Hollywood owners of huge bathrooms with access to a balcony or panoramic windows with ocean views can only be envied. In real life, such apartments are rare. Most owners of individual apartments are not ready to sacrifice square meters for the sake of expanding the water treatment zone. Therefore, the design of a small bathroom is an urgent issue that requires a balanced, mathematically verified and aesthetically attractive solution.
We take into account the features of a limited room
A small bathroom is a big problem: to place the necessary items, furniture, plumbing so that there is room for a person, really only after a thorough measurement and calculation of all the possibilities. Typically, the designer offers the customer several examples of the optimal use of the available space. The selected design project should not only completely solve all the tasks, but also reflect the nature, individual characteristics of the owners (age, hygiene habits, personal wishes). Someone does not think of life without a full bath, while someone who is lying in hot water for a long time is contraindicated for health reasons, some individuals only need a shower, and someone would like to have a mini-sauna.
In order for a small bathroom to subsequently give only good feelings, it is necessary to develop the project and start the repair:
Make a decision on the style of the interior;
Make a list of required plumbing equipment (bath, shower, washbasin, toilet, bidet, hygienic shower), decide what must be inside the room;
Decide on large household appliances, the placement of which is planned in the bathroom (boiler, washing machine, tumble dryer);
To think over lighting (general, zonal), arrangement of a heat-insulated floor, a place for installing electrical outlets;
Pick up finishing materials.
Changing the layout of the bathroom during repairs in Khrushchev
Quite often in the Khrushchev there are separate bath and toilet. Their combination, the arrangement of one door portal instead of two doors will not only add space, but also unload the corridor from the opening of the second door.However, the combination of these premises requires special coordination. If the demolition of the intermediate wall does not affect the architectural project, its safety characteristics, then instead of two scanty corners, a quite decent compartment will be obtained, where you can fully relax in the water element.
The standard placement of plumbing fixtures of apartment buildings is tied to sewer risers. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be possible to fundamentally swap the toilet bowl and sink without carrying out voluminous construction work (pipe supply, raising the floor level to provide the necessary slope for draining). However, it is possible to transfer or turn the bath, shift the washbasin.
Small tricks of modern design that can increase the capacity of a room can be:
Use of a bathtub of reduced size;
Vertical combination of sink and washing machine;
Use of suspended models of plumbing;
Replacing the bath with shower options;
Installation of hanging cabinets is significantly higher than the floor.
Visual increase in the combined bathroom
A small combined bathroom is more the norm of small-sized apartments than an exception. The task of the designer is to expand his scope by decorating techniques, to provide multifunctionality without sacrificing a feeling of free space.
As design options that can change a given geometry, use:
Neutral tones for wall decoration;
Smooth surfaces of walls and ceiling;
Concealment of pipes in floor, wall ducts or gates;
The use of suspended installations for plumbing;
Mirror elements of a large volume;
Glossy finishing materials;
Light flooring.
In order for the bathroom to fully meet all the necessary requirements, it is equipped with plumbing and equipment of a reduced format. Here it is important to accurately calculate how much it is possible to reduce the size of plumbing fixtures to make them convenient.
A shower cabin is a worthy alternative to a conventional bathtub
An interesting solution may be to design a combined bathroom in a panel house in the loft style. A small room is not cluttered with objects, for the vertical walls a light gray coating “a la velvety concrete” is chosen, metal pipes for water supply can be left in sight, the volumetric bathtub is replaced with a shower cabin. It is preferable not to use stationary versions of the cabs, but to select the shower compartment of the required size with glass partitions, be sure to provide an inclination to the drain hole in the floor.
Today, not only annoying square or round plumbing ladders are offered, but corner, linear, channel products. There are options, the top of which is a decorative grille. Its pattern can repeat the basic ornament of home decoration.
Corner bath - the pros and cons
The small corner bathtub fits perfectly even in a small room. Having occupied the corner opposite the door, it will leave room for a conventional sink, standard toilet and free movement of a person, thanks to its rounded shape. A bathtub of a similar type, equipped with glass moving or fixed panels, can be considered as a synthesis of a traditional font and shower. It has combined advantages:
Transparent partitions do not visually make the construction heavier, but prevent water splashing onto the floor, making cleaning much easier;
The volumetric bed of the bath allows you to take water procedures in a horizontal position.
The correct design of the ceiling: simplicity, color, light
The ideal color for decorating the ceiling of a small bath is white and its shades. To maintain height, do not use multilevel suspended structures of complex shape. It is better to give preference to a flat surface, but saturate it with light sources.When calculating the number of spotlights, it is advisable to exceed the norm: the bright light that floods the room expands the volume. The statement that a glossy stretch ceiling can perform the same function is not entirely true: the reflective surface, doubling the height, can create the effect of a well, which violates the general proportions of the room. In addition, the vague reflection of the overall objects looks like a cluster of dark spots, and this reduces the feeling of cleanliness, so necessary for the room for hygiene procedures.
The volume depends on the quality of lighting
Even in a small bathroom, it is necessary to provide 2 groups of lighting devices:
Top lighting (optimal use of built-in ceiling lights);
Bright light near the mirror (a good option is a sconce on hinges, flexible mounts that change the direction of the light flux if necessary).
In pre-revolutionary buildings, bathrooms are often found with excessively high heights. Harmonize the space without artificially lowering the ceiling level, possibly using a chandelier on the suspension. A volumetric light source will fill the upper part of the bathroom, making it more proportional.
An interesting design technique that adds lightness to bathrooms of modern styles can be the lower backlight mounted in channels with a transparent top (glass, plastic) flush with the main floor covering.
We select the finishing tile: refuse mini-forms
When choosing ceramic tiles for walls and floors, it is better to give preference to large format options. Small fragments, and even more so a mosaic, reduce a small space, unnecessarily load the room with horizontal and vertical lines. For a visual increase in area, facing materials with a glossy surface are suitable. Additional bonuses of their use compared to matte varieties are ease of maintenance, less dust settling.
If the repair budget does not allow increasing costs, then it is better to move away from the generally accepted rule of buying ceramic tiles "+ 10% just in case." Optionally calculate the number of sq.m. and even pieces of tiles will help measurements, sketching layouts, a careful calculation of future residues. You will spend time, but save money.
Features of choosing bathroom furniture
Furnishing a small bathroom, it is better to stay on suspended structures that do not reach the floor, choose light shades of materials, glossy facades. Leg furniture painted in neutral tones (white, light gray, muted pink, mint, bleached lavender) is also appropriate, especially if the design of the bathroom gravitates to country, modern European style or romanticism.
Special requirements are imposed on the water absorption of materials used for the manufacture of bathroom furniture. Preferred moisture-proof modern plate materials, or artificial stone, glass. However, if you provide a moisture-resistant finish and good forced ventilation, then natural wood cabinets with a ceramic or stone bed of the washstand will perfectly cope with operation in difficult conditions.
Laundry basket in the bathroom: bright style accent
A laundry basket can be either a utilitarian object (in this case it is better to hide it from prying eyes) and become an element of decor that emphasizes style. Modern manufacturers of such products offer many options:
One-piece plastic;
Plastic wicker;
Rattan;
A fabric bag of any design (sea, country, romantic) on folding legs;
Willow wicker basket with a fabric cover (it is decorated with lace, bows, stitching, ribbons);
Wooden lattice box on casters, sliding under the hinged sink or underframe;
A container hidden in a closed niche with retractable brackets.
If the laundry basket is in full view, then a closing element should be provided so that the type of used laundry does not spoil the general atmosphere of a cozy corner for relaxation. This can be a separate lid, or, in the form of a soft bag, a drawstring. The main requirement is the presence of ventilation holes, so that things put off until the next wash do not get a musty unpleasant odor, and are ventilated.
Kingdom of direct mirrors
The use of reflective surfaces for the visual expansion of rooms is a classic design technique. In the case of a small bathtub, special attention should be paid to large format mirrors. Flat mirror elements can significantly push the boundaries, add the necessary depth, make the space airy. Shiny metal accessories (dispenser, dustbin, toothbrush holder) can accompany the mirror.
It is traditional to place a three-dimensional mirror above the washbasin. To enhance the effect, depending on the layout of the bathroom, you can choose a narrow model according to the size of the sink to the ceiling, or a canvas stretched across the entire width of the wall.
The location of two reflective elements on opposite walls can visually increase the room almost to infinity. This technique has a positive effect on the psychological state of a person, because the feeling of stiffness, being in a cramped cage disappears. The main thing here is that in the mirrors countless times the mess and incomplete repairs are not displayed.
Do not use mirror tiles - this decoration method is outdated. Decor with inserts from mirror pieces also violates the integrity of the reflection, splits the space without increasing it.
We make a responsible decision: we select the style
A bathroom, as a separate enclosed space, can fit into a single stylistic concept of the interior of the house, or radically differ in style if its dimensions are so small that the overall design cannot be fully maintained.But, even if this space is made out as purely utilitarian, it can be decorated with separate elements to emphasize belonging to the chosen design direction.
The mirror above the washbasin in an intricate carved frame or the graceful legs of the washbasin will echo the baroque of the whole apartment;
A drawing on the decorative elements of wall ceramic tiles can support a light French spirit, and the figured frieze, the color scheme of the cladding, the underframe of the marble sink will pay tribute to the antique style;
Plumbing brass fittings with ceramic elements (faucet handles) or “lamb”, golden towel hooks and holders will look like a connecting bridge with a retro spirit that reigns in the house.
When designing a bathroom in a style different from the general design idea, use color parallels to combine spaces, duplicate the dominant color of the house in accessories (rug, shower curtain, towels).
The easiest solution is to follow a common style.
When designing a small bathroom, it is not at all necessary to adhere to the strict framework of minimalism, especially if you do not like it at all. Having preferred neutral tones of decoration, accent accessories can be chosen in any style. Lamps near the mirror, door handles, hooks of interesting design, towel racks, color dispensers and soap dishes will stylistically combine a small room with a common space of the house.
Hollywood owners of huge bathrooms with access to a balcony or panoramic windows with ocean views can only be envied. In real life, such apartments are rare. Most owners of individual apartments are not ready to sacrifice square meters for the sake of expanding the water treatment zone. Therefore, the design of a small bathroom is an urgent issue that requires a balanced, mathematically verified and aesthetically attractive solution.
Content
We take into account the features of a limited room
A small bathroom is a big problem: to place the necessary items, furniture, plumbing so that there is room for a person, really only after a thorough measurement and calculation of all the possibilities. Typically, the designer offers the customer several examples of the optimal use of the available space. The selected design project should not only completely solve all the tasks, but also reflect the nature, individual characteristics of the owners (age, hygiene habits, personal wishes). Someone does not think of life without a full bath, while someone who is lying in hot water for a long time is contraindicated for health reasons, some individuals only need a shower, and someone would like to have a mini-sauna.
In order for a small bathroom to subsequently give only good feelings, it is necessary to develop the project and start the repair:
Changing the layout of the bathroom during repairs in Khrushchev
Quite often in the Khrushchev there are separate bath and toilet. Their combination, the arrangement of one door portal instead of two doors will not only add space, but also unload the corridor from the opening of the second door.However, the combination of these premises requires special coordination. If the demolition of the intermediate wall does not affect the architectural project, its safety characteristics, then instead of two scanty corners, a quite decent compartment will be obtained, where you can fully relax in the water element.
The standard placement of plumbing fixtures of apartment buildings is tied to sewer risers. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be possible to fundamentally swap the toilet bowl and sink without carrying out voluminous construction work (pipe supply, raising the floor level to provide the necessary slope for draining). However, it is possible to transfer or turn the bath, shift the washbasin.
Small tricks of modern design that can increase the capacity of a room can be:
Visual increase in the combined bathroom
A small combined bathroom is more the norm of small-sized apartments than an exception. The task of the designer is to expand his scope by decorating techniques, to provide multifunctionality without sacrificing a feeling of free space.
As design options that can change a given geometry, use:
In order for the bathroom to fully meet all the necessary requirements, it is equipped with plumbing and equipment of a reduced format. Here it is important to accurately calculate how much it is possible to reduce the size of plumbing fixtures to make them convenient.
A shower cabin is a worthy alternative to a conventional bathtub
An interesting solution may be to design a combined bathroom in a panel house in the loft style. A small room is not cluttered with objects, for the vertical walls a light gray coating “a la velvety concrete” is chosen, metal pipes for water supply can be left in sight, the volumetric bathtub is replaced with a shower cabin. It is preferable not to use stationary versions of the cabs, but to select the shower compartment of the required size with glass partitions, be sure to provide an inclination to the drain hole in the floor.
Corner bath - the pros and cons
The small corner bathtub fits perfectly even in a small room. Having occupied the corner opposite the door, it will leave room for a conventional sink, standard toilet and free movement of a person, thanks to its rounded shape. A bathtub of a similar type, equipped with glass moving or fixed panels, can be considered as a synthesis of a traditional font and shower. It has combined advantages:
The correct design of the ceiling: simplicity, color, light
The ideal color for decorating the ceiling of a small bath is white and its shades. To maintain height, do not use multilevel suspended structures of complex shape. It is better to give preference to a flat surface, but saturate it with light sources.When calculating the number of spotlights, it is advisable to exceed the norm: the bright light that floods the room expands the volume. The statement that a glossy stretch ceiling can perform the same function is not entirely true: the reflective surface, doubling the height, can create the effect of a well, which violates the general proportions of the room. In addition, the vague reflection of the overall objects looks like a cluster of dark spots, and this reduces the feeling of cleanliness, so necessary for the room for hygiene procedures.
The volume depends on the quality of lighting
Even in a small bathroom, it is necessary to provide 2 groups of lighting devices:
In pre-revolutionary buildings, bathrooms are often found with excessively high heights. Harmonize the space without artificially lowering the ceiling level, possibly using a chandelier on the suspension. A volumetric light source will fill the upper part of the bathroom, making it more proportional.
An interesting design technique that adds lightness to bathrooms of modern styles can be the lower backlight mounted in channels with a transparent top (glass, plastic) flush with the main floor covering.
We select the finishing tile: refuse mini-forms
When choosing ceramic tiles for walls and floors, it is better to give preference to large format options. Small fragments, and even more so a mosaic, reduce a small space, unnecessarily load the room with horizontal and vertical lines. For a visual increase in area, facing materials with a glossy surface are suitable. Additional bonuses of their use compared to matte varieties are ease of maintenance, less dust settling.
Features of choosing bathroom furniture
Furnishing a small bathroom, it is better to stay on suspended structures that do not reach the floor, choose light shades of materials, glossy facades. Leg furniture painted in neutral tones (white, light gray, muted pink, mint, bleached lavender) is also appropriate, especially if the design of the bathroom gravitates to country, modern European style or romanticism.
Special requirements are imposed on the water absorption of materials used for the manufacture of bathroom furniture. Preferred moisture-proof modern plate materials, or artificial stone, glass. However, if you provide a moisture-resistant finish and good forced ventilation, then natural wood cabinets with a ceramic or stone bed of the washstand will perfectly cope with operation in difficult conditions.
Laundry basket in the bathroom: bright style accent
A laundry basket can be either a utilitarian object (in this case it is better to hide it from prying eyes) and become an element of decor that emphasizes style. Modern manufacturers of such products offer many options:
If the laundry basket is in full view, then a closing element should be provided so that the type of used laundry does not spoil the general atmosphere of a cozy corner for relaxation. This can be a separate lid, or, in the form of a soft bag, a drawstring. The main requirement is the presence of ventilation holes, so that things put off until the next wash do not get a musty unpleasant odor, and are ventilated.
Kingdom of direct mirrors
The use of reflective surfaces for the visual expansion of rooms is a classic design technique. In the case of a small bathtub, special attention should be paid to large format mirrors. Flat mirror elements can significantly push the boundaries, add the necessary depth, make the space airy. Shiny metal accessories (dispenser, dustbin, toothbrush holder) can accompany the mirror.
It is traditional to place a three-dimensional mirror above the washbasin. To enhance the effect, depending on the layout of the bathroom, you can choose a narrow model according to the size of the sink to the ceiling, or a canvas stretched across the entire width of the wall.
The location of two reflective elements on opposite walls can visually increase the room almost to infinity. This technique has a positive effect on the psychological state of a person, because the feeling of stiffness, being in a cramped cage disappears. The main thing here is that in the mirrors countless times the mess and incomplete repairs are not displayed.
We make a responsible decision: we select the style
A bathroom, as a separate enclosed space, can fit into a single stylistic concept of the interior of the house, or radically differ in style if its dimensions are so small that the overall design cannot be fully maintained.But, even if this space is made out as purely utilitarian, it can be decorated with separate elements to emphasize belonging to the chosen design direction.
The easiest solution is to follow a common style.
When designing a small bathroom, it is not at all necessary to adhere to the strict framework of minimalism, especially if you do not like it at all. Having preferred neutral tones of decoration, accent accessories can be chosen in any style. Lamps near the mirror, door handles, hooks of interesting design, towel racks, color dispensers and soap dishes will stylistically combine a small room with a common space of the house.