The bathroom requires wall and floor finishes that can withstand the unique demands of this setting. This is the only area of the home where wet, bare feet are commonplace. It is also a room in which water splashes on wall surfaces are inevitable. You will therefore need to strike a balance between practical and aesthetic considerations.

A safe floor

Ceramic tiles and marble offer a hard-wearing and easy-to-clean surface for the family bathroom. Suitable for use on both walls and floors, they can add color and pattern to the bathroom setting. Always make sure that the flooring you choose has a non-slip finish, however – highly glazed tiles, while suitable for the walls, would not be appropriate for a bathroom floor.

Alternative floor coverings ideal for the bathroom include laminated timber, linoleum and vinyl. Terracotta and natural slate are also suitable and look particularly attractive in a Mediterranean or traditional decorative scheme. Some forms of slate, however, have an extremely uneven surface, which may not be suitable for small, bare feet. Avoid using natural timber in the bathroom, as moisture can distort and sometimes raise a wooden floor. Some carpets and carpet tiles can be used in a bathroom – check first that they are reasonably waterproof.

Practical walls

Bathroom wall coverings must be practical and capable of withstanding high moisture levels, while at the same lime enhancing your chosen decorative style. Paints are a good option, and manufacturers now produce damp-resistant products suitable for bathrooms. Paint effects also have a home in the family bathroom, allowing you free range in the colors and textures you choose. Plain blocks of color, for instance, can be used to introduce a bold character to a contemporary-style bathroom.

Wallpapers may be more suitable for regional or historical themes than paint. Solid vinyl wallpapers are the only variety that should be used in the bathroom, but fortunately they are available in a wide range of styles.

Mirrors

Mirrors can be used to great effect when cladding the walls of a bathroom. They will make the bathroom appear as large as possible, and provide a practical and impervious wall finish. The only disadvantage, of course, is the need to keep them clean and free of smudges ¨C and, of course, you must decide whether you are happy to be faced with a nude image of yourself getting in and out of the bath on a cold winters morning!