13 kitchen floor tile ideas to bring your cooking space to life

Getting your kitchen floor tile ideas just right is so important. Making the right choice will mean you achieve a space that is easy to maintain and clean, a pleasure to use, and looks super stylish.

The best thing about tiles, as opposed to other types of flooring materials, is that they offer so much variety in terms of the kitchen flooring ideas you can create, allowing you to conjure up all kinds of looks, no matter what your overall kitchen design plans might be.

We have pulled together some of the most beautiful ideas for using kitchen floor tiles we've come across, to ensure there's something for everyone, no matter what size of space you are working with and how big (or small) your budget might be.

How to get your kitchen floor tile ideas spot on

Just as when you choose your kitchen wall colour ideas, you need to think of the role your flooring will play. As an overall background for the room, your flooring can set the tone when designing a kitchen.

You should consider the size of the room, the amount of natural light it receives, the styles of kitchen units you like, as well as how you will be using the room - for example as a kitchen-diner.

All of these factors should play a part in your decision as materials, colours and designs all matter.

Kitchen floor tile ideas

1. Get a timeless look with a chequerboard floor

If you want to choose the best flooring for kitchens that won't look dated any time soon, then a black and white chequerboard design is a safe bet. It isn't just the timelessness of this type of flooring that makes it a good choice, it also comes with other benefits.

Although classic chequerboard flooring is black and white, as in this example from Tile Mountain, there is no reason why you can't play around with other shades.

"Chequerboard flooring is a mixture of both light and dark," says Ben Willis, tile specialist at Willis & Stone.

He goes on to explain how this kind of pattern can also be perfect for anyone with a kitchen on the smaller side.

"The alternating pattern of light and dark squares creates an optical illusion that expands the perceived space," continues Ben. "However, it’s best to use smaller tiles as larger ones may dominate the space too much."

Ben Willis

Ben Willis is a tile specialist at family-owned business Willis & Stone. The family founded the company after looking into furnishing their home with quality, long-lasting and timeless solid wood furniture. This inspired a passion for manufacturing bespoke, solid wood items.

2. Brighten up your kitchen with colourful floor tiles

Using your floor tiles to add a splash of colour into your kitchen remodel ideas is a brilliant idea, whether you have selected a very pared-back style of units or want to create a riot of shades by pairing bright tiles with bold colourful cabinets.

"In terms of trends, there has been a real shift towards the use of bolder colours, which will help to create a statement in a smaller kitchen,” says María Dolores Arraez, director at Tile of Spain UK.

In this pretty pastel kitchen, the soft greens and pinks of the Shaker units is echoed within the design of the floor tiles which are the Carnaby Pink Patterned Tiles from Porcelain Superstore.

María D Arraez

María Dolores Arraez is the Head of Tile of Spain at the Spanish Embassy's Commercial Office in London. She is responsible for the promotion of the Spanish ceramic tile industry in the UK and supports the Tile of Spain members in their export strategies to the UK.

3. Enjoy the warmth of wood without the maintenance

Many types of wood flooring look great in kitchens where they can really warm up the space, but wood is not always the most practical choice. While engineered wood flooring is a far wiser option than solid timber - which has a tendency to twist and warp when exposed to moisture - it is still important that liquid spills are quickly dealt with to avoid staining or damaging the wood.

If you want the look of timber without the worry, how about a look-a-like porcelain instead?

"When it comes to kitchen flooring, make porcelain tiles your number one choice," advises Abbas Youssefi, managing director of independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore. "Robust and durable, they’re easy to clean and won’t stain, making them ideal for busy kitchens."

Abbas Youssefi

Abbas Youssefi is the director of independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore, which he founded in 2014 alongside his brothers Ben and Sam. Tiles are in his blood. Growing up, his parents owned their own tile shop and armed with industry knowledge, Abbas and his brothers scout the tile factories of Europe and beyond to handpick the best tiles for their customers.

4. Use your floor tiles to create zones

If you are planning on having an open plan kitchen diner idea, or kitchen, dining and living area, it is important to look for ways to make each space distinct from the other – and your choice of floor tiles can help with this.

If a kitchen diner is your choice, a fantastic way to define the cooking and eating spaces is to use striking floor tiles in the kitchen area with warm timber flooring in the dining area, for a more inviting vibe.

In this kitchen, the elegant black and white pattern of the floor tiles sits beautifully against the deep red of the kitchen island and the navy units, while the living area is set off perfectly with oak flooring.

5. Match your floor tiles to your kitchen island

For a nicely co-ordinated result, consider using the same tiles for not just your floors, but also to finish off one or more sides of your kitchen island or breakfast bar. Not only will this tie the whole scheme together, but it will also instantly turn your kitchen island ideas into a focal point, a perfect solution for the spot where everyone tends to gather in a kitchen.

The porcelain tiles in this beautifully modern kitchen feature an eye-catching black and white design that draws the eye along the floor and up to the breakfast bar, contrasting beautifully with its wooden surround.

6. Inject some rustic charm with natural stone flooring

There is no denying the earthy, natural beauty of real stone flooring and if you want charm and character in your kitchen then this really is a fantastic option.

"Natural stone flooring adds a perceived level of luxury to a home and there are a wide range of design options available," says Ben Willis. "Natural stone flooring has a high level of durability and longevity, which once sealed, has a low level of continued maintenance."

Despite being on the more expensive side of flooring costs, there are other benefits stone can offer to bear in mind.

"Natural stone is always a safe option for many, especially something like Tuscany Limestone, as these tiles include so many colours and textures which are good for hiding away any obvious dirt marks over time," points out Ben. "They are also very easy to clean, as well as being a timeless product."

7. Blur the boundaries of a room with pattern

In small kitchens, everything from the kitchen layout ideas you use to the colours you pick for your walls can have an effect on how spacious it feels. If you are working with a compact kitchen it is really important that you consider how your flooring will work with your particular space.

"If your space is on the smaller side, consider lighter shades like soft whites, pale greys or even pastels," suggests Abbas Youssefi. "They’ll help reflect the light - especially if you choose a glossy finish - to create a feeling of space. For added character, tiles with subtle texture or pattern can add eye-catching depth without overwhelming your room."

In this kitchen, the Victorian pattern of the floor tiles helps to distract the eye from the proportions of the space at the same time as picking up on the green of the units.

8. Reflect the light with glossy floor tiles

High gloss floor tiles can be used both to help a dark kitchen feel lighter, as well as to make a small kitchen feel bigger.

"Lighter coloured tiles and glossy finishes will always be the best option for reflecting light around the kitchen, making it appear and feel larger," says María D Arraez.

Anyone after navy kitchen ideas should take note of this one. The bold shade of the units is offset by the gleaming peach-tones of the porcelain flooring, which has also been reflected in the worktop material.

9. Jump on the herringbone trend with wood-effect tiles

Herringbone flooring has been enjoying a huge surge in popularity and has been one of the biggest flooring trends in recent years, although many would argue it never really fell from favour. Not only does it offer a timeless warmth, but it also has the ability to help a small space feel bigger.

"Herringbone and brick bond patterns are eternally popular for a reason. They’re visually interesting, add elegance to any room and can also help make slimmer rooms feel wider,” explains Abbas Youssefi.

Opting for tiles rather than wood doesn't mean you can't still enjoy a herringbone-patterned floor as there are many porcelains, vinyl and ceramic wood-effect tiles out there to choose from.

10. Open up a small kitchen with large-format tiles

A small kitchen needn't have small floor tiles - in fact, going large can actually work much better - something to bear in mind if you are after small kitchen ideas.

"When choosing tiles for a small kitchen, it’s important to consider various features, including colour schemes, trends and practical aspects," says María D Arraez. "Large format tiles are also a popular choice as they feature fewer grout lines, creating a seamless aesthetic, whilst subway tiles will help to elongate a kitchen."

In this calming cream kitchen from Simon Taylor Furniture, the large format floor tiles are a close match for the colour of the units, which makes the whole space feel airy and open.

11. Be bold with a striking zig-zag design

There is no reason why your kitchen floor has to just blend into the background or act as a support act to the other features in the room - it could become the star of the show and a focal point with the right choice of tiles.

It could be that you love the mix-and-match designs of floor tiles that are currently doing the rounds, or perhaps you love the idea of a brightly coloured floor finish. However, one look we are particularly taken with is zig-zags - in all kinds of shades.

The black and white zigzag pattern here works so well against the deep green of the modern units - plus it would be great for those after narrow kitchen ideas as the design helps to visually stretch a space.

12. Get the look of real stone for less

Real stone flooring is beautiful but it does come at a price, plus there is some level of maintenance required in order to keep it looking its best.

If you would love to use stone flooring ideas in your kitchen but want to keep a lid both on costs, and the amount of effort you have to put into looking after your floor, you'll be pleased to hear that there are lots of alternatives out there that do a fantastic job of mimicking the look of real stone.

In this blue Shaker style kitchen, the large format flooring looks just like honed travertine, yet is actually porcelain. The veining in the design picks up on the navy of the units.

13. Use your tiles to conjure up vintage vibes

If you want to add in a little vintage touch to your Shaker kitchen ideas your choice of flooring could just help.

Pretty patterns and painted Shaker-style units work so well together, allowing all kinds of colour combinations to come together for a really eclectic, individual look.

This beautiful pastel pink kitchen features off-white and vintage green patterned tiles on the floor which are the perfect pairing with the rest of the scheme. We also love the Mother of Peal effect tiles that have been used for the splashback.

Shop vintage-style floor tiles

FAQs

Is vinyl flooring better than tiles in kitchens?

Both vinyl and tiles - ceramic or porcelain - are great options for kitchens.

There are a huge number of kitchen vinyl flooring ideas out there - you definitely won't be limited when it comes to colours and patterns, plus many vinyl tiles do a great job at mimicking the appearance of natural materials such as wood or stone.

That said, both ceramic and porcelain tiles all come in all kinds of colours and finishes too.

Vinyl tends to be more forgiving when it comes to dropped glasses and plates, plus it is simple to lay on a DIY basis. You also won't need to worry about grout lines becoming discoloured or needing to be replaced.

On the other hand, tiles are great at handling hot liquid spills and if you want to connect your kitchen to a patio space outside by using the same type of flooring, tiles often make this possible.

Tiles are a great choice for kitchen flooring but if you are still hankering after a timber floor, check out our guide to the best wood flooring for kitchens which will ensure you choose the right products for your needs.