The Unexpected Pattern For Floors That Gives Your Home Quirky, Rustic Charm

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When it comes to choosing the best flooring option for your home, there are so many directions you can go in, each of which can bring a completely different feel to the space. While flooring can certainly act as a subtle feature that simply blends into the background to let other design elements be the star of the show, there are also types of flooring that can bring undeniable charm and personality to a room. If the latter is something you've been thinking about, now would be the perfect time to incorporate a unique flooring option, as patterned and statement flooring are set to become extremely popular in 2026. And if you're in the process of designing a rustic home, such as a cozy farmhouse or cottage-inspired space, checkered flooring, like a gingham print, could be the perfect quirky choice.

Although they originally became popular during the Renaissance, checkered floors have had many revivals throughout the centuries, and are known for being especially popular during the Victorian-era design movement, which was defined by its ornate details and eclectic elements. And with more homeowners looking to add eclecticism to their interiors this year, Victorian-inspired tiles are also set to see a surge in popularity in 2026. This means your checkered floors won't just be on trend, but they'll also bring historic, old-world charm to your home's design, offering the best of both worlds.

If you've decided that a checkered floor would be a great addition to your space, the first thing to consider is where you want to incorporate it. Similar to wallpaper, checkered floors tend to work best as a statement feature rather than being carried throughout the entire house. In other words, you'll want to choose a space the pattern will be exclusive to, such as the kitchen or dining room, an entryway, or perhaps a bathroom, laundry room, or mudroom. Once you've decided on placement, the next thing to think about is the size of the pattern. If a rustic feel is what you're going for, opt for a smaller pattern, like gingham, rather than oversized squares, which tend to give a more modern and grand feel.

When thinking about the best ways to decorate with checkerboard floors, material and color are important factors, too. While checkered flooring is often associated with porcelain or ceramic tile, you can also get the look on wood floors by creating the checkered pattern with a stain, which feels especially fitting for rustic-inspired spaces. As for color, checkered floors are often seen in black and white, but for a rustic look, consider pairing white with a richer color like blue, red, pink, or green. A low-contrast combination, like brown-and-beige, meanwhile, would bring warmth while pairing beautifully with wood furniture and cabinetry. And if you love the idea of a checkered statement floor but aren't ready to commit just yet, consider trying the look with a checkered rug instead, like this Livabliss Migori Shaggy Rug.