Black and white floor tiles are having a major moment in interior design right now.
From period properties and Victorian renovations, to contemporary kitchens and modern bathrooms, checkerboard flooring has firmly re-established itself as one of the most popular tile trends this year. And it’s easy to see why. The combination of black and white creates instant contrast, timeless style and a striking visual impact that works across almost every room in the house.
However, today’s checkerboard trend isn’t limited to traditional matt black and white floor tiles. Modern interpretations include geometric patterns, encaustic-inspired designs, octagon layouts and decorative porcelain tiles that offer all the character of a checkerboard floor without requiring a classic square-by-square installation.
Whether you’re designing a statement hallway, updating a bathroom or looking for inspiration for a kitchen renovation, there are countless ways to create the black and white floor look at home.
Here are seven of our favourite approaches.
1. Create a Traditional Checkerboard Look with Octagon Tiles
When we think about black and white floor tiles, we often picture the timeless octagon and dot pattern often found in Victorian homes.
This elegant style has remained popular for decades because it combines sophistication with practicality. The contrast between the white tiled floor and the small black inserts creates a clean geometric appearance that works beautifully in bathrooms, hallways and entrance spaces.
A perfect example is the Alaska Taco Black Insert Ceramic Floor Tile 6×6 by Vives, which is designed to be paired with the coordinating Alaska White Octagon 31×31cm floor tiles.
Together, these tiles create a classic black and white floor that feels authentic yet remains perfectly suited to modern homes. The geometric layout introduces interest without overwhelming the space, whilst the monochrome palette ensures the design remains timeless.
Better still, the Alaska range is currently available at a discounted price at EMC Tiles, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to recreate a heritage-inspired floor for less.
2. Choose a Checkerboard Pattern Without Laying Individual Tiles
Love the checkerboard trend but don’t want to install separate black and white tiles?
Patterned floor tiles can achieve a similar look with far less complexity.
The Future Star Black & White Matt Pattern Floor Tile 45×45 by Peronda is one of the easiest ways to embrace the trend. Rather than relying on individual tiles to create the pattern, the design is built directly into the tile itself.
The result is a bold monochrome floor that captures the spirit of traditional checkerboard flooring, whilst introducing a more contemporary edge.
These black and white ceramic floor tiles work particularly well in smaller bathrooms, cloakrooms and hallways, where the pattern can instantly become a design feature. They can also be used on walls to create a coordinated interior scheme.
As an added bonus, the Future Star range is currently available at 50% off RRP at EMC Tiles, making it one of the most affordable ways to create a statement floor.
3. Add Victorian Character to Your Floors
Checkerboard flooring and Victorian interiors go hand in hand.
If you’re looking to recreate the charm of a traditional entrance hall or period property, Victorian-inspired patterned tiles offer a fantastic alternative to a standard black and white floor.
The Victorian Harrow Black & White Pattern Floor Tile 31×31 by Vives is a standout option. Featuring a classic monochrome pattern, it delivers all the elegance associated with Victorian design, whilst remaining suitable for contemporary interiors.
Ideal for statement hallways and living areas, these Harrow tiles create a strong focal point that immediately catches the eye.
For homeowners seeking something even more decorative, the Victorian 1900 Palau Grafito Encaustic Pattern Floor and Wall Tile 20×20 introduces intricate geometric detailing inspired by traditional encaustic designs.
Together, these collections prove that black and white floor tiles don’t have to follow a strict checkerboard layout to make an impact.
4. Bring Art Deco Glamour into Your Home
The roaring twenties may be long gone, but Art Deco-inspired interiors remain as popular as ever.
If you love bold patterns and decorative floors, black and white encaustic-effect tiles are an excellent way to introduce character into a room.
The Neo Mix Black & White Pattern Floor and Wall Tile 20×20 by Frassinoro Tiles features nine random patterns that create a rich and varied surface full of personality.
Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms, these tiles bring a touch of vintage glamour into the home whilst remaining highly practical.
For a softer interpretation of the trend, the Neo Floral Black & White Pattern Floor and Wall Tile 20×20 combines delicate floral motifs with a monochrome colour palette. The result is a floor that feels elegant, decorative and full of charm.
Both designs are part of the collection at EMC Tiles, and offer exceptional value for money.
5. Create Interest with Geometric Patterns
One of the reasons black and white floor tiles remain so popular is their versatility.
They can be used to create bold geometric designs that add movement and depth to a room without introducing additional colours.
The Patrimony Etoile Black & White Pattern Floor and Wall Tile 20×20 by Frassinoro is a beautiful example. Its star-inspired design creates an eye-catching floor that works equally well in hallways, bathrooms and kitchens.
Meanwhile, the Patrimony Rosace Black & White Pattern Floor and Wall Tile 20×20 introduces a softer geometric motif that feels both classic and contemporary.
These tiles demonstrate how a monochrome palette can be used to create visually striking interiors, whilst maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic.
6. Soften the Monochrome Look with Grey Tones
Not every black and white floor needs to rely on stark contrast.
If you prefer a softer and more understated interior, consider incorporating grey into the design.
The Svenska Ett Pattern Floor and Wall Tile 20×20 and Svenska Tre Antracita Pattern Floor and Wall Tile 20×20 by Vives offer a fresh interpretation of traditional monochrome flooring.
Their subtle grey and anthracite tones help soften the overall appearance, whilst retaining the geometric interest that makes patterned tiles so appealing.
These porcelain tiles work particularly well in contemporary homes where a gentler colour palette is preferred. The result is a floor that feels modern, sophisticated and easy to live with.
7. Mix and Match Patterns for a Unique Look
One of the biggest trends in modern interior design is individuality.
Rather than committing to a single tile design throughout the house, many homeowners are choosing to mix different monochrome patterns across multiple rooms.
For example, a Victorian Harrow floor might create a striking entrance hallway, whilst Neo Floral tiles bring character to a bathroom and Future Star adds impact to a cloakroom.
Using different black and white tiles throughout the home creates visual variety, whilst maintaining a consistent colour palette.
Why Black and White Floor Tiles Continue to Endure
Few flooring trends have stood the test of time quite like black and white floor tiles.
They work beautifully in period properties and contemporary homes alike, complementing everything from minimalist interiors to richly layered traditional schemes.
Whether you prefer a classic checkerboard floor, a decorative Victorian pattern or a geometric encaustic-inspired design, monochrome tiles offer a timeless combination of style, practicality and versatility.
At EMC Tiles, our extensive range of floor and wall tiles includes everything from traditional octagon layouts and Victorian-inspired patterns, to contemporary geometric designs and statement porcelain tiles.
So whether you’re renovating a bathroom, refreshing a hallway or planning a complete home transformation, there’s never been a better time to embrace the enduring appeal of black and white flooring.
Explore More Patterned Tile Inspiration at EMC Tiles
Looking for more ideas?
Browse our online tiles collections today, or visit one of our showrooms to discover even more ways to bring the checkerboard trend into your home.
