5 Checkered Items

BY HEATHER BAVER

The iconic checkered pattern made its debut way back in ancient times, and this geometric arrangement remains as fresh as ever. Besides being a mainstay of game boards, checkered style endures in home décor and fashion. Check out these five ways to add this chic, fun pattern to your life.

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Patterned Play.

Get the whole family involved in classic, interactive fun. Checkers is a timeless game that’s all about perfecting your strategy. This set features a vibrant red-and-black wooden board, along with large, easy-to-grab pieces. For added variety, flip the board over for a game of Cowboy Checkers.

Reversible Checkerboard, $42, Evelyn & Harriette’s, 1232 Oysterdale Rd., Oley | 610.987.6055

Kitchen Sophistication.

Level up your kitchen décor with these stylish, versatile tea towels. Made of 100 percent cotton, this set includes two varieties of elegant black and white checks. Use them to dry dishes, conquer kitchen spills, line a tray for a fancy breakfast or wrap up baked goods in a bread basket.

Checkered Tea Towel Set, $12, Five & Divine, 27 E. Penn Avenue, Wernersville | 610.670.9700 fiveanddivine.com

Timeless and Trendy.

Throughout history, checkerboard flooring has been featured in diverse locales like palaces, diners and houses. This enduring design remains popular because it’s a great way to jazz up a kitchen, bathroom or entryway. The durable, hard-wearing porcelain tiles are perfect for homes with kids, pets or lots of foot traffic.

Checkerboard Porcelain Tile, call for pricing, Mendez Flooring, 301 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 484.577.0031 mendezflooring.net

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Skateboard Style.

Enhance your footwear collection with this legendary shoe. Made for men and women, these slip-on Vans feature a durable canvas upper, cushioned footbed and a grippy sole that’s made to maximize your time skateboarding. The checkerboard pattern will infuse any outfit with cool style.

Vans Skate Slip-On, $75, Holistic Skateshop, 516 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 484.577.4183 holisticskateshop.com

Colorful Twist. Spice up the traditional checkboard pattern with an eye-catching curvy design. Enlist this pink and spring green metal tray to serve drinks and snacks or corral mail on your desk or entryway table. For a decorative look, try using it to hold a curated display of treasured items or jewelry.

Checkered Tray, $14, Stellar House Gift Shop, 232 E. Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown stellarhousegiftshop.com