Checkerboard flooring is one of the most traditional and timeless flooring styles, beloved by interior designers, homeowners, and Pinterest warriors alike. But could it be time to rethink checkerboard?
The checkerboard floor trend certainly isn't anything new. But, just because a flooring idea has been around for centuries, doesn't mean it is necessarily the best and most on-trend choice for your home.
While the love for this classic tile is alive and well, it certainly doesn't do any harm to take a look at the alternatives in case there might be something slightly more daring (or more demure) to try instead. So, we asked interior designers what flooring trend could be replacing checkerboard in 2025. Here's what they had to say.
7 Checkerboard Tile Flooring Alternatives To Try In 2025
Now it is important to be clear: checkerboard will always be a great choice. Particularly for entryway floor ideas or for introducing some print to your kitchen and bathroom flooring.
'One of the main reasons that checkerboard flooring was has been continuously used in interior design is because of its classic look and sense of texture and depth that it adds to the floor,' explains Luis Carmona of Verde Interior Design.
But has traditional checkerboard tile had its heyday? Here are 7 flooring ideas to try instead if you're starting to get tired of check.
1. Parquet and herringbone
If you're looking to stick to the classics; parquet and herringbone floors make a lovely alternative. 'If checkerboard flooring is not for you, try another type of flooring that offers a pattern,' says designer Luis Carmona. 'Why not make it visually enticing for us to look at?'
'Using thin vertical pieces of flooring to create a herringbone or chevron pattern will give the floor some nice depth without it appearing too busy,' he suggests. 'Parquet flooring is being used more and more because of the intricate design that it leaves on the floor. It creates a space full of texture and movement without the use of busy color or patterns.'
Although not a typical (or the most practical) kitchen flooring idea, the parquet used in textile designer Cathy Nordström's personal kitchen [seen above] offers a sense of warmth that only wood can provide. We recommend looking for a porcelain alternative if you're worried about spillages.
2. Printed encaustic tiles
'We love a checkered floor,' says Alexandra Azart, founder of Plaster & Patina. 'Mostly because it is one of those rare playful and contrasting patterns that you can add to a room and still allow it to feel completely timeless and classic.'
'We love incorporating a pop of unexpected pattern to spaces as it allows for a unique and curated feel,' she explains. 'Here [above] we incorporated an encaustic tile, hand-painted in Morocco from Villa Lagoon. We feel this tile was the perfect fit for this 1915 home, as it gave a nod to the classic black and white check while allowing for a pop of fun. Unexpected but oh-so-good!'
Encaustic and cement tiles differ from porcelain tiles as the pattern is inlaid into the body of the tile, rather than being stamped or painted on. They can be used to create a really unique pattern due to their hand-crafted nature, making them really popular with designers.
3. Traditional terracotta
When considering different types of tile, terracotta, like a checkerboard, has been around forever and is another timeless choice. Providing an organic and natural feel, terracotta is the top choice for those looking to create a farmhouse or rustic kitchen idea.
Also great for bathrooms, entryways, and even living rooms (it's surprisingly warm compared to stone), the triumph of a terracotta floor is the depth of color, warmth, and texture it brings into a space.
Soft clay is molded into the tile shapes, dried, and fired to create the hallmark rich, ruddy-red hue. Whether you opt for brand new or reclaimed, there is a myriad of shapes and patterns you can create with terracotta – including an all-natural checkerboard or herringbone style.
4. Switch up from tradition
Of course, you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Checkerboard, as we've mentioned, is certainly not going out of style but if you're looking to give it a more contemporary edge why not try a few alternative arrangements?
In this cottage kitchen, seen above designed by the English-based team at Vaughan Design & Developments, the floor is covered in a vintage-looking red and off-white checkerboard. The effect is less stark and monochromatic than the traditional black and white while it still maintains a historic feel.
Alternatively, you can switch things up with different materials. 'If you’re not interested in multiple color selections for tile, try interweaving natural stone tiles instead such as mixing a black or white Carrara marble with travertine or onyx,' suggests Kristina Khersonsky, founder of STUDIO KEETA.
5. Vintage patterns and weaves
'We do love a classic check, but there are some options to explore to change it up if a traditional check isn’t calling your name,' continues Kristina. 'There are so many beautiful, eye-catching tile patterns that date back from the 1920s and 1930s.'
'They play with color mixing, pattern variation, and scale,' she explains. 'A few to note would be a basketweave, brickweave, hopscotch, or pinwheel. These feel instantly custom to the space and may even become the star of the room.'
'A basketweave or hopscotch pattern, albeit more tedious to execute, offers a visually stunning plane in a space,' agrees Luis Carmona.
6. Terrazzo tiles
'Terrazzo has been gaining steady momentum over the last year but expect it to be the flooring choice for 2025,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, on the Terrazzo tile trend. 'It offers an esteemed and enduring style, with a classical element that never really falls out of fashion.'
'With some many different color combinations on offer, it allows homeowners to be playful with their flooring, along with adding texture and pattern,' Grazzie suggests. 'There is also the sustainability element to think about. Often Terrazzo is made using recycled materials and so it can be a more sustainable flooring choice than other options.'
Although it feels like a more modern material, Terrazzo is actually an age-old flooring composite. So while it works in perfect harmony with modern spaces, it is certainly a classic and should stay on-trend for years to come.
7. Stripes and zig zags
Alternatively, you could try the stripe tile layout trend, zig-zags, or more geometric patterns to create some drama on the floor. 'Checkerboards have had a real moment in 2024, and checkerboard flooring in particular will always remain a classic design,' says Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May.
'However other geometric patterns are also proving popular, like our Bassoon Stripe [seen above] and our Otura tiles, which bring a sense of movement and energy to a space,' Lee suggests. 'We also expect to see natural materials like terracotta and zellige used in fresh layouts like vertical stacking, zigzags, and diagonal patterns.'
'Patterned floor tiles offer a versatile and durable way to introduce color, texture, and personality,' agrees Carly Allison, head of product design at Fired Earth. 'An alternative to the classic checkerboard layout is a more maximalist approach, using bold shapes or statement patterns such as our Jaipur pattern tiles that add just as much character and personality to your space.'
This replica terracotta from Wayfair features the sweetest little motifs reminiscent of traditional Moroccan wall and floor tiles. The rustic texture and matte finish will make a lovely entryway or mudroom floor.
The floral design of these glazed porcelain floor tiles will create a soft statement in any room. Durable enough to be used in busy kitchens and bathrooms, porcelain tiles are easy to clean and maintain, too.
Offering a distinct personality, the blue, brown, and soft yellow hues in these cement tiles are sure to add a sunny disposition to your room. Available in a range of colors and prints so you can find the perfect palette for your scheme.
An enduring classic, checkered floors will never go out of style. But if you're looking do to something a little different – or perhaps you already have checkerboard floors already in your home and are looking for an alternative for another space that feels as special – hopefully these 6 suggestions will inspire you.
