Checkered flooring is one of the most traditional and timeless flooring styles, beloved by interior designers, homeowners, Pinterest warriors, and more alike. But is it time to rethink checkerboards?
The checkered floor trend is nothing new. But just because a flooring idea has been around for centuries doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best or trendiest option for your home.
While our love for this classic tile is still alive and well, it certainly doesn’t hurt to consider alternatives in case you might be able to try something a little bolder (or more subtle) instead. There is no. So we asked interior designers what flooring trends will replace checkerboard in 2025. Here are their opinions:
7 Checkerboard Tile Flooring Alternatives to Try in 2025
(Image credit: Carly Summers)
Let’s be clear here: Checkerboard is always a good choice. It’s especially great for entryway flooring ideas or if you want to introduce prints to your kitchen or bathroom floors.
“One of the main reasons checkerboard flooring has continued to be used in interior design is because of its classic look and the way it lends texture and depth to floors,” says Luis Carmona of Verde Interior Design. Let me explain.
But are the heydays of traditional checkerboard tiles over? If you’re starting to get tired of checking them out, here are seven flooring ideas to try instead.
1. Parquet and herringbone
(Image credit: Cathy Nordstrom/Fanny Radvik)
If you want to stick to something classic, parquet or herringbone floors are also nice options. “If checkerboard flooring doesn’t work for you, try another type of flooring with a pattern,” says designer Luis Carmona. “Why not make it visually appealing?”
“Creating a herringbone or chevron pattern using thin vertical flooring creates a nice depth to the floor without looking cluttered,” he suggests. “Parquet flooring is being used more and more because of the intricate designs that remain on the floor. It creates a space full of texture and movement without the use of loud colors or patterns.”
While not the typical (or most practical) kitchen flooring idea, the parquet used in textile designer Kathy Nordstrom’s personal kitchen (shown above) has the warmth that only wood can provide. Provides sensation. If you are concerned about spills, we recommend looking for a porcelain alternative.
2. Printed encaustic tiles
(Image credit: Plaster & Patina / Photography Amy Bartlam)
“We love checkered floors,” says Alexandra Azart, founder of Plaster & Patina. “The main reason is that it’s one of those unusual, playful and contrasting patterns that can be added to a room and give it a completely timeless and classic feel.”
“We love incorporating pops of unexpected pattern into a space because it gives it a unique, curated feel,” she explains. “Here (above) we’ve incorporated encaustic tiles hand-painted from Villa Lagoon in Morocco, which pay homage to classic black and white checks but with a pop of fun. So it felt like a perfect fit for this 1915 house, which I didn’t expect, but it’s great!
Encaustic and cement tiles differ from porcelain tiles because the pattern is inset into the body of the tile, rather than being embossed or painted. Due to its handmade nature, it can be used to create very unique patterns, making it very popular among designers.
3. Traditional terracotta
(Image credit: Shannon Eddings)
When considering different types of tiles, checkerboard-like terracotta has also been around forever and is another timeless option. Offering an organic and natural feel, terracotta is a great choice for farmhouses and those looking to create rustic kitchen ideas.
It’s great for bathrooms, entryways, and even living rooms (it’s surprisingly warm compared to stone). The benefits of terracotta flooring are the depth of color, warmth, and texture it brings to your space.
The soft clay is shaped into tiles, dried and fired to create its characteristic rich reddish hue. Whether new or reclaimed, there are countless shapes and patterns that can be created with terracotta, including natural checkerboard and herringbone styles.
4. A shift away from tradition
(Image credit: Vaughan Design & Development / Photography Chris Snook)
Of course, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. As we mentioned, checkerboard will never go out of style, but if you want to add a more modern edge, why not try some alternative arrangements.
This cottage kitchen, seen above, was designed by the UK-based team at Vaughan Design & Development, and the floors are covered in a vintage-inspired red and off-white checkerboard pattern. The effect is less stark and monochromatic than traditional black and white, but still maintains a historical feel.
Or you can switch it up with a different material. “If you’re not interested in choosing multiple colors for your tiles, try interweaving natural stone tiles instead, such as mixing black or white Carrara marble with travertine or onyx,” says founder of STUDIO KEETA Christina Hersonski suggests.
5. Vintage patterns and weaves
(Image credit: Mosaic Factory / Charlotte Lilford / Karine Savalle)
“We love classic checks, but if traditional checks aren’t calling your name, there are some options to consider for changing them,” Christina continues. “We have a lot of beautiful, eye-catching tile patterns that date back to the 1920s and 1930s.”
“They play with color mixtures, pattern variations, and scale,” she explains. “Some of the things to look out for are basket weaving, brick weaving, hopscotch, and windmills. These can quickly blend into a space and become the focal point of a room.”
“Basketweave and hopscotch patterns, although messy to execute, provide a nice visual plane to the space,” Luis Carmona agrees.
6. Terrazzo tiles
(Image credit: Ca’ Pietra / BC Designs / @Overdale_House / Darren Chung)
“Terrazzo has been gaining steady momentum over the last year and is expected to be the flooring choice of 2025,” says Gratsey Wilson, head of creative at Ca Pietra, about the terrazzo tile trend. “It offers a prized and enduring style with classic elements that will never go out of style.”
“With a variety of color combinations available, homeowners can add texture and pattern as well as be playful with their flooring,” suggests Grazzi. “Sustainability is also a factor to consider. Terrazzo is often made using recycled materials, making it a more sustainable flooring option than other options.”
Although Terrazzo feels like a more modern material, it is actually an ancient composite flooring material. Therefore, it blends perfectly with modern spaces, yet is definitely classic and sure to remain on trend for years to come.
7. Stripes and zigzags
(Image credit: Bart & May)
Alternatively, you can create some drama on your floor by trying the trendy striped tile layout, zigzag or more geometric patterns. “Checkerboard is really coming into its own in 2024, and checkerboard flooring in particular will continue to be a classic design,” says Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May.
“However, other geometric patterns that bring a sense of movement and energy to a space are also proving popular, such as bassoon stripes (pictured above) and Otura tiles,” Lee suggests. “We also expect to see natural materials such as terracotta and zellige used in fresh layouts such as vertical stacks, zigzags and diagonal patterns.”
“Patterned floor tiles offer a versatile and durable way to incorporate color, texture, and personality,” agrees Carly Allison, director of product design at Fired Earth. “An alternative to the classic checkerboard layout is a more maximalist approach using bold shapes and statement patterns like Jaipur pattern tiles, which add just as much character and individuality to the space. Masu.”
Sevilla 18″ x 18″ Ceramic Moroccan Wall & Floor Tile
This replica terracotta from Wayfair features super cute little motifs that remind you of traditional Moroccan wall and floor tiles. The rustic texture and matte finish make it a great addition to your entryway or entryway floor.
Kasbah 8″ x 8″ Glazed Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile
The floral design of these glazed porcelain floor tiles adds a soft touch to any room. Porcelain tiles are durable enough for use in busy kitchens and bathrooms, and are easy to clean and maintain.
Ahfir 8″ x 8″ Cement Single Wall & Floor Tile
Unique in their own right, these cement tiles’ blue, brown, and soft yellow hues add a bright touch to any room. Available in a variety of colors and prints, you’ll find the perfect palette for your plans.
A timeless classic, checkered flooring will never go out of style. But if you want to do something a little different, or if you already have checkerboard floors in your home and are looking for an alternative to your special space, these six suggestions may inspire you. I would appreciate it if you could give me some rations.
