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.