Black and White Kitchen Tile Ideas – 11 ways to work the iconic colour combination
Technically not colours, and the most neutral of neutral shades, neither black nor white are found on the colour spectrum.
If you want to pick tiles for your kitchen that will stand the test of time, and allow for paint and even cupboard colour changes, picking a neutral tile colour is a wise move. Black and white tiles will go with all colours and are one of the most classic choices you can make.
The most iconic of colour combos, black and white are complete opposites. When combined, they are one of the most powerful colourways and often look better together than they do on their own.
Image credit: @kinaayastudio
To re-create this look: Combine Damask white and black
What kind of black and white tiles can I fit in a kitchen?
Picking a monochrome colour scheme might sound limiting in terms of the tiles you can choose, but you’ll be surprised just how many tiles are available in this colourway.
From classic metro tiles to marble, terrazzo, mosaic and geometric tiles, you’ll have many shapes and styles of tiles to choose from, whether you want to tile the floor, the walls, or both.
The advantage of using black and white tiles is that you can create beautiful and unusual designs. All-white tiles can be seen as clinical, whereas all-black tiles, although striking, are a bold choice that not everyone wants, especially in a smaller kitchen. Mixing black and white will give you the benefits of both
Black and white kitchen tile ideas
Whether you want to find ideas for classic floor tiles or stylish splashback inspiration, we’ve put together our pick of the very best black and white kitchen tile ideas:
Tiled kitchen island
If you want to keep your walls and floors on the plainer side, but want to inject some personality into your kitchen, using patterned monochrome tiles on a kitchen island is an effective way to do so.
Tiling a small area is a subtle way to add interest if you prefer a more minimalist style.
Patterned floor tiles
Add character to a small space with boldly patterned black and white floor tiles. You can choose from Moroccan-inspired designs or pick a more modern style. Whatever you choose, patterned floor tiles are a great way to liven up a kitchen. The versatility of black and white means they will go with whatever colour kitchen cupboards you have.
Image credit: @acorn_cottage_
Recommended Tile: Damask Decor 5
Traditional octagon and dot floor tiles
The classic octagon and dot floor tile design dates back to Victorian times. A timeless design, it looks as good next to modern kitchens as it does with more traditional styles.
This tile pattern works equally well in small or large spaces. Keep it simple with just octagon and square tiles or add black and white border tiles for a more formal look.
Image credit: @renonation
Black and white patterned tile splashback
Liven up a neutral kitchen with playful splashback tiles. Boldly patterned tiles are increasingly popular and they’re an excellent choice for splashbacks and small floor areas.
Black and white ceramic tiles are a budget-friendly option and there’s a huge choice of patterns from intricate Moroccan-inspired designs to more geometric ones to choose from.
Penny tile floor
These small but mighty mosaic tiles are seeing a huge surge in popularity. Dating back to the early 1900s, penny tiles are usually less than an inch in diameter and round or hexagonal in shape.
Don’t be daunted by their appearance, penny tiles come on sheets for ease of installation and you can easily snip out tiles to create your own patterns, words or random designs. Penny tiles are a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms as they are less slippery than large format tiles when wet.
Image credit: @emrarchitecture
Penny tile splashback
Penny tiles were historically used for tiling floors but they’re now used as frequently for walls. If you want to do something a little different in your kitchen, consider cladding your walls with these tiny tiles. Perfect for adding a retro look, you can combine them with bold colours or keep it simple with more neutral decor, either way, they’re sure to make a statement.
Image credit: @lesleemitchell
Checkerboard floor tiles
One of the most classic and elegant floor tile patterns, the timeless checkerboard design has been around for centuries.
Favoured by the Romans, the Victorians and the Americans in their iconic diners, this floor pattern shows no signs whatsoever of going out of fashion. The beauty of the checkerboard pattern is that the tiles can be placed horizontally or vertically, creating a completely different look. A horizontal layout will make a room appear wider.
Consider the tile size if you’d like to add a checkerboard floor in your kitchen as getting this right is key to the overall look. For the best results, the tiles should be symmetrical on either side of the room, this will help you to determine the right sized tiles for your space
Image credit: @chacebuilding
To re-create this look: Combine Damask white and black
Black and white marble tiles
Create a natural look with black and white marble tiles. Another timeless choice, marble exudes elegance. Opting for natural marble means that you can choose the level of black and white within the tile. Some marble is almost black with white veins, or you can pick the complete opposite if you prefer a lighter look.
Marble-effect porcelain is a practical choice for a kitchen, especially if you’re installing it on the floor, as it will be resistant to spills, scratches and inevitable stains.
Image credit: @_beindesign_
Recommended Tile: Elgin Matt Marble
Triangular tile splashback
Add a quirky touch to your kitchen with black and white triangular tiles. You can use Victorian mosaic tiles to create unusual patterns and choose designs that are traditional or modern for a completely unique look.
Bold patterns made from small tiles will work best in small spaces. They’re perfect when used in a small splashback above an oven or sink area.
Image credit: @claytoncorner
Vintage star tiles
These beautiful celestial-inspired tiles are a wonderful way to bring character into your kitchen. Available as white stars on black, or black stars on white, you can achieve a completely different look depending on your preference.
Use star tiles on the walls to liven up a plain kitchen or add character to a floor. These durable, porcelain tiles usually have a matt finish so they’re a practical choice for a floor, concealing marks and dried water drops (ideal if you live in a hard water area).
Image credit: @thatlifelilybuilt
Recommended Tile: Madrid Castilla Light Star Pattern
Terrazzo floor tiles
If you want a floor that’s incredibly hardwearing and just beautiful to admire, look no further than terrazzo.
Another timeless choice, terrazzo has become the go-to flooring choice for homeowners and designers. Initially created by the ancient Egyptians, more modern terrazzo was created around 500 years ago in Venice. Made from porcelain, cement or resin, terrazzo tiles get their characteristic flecked appearance from the chips of marble, granite, quartz and other materials that are mixed into the tile.
Terrazzo tiles can be highly polished or matt in appearance and are one of the most practical and contemporary floor tile options.
Top tips for tiling a kitchen with black and white tiles
- If you’re installing checkerboard floor tiles, consider the size of the room before ordering your tiles. Generally speaking, the larger the room, the larger the tile.
- Black and white is a smart choice and you’re unlikely to go off the tiles you choose. If you love detailed patterns like stars or Moroccan styles, keep it to smaller areas like splashbacks and smaller floors. Checkerboard, octagon and dot and classic Victorian floor tile designs will work well in any sized space.
- Be sure to order some samples, especially if you are designing a more complex pattern!
- If you’re going for penny floor tiles, it’s worth keeping the grout black or dark grey. Because mosaic tiles are so small, it can be tricky to remove ingrained dirt from paler grout. If you prefer a lighter grout, a good grout sealant will help to keep your floor looking pristine for longer.
Atlas Ceramics has an extensive range of black and white wall and floor tiles to help you achieve a similar look in your kitchen. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our experts for advice.