Beyond the Box! Checkerboard Tile That Isn’t Just Black and White
The checkerboard motif has long made a name for itself — from the chessboard to architectural spaces, fashion statements, and beyond — and for good reason!
The high-contrast geometric pattern commands attention with its robust and transformative presence.
Yet if the visions that are dancing in your head are of the iconic black-and-white checkerboard tile patterns, it’s time to cast your gaze on a whole new outlook.
Check marks the spot in these checkerboard tile ideas that venture beyond the black-and-white box.
Singing the Blues in a Butler’s Pantry
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Feeling blue never looked so good as in this luxe butler’s pantry from @gildedheights. The dreamiest dark sea-blue cabinets are a willing companion to our Casablanca Carrara and Bardiglio Grey 3” marble mosaic on the floor. The gorgeous natural striations and variances in this marble are a more subtle yet stunning take on the traditional black-and-white version.
Striking All the Right Angles in an Entry
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Checkerboard floor tile has the unique ability to create dynamic movement in a space — especially when placed on an angle.
Designer Reem Hassaballa recently showed the power of the pattern when she used our Casablanca Carrara and Bardiglio Grey Marble 12”x12” tiles to update a back entryway. Both timeless and modern, the tile amplifies the inviting energy that’s directed into the home.
Going Outside the Box in a Bathroom
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The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to checkerboard tile. You can make the beloved box pattern out of any tiles you love.
Take this bathroom from @hearthhomeinteriors as inspiration. Designers Katie and Olivia made the arched shower sing, elevating its classic influence with a unique interpretation of the check using a combination of our Zellige Natural White 4”x4” and Zellige Glazed Clay 4”x4”. This glazed Moroccan clay tile adds such storied depth to the space.
Celebrating Black and White — and Green
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While we’ve been waxing lyrical about checkerboards that push the boundaries beyond the black-and-white palette, we couldn’t help but show off the bathroom at Camp Emma.
This space rises far beyond the ordinary by introducing a deep forest-green hue in the walls and cabinetry to complement the spunk of the Casablanca Carrara and Nero Marquina Marble 3″ Checkerboard Mosaic. (Bonus points for mixing this mosaic with our Zellige Forest Green 2”x6” Thin tile for other bathroom surfaces!)
There are so many ways to activate the bold and beautiful checkerboard — from marble matches to Zellige pairings and ceramic and cement couplings of contrasting colors. If you’re looking for checkerboard tiles in Dallas, check out (pun intended!) our wide selection of options.
Riad Tile is among the leading Dallas-area tile stores, and we can’t wait to help you make your checkerboard tile dreams come true.