Chest of drawers for the bathroom

Chest of drawers in the bathroom interior - purpose and functions

There are several varieties:

For storing laundry. Equipped with a large number of pull-out drawers. Usually placed on the floor. A chest of drawers without a sink in the bathroom is a good solution for a bathroom with medium or large dimensions;
With a sink. The chest of drawers under the bathroom sink is distinguished by the appearance of doors in the design. This is due to the fact that part of the internal space is occupied by hidden inserts and pipes. Loses some efficiency, but looks more beautiful. Will save space in tight spaces.

Forms of chests of drawers

When choosing a cabinet, special attention should be paid to its shape. Properly selected furniture will help save space.

Direct

Very similar to the chests of drawers from the bedroom. Look good in large bathrooms. Installed along the wall. There is a huge range of such cabinets: wide, narrow, high, deep.

Corner

Very practical and do not take up much space. Suitable for small rooms. They fit perfectly into various corners and add completeness to the interior.

How to identify a chest of drawers - characteristic features

Traditionally, a chest of drawers is a piece of furniture equipped with a large number of drawers. The appearance of narrow, small-sized chests of drawers for the bathroom has caused some confusion. Some people confuse them with cabinets. Although, to tell the truth, there are few differences between them:

The parameters of the cabinet are dominated by height. Whereas chests of drawers are more stretched in width. The modern approach to furniture making very often violates this tradition;
Even if the design of the chest of drawers includes doors, the drawers will still predominate. But for cabinets, hinged doors with shelves are more typical. Drawers are rarely provided.

In any case, only the owner of a larger room can afford to install a chest of drawers in the bathtub. Small dimensions force people to purchase cabinets much more often.

Plastic chests of drawers

The plastic chest of drawers for the bathroom is the most suitable of all types. We are accustomed to thinking that plastic is equated with cheapness and lack of taste. But it is plastic that is recognized as the most adapted material for a humid environment.

The plastic is lightweight, easy to care for and wash. Such cabinets can be adjusted in height, and the size can be adjusted specifically to suit your bathroom. And the main thing is safety. Due to the ease of cleaning, mold or mildew will not form in the drawers, which is extremely harmful to health. Surely you already want to buy this particular item. But this type of furniture product also has some minor disadvantages.

Plastic is quite fragile by nature and requires careful, gentle handling. Unfortunately, plastic boxes do not have much flexibility in design solutions. The choice of colors is either black or white.

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Of course, you can choose a brighter option. But the paint on such furniture quickly deteriorates and wears off, which then does not make the owner happy. Especially if you choose an option that is too cheap, it will not last very long. Of course, if you buy a high-quality plastic chest of drawers, it will last no less than products made from MDF and chipboard.

The pricing policy for plastic chests of drawers is quite extensive. It ranges from approximately 800 to 5000 rubles. Of course, the price is related to quality, size, number of drawers, design and other factors.

Basically, plastic products are ideal for dachas and country houses. The choice depends on personal preference. After all, this furniture is functional, practical, and easy to maintain.

How a bathroom chest of drawers works - design, materials, coatings

The frame includes the following parts:

Pair of sidewalls;
Back wall;
Top bar;
Lower horizon.

After assembly, it provides the furniture with stability and rigidity. For the bathroom, it is better to select materials with a high degree of resistance to water:

Plastic;
Corrosion resistant metals. Goes well with glass and mirrors;
MDF;
LDSP, LMDF (varnished);
Hard woods;
Particle boards will need additional protection. Not the best choice.

All types of materials related to wood require the application of protective coatings. Ideally, it should also have decorative functions:

Painting. Particle boards will actively absorb paint. Apply waterproof enamels in many layers. As a result, you should have an absolutely smooth, glossy finish. Try not to touch it with your hands again. Many paints react to this by flaking and chipping;
Varnishing. When purchasing, ask how resistant the varnish is to humidity and heat. Also applied in many layers with sequential drying. More resistant to mechanical stress;
Polymerization. It is a thin layer of solid synthetic polymer applied. In this way, the slab is processed from all sides, including the edges. Less commonly, the reverse side is covered with melamine-impregnated paper. It will have to be additionally protected with varnish. Not a very good option for a bathroom, but the price tag will be an order of magnitude lower;
Lamination. Apply using heat treatment. Very reliable coating with a long service life. It’s easy to recognize softforming - two-color design with very high prices for the material. Not afraid of mechanical damage.

Facades

A chest of drawers without a sink in a bathroom can have an open facade, as it is located away from the source of splashes. However, in such a design you will have to constantly monitor order, in addition, things can gather dust and intensively absorb water vapor.

Closed-type models are considered the best option.

Usually the façade is filled with shelves of drawers. Modern products also have compartments with doors.

Based on the method of execution, a distinction is made between solid and framed facades.

The first type consists of parts made from a single material. They are highly durable and have no cracks. Cons: impressive weight, modest design. Curly overlays are sometimes installed as decoration.

The paneled version gives more possibilities due to the combination of different materials and reduces the load on the frame. The design consists of a frame and an insert, which is mounted in special grooves and securely fixed.

The decoration method is chosen according to the material:

the wood is varnished, painted, patinated, and decorated with carvings;
wood boards are laminated, covered with film, finished with natural veneer and then varnished;
glass is frosted, tinted, painted using stained glass techniques, and patterns are applied;
mirrors already carry a high aesthetic value; in addition, they can have patterns or contain elements using the fusing technique;
Images made using photo printing look good on flat surfaces.

Chests of drawers mainly use retractable opening systems with roller and ball-type guides. Some models contain compartments with hinged or hinged flaps.

Methods for installing chests of drawers in the bathroom

They differ in the installation method on:

Floor-standing chest of drawers for the bathroom. After assembling the frame, it is installed directly on the floor surface along the walls. The simplest method that does not require the use of additional elements;
Hanging chest of drawers in the bathroom. Requires hanging on walls. Often the back wall falls out of the housing structure. When equipped with a sink, there may be no upper horizon. For hanging, special fasteners are used (furniture corner, throw-on loops). Select walls with strong masonry that can withstand additional load. Makes the cleaning process easier. No risk of mold formation.

Design features

A chest of drawers of any design has a frame, which consists of:

pairs of side walls;
top bar;
lower horizon;
back wall.

The main purpose of the frame is to ensure the rigidity of the structure during operation.

Taking into account the specifics of the room, bathroom furniture (including chests of drawers) must be made of material that is resistant to regular exposure to steam, moisture, and changes in air temperature.

Most often, chests of drawers are made from:

plastic;
non-corrosion metals;
laminated chipboard;
MDF;
hard wood types.

The use of particle boards is not rational due to their ability to absorb moisture.

It should be taken into account that wood and any of its derivatives will require additional protective treatment.

Plastic chests of drawers for the bathroom are an excellent option for arranging the room. They are easy to care for, resistant to moisture, lightweight, varied in product range and low cost.

Products made from wood and any materials made from it will require high-quality painting, lamination, varnishing or polymerization. The use of high-quality protective materials significantly extends the service life of chests of drawers.

According to the type of installation, chests of drawers are divided into:

floor;
hanging models.

Assembled floor models are placed on the floor surface and do not require additional fastening parts.

Hanging options are fixed to the wall using fasteners. Often they do not have a back wall in their design, which makes cleaning easier and eliminates the occurrence of mold.

Types of dresser tops

Most dresser models include the use of the top bar as a functional shelf. Often they are equipped with countertops for this purpose. This is not just about protection. This approach allows you to make the chest of drawers an original element of room design. Types of countertops can be:

With integrated sink bowl. In this case, the recess for the sink is a design feature of the countertop. They are manufactured monolithically - inseparable from each other;
Classic. It is a solid, smooth canvas that replaces the top panel of the frame. To install the sink, you will have to cut a special hole in it.

They are made from the following materials:

Wood. It is better to polish it with varnish. Impregnation with antiseptics is required;
All types of wood-based panels will require additional coating;
Durable polymers;
Shock-resistant glass;
A natural stone. Do not clean with aggressive agents or abrasives;
Agglomerate. This is a mixture of natural stone and synthetic (no more than 10% of the total mass);
Fake diamond. Easy to scratch.

The most common method of decoration is cutting a figured edge - a chamfer. There are several main types:

Convex. The cross-section gives a quarter circle;
Concave. The same element is cut out in the form of a depression;
Round. On the cut you can see half a circle;
Roller. More stretchable in length. The cross-sectional shape is closer to half an oval;
Half roller (quarter oval);
Euro chamfer. There is one shortened rib along the top. Cut at an angle of 45° to the straight edge;
Double rib. Several straight or beveled recesses are cut. Each subsequent one is slightly larger than the top one.

These elements are considered simple. If you combine them, you can create several dozen chamfers with a more complex and structural pattern.

In addition, the top of a chest of drawers without a sink can be painted or decorated with small tiles.

Tabletops

The top surface not only serves as protection for the interior of the chest of drawers, but also becomes an additional shelf in the bathroom.

Manufacturers design chests of drawers with two types of countertops - with a sink or with a smooth surface.

In the first case, the model is a monolithic product - the component parts are not separated from each other.

In a traditional device, if you want to install a sink, you will have to cut a special hole.

Types of sinks for a chest of drawers in the bathroom

When choosing a sink for mounting on a chest of drawers, decide on its type:

Mortise. To install, you will need to make an appropriately sized slot in the top panel of the dresser or countertop. After this, it can be “recessed” from above or mounted from below;
Invoice. Replaces a tabletop. Provides a small side in the design;
Furniture type. More like a lid that fits onto the assembled frame;
With placement on a pedestal. You only need to cut through the drain for the sink. The sink itself will simply look like a bowl placed on top of the countertop. An original interior solution.

Sink options

When purchasing a chest of drawers for a bathroom without a sink, you must immediately decide on the type and overall dimensions of the sink.

There are several types of sinks:

mortise (requires slots in the tabletop);
overheads (replace the tabletop);
furniture-type sinks are placed like a lid on the frame of a chest of drawers;
models placed on a pedestal look very original; they only require a drain hole.

The choice is influenced by several factors, including the area of the room, the style of its decor, and the tastes of the owners.

Types of facades - their structure, opening methods and decor

The facades differ in:

Open. There are no doors;
Closed. Shelves and other elements of internal filling are covered with doors;
Combined. Combines both types.

The following façade opening systems are used:

Swing. The door is attached to the frame or partition with furniture movable hinges. To open, simply pull forward. In this case, a free approach to the chest of drawers should be ensured. The system does not like jerks or pressure. Because of this, the loops can be pulled out;
Folding. The principles are the same, but the doors open downwards. The method is especially good for decorating a section with a basket for dirty laundry;
Retractable. The dominant method for a chest of drawers, since at least 2/3 of its volume is occupied by drawers. They will need enough space in front of the facade to fully open.

In the bathroom, the decor must additionally have a protective function against moisture:

Acrylic overlays. This material has the peculiarity of giving the elements located underneath it a 3D effect. Place pebbles, artificial algae, fish figurines, and shells under the cover. From the outside, your chest of drawers will look very much like a large aquarium. Requires careful handling;
Airbrush. The method is well known to everyone from car painting. Now furniture is also decorated in this way. Special equipment will be required. The design is applied using automotive enamels without stencils;
Fusing. Multi-colored pieces of glass are laid out in an ornament. Next, everything is sintered into a single layer at high temperatures. The melted pattern is transferred to a substrate made of durable film, which is attached to the facade. Beautiful appearance with the ability to wash the coating;
Lakomat. The glass is etched with acids until it acquires a milky tint. At the same time, transparency may be partially preserved. The material remains glossy and smooth;
Lakobel. Float glass is painted on the reverse side with water-resistant enamel. A good way to decorate the interior and protect furniture from water;
Mosaic. Pieces of mirrors, glass and other materials that differ in texture are placed in a pattern on a special glue. Great looks. Avoid large seams between elements.

Material selection

You need to decide what the chest of drawers will be made of. There may be several options.

MDF

Such boards consist of a mixture of chips and polymers.
Products made from MDF are easy to process. The chest of drawers can be made of any type and shape. Thanks to these characteristics, MDF furniture is in high demand. Read here! What problems can be solved using augers?

However, there are also disadvantages: the cabinet will not be moisture resistant, which is necessary in the bathroom. Therefore, manufacturers cover the manufactured products with a protective film or treat them with special means.

Chipboard

The products are made from larger chips than the previous type of slabs. They are more resistant to moisture, but the chipboard surface is still treated with protective agents. This type of furniture has a low price.

The negative aspects include the fact that such chests of drawers are short-lived. Even with careful care, the cabinet will last no more than 4 years.

Plastic

You can also install a plastic chest of drawers in the bathroom. This material is best suited for humid environments. It will not get wet or lose its shape.

In addition, plastic furniture is lightweight, caring for it is not burdensome, and mold and mildew will not form in the drawers. Its one advantage is its affordable cost.

The disadvantage is the fragility of the material. You cannot place a heavy object on such furniture.

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The color you need to choose is black or white only. Other paint will wear off quickly. Plastic products must be purchased only of the highest quality.

Tree

Natural, high-quality, environmentally friendly and the most expensive material. The wooden chest of drawers looks massive and will look good in large bathrooms.

To protect against water, such furniture is coated with a special impregnation. Thanks to this, the cabinet will last for many years. A modern chest of drawers can be made in any style; there are no restrictions on the shape of wood.

Internal equipment

The storage system traditionally includes straight shelves with drawers. This piece of furniture is very convenient for storing towels and underwear. But, the closed type of facade makes it necessary to regularly ventilate the contents. This way you will avoid textiles becoming damp. In addition, all cosmetics, detergents and cleaning products can be stored inside. For added efficiency, add a pass-through hamper under your dirty laundry. It can be made of thin metal rods or perforated plastic. Varnished wicker baskets are suitable. Convex rods can be mounted on the sides for hanging used towels.

What material to choose a chest of drawers from?

MDF

Thanks to modern technologies, MDF material has earned the praise of many buyers.

Consists of a mixture of chips and polymers. But is this material suitable for the bathroom?

The product does not have high moisture resistance characteristics, so manufacturers cover the finished product with a protective film or use special processing agents.

Furniture made from MDF is easy to process, so the models can be given any look and configuration.

Chipboard

Chipboard furniture is made from larger chips compared to MDF.

Due to this, it is susceptible to greater damage from moisture.

The surface of the chipboard is covered with protective agents, but after 2 - 3 years the legs of the chest of drawers begin to rot.

The only advantage of chipboard products is their low price.

Photos of chests of drawers for bathrooms

If the size of the bathroom allows you, then install a special chest of drawers in it. It will become a functional, beautiful element of the interior, providing you with a complete and spacious storage system.

Features of a bathroom chest of drawers

The structures intended for this room have a number of features.

Moisture-resistant materials.
High functionality.
Practicality.
Compact sizes.
Attractive design.

In a small room, a chest of drawers is usually combined with a washbasin. This will hide plumbing communications.

If the room has a large area, then you can choose a model without a sink. The tabletop serves as an additional shelf, and the interior space is used to store clean linen, replacement towels and bath accessories.