Last Updated on July 20, 2022
Speaking as someone who loves checkerboard (I just had checkerboard vinyl tiles laid in half my house), I think it’s a really versatile print.Â
For me, checkerboard is very nostalgic. My parents had a cafe with a black and white floor I always adored.Â
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It takes me right back to my Saturdays as a schoolgirl, serving coffee and tea for pocket money.Â
Other than this, what I really love about checkerboard is how easily it can be manipulated into any type of design – it’s like gingham’s older and cooler sister; the one who spends all her time listening to loud music through headphones and eyerolls a lot.
It’s not out of place in a restored Victorian terrace, a bright Scandi apartment or a cute, country cottage with wisteria tangled across the doorframe.
Matilda Goad, a designer I am quite literally obsessed with, used red and cream tiles in her kitchen on the chimney breast – it is to die for, I spend many nights lying awake thinking about this. Genius. Â
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Will checkerboard go out of style?
While it does feel very ‘trendy’ at the moment, checks actually date back to the Ancient Egyptians.
While I can’t personally go back into the detailed history of it, the pattern has definitely stood the test of time.
When I think about the 60s, I can’t help but think of a bold, black and white checkerboard design.
Of course, tiles and vinyl flooring are a very permanent feature but you can add the chequer pattern into your home in a more subtle way with some checkerboard cushions.
Don’t be afraid to play around with the colours and textures to suit your home; this is how you’ll make the trend your own.Â
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If you’re dressing a room for a cosier feel then you’ll want to think about the feeling of the fabric – go for something you really want to touch like a boucle, a faux fur or a velvet.
Don’t be afraid to bring out your inner maximalist and sit the cushion next to a contrasting pattern; this can be the key to turning something good into something great.
Again, you don’t have to keep it traditional, a distorted chequered pattern can be more playful and fun. It could be the missing piece in a teenager’s bedroom or a studio.
Looking for something pretty and soft? Make sure the two colours on the design aren’t contrasting: think off white and beige or buttery yellow and cream. Heavenly.
Okay, now you’re prepped and ready, below are some of my personal favourites from across the web – happy home styling!Â
Shop checkerboard cushions

Black & White Checkerboard Tufted Cushion, £32, Urban Outfitters

Pop Checkerboard Cushion, £74.99, Jonathan Adler

Courtly Check Cushion, £279, MacKenzie-Childs

Checkered Plaid Cushion, £14.99, Etsy

Outdoor Cushion, £98, Jonathan Adler

Brody Checkerboard Black & White Bolster Pillow, £39, Urban Outfitters

Baby Blue Twist Throw Pillow, £17.12, GalaxyEyes

Exclusive Patchwork Fringe Cushion Cover in Navy & Sky, £130, The Conran Shop

Fiona Cushion Cover, £59, END Clothing

Check-print fringed cushion, £72, In Casa by Paboy

Lilac Checkerboard Tufted Cushion, £23, Urban Outfitters

Retro Blue Yellow Pastel Warped Checkerboard Cushion, £37, Zazzle

Retro Pink Yellow Pastel Warped Chequerboard Lumbar Cushion, £43.75, Zazzle

Forest Green Checkerboard Throw Pillow, £17.12, JanuaryLemon

Checkerboard Check Checkered Pattern in Light Sage Green and Cream Throw Pillow, £25.70, Kierkegaard Design Studio