checkered floors, let’s explore general design ideas on how to integrate checkerboard floors into home decors. Here are creative tips for styling your checkered flooring:
Contrast with Furniture
The highest contrast comes from pairing graphic checkered floors with solid colored furniture. For example, bright white quartz tables and black leather chairs contrast boldly against classic back and white tile. Solid wood furniture also complements checkerboard floors better than busy prints.
Repeat Shapes
Echo the checks, squares and grid motif throughout the rest of the room’s details. Square throw pillows on the sofa pick up on the floor checker pattern. Cubist style artwork or square shelving reinforce the angular geometrical theme.
Layer in Area Rugs
While checkerboard floors look smart alone, layering area rugs on top adds visual richness. Choose patterns like Moroccan trellis rugs or fur throws contrasting the squares underneath. Solid jute rugs work well with black and white kitchen checkerboard floors.
Up the Gloss Factor
Polished, reflective tiles in a gloss finish contrast beautifully with matte textures. For modern rooms, pair ultra-glossy checkerboard porcelain tiles with steel chairs and glass table tops. The sheen boosts the graphic energy.
Border With Contrasting Materials
We touched on borders earlier. But it’s worth reiterating how contrasting floor materials supercharge checkered floors. If doing ceramic tile squares, outline portions of the checkered floor with hardwood. Changing up the textures and patterns along the borders keeps things interesting.
Costs and maintenance of Different Materials
| Type | Cost | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic tile | Low | Medium |
| Porcelain tile | Medium | Low |
| Natural stone | High | High |
| Vinyl | Low | Low |
| Laminate | Low | Medium |
| Concrete | Medium | Medium |
| Wood | High | High |
| Marble | Very High | Very High |
Breakdown:
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer affordable options, while natural stone, marble and wood come at premium pricing
- Porcelain and vinyl rate lowest maintenance, while marble, natural stone and wood floors require the most ongoing care
- Laminate costs less upfront but scratches easily compared to more durable ceramic or porcelain tiles
- Concrete can etch/stain but durable and lower maintenance than real wood or stone
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Iconic, classic pattern | Can feel visually busy in small spaces |
| Timeless retro style | Black/white lacks color for some decor styles |
| Masks stains well | Grout lines harder to keep clean |
| Durable and easy to clean | Not ideal for rooms wanting quiet ambiance |
| Visually hides uneven floors | Pattern may cause dizziness for some |
| Matches variety of color schemes | Limiting; doesn’t blend with all color palettes |
| Graphic pop suits modern rooms | Some perceive as outdated or low-brow style |
| Endless creative variations | Pattern requires careful tile alignment |
| Options from affordable to high-end | Higher maintenance than plain tile floor |
| High visual interest underfoot | Less safe for elderly or small children |
FAQs
The best tiles for checkered floors are durable porcelain or ceramic that resist scratches, stains and moisture. Porcelain rates highest for durability and maintenance ease. Ceramic tiles work well for bathrooms.
The most common checkered floor tile size is 12″ x 12″ squares, sometimes mixed with contrasting 12” octagons. But sizes range from mosaic tiles under 1” up to 24” square tiles or longer planks.
For classic black and white checkered floors, bright white grout provides highest contrast. With other color schemes, match one of the darker tile colors. Some skip grout for an uninterrupted checker pattern.
Sealing is crucial for natural stone floors to prevent staining and etching. Ceramic and porcelain may benefit from sealing too depending on glaze type, while higher quality porcelain and vinyl floors often don’t require sealing.
DIY novices can tackle checkered floors, but skill with careful tile alignment helps. Misaligned edges ruin the symmetry. Pros have the best techniques for smooth results. Use tile spacers and start laying tiles from the center.
Yes, smaller mosaic checkerboard tiles well suit powder rooms. But some find it visually overwhelming if the bathroom itself is very compact. Generally best for larger open concept rooms.
The classic checkered floor remains timelessly stylish decade after decade. Contemporary variations with interesting colors, shapes, textures make this motif fresh again.
Conclusion
The checkered floor endures decade after decade thanks to it’s crisp, graphic elegance. While the iconic black and white checkerboard reigns supreme, exploring color variations opens up new stylistic frontiers. Creative tile shapes, sizes, combinations and borders enable designer checkerboard floors one-of-a-kind.
Next time your rooms need a striking flooring update, consider installing virtuoso checkered floors. This versatile, classic motif works wonders for all types of decor needs. With this exhaustive guide on checkered floor ideas in your back pocket, you have all the inspiration needed to craft dazzling checkerboard floors that stand the test of time!
