Chequerboard Tiles, Timeless Design With A Modern Edge | TXTURED
Chequerboards feel familiar and modern. They ground a space. They add rhythm. They do not date. At TXTURED, we use them for impact with simple geometry.
A Short History
Egyptians used two-tone stone. Romans set mosaic grids. Renaissance halls laid marble checks. Georgian and Victorian homes brought black and white to British entrances. Parisian bistros and mid-century diners kept the look alive. The motif lasts because it is balanced and clear.
Why Chequerboards Work
• Give order and energy in one move.
• Zone space without walls.
• Read as movement, light to dark.
• Scale up or down. 100 to 600 mm works.
• Sit with classic and contemporary schemes.
Play With Colour
• Cocoa and cream. Warm and grounded. Pair with walnut, brass, plaster.
• Terracotta and chalk. Earthy. Sits well with travertine and limewash.
• Charcoal and putty. Quiet contrast for modern rooms.
• Forest and sand. Rich, best with aged brass and oak.
• Pink zellige and ivory. Soft, reflective, great in small bathrooms.Tip. Keep LRV contrast clear so the pattern reads in low light.
Sizes And Layout
• 100 or 125 mm squares for compact rooms.
• 150 or 200 mm for most UK bathrooms and kitchens.
• 300 mm for halls and open-plan spaces.
• Lay square to the wall for a calm read. Rotate 45 degrees for a looser feel.
• Add a border tile to frame the field and finish edges.
Grout And Details
• Match grout to the lighter tile for a softer grid.
• Choose a mid-tone grout for black and white to avoid staining.
• Use R10 or higher slip rating on bathroom floors.
• Mitre external corners or use a slim metal trim in brass or black.
• Heat? Chequerboards work well over UFH when tiles are porcelain or stone.
Rooms We Love For Chequerboards
• Bathrooms. Floor in cocoa and cream, zellige checks in the shower niche.
• Kitchens. Porcelain checks on the floor, solid splashback for balance.
• Hallways. Marble or porcelain, bordered, hard-wearing, strong first impression.
• Utilities and boot rooms. Durable, hides dirt, easy to mop.
• Cafés and boutique retail. Identity, high impact at eye level and underfoot.
Why We Love Them At TXTURED
• They bring structure to layered, textural schemes.
• They handle warm metals, deep paint colours, and natural stone.
• They speak to British heritage while feeling fresh.
• They photograph well, which helps your project live online.
• They invite personal colour stories without noise.
Ready to design a chequerboard floor or wall that fits your home? TXTURED is a luxury interior design studio in Manchester, working across the North West and London. We design colour palettes, tile layouts, borders, and grout for bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. Book a consultation and get a tailored chequerboard scheme that feels timeless and grounded.
