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Bathroom

Walls

There are plenty of options for wall materials:

Tiles

Whatever I chose all wall coverings need to be hygienic, easy to clean and able to withstand the inevitable moisture and condensation. Ceramic tiles are the traditional solutions and come in a variety of styles such as smooth or textured finishes, including plain squares and geometric shapes in various colours and sizes, transfer printed designs, borders and curved edging tiles, glass mosaic and mirror tiles.

Panelling

Depending on the height of the ceiling, wooden tongue and groove boarding can be used to cover the whole, three quarters or half of the wall, giving a panelled effect which is warmer and more welcoming than tiles. This can be painted or stained and sealed, and makes a good background for a colourwashed finish.

Paints

As long as the bathroom has adequate ventilation, walls and ceilings can be painted. The best paint to use is a plain colour silk or matt emulsion, or they can be decorated with a textured effect and sealed.

Floors

There are three main considerations when choosing a floor for my bathroom. It should be comfortable to stand on with bare feet, it must be completely waterproof to prevent dampness seeping down through the floor boards and it should have an effective anti-slip finish.

Wood

Wooden floors are not ideal for a family bathroom, but they do look attractive in a period setting. They can be sanded, stained, colourwashed or stenciled, but it is essential to seal both the boards and the spaces in between them in order to make the floor completely waterproof.

Vinyl

A convincing tiled effect can be achieved with vinyl flooring. This highly versatile covering with a smooth, cushioned or textured finish. A wide range of patterns is available, including imitation tiling, marble, mosaic, inlay and wood, along with more contemporary photographic reproductions of green lawns and pebble beaches.

Linoleum

This is the traditional flooring for bathrooms and is now available in a stunning range marbled colours and inlaid patterns, in both sheets and tiles. It is warm underfoot, simple to clean and unlike vinyl it is made from natural materials: linseed, hessian and ground cork.

Cork

The other long standing favourite for bathroom floors, cork tiles are widely available, easy to handle and provide good insulation. Always use 3mm or 5mm deep, floor grade tiles, which come in a standard 30cm square. Thicker cork will compensate for any slight irregularities in the existing floor surfaces.

Lighting

Hmmm...

• Chrome Fittings
• White tiles for Splash Backs
• Pine floor boards, is it possible to get second hand ones?
• Cast Iron Radiators#
• Tounge & Groove Panel on the bath (painted in the same colour as the walls T&G

Bibliography

Bathrooms: Design Styles; Marc Kitchen-Smith; Marks & Spencer Home