Design of a small, bright bathroom with rational use of space
Nowadays, small-sized studio apartments, or apartments in the so-called “Khrushchev” buildings, are very popular, where every centimeter must be used correctly in order to get the maximum benefit from the space. For a modern interior, beautiful, high-quality and functional furniture is the main rule.
A cabinet for a washing machine in the bathroom allows you to close the machine and use the rest of the space for storing household chemicals, towels, and linen.
One of the important points is the equipment of the place for the washing machine. It doesn’t matter where it will be - in the bathroom, hallway or kitchen. Installation in the bathroom is of course much simpler than, for example, in the kitchen. No additional hosing is required for installation.
Cabinet for washing machine in the bathroom in a built-in niche
To save space in a room or disguise household appliances, it has become popular to build a cabinet above the washing machine.
A built-in cabinet for a washing machine in a small bathroom allows you to properly use the free space
Advantages and disadvantages of a cabinet above a washing machine
To begin with, let’s talk about the advantages. The first and main thing, relevant for all models, is additional space for storing necessary things. Additional shelves will not hurt even in a spacious bathroom, and even more so in a small one. In addition, the closet will not take up space on the floor.
To get a beautiful interior and make the most of the space, you need to choose functional furniture.
The second advantage is that floor-standing models will reliably protect equipment from moisture. Still, keeping complex equipment directly in the bathroom can be unsafe. Therefore, you need to use every opportunity to minimize the risk of washing away from water.
There are many reasons why you should buy a cabinet for your bathroom, as this piece of furniture offers convenience and versatility.
This design also has disadvantages. There is only one, but it is real and belongs to floor cabinets. The fact is that you may not notice a leak in time due to a detached hose. There is a risk of flooding your apartment and your neighbor’s. But if you monitor the condition of the washing machine during and after washing, nothing bad will happen.
They are great for small bathrooms, saving space.
Facades
Cabinets for placing household appliances in the bathroom are of open and closed type.
The first option leaves the front of the machine and sections open. This simplifies the operation process and ensures constant air movement. However, the washing unit and other contents are not protected from dust and moisture, and you will also have to constantly monitor the order on the shelves.
Models equipped with swing, folding, sliding and folding door systems are distinguished by their brevity and practicality.
- Hinged doors are mounted to the side walls with furniture hinges. They provide good visibility as they deviate by at least 90°. For normal operation, it is important not to take up space in front of the cabinet. Other advantages: simple principle of operation, affordability, durability.
- The folding modification has a similar device, but only the fastening is carried out on the lower horizon. This system is used in conjunction with a laundry basket that is fixed to the door. The door tilt angle is 45°, which does not require much space to open and provides easy access.
- Sliding doors will help out in a small bathroom. They move along the guides without leaving the plane of the facade. The sliding wardrobe looks modern and stylish and saves space. Its weaknesses: high cost of the mechanism, maintenance, impossibility of a complete review.
- The folding system is something between swing and sliding doors. In this case, the door leaf is assembled from separate fragments, movably connected by hinges. The sash moves along the top guide, and at the same time folds like a book or accordion. Thanks to this design, less space is required for opening and a full view of the internal contents is guaranteed, but folding doors exhibit partial instability and have a short service life.
Based on the design, facades can be solid or framed.
Solid ones are distinguished by strength and reliability, since they are made of solid material. Disadvantages: heavy weight, simple appearance.
Frame products consist of a frame and a thin insert. The latter property helps reduce the weight of the door leaf. The production involves materials in various combinations, which provides wide possibilities in terms of design.
Types of cabinet designs
Like any other furniture, a wardrobe can be: floor-standing, built-in or wall-mounted. Let's talk about each model in more detail.
Depending on the type of placement, a cabinet installed in a bathroom can be built-in, wall-mounted, or floor-mounted (pencil case).
Floor models
They resemble part of a kitchen set. This could be a tall pencil case, which in addition to a niche for a typewriter has upper shelves. Behind them you can hide the boiler and communications. It is also suitable for storing household chemicals, tools and more.
The most common type of bathroom cabinets are those that are placed on the floor.
Families with small children will appreciate the advantage of tall cabinets. On the top shelves you can hide things and products that kids should not get into.
Also, the cabinet can be wide, with several compartments. This option is suitable for spacious bathrooms, as it will take up more space.
They are easy to use and can be easily combined with additional modules.
Wall cabinet above the washing machine
The simplest and safest option. A closed cabinet or open shelf is mounted above the washing machine. It is perfect for storing household chemicals, tools, and other small items. The advantage of this design is that it is easier to assemble it yourself, and it will not block access to communications. This means that if the hose comes loose, you won’t have to move or disassemble the furniture to fix the leak.
When arranging a small bathroom, it is important to save useful space; wall cabinets will help with this.
Built-in options
They visually save space and hide household appliances from view. But a built-in wardrobe is suitable only for a spacious room or for a bathroom, in which, according to the layout, there is a niche for a typewriter. That is, it will not be possible to install it in typical apartments of the old style.
Most cabinets that are installed above the washing machine are made to order to individual sizes.
Types of cabinets and placement methods
The choice of a specific cabinet for a washing machine depends on several parameters.
First of all, the type of washing machine is taken into account. Top-loading models, the lid of which opens upward, cannot be hidden under a solid, solid countertop or sink. Floor and wall-mounted furniture options are suitable for these products. Front-loading appliances can be located in wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or built-in cabinets. You can purchase ready-made furniture along with a washing machine, but it is better to make it to order, which will take into account the dimensions of the room, the dimensions of the product, and include the necessary additional sections and shelves.
Mounted
Wall cabinets can be included in a furniture set or act as a separate element. In terms of their structure, they are practically no different from floor-standing models; they have rear and side walls, an open or closed facade. The main feature is the method of mounting the module, which should not come into contact with the floor. The cabinets are fixed directly to the wall using special fasteners.
When choosing a suitable model, special attention should be paid to its dimensions. The width of the furniture must correspond to household appliances
At the same time, wall cabinets can be placed above top-loading and front-loading machines. Inside there can be shelves, rods, drawers where personal hygiene items, bath accessories, and household chemicals are stored.
Among the main advantages of this type of cabinets are their small dimensions, limited access for children to objects located inside, and they also allow rational use of the usable wall area. This is an ideal option for small spaces; however, due to their design features, these models do not allow storing heavy items.
Floor-standing
Floor cabinets are the most popular among buyers. They are reliable, easy to use, and can have many additional sections. For small bathrooms, pencil cases are used, the minimum width of which is 60 cm, and the height is limited only by the ceilings. However, narrow, tall cabinets should not be overloaded, as vibration may cause them to tip over.
An alternative to tall pencil cases are cabinets. You can install a washbasin in the lid of the most compact of them, and place a washing machine underneath it. Also on sale are models with a countertop into which a sink is embedded. The height of such furniture is only 90-95 cm, depending on the size of the built-in equipment.
Finished products differ in color, shape, material, and size. In spacious rooms, you can build in durable large cabinets, which consist of drawers, sections for a washing machine and dryer, and upper shelves. Based on the way the furniture is positioned relative to the wall, linear and corner models are distinguished, and based on the type of door opening - hinged and sliding.
Built-in
Built-in wardrobes do not have a back wall, and some models do not have side walls. Their function is performed by the walls of the room itself. There are panel and frame structures. The first type is usually installed in a niche or in one of the free corners. The second type is most often placed along the wall and can be used as a separate type of furniture.
The height of the products is usually limited by the ceiling, which allows for the most efficient use of free space. The main advantage is its stability, which allows you to place household appliances even on the top shelves. The main disadvantage is stationarity. In case of repair work, dismantling the compartment is quite problematic.
The designs look very modern and attractive, but experts recommend installing such a cabinet only after careful planning and accurate completion of all measurements. The durability of the furniture makes it possible to place 2 cars in it at once. But to prevent them from loosening it during operation, it is best to choose silent models with minimal vibration.
Methods of designing facades
The design of the cabinet depends entirely on the taste of the owners, as well as on the stylistic decision of the bathroom. But it is worth considering that the room has high humidity, so not all decor options and materials are suitable. For example, a varnished board will quickly become unusable.
Narrow models are chosen when the space on the sides above the washing machine is limited.
It is better to pay attention to natural wood and coating with hydrophobic paints or laminated materials. Laminate can be of any shade, and photo printing fits perfectly on it.
For a small bathroom, light furniture or a cabinet with mirrored doors is suitable.
In small bathrooms you can place only one floor cabinet, but in spacious rooms a whole set is usually installed.
Important! Due to machine vibrations, mirrors that are not securely fastened can fall and break. Therefore, it is important to think through this point. It is better to make mirrored doors on hanging cabinets that are not connected to the washing machine by the body.
Internal filling of the cabinet
There may be shelves or a cavity inside the structure. It all depends on the needs of the home owners. If it is necessary to hide pipes or a boiler, then the space is left empty or small “air” shelves are mounted closer to the cabinet doors.
Today, bathroom cabinets above the washing machine are manufactured in a huge range of models.
If the priority is additional space for storing things and household chemicals, then the closet is “started” with the required number of shelves.
In order for the cabinet installed in the bathroom above the washing machine to harmoniously fit into the design of the room and reliably serve for a long time, it must be chosen correctly.
Important! When choosing the distance between shelves, it is worth taking into account the dimensions of some containers for household chemicals and the sizes of other things that will be in the closet. It is better to make one or two spacious shelves, and 2-3 with a small height.
You also need to provide a place to install a laundry basket. It can be stored in a closet or on an open countertop shelf, which is located directly above the washing machine.
If the design involves the use of furniture made of natural wood, then cabinets decorated with carvings would be an excellent choice.
Rules and features of choosing a cabinet for a washing machine
The most important thing is to determine the dimensions of the furniture. They directly depend on the size of the washing machine. In floor cabinets, the niche in width and height should be 2-5 cm larger than the body of the machine. The rear bar should be located 10 cm further than the back wall of the machine.
After installing the furniture, there should be 2 to 5 cm between its side walls and the body of the machine.
This is necessary to ensure air circulation, which will protect the equipment from overheating. And the cabinet itself will not be affected by the vibrations that the machine produces. If the walls of the furniture are closely adjacent to the body, the equipment will begin to overheat and quickly fail. In addition, installing a washing machine in a narrow niche is quite problematic.
Since the cabinet will be installed in a room characterized by high humidity, it must be made of a material that is resistant to heat and water.
If the machine is hidden behind the doors, there should be two of them. That is, you need to add a few more cm to the depth of the cabinet. When choosing a material, it is worth considering that they can provide an insulation effect. This should not happen, so breathable options are suitable.
As for structures made of MDF, metal and natural wood, they look stylish and expensive, but require additional protection.
Material of manufacture
Drawers and shelves above the washing machine, sets and separate cabinets are made from different materials. There are several factors to consider when purchasing:
- Humidity. In rooms with poor ventilation, moisture accumulation is not uncommon.
- Weight.
- Dimensions, both cars and rooms.
The following materials are mainly used:
- Natural wood. Premium furniture of the highest class. Not every species is suitable (for example, Scots pine or spruce will not work). A cabinet for a washing machine in a bathroom with a countertop can be assembled from beech, oak, ash and Karelian pine. Resistant to deformation, high humidity, and not afraid of impacts. The downside is the price.
- Laminated chipboard. Much cheaper, but lower quality. The molded particle board is covered with a layer of veneer made of natural wood or plastic. Over time, the glue begins to dry out, exposing the bare panel. It begins to actively absorb moisture, which makes it more fragile and soft. But chipboard imitates natural wood well and can last more than 10 years.
- MDF. It is superior to chipboard because it absorbs less moisture. But on the contrary, it costs more. It is almost never covered with natural veneer and this makes it look cheaper.
- Metal. Often acts as part of a frame or fittings. It is rare to find completely metal furniture. Such models are often used in lofts.
- Plastic. Cheap and light furniture. The only drawback is that the design is not the best. Plastic immediately catches your eye and can be off-putting. But in minimalism or pop art, this is the best choice.
- Glass. It looks expensive and beautiful. These boxes are made of tempered glass.
Manufacturers and models
Cabinets for washing machines are produced by many furniture manufacturers, ranging from online giants (note IKEA) to private companies that specialize in the production of furniture for bathrooms.
The model range consists of wall cabinets, pencil cases, small niche bedside tables, which are intended only to “disguise” the machine. The catalogs also present spacious floor-standing options with a niche for a typewriter and an additional chest of drawers for storing things.
The cabinet should combine well with other pieces of furniture and plumbing fixtures.
The height of the products ranges from 1 m to 2.5 m.
An alternative to ready-made furniture are cabinets assembled according to individual measurements and drawings. This is the best option, since this design can be equipped with a towel holder and a hook for hanging a basket with laundry.
If you decide to hide the machine behind a built-in cabinet, then you need to order it only according to individual drawings.
Designs in light colors are considered a classic option, while multi-colored models look no less interesting.
Step-by-step instructions for making a cabinet above the washing machine with your own hands
You can assemble the cabinet yourself. Both beginners and experienced home craftsmen can do this. The most important thing is to make the right calculations.
What is needed for making
In addition to manufacturing materials, you will need a minimum set of tools:
- screwdriver;
- drill;
- jigsaw;
- fastenings (corners, screws);
- accessories;
- pencil and tape measure.
Equipment and tools for making a cabinet can be found in every home.
Be sure to purchase and use protective equipment - glasses and gloves.
Preparatory stage
First you need to measure the dimensions of the stylish car and calculate the dimensions of the cabinet.
Important! Furniture should look organic in the bathroom. If it is small, then you should not make a cabinet under the ceiling. In addition, tall models are less stable. The optimal height is 1.7 m.
It is better to make a cabinet from moisture-resistant laminated MDF boards: this is the most suitable budget material. It consists of pressed chips and natural binding elements that, when heated, do not emit harmful substances into the air.
It is necessary to make a drawing, taking into account the dimensions of the cabinet. It should be 3-4 cm wider than the washing machine.
Necessarily! The board must be covered with PVC, the thickness of the material is at least 19-20 mm. Furniture made from this material can withstand a heavy washing machine weighing up to 80 kg.
The MDF surface must be solid, without scratches or chips. Otherwise, the furniture will quickly deteriorate from moisture.
It is necessary to calculate the parameters of the parts, taking into account the fact that the shelves will be 10-15 cm shorter than the lower and upper walls. Then markings are applied to the MDF sheet and cut.
If you cannot cut out the parts yourself or lack confidence in your abilities, it is better to order them.
You can order ready-made material, which will be cut on a special machine.
Step-by-step description of the manufacturing process
How to assemble a cabinet for a washing machine:
- Screw the legs to the base;
- drill holes and insert shelf holders;
- connect the base and connect it with corners to the side walls;
- fasten the top part to the back bar with corners;
- install internal shelves.
At this stage the cabinet is almost assembled. All that remains is to install the doors with closers and think about the finishing.
The intermediate shelves will be 10-15 mm shorter than the bottom and top walls.
Instead of a cabinet, you can hang air hanging shelves above the washing machine. It's much easier and takes minimal time. All you need is a treated board, a drill, a screwdriver and corner fasteners on which the structure will be held. However, it is worth considering the capabilities of the wall: if it is “weak,” then you should not place large, heavy objects on the shelves.
Final finishing and decor
If photo printing is applied to the laminated material, then there is no need for decoration. However, you can do it differently and attach lightweight mirrors to the shelf doors. They will reflect light, making the room seem more spacious.
Mirrors visually increase the space in the room, so many designers take advantage of this advantage.
You can also complete the decoration by installing useful accessories, such as a hook for hanging a laundry basket or a towel holder. These additions will be useful in order to save space and properly arrange the work area.
With the help of such cabinets you can significantly transform your interior.
Examples of the location of the cabinet above the washing machine in the photo
There are many ways to place a cabinet above a washing machine. The photo shows popular options that are suitable for bathrooms of different sizes. Among them, you can choose the appropriate one, and then make adjustments to the plan in accordance with your own ideas and taking into account the features of the apartment’s layout.
Photo
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