Each room in the house serves specific functions that require you to think about function as well as fashion.

• High traffic and dirt from the outside entry door.
• Spills are common from cooking, so floors must be easy to clean.
• Non-slip flooring is necessary for safety purposes.

• Vinyl is a good choice for kitchen floors. In the event of a dropped glass or dish, a resilient floor like vinyl has more bounce and may prevent breakage. Remember, a deeply textured pattern may be harder to clean.
• Tile, laminate and wood are great kitchen floor alternatives. Rugs and mats can soften a harder material such as tile.

• Waterproof flooring is a must for those sink, toilet and bathtub overflows.
• Washable flooring is important for ease of cleaning.
• Non-slip flooring is necessary for safety purposes.

• Vinyl has traditionally been the floor of choice for baths.
• Ceramic tile is gaining rapidly in popularity.
• Newer versions of laminate and wood products can be adapted to bathrooms even with excessive moisture. Make sure any rugs or mats are non-slip.

• Focal point and centerpiece of home furnishings in most homes.
• Function varies from family room to formal receiving room.
• Choose flooring to match the room’s function and décor.

• Carpet offers fibers and styles that accommodate informal or formal use.
• Hardwood also provides an attractive, durable option, especially with the addition of area rugs.

• Wear-resistant flooring is a must if the floor is used regularly at mealtime.
• Stain-resistant floors are necessary for any area prone to food spills.

• Carpet is an option, but light colors tend to show stains more and may not be the best choice.
• Wood, laminate or tile work well in dining rooms.

• Floors are usually overshadowed by the bed and coordinating fabrics.
• Traffic is less of a problem here than in other rooms, so stains and wear should be minimal.
• Consider a neutral flooring that adapts to frequent décor changes. Too many bright colors can be overpowering.

• Carpet is traditionally used in bedrooms.
• Wood or laminate floors are good alternatives, especially if you add decorative rugs.

• Steady traffic brings dirt and moisture, especially to entry halls and mudrooms.
• Stains and wear are more visible.
• Look for a sturdy material that coordinates with the rest of the flooring in the house.
• Entry halls are the first part of your home a guest sees, so use this area to make a bold statement.

• Inlaid patterns of wood parquet or ceramic tile can be dramatic and still handle traffic.
• Laminate flooring is a good alternative, especially if you add non-slip decorative rugs.