INTERTWINE NOSTALGIA WITH ULTRA-MODERN SOPHISTICATION
Checkerboard black and white tile design patterns have been around just about as long as humans have been building civilizations around the world, so it is no surprise that these particular patterns have quite a lasting presence in the realm of home décor. While black and white tile patterns have been utilized for nearly four millennia, its popularity tends to ebb and flow every so often. Currently, black and white polished tile is making a comeback, as several homeowners and designers explore the possibilities of retro chic décor styles. The glossy, polished ceramic tile look experienced a burst of popularity during the 1920s and again in the 1960s, with its demand tapering off slowly afterward. This was followed by a resurgence of interest in polished black and white tile during the early part of the 21st century.
If you are considering a black and white checkerboard tile flooring, material can mean all the difference between elegance and gaudy displays of kitsch. While this look is still considered retro by many, it is easy to bring a sense of class to older designs with ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles. It would be a shame to rip up your existing floor, only to replace it with a cheap, low-grade vinyl product that begins to come up at the seams after only a few months. Thankfully, several manufacturers of ceramic and porcelain offer high quality black and white polished tile collections at an affordable price.
Emser Times Square is one of these collections, offering a glossy finish over starkly contrasting midnight black and ethereal white. Available in monolithic 24″x24″ porcelain tiles, bring the classic, sophisticated look of black and white polished tile to your living room or foyer with a large, open floor plan. In contrast, Marazzi Essentials offers a similar black and white look, but with a matte finish and more color choices that are less severe in contrast. Its off-whites and dark greys can be mixed together in several patterns for a subtler look. Matte finishes tend to be better in kitchens and bathrooms, as it provides more slip resistance to the tiles. Crossville Shades even offers unconventional tile sizes for the black and white appearance. With a range of black and white gradients, the style permutations are endless. Go with a traditional checkered diamond layout, a border design in the center of the room, or randomly place the tiles for a unique patchwork of contrast.
Remodeling with Black and White Tile
Thanks in large part to an increase in remodeling projects of homes that were built when black and white polished tile was popular, many homeowners wanted to keep the original look while updating for functionality. The stark contrast and polished, glossy appearance present a nostalgic appeal with a simultaneous ultra-modern, sophisticated aesthetic. Although this eye-catching look is not quite as popular as wood-look ceramic tile these days, more manufacturers are offering this bit of elegant nostalgia, and will most likely continue to do so. A style that has been around for 4,000 years simply does not fade into obscurity like disco or parachute pants. Throughout different periods in architectural history, black and white polished tile has projected connotations ranging from luxurious sophistication to kitschy throwbacks. Popular opinion at the moment seems mixed on this particular style, but there is no doubt that people are seeking out black and white polished tile, albeit for varying reasons.
For more information on black and white polished tile, feel free to give us a call at 866-705-1340 or visit us at QualityFlooring4Less.com.