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. Zellige Tile Shower Ideas

As evidenced by this gorgeous space designed by @forgegrove, Zellige tiles are perfect for creating understated elegance in your shower. The uneven surfaces of the Zellige White gloss tile add a tactile element to this space, and the sleek brass fixtures help elevate even more. The authentic materials and minimalistic look of this space give it an air of “quiet luxury.”

2. Go Neutral With Light Grey Tiles

The current trend toward mixing warm and cool neutral tones together provides timeless appeal. With its natural variations in coloration, the Zellige Light Grey gloss tile–shown here in this lush bathroom designed by Arias Home–fluctuates between cool and warm grey tones. The effect is a decidedly contemporary look using ancient techniques.

3. Zellige Tile Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Perfect for a kitchen or bathroom backsplash, petite 2″ x 6″ subway tiles, shown here in the Zellige Dirty Blue gloss, are a new take on a classic design. The smaller format allows for more grout lines as well as more tiles per square foot, resulting in a beautifully undulating surface as the color and surface texture fluctuate from tile to tile. Shop this tile in all four vibrant colorways: Azul, Turquoise, Dirty Blue and Shamrock.

4. Use Square Tiles for a Neat and Orderly Design

This retro-favorite shape is making a comeback, and the handmade square tile–like the Zellige White gloss used in this chic kitchen designed by Fox Homes–demonstrates how this classic design can be made modern. Though the color scheme is monochromatic, there is a lot of visual texture in this kitchen backsplash. The glossy finish reflects light to highlight the subtle variations in surface texture from one tile to the next, and the wide grout joints accentuate the tiles’ handcrafted edges.

5. Use Handmade-Look Tiles for a Cost-Effective Alternative

If Zellige tiles aren’t in your budget, or if you want a slightly more uniform appearance, handmade-look tile, like the Riad White tile shown here, are a charming and cost-effective alternative. Mimicking the handcrafted look, these tiles feature slight variations in tone and surface texture and are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Shop our extensive assortment of handmade-look tiles to find the perfect match for your space.

6. Create a Handcrafted Hearth

A fireplace is a natural focal point; make it a standout with handcrafted Zellige tiles. This fireplace surround, designed by @daryakaras, features a charming checkerboard of Zellige in Alabaster and White gloss. The undulating tones add warmth and movement to this Craftsman living room.

7. Zellige Tile Bathroom Ideas

Another popular Zellige tile design is the Chabone Star and Cross tiles (shown here in Charcoal). By pairing Star matte tiles with Cross glossy tiles (or vice versa) you can create a subtle tile design that fluctuates with the play of light across the room. Traditionally used for floors, these tiles look stunning when paired with a subway or square Zellige wall tile (like the Zellige Alabaster gloss tile shown here).

8. Get Creative With a Star and Cross Checkerboard

The checkerboard rules aren’t written in black and white. This luxurious shower uses the Kasbah tile in alternating Terracotta Cross and Star Bone for a twist on traditional Moroccan design. The orange and white handmade-look tiles are complemented by the rust veining in the Pisa Oro wall tile, giving this space a cohesive and visually rich design. A similar look can be achieved using the Zellige Chabone Cross Charcoal and Star Bone tiles.

Inspired to add handcrafted charm to your space? Shop our wide assortment of Zellige and handmade-look tiles to find the perfect design. Or discover more design ideas on our Instagram and in our Customer Room Gallery where you’ll see our tile in real customers’ spaces.

The post 8 Zellige & Zellige-Inspired Tile Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.