a method of manufacturing a covering comprises the steps of forming a laminar base layer , distributing decorative particles on the base layer , and fixing the decorative particles to the base layer . the base layer is formed from a mixture having a homogeneously dispersed phase of further particles . the decorative particles are distributed on the base layer in a sparse arrangement substantially preventing overlapping of the particles . the uniformity of the appearance of the covering is nevertheless ensured by the further particles dispersed homogeneously in the mixture .