Cabinet for a washing machine in the bathroom: which one to choose

Features of choosing a cabinet for a washing machine

A stationary or built-in cabinet for a washing machine can be purchased in a store, ordered to be manufactured in a specialized company according to individual dimensions, or you can try to make it yourself. Properly selected furniture allows you not only to hide household appliances from view, but also gives the room an aesthetic appeal. When choosing a suitable model, you should adhere to certain recommendations:

Furniture must match the dimensions of the room;
In some cases, if the washing machine fits harmoniously into the interior, it is better to choose a cabinet without a front door;
If you have free space, you can use furniture with shelves and drawers, which will solve the problem of placing detergents, laundry baskets, and other useful items;
The material used to make the cabinet must be strong and durable, wooden surfaces are impregnated with water-repellent agents;
The design must match the existing interior of the room;
The size of the cabinet depends entirely on the dimensions of the unit itself, as well as the method of loading the laundry (the gap between the walls and the body of the machine is 2-3 cm, the distance to the back where the supply and drain hoses are connected is at least 10 cm).

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

The use of a cabinet for a washing machine allows you to rationally use the space in the bathroom. At the same time, it is advisable to install furniture in both small and spacious rooms. In addition to saving space, using a special module has a number of advantages:

Protection of household appliances. Walls and doors cover the surface of the unit from moisture, thereby saving the body from corrosion;
Additional sound insulation. Wooden furniture partially dissipates and absorbs the sounds of a vibrating drum operating in spin mode;
Easy cleaning. The process of wet cleaning indoors is simplified; dust does not accumulate on shelves closed with doors;
Attractive view of the work area. The cabinet allows you to hide not only the washing machine, but also underwater and outlet pipes, a water meter, a dryer, and other items;
Tidy bathroom. If there are additional shelves, you can place on them: household chemicals, a basket for storing dirty laundry, bath accessories, personal hygiene items;
Uniform room design style. You can select or order products that match the existing design.

The disadvantages include:

The service life of the product directly depends on the materials used;
If ventilation is poor, foreign odors may appear, or you will have to keep the door constantly open;
You may not notice a leak in your car in time.

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.

Cabinets can only be mounted on durable surfaces. The most suitable place is a load-bearing concrete or brick wall. Fragile plasterboard partitions will not withstand the load.

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.

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

Optimal height – 1.7 m

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.

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.

Material of manufacture

Modern bathroom furniture has a wide variety of designs. When purchasing or ordering a suitable model, you must not only pay attention to its appearance, but also take into account the level of humidity in the room, the weight and dimensions of the washing machine. The materials used to make the structure have their own unique features. Outwardly, they may be quite attractive, but during operation they will be impractical and will not last long. To get an objective idea and choose the right cabinet, you should understand the existing terminology and learn about the main properties inherent in a particular building material:

Tree. Not every breed is suitable for making a cabinet. This is due to the characteristics of the room. The highest quality wood is oak, beech, larch. Furniture made from such lumber is characterized by resistance to deformation, durability, and attractive appearance. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
Chipboard. Laminated chipboard with a special PVC coating, which increases its moisture resistance, has become widespread in the mass production of furniture. Products made from these raw materials are characterized by low cost and belong to the economy class. The main disadvantage is fragility. If the protective layer is damaged, the material quickly absorbs moisture and swells.
MDF. Fiberboard is superior to laminated chipboard in moisture resistance, strength, and reliability, but at the same time has a higher cost.
Metal. The production uses mainly stainless steel and aluminum. A cabinet made entirely of metal is quite rare. Typically, raw materials are used in conjunction with wood.
Plastic. On sale you can find products of a wide variety of shapes and colors. Plastic is inexpensive, is not afraid of moisture at all, but does not last long.
Glass. The products look very expensive and beautiful. The production uses special tempered glass, which, if damaged, does not shatter into small fragments with sharp edges.

Tips for choosing

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. Therefore, when purchasing, you should pay attention to the following criteria.

Dimensions of the structure. After installing the furniture, there should be from 2 to 5 cm between its side walls and the body of the machine. This will not only ensure normal air circulation, but also protect the furniture from vibrations that occur when the equipment is operating in spin mode. As for the height, it should not be less than 90 cm, and the width and depth should be 60 cm each.

Material of manufacture. 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. Constructions made of plastic and glass, which have high aesthetic functions, are considered a good choice. At the same time, plastic products are inexpensive, but quickly lose their attractive appearance, and glass modules fit perfectly into modern design, but their cost is high.

As for structures made of MDF, metal and natural wood, they look stylish and expensive, but require additional protection. To do this, the metal is treated with anti-corrosion compounds, and the array is covered with a layer of varnish.

Design. The cabinet should combine well with other pieces of furniture and plumbing fixtures. Its color design must be matched to the background of the surface finishing. White designs are considered a classic option, while multi-colored models look no less interesting.

Ease of use . All shelves should be at a comfortable height. It is desirable that the design be supplemented not only with shelves, but also with a laundry basket. It is also worth paying attention to which direction the doors open and whether they touch the floor covering.

In addition to all this, it is important to consider whether the washing machine will be closed with doors. If yes, then the cabinet should have two doors. Models with one large door will not last long because they will quickly break out of the hinge. Also, before purchasing furniture, you should decide on the type of installation: it is recommended to place wall-mounted modules in small bathrooms, and floor-standing ones in spacious bathrooms.

Advantages and disadvantages
Manufacturing materials
Location options
Nuances of self-assembly

Hi all! For many of you, it is important to organize the space in your home as competently, functionally, and practically as possible, while trying not to compromise the design. Therefore, it will be relevant to talk about the cabinet above the washing machine in the bathroom.

In most cases, the washing machine is installed specifically in the bathroom, although the option of its location in the kitchen is not excluded.

The bathrooms themselves are small. In addition to the machine, all the attributes of the bathroom are also located here. And it is important to have additional space for storing household chemicals, laundry detergents, etc.

In my opinion, the cabinet above the washing machine looks very interesting, promising and practical. But it is still worth considering all aspects of the decision.

Cabinet dimensions

The size of the furniture depends on many parameters. It is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the washing machine installed inside, the area of the bathroom, the availability of free space, and the purpose of the cabinet itself. In a small room, it is better to install top-loading equipment, but it is more difficult to hide. Front models will require free space to open the door.

You should pay attention to the fact that the distance from the case to the cabinet walls on the sides must be at least 2 cm, and to the back cover - more than 10 cm. These requirements must be observed. Firstly, a machine that vibrates in operating condition will not hit the structure. Secondly, you need space at the back to connect the supply and drain hoses. Thirdly, the presence of free space will ensure a better ventilation process.

Taking into account all the recommendations, you can easily determine the minimum cabinet size for the selected equipment. For example, the width, depth, height of a standard front model is 600x600x850 mm, therefore, to hide the car, you will need a cabinet with internal dimensions of 650x700x870 mm. When purchasing built-in equipment, all data is indicated in the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

About the typical sizes of a cabinet for a washing machine in a bathroom

Typically, ready-made versions of cabinets and cabinets are offered for narrow washing machines with a depth of 400-450mm, a standard width of 600mm and a height of 830-850mm.

At the same time, the depth of the tabletop varies between 460-520mm. This distance is enough to “cover” the washing machine and at the same time build in a small sink with a mixer tap.

You can purchase it separately or order a cast countertop with an integrated sink, and then design and install a floor-mounted or wall-mounted cabinet underneath it. The last option is very convenient for the bathroom, but when choosing, make sure that the wall is “not a problem” for hanging furniture.

The standard size of a cabinet with a sink along the length of the countertop will be about 100-120 cm. Of this, approximately 63 cm is allocated for the washing machine, taking into account its width and the necessary indentations for vibration.

The largest assortment of cabinets for washing machines with a countertop and a sink are available in lengths of 110cm and 120cm. If you need a little more or less, there is a reason to order individually or make it yourself.

As a rule, a cabinet for a washing machine with a length of 100, 110 and 120 cm consists of two independent parts:

The first part is an elongated part made of acrylic or other composite material for casting with a built-in basin bowl. You can choose left or right placement of the sink.
In a set with a tabletop, you can choose a floor-standing or wall-mounted cabinet. Usually two or three drawers are built into it, designed in depth to accommodate the mixer. The cabinet is placed under the sink bowl, the countertop rests on it. The second edge of the tabletop is attached directly to the wall above the washing machine using consoles. This is convenient - in the event of a breakdown, you can easily remove the washing machine from the niche formed under the countertop, without dismantling the cabinet.

Design

Modern cabinet designs are very diverse. They are made from different materials, differ in shape and size, have all kinds of colors, include patterns and illustrations. This makes it possible to fit furniture into almost any existing interior. It’s easy to verify this; just look at the products of well-known brands, for example, IKEA.

When choosing a suitable cabinet option for a washing machine in the bathroom, you should take into account the size of the equipment, the design features of the room, and the existing style. It is advisable to install a large floor or built-in wardrobe with many shelves and sections when the owners of the house do not have a question about saving space. Otherwise, it is better to use a small cabinet or pencil case.

The best option, distinguished by its beauty and luxury, would be solid oak furniture. A product made from natural wood will last quite a long time. But it should be noted that its price is very high. If the family budget does not allow you to purchase products made from natural wood, you can pay attention to structures made of MDF or laminated chipboard treated with special waterproofing agents.

Photo selection of cabinets for a washing machine in the interior:

Furniture Suitable styles for bedroom design with white furniture

FurnitureArrangement of furniture according to Feng Shui will make you happier

Types and arrangement of facades

The front side of the cabinet plays a big role. It determines the appearance of both the furniture itself and the interior of the room as a whole. When planning the purchase of a finished product and its manufacture, it is necessary to decide in advance on the facade system, which can be:

Open. The closet has no doors. This is an excellent choice for small spaces. It differs from closed models in its compactness, lighter weight, and takes up minimal space. The main disadvantage is that all contents are visible;
Closed. Shelves and sections are hidden behind the doors;
Combined. One product combines both types. For example, the washing machine is in a section without doors, and all other shelves are hidden from view.

According to the method of opening the doors, all systems can be divided:

Swing. They have a traditional mechanism for fastening doors, which can be oriented vertically and horizontally. In the second case, when the doors open up or down, the facade is called folding;
Sliding. The canvases can move left and right along the guides. The compartment system does not allow full visibility of all contents;
Foldable. They are characterized by folding doors that, when open, resemble an accordion or a book. They are compatible with almost any interior, but in the absence of lower guides they quickly become loose.

Choosing an installation location

The washing machine and the cabinet for it cannot be installed anywhere in the room at the owner’s discretion. It should be taken into account that the equipment will not move, and it requires the supply of certain communications. There should be water supply pipes, sewer drains, and grounded electrical wiring nearby.

Before disguising the washing machine in a box, it is necessary to make the wiring of the system. A separate laundry room is an option. But it will be appropriate only if you have extra square meters. In standard apartments and houses, you need to choose a place for installation according to certain rules.

Features of connecting a washing machine in a closet

Large household appliances should be compactly placed in a room of any size. A sliding or hinged cabinet is an ideal place to install a washing machine. The lower compartment will be occupied by household appliances, the upper shelves are suitable for storing detergents, toiletries, and bath accessories.

More often a vertical cabinet is installed. In the horizontal version, the design will include a countertop with a sink and a basket for dirty laundry. Flexible hoses, filters, and an emergency water shut-off valve will be located in a protective box.

In the bathroom

The best option for installing a washing machine. But it is worth considering that excessive humidity and frequent contact with water on the body of the washing machine can damage it. It is better to make the cabinet with the machine closed or located away from the sink or shower.

The machine should not interfere with free movement around the room; it is better to give it a corner place. You can also place the equipment under a “water lily” sink or cover it with part of the countertop.

In the kitchen

A washing machine is a high-risk device. Many owners of small apartments consider its installation in the kitchen rational. To do this, equip a work area that includes a dryer, dishwasher and washing machine. A long countertop is made over the appliances and a sink is installed. Also, a cabinet with a machine can be built into the end of the set. If the kitchen area allows, the box is installed separately, but close to communications.

The kitchen is the perfect place for washing machines with large loads. This helps save time and combine washing and cooking. The presence of all necessary communications, ease of installation, and free access make this installation option one of the most popular.

In the hall

Installing the machine in the corridor is possible if the layout and space allows. In a small walk-through room, you need to take into account the presence of furniture and the opening radius of cabinet doors. The distance from the sewer causes great difficulties. If there is no other choice, it is better to give preference to narrow models.

To avoid entering the laundry room when entering an apartment or house, the equipment must be disguised in a closed cabinet under a rack. In a narrow and long corridor, it is better to place furniture along the wall. In a square hallway, the typewriter can be hidden in a corner structure.

What kind of cabinet can be used for a washing machine?

It all depends on where it was decided to place the washing machine.

If it is next to the sink, then the best solution would be to make a single countertop, into which it is possible to build in a sink. The height of the unit itself is optimal for this.

However, if there is not enough space for the sink to be cut in, then the position of the overhead sink above the washing machine will be a little high. For this case, it is better to consider the option of a duet - a special offer in which the sink is placed above a low washing machine.

Or consider the possibility of changing the height of the cabinet and play with it in the overall design solution.

If the unit is planned to be placed separately from the sink, on another wall, then there is usually enough space next to it to build in additional cabinets. These can be drawers or hinged doors with shelves. A very good option is to build laundry baskets next to the washing machine and provide shelves for storing washing powder, detergents and other household chemicals.

When a washing machine is built into a niche, it can be supplemented with shelves and closed wall cabinets. By the way, it is not at all necessary to make a cabinet for a washing machine with a standard height of 850-900mm. Drawers can be built in above it; they are very convenient for use.

DIY cabinet assembly

Having decided on the installation location, design, and taking the necessary measurements, you can begin assembling the structure. If a finished product is purchased, its installation is carried out according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. When making a cabinet yourself, the process looks a little different and consists of the following steps:

A sketch of the future product is drawn up;
The material selected for work (MDF, laminated chipboard) is cut according to the measurements taken. To do this, the slabs can be taken to a workshop where there is special equipment;
On the panels that serve as the side walls, where the shelves will be attached, blind holes are made, and special stops are fixed in them;
Here the hinges are marked and installed, to which the doors are subsequently screwed;
All panels at the junction points are processed using PVA;
The joints are securely fastened using corners and self-tapping screws;
Pre-purchased legs are attached to the resulting structure with self-tapping screws;
At the final stage, the doors are installed and the shelves are installed.