While black-and-white squares remain iconic, modern takes on checkerboard invite you to think beyond tradition. From colorful twists and unexpected layouts to innovative uses of shape and scale, these 15 ideas prove there’s more than one way to play the grid.

1. Choose Multi-Colored Squares

Black and white aren’t the only options in the checkerboard game. For their modern farmhouse kitchen, @eighteenthcenturystephens paired Antique tiles in Lava and Green to create a refined rustic aesthetic that brings both color and character to the space. We love how they grouped four tiles together to form larger squares, but for a more dynamic look, you could alternate the individual tiles instead.

2. Play With Proportion

Everything about this checkerboard wall says classic—except the proportions. Checkerboard layouts don’t need to stick to squares. By using subway tiles instead, this design delivers a fresh and unexpected twist on the traditional look.

We especially love the choice of tiles in this inviting breakfast space. Fired Earth Stoneware ceramic subway tiles (shown here in Rainwashed, a soft blue, and Linen Brick, a warm beige) feature subtle speckles and slight color variation from piece to piece, for a decorative effect characteristic of handmade mid-century ceramics. 

3. Play With Pattern

Pairing two colorways of the same pattern offers a charming, unconventional twist on the classic design. This chic bathroom features the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper in Eden Ode (black) and Florence Lace (white). The ornate, botanical design is completed when four tiles are grouped together, adding feminine allure to the traditional checkerboard. If you love this bold, whimsical take on a classic style, explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection.

4. Play With Shape

A twist on traditional Moroccan design, this Kasbah Cross Terracotta and Star Bone tile floor creates a dynamic foundation for a luxurious shower. The warm terracotta and crisp white tones of the checkerboard floor are echoed in the dramatic rust-colored veining of the white marble-look Pisa Ora wall tile, resulting in a space that’s visually complex yet tonally cohesive. For a striking variation, try the look in black and white with Zellige White Chabone Star and Charcoal Chabone Cross tiles.

5. Add a Third Color for a Buffalo Check

Another way to elevate your checkerboard design is by adding a third color. This buffalo check wall features Encaustic tile in Black, Cobalt and Light Grey. The three hues play across the wall to create a stylish tableau that can be recreated with any three same-sized square tiles. For a truly unique and luxurious design, try mixing marble or marble-look tiles.

6. Create a Gridded Subway Design

Alternating horizontal and vertical layouts for a grid stack subway pattern creates a dynamic sense of movement in this chic shower. The intentional variations in the Look Avio handmade-look tile add soft visual interest, while the contrasting white grout lines emphasize the pattern. To make the design more striking, incorporate multiple colors; for a quieter look, choose a tonally consistent tile with matching grout. Explore endless design possibilities with our wide selection of subway tile.

7. Choose a Mosaic for an Easy Play

Made up of small individual tiles mounted on a mesh sheet, mosaic tile combines intricate detail with easy installation. The Bennett with Roman Silver tile shown here features marble pieces arranged in an alternating vertical and horizontal pattern. Expressive veining in the gray and white marble adds a sense of movement to the checkerboard effect, while the subtle tonal shifts create a deceptively simple design that works beautifully for a wall, backsplash or floor. For a warmer, earthier look, try the Scabos Triples tile in travertine.

8. Switch Your Strategy

You don’t need to add a second color to achieve a stunning patterned checkerboard. This stylish shower features the Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite tile, showcasing a bold, hand-drawn graphic design (also available in grey Cement and beige Pumice). The multi-directional tiles make it easy to create personalized motifs, as shown here by arranging them in groups of four with alternating horizontal and vertical orientations. If you love this eclectic, fashion-forward aesthetic, explore our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collection.

9. Elevate Your Game With Natural Stone

Marble, travertine or slate—natural stone tile showcases organic variations for a truly one-of-a-kind look. When paired together, these materials create a beautiful, expressive and unique space, like this stunning entryway designed by Timber Trails. Alternating squares of Legno limestone and Volakas marble bring subtle beauty through veining and natural details. Notice how the beige limestone tiles are installed so that the veining aligns across each row of squares.

10. Expand the Grid

This black-and-white hexagon floor delivers the clean geometry of a checkerboard with an unexpected twist.

While square tiles are the most common way to achieve a grid layout—think fabric patterns or city blocks—hexagons are another timeless choice. Their six-sided form adds subtle variety while still stacking together with satisfying precision. The result is a pattern that feels both efficient and fresh. Here, crisp black accents on a white field create a classic look, but inverting the palette to a black background would offer a bold, dramatic alternative.

11. Play in Neutral Tones

You don’t need stark contrast to create an engaging design. This stunning bar area, designed by @creatiffdiy, features alternating squares of Zellige White and Alabaster gloss tile. The beige, pink and grey tones of the Alabaster tile add visual complexity while maintaining a neutral color scheme. Perfectly imperfect, these handcrafted tiles feature subtle surface variations that add texture and depth. If you love this authentic, artisanal look, explore our wide selection of handmade Zellige tile.

12. Add Winning Charm With Mosaic Blocks

Squares within squares create a beautifully expressive checkerboard tile backsplash in this elegant bathroom, seamlessly blending modern and traditional decor. Composed of 2″ square tiles, the Zellige Turquoise and White mosaic tiles feature tonal and surface variations that add visual complexity to this simple design. Recreate this look as shown, or explore these handcrafted mosaic tiles in other colorways: Alabaster Pearl, Azul, Black, Dark Grey, Dirty Blue, Light Grey and Shamrock.

13. Create a Twist on Historic Texture

This elegant, vintage-inspired wet bar is perfectly suited to modern entertaining. An homage to the detailed charm of Victorian-era tin tile, ceramic backsplash tiles (Victoria Blanc and Victoria Gris Fonce) feature seven unique embossed surface designs for an authentic look. The alternating dark and light colors, along with a thoughtful mix of circular and square raised designs, gives this checkerboard design layers of dimension. The final result is a welcoming, stylish space that would delight guests in any era.

14. Turn Squares Into Diamonds

Rotating a checkerboard layout 45 degrees gives this counter-to-ceiling tile backsplash a whimsical touch. The intersecting diagonal lines draw the eye up and out simultaneously, making this cozy space feel both taller and wider. Handmade-look tiles, open shelving, wood-plank floors, and apron sink are all characteristic of modern farmhouse style, while the blue and white color palette adds a breezy, coastal feel. (If you like this look, explore all the styles in our exclusive Laura Park designer collection.)

15. Deconstruct the Board

The Cassettone Black tile offers a deconstructed take on the classic black-and-white pattern. Durable yet luxurious, the marble-look mosaic tile brings just the right amount of opulence to this elegant transitional bathroom, designed by @pineislanddesign. Discover more refined designs to mix and match in our wide selection of marble-look tile.

There are so many ways to play the checkerboard game! Shop our curated checkboard pairings for more ideas. Find a tile combo you love? Order samples to see it in your space, or use our Tile Visualizer to help envision your project.

The post 15 Unique and Unexpected Checkerboard Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Match Your Tile to Your Walls, Trim and Ceiling

This cozy bathroom, designed by Yellow Brick Home, perfectly captures the color drenching trend. The ceiling, trim and door are all painted in a soft blush, and even the tile—Alison Victoria Brick x Brick Petal—matches the hue. Tiling a half wall instead of painting the entire space adds depth to the monochromatic room; the brick-like texture and subtle color variation of the tile bring visual interest. The result is a rich, inviting space that feels both comforting and expansive.

2. Add Interest by Mixing Finishes

To keep a color-drenched space from feeling monotonous, try mixing glossy and matte finishes, as shown in this serene bathroom features Coco Canvas tile in both looks. A double band of glossy tile—further distinguished by its vertical installation—adds a subtle shine to the elegant design. The handmade-look tile introduces delicate variations in tone and surface texture, creating visual complexity while maintaining the monochromatic palette.

3. Use the Same Tile for the Wall and Floor

Extending your floor tile up the wall drenches your space in more than just color—it adds visual interest and cohesion. The shape of the tile can create a sense of movement, as seen in this dynamic bathroom featuring Costa Emerald Mix mosaic tile. Small picket tiles are fixed to sheets of mesh backing in neat, diagonally offset columns, for a look that resembles vines climbing the wall and spreading across the floor. We love how the white grout accentuates the tiles’ leaf-like shape, but a darker grout could offer a subtler effect. If you love this nature-inspired look, discover more ways to bring the outdoors in with our guide to biophilic design.

4. Choose a Bold Hue

If you’re going to saturate your space in a single color, choose a hue you truly love. While it might be tempting to play it safe with neutrals, a bold, brilliant shade—like the Zellige Turquoise tile shown here—can make your space feel vibrant. This bright blue will boost your mood, and handmade Zellige tile features organic variation from piece to piece, adding richness and depth to your color-drenched space.

5. Tile the Ceiling

Extending your tile design to the ceiling not only completes the trend but also creates the illusion of height—especially in tight spaces like this narrow shower stall. The small squares of the Imperial Blush mosaic tile form a gridded pattern reminiscent of ’80s school showers, but the soft blush hue elevates the space. Explore our vast selection of square tile for more retro-inspired looks.

6. Add Definition with Trim and Grout

If you’re concerned that color drenching won’t give your eye a place to rest, trim and grout can provide subtle contrast that creates the definition you crave. In this example, the Color Market Lima Da Persia tile is paired with white grout and trim. While white isn’t a stark contrast to the yellow, it’s tonally distinct enough to highlight the tile and define each wall. Gray grout with black tile, or beige with pink, can also create a similar effect. For more ideas on how to use this essential—but often overlooked—design detail, check out our guide to nailing your grout.

7. Choose a Monochromatic Pattern

You don’t have to sacrifice pattern to embrace the monochromatic design trend. Many patterned tiles use a single hue in varying tones. This chic bathroom features Blu Window Hex tile, with a geometric pattern in light and dark blue that adds depth and visual interest. While we love how the white and silver fixtures pop against the blue tile, incorporating blue cabinetry or a matching medicine cabinet would take the look even further.

8. Break the Rules: Create Contrast

A touch of contrast can make your color-drenched space truly stand out. This nearly all-black room features Laura Ashley Louise Star Charcoal tile, with a small white star pattern that adds a playful touch and keeps the space from feeling too dark. We love how the white towel and flowers subtly echo the pattern. If you’re drawn to this chic color scheme, shop our wide selection of black-and-white tile.

9. Match Tones

Tile lets you maintain a single palette while still expressing yourself through shape and tone. This gorgeous shower pairs Alison Victoria Gem marble tile with Marradi Calacatta Emerald marble-look porcelain tile. The deep green marble is echoed in the expressive emerald veining of the porcelain tile, while the neat arched white grout lines provide an additional visual throughline. The result is a deeply evocative space that remains tonally consistent.

10. Pair With a Coordinating Mosaic Tile

Another way to add interest to a color-drenched space is to choose a field tile with a coordinating mosaic. This beautiful shower pairs the Laura Park Seaside Marble 12″ x 24″ wall tile with its matching herringbone mosaic. The rich, marble-look porcelain showcases expressive blue tones inspired by Laura Park’s original watercolors. The herringbone-patterned floor tile adds traction underfoot and extends onto the built-in shower bench, creating a subtle visual disruption in the monochrome palette. Explore our wide selection of mosaic tile to find the perfect complement to your main tile.

Ready to drench your space in color? The Tile Shop has the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started on your next project. Explore tons of unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project.

The post 10 Creative Color Drenching Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Keep it Simple…and Chic!

A backsplash staple, white subway tile is a timeless classic with endless versatility. This modern farmhouse kitchen, designed by Esslinger Design Co., features an Imperial Bianco Gloss tile backsplash behind open wood shelves. The simple brick-lay tile provides a neutral background, allowing the dark green range hood and brass swing-arm sconce light fixtures to stand out. If you love this cozy-chic style, check out our guide to modern farmhouse design.

2. Create a Stylish Slab Look

A backsplash crafted from a large block of stone is a popular feature of high-end design, but you can achieve this look on a more modest budget with large-format tile. These supersized tiles (up to 48″ x 48″) mimic the appearance of a single piece of stone while offering the durability and easy maintenance of ceramic or porcelain. As demonstrated in this contemporary kitchen, a counter-to-ceiling backsplash featuring extra-large marble-look tile makes your space feel expansive as well as elevated.

3. Show Off Your Style with a Graphic Pattern

Patterned tile offers the ornamentation of wallpaper with the superior protection of ceramic or porcelain. Perfect for adding design to a mess-prone backsplash, patterned tile can easily be stretched to the height of your wall to further celebrate your style. This fashionable kitchen features the graphic-patterned Nikki Chu Tangier Graphite tile. The eclectic hand-drawn print is bold in its simplicity, adding definition to the space while allowing flexibility to swap out accessories and change paint colors for easy updates. Discover more unique, fashion-forward designs in our exclusive Nikki Chu collection.

4. Display Your Taste with Diamond-Shaped Tile

When your tile covers a large area, choosing a design that creates a sense of movement and rich visual texture not only makes your space feel more expansive but also adds interest. This can be achieved through pattern, shape or material. This beautiful kitchen features the Africa Tempesta Polished Wheaton tile, a diamond- and chevron-shaped mosaic made from vividly veined marble. The zigzag pattern, combined with the grey and beige veining, draws the eye up the wall, creating the illusion of height and adding a touch of luxury. Shop diamond-shaped tile for more brilliant designs.

5. Tile the Range Hood

When you have a tile as elegant and expressive as the Firenze Calacatta marble subway tile, you’ll want to display it without interruption. That’s exactly what Christie Juncaj did in her magnificent contemporary kitchen. By using the tile to disguise the range hood, the kitchen maintains a cohesive appearance from the counter to the ceiling and across the wall.

6. Showcase Mid-Century Modern Design

Even if you don’t have an A-frame house, you can embrace the simple sophistication of mid-century modern style with The Tile Shop’s new Stoneware collection from Fired Earth. Featuring a sleek elongated subway format in five retro-inspired colorways, these tiles celebrate the best of 20th-century design. Here, the Stoneware Rainwashed tile runs along the expanse from the counter to the tip of the angled ceiling, creating a vibrant statement wall that feels contemporary while evoking a vintage appeal.

7. Marvel with a Mosaic Tile

Perhaps counterintuitively, a small-format mosaic tile can have the same space-widening effect as a large-format tile. The petite pieces provide visual texture that draws the eye across a space, adding depth and a sense of movement. This charming kitchen, designed by @dwellwithmichelle, features the Hex Matte White with Black Flowers mosaic. The repeated retro floral pattern guides the eye up the wall, while the open shelving makes the space feel light and airy.

8. Create a Work of Art

A tall backsplash allows for creative use of the space behind your stove or kitchen sink. Take advantage of the expanse by showcasing a beautiful patterned or mosaic tile within a tiled picture frame. Using trim to “frame” the decorative tile, this design technique elevates your space while providing a pleasing focal point you can admire while cooking and cleaning. This elegant transitional kitchen features the Morris & Co. Pure Net Cloud Grey tile, framed by a double layer of Firenze Carrara Somerset trim.

9. Achieve Artisanal Excellence

Zellige tile is handcrafted using ancient techniques, ensuring that each tile is authentically unique. Showcasing this singular tile from counter to ceiling creates a one-of-a-kind backsplash that celebrates artistry. This chic kitchen, designed by Fox Homes, features the Zellige White Gloss tile. The square format aligns with contemporary design, while the traditional craftsmanship connects it to the past.

10. Embrace English Cottage Style

Put the kettle on and take in this charming kitchen backsplash featuring the Laura Ashley Wexbord Fresh Green tile. With a whimsical floral motif inspired by historic prints from the iconic British brand’s archive, this patterned tile is made to be displayed. We love how it pairs with white cabinets, but a bold blue or sunny yellow would look equally delightful. As enamored with this style as Mr. Darcy is with Elizabeth? Click here to discover how to bring English cottage design into your home.

11. Showcase Your Stove

If your kitchen cabinets cover most of your counter-to-ceiling space, the area behind the stove might be the only place to showcase this design trend. However, even this limited space can deliver big results, as is evident in this stylish kitchen designed by Georgia Pepperberry Interior Design. The Liria Negro tile adds a pattern that helps to highlight the stove and the dark copper range hood. The use of white subway tile below the white cabinets prevents the room from feeling too busy and ensures the stove remains the star of the show.

12. Make “Hex-Cellent” Choices

The six-sided hexagon is a classic tile shape that’s surprisingly versatile. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and materials, hex tile offers a wealth of possibilities and timeless design. This contemporary kitchen features the Royal White polished marble hex tile. The stone’s natural tonal variation, combined with the tile’s shape, gives the backsplash a sense of movement that draws the eye up the wall.

13. Tile Above the Cabinets

Your wall cabinets don’t have to define your backsplash. This elegant kitchen takes the Cheverny Blanc patterned encaustic tile to the ceiling by tiling the space above the cabinets. The result is a stunning statement wall that maintains a sense of continuity.

14. Go Retro

An expanded backsplash offers a unique opportunity to showcase your style. This groovy kitchen, designed by Total 360 Interiors, embraces flower-power ideals with the Star Olive/Grey Encaustic tile. The bold, bright geometric floral pattern exudes 70s vibes, while the modern stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinets ground this space firmly in this century.

15. Create Contrast

Contrasting colors–whether they be classic black-and-white or contemporary neutral-and-bright–add depth to your space. This chic kitchen, designed by Timber Trails, features Noir Amalfi limestone tile installed with contrasting white grout. In addition to complementing the white cabinetry and window frame, the white grout lines highlight the tile’s classic brick-lay pattern. By extending the tile to the ceiling, the designer enhances the dramatic effect of the stark contrast.

16. Find Historic Inspiration

Popular in the Victorian era, tin tiles were embossed with decorative patterns, adding both texture and visual interest. The 19th-century-inspired Victoria Gris Fonce tile (also available in Blanco) features the characteristic raised pattern in a durable ceramic format. Here, You Neek Designs updates Victorian aesthetics for a contemporary kitchen. The tin-look tiles behind the stove are flanked by white subway tile, another popular style of the era. However, the Annie Selke Artisanal White tile’s handmade look and the horizontal straight-stack layout add a modern twist. Extending the subway tile behind the open wooden shelving makes this design feel fresh.

17. Add Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

If you love the sleek, chic silhouette of subway tile but want a more dynamic design, consider installing your favorite tile in a herringbone layout. The zigzag pattern of this classic format evokes a sense of movement by drawing the eye both up and across the space. We love how this backsplash, designed by Twigg + Lu Design Company, uses the Look Oliva subway tile as both a backsplash and window frames.

18. Choose Classically Chic Chevron Tile

Another classic tile pattern that adds dynamic interest, chevron tile offers the same zigzag as herringbone, but with tiles specially cut to form the characteristic V-shape. This elegant kitchen, designed by Accent on Cabinets, features the Bianco Puro Honed Chevron tile. The luxurious white marble enhances the sophistication of this gold-accented white kitchen.

19. Add Rustic Details

You probably wouldn’t put real wood behind your stovetop, but wood-look porcelain or ceramic tile offers the contemporary rustic aesthetic of a cabin in an easy-to-clean, flame-retardant material. Available in a range of realistic designs–like the distressed Colonial Wood White Brillo tile shown here–wood-look tile makes your kitchen feel rugged without sacrificing modern conveniences.

20. Reflect Your Style

Glass tile’s naturally reflective surface adds brightness and depth to your space. This contemporary kitchen, designed by Riemer Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry, features the Winter Morning glass tile. The light playing across the surface makes the small backsplash feel more expansive. While it looks amazing in this bright and open kitchen, glass tile would also help illuminate a space that doesn’t receive much natural light.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style. If you’re up to tackling a DIY project, check out our guide on how to tile your backsplash yourself. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 20 Counter-to-Ceiling Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Choose a Durable Hardwood Alternative

If you like the look of hardwood but are hesitant to install it in a space where spills and heavy machinery are a given, water- and scratch-resistant wood-look tile is the answer. The Woodsman Deep Forest tile, shown here, embodies the rustic characteristics of natural wood while providing the durability of porcelain.

2. Transform Your Space Into a Spanish Villa

Your laundry room tile has the ability to transport you to another time and place. The terracotta-look Provenzal Alhama Cotto tile features a unique shape and terracotta coloring you’d expect to find in a Mediterranean home. If you love an unusual silhouette, shop our wide selection of uniquely shaped tile.

3. Add Elegance With a Marble Mosaic

Don’t be afraid to display your delicates—a marble mosaic exudes dainty, elegant style. This luxurious laundry room, designed by Ela Bobak, features the Meram Blanc Carrara Chevron mosaic tile. The zig-zag tile format and soft grey and beige veining add a subtle sense of movement, creating a beautiful and serene space.

4. Choose a Retro Pattern

Add a vintage flair with the Hex Matte White With Black Flower tile. This cute mosaic is a classic black-and-white pattern that harkens back to 1960s and-70s flower-power designs. Want to recreate this design in a custom color palette? Shop our wide selection of hexagon tiles.

5. Create an On-Point Look

Like neatly folded sheets, the Picket Florencia Super Bianco tile backsplash features crisp lines and precision corners. A twist on traditional subway tile, picket tile offers a sense of movement as well as the orderliness of a picket fence. If you love this pointed design, shop our wide selection of picket tile.

6. Throw a Color In The Load

Pops of blue enliven this well-ordered laundry room, designed by Personal Pride Construction. Choose a patterned tile with a small amount of color—like the fine blue details in the Talavera Encaustic tile—and add matching painted accents to achieve this joyful design.

7. Add Fabric Details With a Textile-Inspired Tile

The faded linen details on the Jeffrey Alan Marks Summerland Toro tile give this laundry room floor the look of sheets drying in the sun. Discover more sun-drenched coastal chic looks when you shop this tile in all three colorways: Miramar (blue), Rincon (grey) and Toro (black).

8. Embrace Old-World Charm

You don’t need to revert to Medieval washing methods to infuse your space with the charm of the old country. Encaustic tiles, like the Liria Negro tile shown here, utilize the centuries-old tradition of inlaying a pattern into a cement tile. Shop our wide selection of encaustic tiles for more delightful and durable designs.

9. Create an Elevated Modern Farmhouse Aesthetic

Cozy and chic, modern farmhouse design connects you to the tradition of living off the land, even if you’re settled in the suburbs. This refined space, designed by Timber Trails, takes the typical modern farmhouse style up a notch by including the Sampson tile along the backsplash. This basketweave mosaic uses a classic pattern and luxurious marble to create an elegant, yet homey, design.

10. Fill Your Space With Color and Pattern

Clockwork Designs didn’t shy away from color and patterns in this cozy laundry room. The Zara Blue tile, featuring a deep blue floral scroll design, complements the forest green cabinetry, while the wooden bench adds another layer of visual texture. Shop our wide selection of patterned tile to find a design that works for your space.

11. Create Elevated Drama With Black Marble

Uniquely luxurious, marble tile takes any space to the next level. Make your laundry room a space you want to linger between loads with the Black Marquina Hex tile. The grey and white veining adds visual texture to the floor and can also help mask the appearance of dirt and spills.

12. Use a Small Hex Tile to Create a Dotted Pattern

This well-ordered laundry room, designed by @prettyhouseproject, features a small hex tile backsplash. The 1” x 1” Hex Gloss White tile creates a dotted effect, adding interest to this monochromatic space. Choose any small hexagon-shaped tile or penny round tile to achieve this look.

13. Protect Your Wall With a Backsplash

Guard your walls against splashes and spills with a tiled backsplash. This lovely laundry room features the Atins Shell tile behind the sink–a durable, large-format ceramic tile with minimal grout lines that makes clean-up a breeze. Shop our wide selection of large-format tile to find a design that suits your style.

14. Use a Neutral Palette for a Serene Space

Neutrals add a sense of tranquility to your space, making even a chore a calming activity. Here, the Hampton Carrara Hex tile features an elegant mix of warm beige and cool grey veining on a crisp white background. The mix of warm and cool neutrals creates a contemporary palette that complements a variety of colors and styles.

15. Embrace English Cottage Charm

The whimsical patterns in our Laura Ashley collection are a perfect match for popular cottagecore styles—from English country cottage to the trending granny chic. This charming blue laundry room features the Laura Ashley Wicker Sea Spray tile. If you love this cozy, kitschy look, explore our comprehensive guide to English country cottage design.

16. Use a Marble-Look Tile for an Elegant & Durable Floor

Your laundry floor probably withstands a lot of traffic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a luxurious space. Marble-look tile combines the elegance of marble with the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain. This traditional-style laundry room pairs stylish black-and-white Marble Star floor tile with taupe cabinets for a space that feels both elevated and relaxed.

17. Go Natural with Slate Tile

Natural stone features unique variations between pieces making this a one-of-a-kind design trend that has been around for literally ages. With colors ranging from black to rust, slate tile is popular for its rustic look and natural surface variation. The Adoni Black tile shown here has a natural grey tone that elevates this laundry room, while the colored veining adds a sense of movement that softens the space.

18. Make Your Walls Pop

Add texture to your walls with a sculptural or 3-D wall tile. The Flow 1 Greige tile used for the walls in this traditional-style laundry room adds a stylish pattern that will appear to change as the light moves through the room.

19. Mix Your Darks and Lights

You wouldn’t think of mixing your lights and darks together in the washer, but a black-and-white patterned tile can enliven your laundry room floor. We love how the Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal tile brings bold design to this simple space. Shop our wide selection of black-and-white tile for more chic and unique designs. 

20. Break Out the Plaid

A checkerboard tile floor is a design win, but if you want to add an extra element to your room, try adding squares in a third color. This black, white and grey tile floor is classy and fun and the simple color scheme keeps this small space looking clean and orderly. Shop our vast selection of square tile to achieve this (or a more traditional two-tone checkerboard) look.

We hope these small space ideas have sparked some big ideas! For more inspiration, check out these laundry room tile design ideas, or visit our Instagram and Customer Room Gallery to see our tile in action in real customer spaces. Ready to tackle your reno? Set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

The post Top 20 Small Laundry Room Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Create a Unique Subway Layout

A custom subway tile layout takes center stage in this boho chic kitchen, designed by I SPY DIY. The Aura Bronze tile is installed in an alternating vertical and horizontal stack, adding a sense of movement and individuality to the space. Discover how to incorporate this worldly and eclectic style in your space with our guide to boho chic design.

2. Add Brightness With a Glossy Beige

A glossy finish reflects light, creating a brighter space for kitchen prep. The warm beige tones of the handmade-look Tribeca Oatmeal tile provide a soft, neutral base for the kitchen, making the backsplash appear almost white when the light hits it. Shop our wide range of beige tiles to recreate this serene look.

3. Reflect Your Personality With a Glass Tile

Glass tile features a naturally reflective surface, so even a dark color will add brightness to your prep area. This stunning kitchen, designed by @eleven11tileanddesign, features the Glass Burlap Amalfi tile. The warm brown tile and white grout lines create an inverse effect of the golden-veined white marble countertops, resulting in a rich and cohesive design.

4. Make Waves With a Unique Shape

Unique shapes offer a wealth of design possibilities that go beyond typical straight edges. Here, the Wave Old Cream tile creates a pillowy effect on this backsplash, adding playful movement and a softer edge. Shop our wide assortment of uniquely shaped tile for more interesting profiles.

5. Choose a Charming Pattern

Warm neutrals are paired with an elegant pattern in the Bolshoi Taupe tile. The white, star-shaped design elevates the space, providing a focal point that complements a wide range of cabinet colors. Discover more delicate and eclectic designs when you shop patterned tile.

6. Add Texture With an Architectural Tile

Characterized by uneven surfaces, rough-edged architectural tile adds both visual and tactile texture to your space. Available in a wide range of materials, from wood to natural stone–like the Copper Rust Random Rectified Slate tile shown here–these authentic details bring a rustic feel to the room.

7. Add Elegance With a Diamond Shape

The charming silhouette of the Legno Wheaton tile draws the eye up this kitchen wall. The white chevron pieces outlining the brown diamond-shaped tiles add a sense of movement. Shop our vast selection of diamond-shaped tile for an on-point design for your space.

8. Create Old-World Vibes With an Encaustic Tile

Encaustic tiles are decorative cement tiles with a history in classical design. The pattern is inlaid into the tile, so it will remain even as the tiles age. This kitchen, designed by Georgia Pepperberry, showcases the Lira Negro Encaustic tile. The brown, black and white tile perfectly complements the white cabinets and wood-and-black range hood.

9. Choose Travertine for a Natural Look

A type limestone formed in mineral springs, travertine tile boasts rich color variation, with shades from black to silver. The Volcano Brushed Amalfi tile shown here, with its mix of chocolatey browns, beiges and greys, demonstrates the colorful range of this natural stone. Shop our wide selection of travertine tile to find the shade that fits your style.

10. Embrace Authenticity With Zellige Tile

Crafted, painted and glazed by hand, each Zellige tile is authentically unique. The Zellige Alabaster Gloss tile features varied tones that range from beige to pink to grey, creating a perfectly imperfect backsplash. If you love this handcrafted look, shop our full line of Zellige tile.

Updating your space is easier than you think! Shop our wide assortment of kitchen backsplash tiles to find your perfect style, and check out our guide on how to tile your backsplash yourself. Need more assistance? Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the tile, tools and expert advice you need to get started.

The post 10 Beautiful Brown Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Create a Tiled Accent Wall

Tiling only one wall can create a focal point and add the illusion of depth to your space. In this beautiful bathroom, Timber Trails tiled the wall behind the sink with the Alato Beachwalk Chevron glass mosaic tile, which doubles as a backsplash and enhances the space with a space a sense of movement.

2. Embrace Classic Encaustic Patterns

Made from cement using centuries-old techniques, encaustic tiles will lend an air of timelessness to your design. The classic pattern on the Britianna Camden tile is a case in point. In this half bathroom, the tile creates interest above the sink, while the warm neutral palette lends softness to the space.

3. Go Back to Basics With White Subway Tile

White subway remains a popular tile for a reason—the sleek and clean design is endlessly versatile, making this a great tile choice if you anticipate wanting to change up your bathroom decor with the seasons (or your moods). Here, @talk_repurposed installed the Signature Bianco Matte subway tile with black grout, creating continuity of color between the walls and the black and white mosaic tile floor.

4. Add Shape & Movement With Marble Hexagon Tile

An elegant marble instantly elevates any room’s design. Choose a dynamic shape, like the Hampton Carrara Tumbled Hex tile shown here, to add even more interest to your space. The veining in the marble creates subtile variations in color between the tile pieces for a natural sense of movement.

5. Expand Your Wall Space With Large Format Tile

Large format tile requires fewer grout lines, which will give your space a more expansive and cohesive look—perfect for a small powder room. And you don’t need to tile the entire room to get the effect. This bathroom, designed by Domicile 37, uses oversized Invisible Grey tile as a wainscoting. Installed vertically, this tile gives the space the illusion of height as well as depth.

6. Create a Wellness-Focused Space With Wood-Look Tile

Wood-look tile offers the same connection to nature and serotonin-boosting benefits as natural wood. The Fileto Camel tile used in this chic bathroom features a soothing fluted look that adds to the tactile experience of this space. For more ideas on the nature-inspired benefits of “biophilic design” check out this helpful guide.

7. Add Texture With Sculptural Tile

Like fluted tile, sculptural or 3D tile will add to the sensory experience of your space. The wavy ridges of the Ritual tile, shown here, create texture and soft movement. As the light catches on the raised portion of the tile and casts shadows, the effect is a dynamic space that can be changed with the simple addition of a candle.

8. Soften the Edges With Wave-Shaped Tile

Tile is a hard design element by definition, but tiles with a curved shape—like the Wave Grey Owl tile shown here—will lend softness to your space. The curves of the mirror, circular wall sconce, and even the sink basin all work with the curved tile to give this space a feeling of ease.

9. Create a Beachy Vibe

Give your powder room a relaxed seaside update with “coastal chic” design. Characterized by charming blues and warm neutrals, this sleek style goes beyond basic nautical nods. We love how the Big Sur by Jeffrey Alan Marks in Off the Hook tile uses an abstract, wave-like pattern to evoke the ocean shore. For more beachy tile ideas, check out this comprehensive guide.

10. Pair Pattern With Pattern

Because it’s a relatively small area of the house, and perhaps not a room you’ll use on a daily basis, the powder room is a great place to explore your style. Patterns that might feel busy in the master bathroom can provide an unexpected surprise for your guests. Here, a bold floral wallpaper is paired with a black-and-white marble-look patterned tile for a visually stimulating space.

11. Create a Chic (and Cozy) Space

“Modern farmhouse” embraces comfy, homey and effortlessly stylish design. If this is your aesthetic, then your powder room is the perfect place to put it on display. For this rustic-chic bathroom, I SPY DIY based their design around the hexagon mirror, using the simple Silver Hex tile to highlight this shape and tie in to the neutral tone of this space.

12. Soften Your Space With a Pastel Palette

Create a dreamy space that relaxes your senses with soft pastel tile. This lovely powder room, designed by Rodi Homes, features the Color Market Alice tile installed in a herringbone pattern. The light pink tile makes this space light and feminine, while zig-zag grout lines add bold movement.

13. Mix Old and New With Transitional Design

This elegant bathroom from Timber Trails perfectly encapsulates the timeless charm of transitional design. Blending traditional elements (the grey paneled walls and regally shaped mirror) with the contemporary light fixture and diamond-shaped tile, this space transcends trends. If your style falls between classic and contemporary, discover more ideas in our Tile For Every Style guide to transitional design.

14. Add Depth to Your Space With Glossy Tile

Make your small space feel larger with a slightly reflective glossy tile that catches the light. The gloss finish of the Tribeca Basalt tile used in this bathroom creates the illusion of depth and also brightens the room. Glossy tile is perfect for a space that includes a natural light source.

There are thousands more tiles to choose from! Discover them all by shopping our vast assortment of bathroom tile. Or visit our Instagram and the Customer Room Gallery to see our tile in action in real customer spaces.

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1. Pair Wood With an Ornate Patterned Tile

A beautiful patterned tile will give your space distinction as well as provide an elegant pairing with a wood floor. The ornate Morris & Co. Pure Net Black Ink tile elevates this space and complements the natural wood floors (as well as the gorgeous floral wallpaper) giving this home a hand-crafted feel.

2. Ceramic Tile to Wood Floor Transition

Man-made ceramic and porcelain tiles offer a wide range of styles, shapes and designs. The Star ceramic tile gives this space, designed by Callaway Homes, an elevated “modern farmhouse” aesthetic. The flooring creates a clear delineation between the kitchen and living space, yet the black and white patterned tile pairs well with the wood floors.

3. Use Wood-Look Porcelain for a Cohesive Look

If you want to extend the look of wooden floors into your kitchen, durable and easy-to-clean wood-look porcelain will give you a natural appearance in a material well-suited to handling traffic and mess. Wood-look tile can be used to create cohesion between two separate but closely related rooms, as At Home With Ashley has done in this kitchen/dining space.

4. Tile Your Kitchen Island

If your kitchen or great room already features wood flooring, consider showcasing a favorite tile in a more unconventional spot, such as the side of a kitchen island. In this cozy-chic kitchen by @courtneypillion, the Star tile adds a delightful, unexpected design element.

5. Add Interest With a Diamond-Shaped Tile

Shape is another way to add distinction to your floors. Consider using tile shapes with diagonal lines, such as diamonds, chevrons or hexagons, to play up the contrast in a tile to wood transition. This stylish kitchen, designed by @jenpanattoni, featuring the Diamond White City tile is a case in point.

6. Create a Classy Pairing With Stone-Look Tile

Stone or stone-look tile and hardwood are a natural pairing. This kitchen, designed by Rashida Banks, uses the Aqua Nero Matte porcelain tile. The rich veining in the tile adds visual texture that complements the organic woodgrain in the living room floor.

7. Extend Your Kitchen Floor With Luxury Vinyl Planks

Another option for a cohesive look from your kitchen and beyond is to continue your floor beyond the culinary space. Here the Arbour Midlands Hickory Tavern luxury vinyl flooring extends from the kitchen into the dining room, but this stain- and scratch-resistant flooring is suitable for an entire first floor. This easy-to-install option is perfect for a DIY project. Discover just how stress free vinyl flooring can be with our helpful guide.

8. Tile Your Counter Wall

The counter wall provides another opportunity for you to showcase your style. This chic kitchen features the Liria Negro tile. The ornate black, white and beige pattern complements the dark wood floor for a chic and unique design.

9. Pair Wood With a Beautiful Neutral Pattern

In this stunning space designed by @alexandria.by.design, the warm dark brown wood floor is beautifully complemented by the cool grey and light blue pattern of the Cybele Blue tile. While this design uses pattern to achieve a cool, neutral look, you can achieve a similar effect with grey marble or marble-look tiles.

Want more inspo? Check out our 17 Creative Kitchen Floor Ideas for 2024. Find even more inspiration on Instagram and our Customer Room Gallery, where our tiles are used in a variety of real spaces. Or, if you’re looking for some guidance on an upcoming project, set up a free design consultation to get advice from our tile experts.

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1. Brilliant Black and White

The quintessential checkerboard pairing, black and white is a high-contrast design that will create an air of classic drama. This bathroom vanity, designed by Timber Trails, features Hampton Carrara and Black Marquina marble for an elevated and elegant space.

2. Handcrafted Harmony

Authentic Zellige tile is used in this charming checkerboard fireplace, designed by @DaryaKaras. The squares of the Alabaster Gloss and White Gloss tiles feature slight variations in color, size and finish, creating a truly unique design.

3. Beautiful Blue and White

This room, designed by I SPY DIY, has us singing the praises of blue. The shower wall features the Marrakesh Blue and Off White tiles for a gorgeous and unexpected checkerboard moment. We love how the texture variations in the handmade-look tile create soft movement along this space.

4. Sophisticated Stone

Alternating white marble and beige travertine tiles give this stylish checkerboard an air of sophistication. The border of Bucak Light Walnut mosaic tile works to create definition and a refined edge.

5. Charming Cross and Star

Evoking traditional Moroccan design, star- and cross-shaped tiles creates extra interest when colors are mixed. Here the Kasbah Cross Terracotta is paired with the Kasbah Star Bone tile for a striking orange and white design. Get a similar look in black and white with the handmade Zellige Charcoal Chabone Cross and Zellige White Chabone Star tiles.

6. Stunning Silver and Black

Our Silver Mist and Noir limestone tiles make a powerful pair in this beautiful mudroom floor. The key to this design is the alignment of the veining on the stone tile, the Silver Mist tiles are intentionally installed so that the veining is all flowing the same direction at the diagonal. Discover more about Timber Trail’s home design on this home tour.

7. Antique Appeal

Patterns in different colors offer another great checkerboard design. This gorgeous floor uses Inlay Proper by Kelli Fontana in Florence Lace and Eden Ode. The beige and white tones of these tiles shifts as the sun passes through the room for a stunningly romantic space. Shop our exclusive Kelli Fontana collection for more bold and whimsical styles.

8. Plaid Power

Switch up your checkerboard by including a third color. This monochromatic laundry room, designed by The Divine Living Space, features black, grey and white encaustic tiles for a gingham-inspired twist on classic black and white.

9. Stunning Beige

Legno limestone and Volakas honed marble are paired in this elegant entryway designed by Timber Trails. We love how creams, beiges and whites all mix together for a serene neutral space.

Shop our wide assortment of square tile to create your own checkerboard pattern. Ready to tackle your reno? It’s easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. Or, explore even more tile layouts in real spaces on our Customer Room Gallery and Instagram!

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1. Make a Statement With a Globally Inspired Design

Graphic, bold and beautiful–this tribal-inspired tile from celebrity designer Nikki Chu is both contemporary and timeless. The choice to extend the floor tile into the wall backsplash, coupled with the simple gold, white and black fixtures, makes this space feel elegantly modern. Shop our exclusive new and exclusive Nikki Chu collection for more global-chic designs.

2. Start Off Strong: Black Bathroom Floor Ideas

Like a stylish suit jacket, a black bathroom floor provides a neutral layer to which you can add color and pattern to showcase your style. This beautiful boho bathroom designed by I SPY DIY uses the Cross Black tile with dots of the Cross Snow White tile to add some lightness to the floor. The black with white floor is a subtle but elegant complement to the rich handmade-look Marrakesh in Blue and Off White wall tile.

3. Create Contrast With Grout

The high contrast between light and dark gives this backsplash dimension, while highlighting the distinctly shaped picket tile. Together with the pink shelves and retro pedestal sink, this black tile-white grout combo makes for a fun and funky washroom.

4. Get Your Space in Shape: Black Hexagon Tile

The hexagon is a classic tile shape with enduring appeal, and this white with black polka-dot hex floor shows how to put a modern spin on a retro look. The Imperial Gloss Hex tiles in Pewter and Ivory are installed in a custom pattern for a chic and unique design. The black-and-white theme is carried throughout the space, making this bathroom easy to update as trends and personal aesthetics change.

5. Embrace Zellige Tile’s “Quiet Luxury”

Authentic Zellige tile is crafted, painted and glazed by hand, creating perfectly imperfect tiles that are distinct piece to piece. This gorgeous bathroom features the Zellige Charcoal Chabone tile in Cross Gloss and Star Matte for a traditional Moroccan pattern. In embracing ancient traditions and designs, this space keeps with modern values of sustainability and authenticity, for a look of “quiet luxury.” Shop our full assortment of Zellige tiles, for more wonderfully one-of-a-kind tile designs.

6. Create a Black and Gold Masterpiece

This transitional bathroom beautifully mixes the elegance of traditional pieces with contemporary accents. The Effect Dark AC tile features a delicate lace-inspired raised gold pattern on a matte black background and is paired with the Imperial Black Matte REL tile for a sleek design. There are many surface textures and designs at play in this visually rich space, but the simple black, white and gold color palette maintains cohesion.

7. Infuse Your Space with Sleek & Chic “Industrial Style”

One of our favorite trending design styles, “industrial design” uses dark, sleek materials to create modern warehouse-style spaces. This ultra-cool bathroom, designed by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes, pairs a dark-grey cement-look tile in the main bathroom space with the Livingstone Nero black marble-look tile in the shower. The effect is a deceptively simple space rich in visual texture.

8. Go Bold (or Basic) with Black-and-White Patterns

A simple black-and-white tile design can provide the base for a host of styles from basic to bold. This posh bathroom, designed by Construction 2 Style, pairs a playful dark floral wallpaper with the Marble Star porcelain floor tile. The elegant marble-look tile’s understated geometric pattern adds interest without clashing with the vivid statement wall.

9. Go Natural with “Biophilic Design”

Leaves of deep forest green pop against a black background on this dramatic patterned tile. The rich tones of the Arwen tile create a lush nature-inspired tableau that is as relaxing as it is rejuvenating. For more ideas on how to incorporate serotonin-inducing “biophilic design” into your space, read this comprehensive guide.

10. Win the Space With a Whimsical Pattern

A playful pattern in elegant black and white creates a design of elevated whimsy in this charming bathroom. The Laura Ashley Louise Star Charcoal Hex tile is based on textile designs from the iconic British Laura Ashley brand. We love how the sleek silver-framed hexagon-shaped mirror continues the tile’s form. This tile’s simple pattern and classic shape lends itself to many styles and color pairings. Shop our exclusive Laura Ashley collection for more whimsical patterns.

11. Express Your Personality with Handmade-Look Tile

The smooth, glossy finish on this black handmade-look backsplash creates a reflective surface, adding brightness to what could be a dark space. Perfect for a bathroom with lots of natural light, the Tribeca Basalt tile features surface and color variation that will infuse your space with visual texture. If you like this perfectly imperfect look, shop our full assortment of handmade-look tile.

12. Return to Retro with a Funky Floral Design

This bathroom designed by Tydy Spaces is everything we love about retro glamour. The black-and-mint-green color scheme is complemented by the Hex Matte White with Black Flower tile floor. The simply cute flower design adds a hint of whimsy to this vintage space.

Ready to go dark on your bathroom design? Shop our wide selection of black tile to find everything from handmade-look to rich and expressive natural stone. Or explore bathroom designs in a range of hues on our bathroom tile ideas page.

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