Here's How to Use the Checkerboard Trend in 2026

a kitchen with a checkerboard tile backsplash, lower blue painted cabinets, an island with a wooden top surface and red painted drawers, a vase of flowers on the island, and a pendant light hanging from the ceiling

(Image credit: Chris Horwood. Design: Emma Ainscough)

We've all seen the checkerboard pattern before – perhaps as the floor in a retro kitchen or as the upholstery on a trendy, Gen Z-approved accent chair. It's a pattern that's been reused, adapted, and reimagined in seemingly every way possible. And for 2026, it's had a grown-up, glow up, returning as a top interior trend for 2026, and it's chicer than we've seen before. More nuanced than in decades past, the softer colors and interesting textures being put with this print are making this timeless look very on trend.

‘Checkerboard has always existed at the intersection of order and expression,’ Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph explain, the creative duo behind design studio Ome Dezin. ‘Its resurgence feels less about maximalism for maximalism’s sake, and more about adding a familiarity and visual interest.’ Since the checkerboard pattern has been used in design for centuries, there's some sense of comfort that surrounds it. And now, it's developing into a pattern with maturity – one that can create interior spaces that are timeless, expressive, and elevated for modern life.

A view into the kitchen down a long hallway toward an arched doorway, with painted wood floors in a checkerboard pattern — The checkerboard kitchen flooring trend has increased in popularity over the past few years. In this charming kitchen designed by Lynn Kloythanomsup of Landed Interiors, the checkerboard floor adds character to the space.

There are lots of reasons as to why people gravitate towards the checkerboard pattern in interior design. Joelle and Jesse mentioned its familiarity – because the pattern is so recognizable, people connect with it more than they would a foreign pattern.

Aside from that, another reason why checkerboard is such a common pattern is due to its versatility. 'Its versatility is, in my opinion, its greatest strength,' Rebecca Lagos tells me, head of design at The Artemis Studios. At its core, checkerboard is a very simple, repetitive pattern featuring squares in alternating colors. However, its versatility allows it to be taken in any design direction. 'Checkerboard can feel bold and modern when used in high-contrast applications, or soft and romantic when paired with more muted tones,' Rebecca says.

Because of its versatility and subsequent adaptability, the checkerboard pattern can be used in a wide range of interior design styles. 'In more classic or traditional interiors, checkerboard can feel elegant and architectural, while in contemporary or minimalist spaces it reads as graphic and confident,' interior designer Greg Natale explains. 'In eclectic or maximalist settings, it adds rhythm and visual energy, and in pared-back spaces it can act as a strong focal point without relying on ornament.'

In a way, checkerboard ‘functions as a design language in its own right,’ Greg says. Joelle and Jesse think similarly, explaining that when it's used thoughtfully, the checkerboard pattern reads 'less as a motif and more as structure,' they say. Depending on the context in which it's introduced – a full wall in a bathroom or a small pillow in a living room – the pattern can warrant a different response, create a different atmosphere, and appeal to a different style.

a bedroom with a checker printed rug, two ottomans at the foot of the bed, a dark green quilt, and white sheets on the bed, a portrait hanging on the wall above, and curtains covering the sliding glass door — Joelle and Jesse from design studio Ome Dezin designed this bedroom to feel warm and inviting with the help of the checkerboard pattern rug.

Throughout design history, the checkerboard pattern has had both moments in the spotlight and moments of dormancy. But in 2026, interior designers are rediscovering the pattern's potential and using it in ways to elevate interiors with timeless character and personality.

Take Ome Dezin's bedroom above, for instance. Here, Joelle and Jesse have used the pattern in the form of a rug to anchor the space and add just the right amount of intrigue to the room.

‘The cream and brown palette softens the geometry slightly but still allows the pattern to feel graphic,' the design duo explains. 'This rug is also great because it also introduces a subtle cadence underfoot in texture as well; with the height of the pile on the brown squares being shorter than the cream squares. The result is a room that feels collected and calm, with just enough visual tension to keep it engaging.’

The checkerboard rug in this cozy bedroom acts as a grounding and visually complementary detail for the rest of the room's design. It creates a space that feels mature, relaxed, and visually pleasing.

a nook in a blue painted room with a checkerboard dresser with decor on top — The black and white checkerboard dresser adds just the right jolt of energy to this room designed by Rebecca Lagos of The Artemis Studios.

In other settings, the checkerboard pattern can appear more lively and engaging while simultaneously elevating the atmosphere of a room. Rebecca Lagos's use of the checkerboard pattern in the room above is a prime example.

‘For this particular space, I was drawn to checkerboard because I needed something playful that would introduce contrast to an otherwise color-drenched room,’ Rebecca explains. ‘The space is wrapped in a beautiful shade called Bayswater, and introducing a strongly contrasting element helped to ground the room while adding personality and the perfect amount of drama. I loved the visual interest the black and white brought, especially when paired with the blue backdrop and subtle touches of red.’

In this example, the checkerboard pattern makes a bold statement of style by contrasting the softness of the room around it. The combination of liveliness and softness creates a dynamic room – one that feels modern, fresh, and takes full advantage of the bold capabilities of the checkerboard pattern.

a bathroom with checker-printed walls in white and tan — In this bathroom designed by Greg Natale, the checkerboard pattern creates a playful ambience, but its muted color keeps the pattern from feeling overwhelming.

Here's the thing about the checkerboard pattern – since it's been around for so long, it's continuously reinterpreted by designers and homeowners alike. In some settings, the pattern leans into its playful side, and in others, it appears more mature. This duality is exactly why checkerboard is still so desirable in 2026.

In the bathroom above, Greg Natale was able to take advantage of both the playfulness and the maturity that the checkerboard pattern has to offer. 'The pattern brings a sense of fun, rhythm, and visual curiosity, engaging without feeling overly sweet or themed,' Greg explains. 'At the same time, checkerboard has strong design lineage, particularly within mid-century Italian interiors, where graphic geometry was used with confidence and elegance.'

According to Greg, the pattern in this bathroom creates a 'gentle dialogue' between different eras of design and between joyful style and refined sophistication.

Clearly, there are tons of ways in which you can bring the checkerboard trend into your home in 2026. If you're eager to try it for yourself, start small by incorporating little checkerboard accents here and there, like this Checkerboard Bookend from H&M or this Checkerboard Serving Tray from AllModern.

If you want to experience the full effect of the checkerboard pattern, interior designer Emma Ainscough recommends thinking about the pattern's scale and color first. 'Checkerboard doesn’t need to be large-scale tiles to be done right – there are plenty of fabrics which have adapted the checkerboard principles at much smaller scales than you may typically think of,' she suggests. 'The same can be said about color – go softer or more neutral if the stronger contrast checkerboards are feeling overwhelming!'

Checkerboard has an inherent ability to mix well with other patterns, too. 'Because of the simplicity of its form, the checkerboard is relatively easy to pair with more complex patterns such as florals or botanicals,' Emma explains. 'I think the scale of the checkerboard is important to get right to not overpower another pattern, but done right, it can really complement a characterful interior.'

And because the checkerboard pattern can be bold at times, Joelle and Jesse remind us that restraint is key. 'We approach checkerboard as something that supports the architecture rather than competes with it,' they explain. 'Muted tones, natural materials, and considered scale allow the pattern to age gracefully.'

a kitchen with green cabinets and green limewashed walls, a white and tan checker printed backsplash, gold hardware, and white marble countertops — In this charming kitchen designed by Claire Brody, the bold checkerboard backsplash is tastefully balanced with soft green cabinetry and wall paint.

The checkerboard pattern has been a consistent choice through various eras of design history, and it maintains its status as a desirable pattern in interior design today. According to Greg, 'its longevity comes from its ability to be both timeless and transformative: a pattern that feels familiar and reassuring, yet continually open to reinvention.'

This pattern trend has aged with grace, and it will continue to evolve as a dynamic style choice that adds thoughtful character to interiors.

Shop Checkerboard Decor

Decorating with a pattern like checkerboard can create interiors that are exciting, full of character, and personality-driven. Whether you choose a variation that's soft or vibrant, muted or exciting, the checkerboard pattern will guarantee a home that never looks dull.

Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.