Renovation of a small bathroom. How to avoid mistakes when renovating a small bathroom: photos of stylish interiors and designer tips

Owners of small bathrooms feel that the lack of space limits their ability to decorate the interior stylishly and comfortably. Don't worry, there are many ways to make even a very tiny room cozy, beautiful and functional. Moreover, it often turns out to be more original, due to bold decorative solutions and rational use of space.

Let's put aside doubts and worries and see how we can equip our existing plumbing room.

We act according to plan

Before you start bathroom renovation Let’s answer a few basic questions:

Is it important to maintain a separate bathroom or can both rooms be combined? In the second case, the area of the room will increase significantly due to the demolished partition.
What plumbing fixtures can a family not live without? It is clear that the set will be minimal to free up useful space. It’s better to limit yourself to a standard bathroom, or even better, a shower stall (we’ll talk about this below), a toilet and a washbasin.
Will redevelopment require relocation of utility lines?
Is it possible to install the washing machine outdoors, for example in the kitchen or hallway. From this small bathroom design will only win.
Is a full-fledged bath necessary in this case or can it be replaced with a compact hydrobox, which can give no less pleasure from water procedures.

Down with partitions

The optimal solution for a small bathroom It will be combined with the bathroom. Sometimes, it turns out to further expand the area due to the corridor and kitchen - such an option is only welcome.

The absence of an internal partition allows you to easily install a washing machine, an additional piece of furniture or a plumbing fixture.

Considering that now instead of two doors to the bathroom you will need one, it can easily be replaced with a sliding structure - it saves space and looks aesthetically pleasing.

Global restructuring will require a lot of work and financial investment, but the result is worth it. The possibilities for arrangement will expand significantly.

In an apartment where a large family with young children lives, a separate toilet is necessary. And if it is not possible to make it in addition to the combined bathroom, you will have to forget about merging the two rooms.

It is quite difficult to diversify without a toilet. You need to place a standard set of plumbing fixtures and furniture on a few square meters; what scope for creativity is there? However, not everything is so simple.

Let's decide on the style. For intimate rooms, modern, minimalism or oriental styles are suitable, since they involve simple, laconic forms, local colors and an almost complete absence of decor.

Pay attention to the Japanese style - it can transform small bathroom interior into a work of art. The Japanese, like no one else, know the secrets of rational use of small areas, why not take advantage of their centuries-old experience?

We use wall cabinets. Why place a simple mirror above the vanity when you can hide a flat storage section behind it? This way we will save space and visually expand the space due to the mirror surface. It is also better to make the cabinet under the washbasin hinged. Thanks to this technique, small bathroom will seem more spacious and “airy”.
If the washbasin has a countertop, its edge may well hang over the bathtub, turning into a convenient stand for bath accessories.
Corner furniture will allow you to maximize the use of room space and diversify small bathroom design. Not only cabinets are suitable, but also open shelves; they visually expand the space. A corner washbasin is another great solution that allows you to optimize the ergonomics of the bathroom.
A wide buried shelf can be placed above the door. This is a convenient place to store supplies of detergents and household chemicals.
It is recommended to convert the space under the bathtub into a cabinet if there is no desire to replace it with a shower stall.
Here’s another one – placing the washing machine under the sink. In this case, the device should only be horizontally loaded.

Bathroom design on an area of 4 m²

Such a space makes it possible to organize a combined bathroom, albeit a very compact one. The main task in this case will be to visually enlarge the room and organize spacious storage spaces.

Some tricks for a small bathroom, area 4 m².

It is advisable to install several light sources - general and local to create a spatial play in the room. The same task will be performed by mirrors located opposite each other, for example, on the door and above the washbasin.
It is better to choose furniture in light colors with glossy facades; the room will seem more spacious.
The area allows it to be used in small bathroom design two types of finishing. Ceramic tiles are required in the bathing area; the rest of the room can be decorated with waterproof paint or wallpaper. You should pay attention to “tricks” that create additional perspective. Excellent idea for a small bathroom will become photo wallpapers with natural or city landscapes. Black and white images in small spaces will look more stylish and impressive than color ones.
Hanging furniture, a washbasin and even a toilet will create a feeling of lightness and allow housewives to spend less time on cleaning.

Mini bathroom 3m²

It should be extremely concise and thoughtful in function.

Some amenities may have to be sacrificed.

For example, in order to place a toilet in a small space, you will have to give up a full-fledged bathtub, replacing it with a corner shower stall.
As a rule, there is no talk about a washing machine in such interiors.
For wall decoration, ceramic tiles are suitable, or, in a budget option, . The use of other materials in a very small room with high humidity is critical.

Decorative small bathroom ideas based on the subtle play of details, quality of finishing materials, purity of shapes and lines. Among the most suitable styles are modern, ethno and retro. They will create an unusual atmosphere, compensating for the lack of space with an original design.

Bathroom 5m²

With such an area, it is much easier to arrange a room that is comfortable and designed in a certain style. You don’t have to resort to tricks to squeeze in a washing machine and plumbing fixtures, there is room to place furniture, there’s even room for pleasant little things, like a decorative partition separating the toilet from the main space, a beautiful laundry basket or banquette.

However, we still have before us small bathroom, which has certain style restrictions. Modern trends - modern and minimalism are still preferable to classics, art deco, country or Provence, where more space is required. You can’t place a bathroom in the center of the room on five square meters, and it will be too small for an elegant dressing table.

In this case, finishing, furniture and plumbing fixtures are selected based on light colors, ergonomic models and a minimum of accessories.

» developments are faced with several problems at once:
record small area;
inconvenient location of communications;
poor-quality building structures - uneven walls, distorted coatings, and the like.

There is only one way out - to combine a separate bathroom, move communications and carefully align the walls, while hiding at least part of the water pipes in them.

When developing, a shower stall is increasingly being chosen as a place for bathing.

Its advantages for small rooms, especially when it comes to a corner model, are obvious. However, in order for such a device to fit harmoniously into the interior, certain conditions must be met:

The bathroom should be designed in a modern style: loft, modern, minimalism or hi-tech are suitable. For classics, and even more so Provence or country, a hydrobox sparkling with glass and metal is not suitable.
The best option for those who have small bathroom There will be an open shower. It is missing two side panels and a top. The cabin is installed in the corner of the room in place of the dismantled bathtub, connecting to an existing drain. It is better to purchase models measuring 800 by 800 mm with a deep tray that reliably protects against flooding in emergency situations. Equipment doors should be transparent and sliding for reasons of aesthetics and ergonomics.
Closed shower cabins or boxes are more comfortable, but take up more space. It is better to leave them for spacious rooms.
Developing small bathroom design, it is not recommended to highlight the area where the shower stall is located with color or material. On the contrary, this device should merge as much as possible with the surrounding space, as if dissolving in it, without cluttering the room.

A corner bath takes up less space than its traditional counterparts; in addition, it has a stylish, modern look and can become one of the main “highlights” of a small room.

Modern models are often produced multifunctional, which allows you not only to take care of personal hygiene, but also to improve your health with hydromassage or other equally useful procedures.

To improve, corner baths should be matched to the color of the rest of the plumbing, or with a transparent front wall.

If the container is tiled, it is better to use mosaic panels in light shades.

For the convenience of bathers, it is advisable to organize local lighting in the bath area.

Let us highlight the main points that should be taken into account when decorating interior of small bathrooms in an apartment.

The room should be designed in light colors, with a minimum number of contrasting accents. It is better to avoid pure white, replacing it with creamy, light sand or milky shades that are more pleasing to the eye.
It is more correct to choose rectangular, medium-sized ceramic tiles for finishing - they do not distort the space. Mosaics are good only in the form of small panels or for covering curved surfaces.
To make the bathroom seem more spacious, it is better to lay the floor tiles diagonally rather than straight.
Hanging furniture and sanitary ware are preferred.
Cabinets with glossy facades, without pretentious decor or patterns, are good. Open glass shelves are a great addition to any small bathroom.
Furniture made from high-quality MDF or plastic in small bathrooms will last longer than wood.
You should not overuse accessories so as not to create the impression of clutter.
Mirrors and bright lighting will visually “pull apart the walls” and add air to the room.

The housing stock still largely consists of houses and apartments built according to old designs. Such areas always have one serious drawback - the almost complete lack of free space. But even in such conditions it is possible to provide comfortable housing. The small bathroom was no exception. The design, photos of which are presented in large numbers on our website, can be varied.

Re-equipment can be carried out in two ways: expanding the available space in a visual sense through design solutions, more compact equipment, or making a redevelopment. Let's take a closer look at design and renovation options for a small bathroom.

Thanks to this solution, the space of the bathroom really expands. The main recommendation from experts is to get rid of the partition that connects the bathroom to the bathtub. Part of the corridor area can also be added to this space to make it larger. The room will be spacious enough to accommodate any furniture and equipment at your discretion.

Small bathroom - design

But redevelopment cannot be done without serious financial investments, which is why not everyone is happy with it. This is required not only by the repair work itself, but also by the paperwork. Without this, redevelopment will be illegal; permission from government agencies must be obtained. Administrative penalties may follow for those who break the rules.

However, permission itself is not given for every type of redevelopment. The design of a small bathroom combined with a toilet does not depend at all on this. Photos serve as additional confirmation.

The following features and rules must be taken into account.

In the connected space, it is necessary to waterproof the floor if the area is expanding due to the corridor.
It is prohibited to install “warm floors” with further connection of the system to the main pipeline.
It is prohibited to install additional bathrooms in residential rooms and premises.
Attach parts of living rooms.

Regular repairs without redevelopment

A much more affordable solution is to purchase more compact plumbing fixtures and use the right finishing materials.

At the first stage, they draw up as detailed a plan as possible. It is necessary to think through every detail and little thing, even before the repair begins. It is almost impossible to make adjustments during the process itself. The development of a refurbishment project can be entrusted to designers with sufficiently high qualifications. It is always worth using their services if possible.

Small bathroom - decoration

A room plan to scale is the best solution for those who value maximum accuracy. Elements of plumbing fixtures and furniture can be depicted using paper mockups. Then it will be easier to imagine the interior of small-sized bathtubs in practice and select the most suitable solutions.

Choosing materials for finishing

There are two important nuances that should be kept in mind when addressing this issue.

the room can visually appear larger due to the selection of colors;
It is necessary to purchase only materials with high moisture resistance.

Which finish will be most optimal?

Ceiling structures in white with glossy surfaces are the best choice if the ceilings in the room are high enough. But this option is rarely found in small spaces. Even the absence of a few centimeters can become noticeable, so this option is simply unacceptable.

Then painting or pasting with special ceiling panels is acceptable. Here, too, it is better to give preference to light colors.

The walls are most often finished with ceramic tiles; this is a classic solution. Surely every person has seen this design of small bathrooms at least once. The photo is also on our website. Pastel colors and small sizes are the best options for decoration. You should definitely avoid multi-colored and bright panels. Mosaics with a diagonal pattern and pastel shades are a good choice.

Stylish design of a small bathroom

Dark colored tiles are not suitable for flooring either. In small rooms it is generally better to avoid contrasting combinations.

It is allowed to use only a few contrasting shades if pastel design options seem completely boring.

This applies, for example, to towels and other accessories. They can become an accent.

What elements may be present in the design

A mirror is a must-have item in any modern bathroom. This is an excellent option for spaces with a small area; it will help to increase everything visually.

The main thing in such cases is the correct use of light. It is better to avoid lighting options with one massive lamp; it is recommended to choose several smaller ones.

Hooks and hangers can be easily placed on the doors. Models of rotating heated towel rails will also be very convenient in such a situation.

How to choose plumbing fixtures

It is necessary to approach this issue very carefully. After all, it will also largely determine the design of small-sized bathrooms, the photos will confirm this. The functionality of any design is the main factor that should be emphasized.

Bathroom interior design

Some recommendations: From the very beginning, you need to decide whether you can get by with a shower stall, or whether you definitely need to purchase a full-fledged bathroom. Now very compact designs with shower cabins are sold; low sides make operation even more convenient. For a small room, this option will be the most rational.

Models of shower boxes equipped with a tray are available. Compared to standard bathtubs, these designs are more compact, but the dimensions are increased when compared with other cabin models.

If you definitely need a bath, you should take a closer look at acrylic products with an asymmetrical shape. These products are no less convenient than regular ones, but in terms of size they take up much more space.

Small bathroom design

When it comes to a toilet, it is recommended to take a closer look at wall-mounted structures. In addition, you should not refuse a bidet, even in such rooms. It is difficult to fit a separate bidet into such an apartment, but you can take a closer look at combined models. Another option is a hygienic shower.

As for washbasins, here too it’s definitely worth choosing more compact samples. The main thing here is to come to a general compromise; corner models that are too small will simply be inconvenient to use.

The rules of ergonomics are something that should not be forgotten, regardless of the circumstances. The design of a bathroom in a small apartment depends on this. The photos only confirm this. A sufficiently free and spacious area should be present for each piece of furniture. It is better to leave washing machines in the kitchen, if possible.

The space of the room will be expanded visually if you use diagonal tiles. The same effect can be achieved if you place at least a few mirrors in the room. This is a functional and stylish solution that will delight you for many years to come.

It is recommended to use only light colors in the bathroom interior if you want to make the ceiling appear higher. Designers advise using white on the ceiling when the walls were already light. Then it will be possible to make a successful renovation of a small bathroom. Photos on our website will make the story more clear.

Bathroom interior design

But you should definitely avoid brown and red tones. They will make the interior heavier, as well as the entire space as a whole. Large design elements and sparkling designs are also unacceptable.

Rooms decorated in dark colors become deeper and richer. Dark blue, deep color is the best option for tiles.

You should not forget about the color scheme even if the decoration consists of mosaics. You shouldn’t make hasty decisions, even if, at first glance, you really like everything. It’s better to immediately decide on several options, then something remains about “reserve”.

It’s good if it is possible to use a special program for planning the interior of the bathroom. It helps to avoid mistakes and unpleasant situations, to calculate everything in advance. The color of the parts is not the only factor that it is recommended to pay attention to when choosing. You also need to remember that there are different sizes.

Small bathroom - design

It is also important how exactly the tiles are located in the room itself. The room will appear taller when laid vertically. Horizontal will create a feeling of elongation and low position.

Even small rooms can be very comfortable if done right. Due to the use of design techniques, the area itself will not become larger, but comfort will definitely increase, the main thing is to equip the room wisely.

To achieve this result, design planning should be taken more seriously from the very first steps. The design project also deserves attention. It’s better to spend a little more time on solving this issue from the very beginning, so as not to have to deal with a lot of problems that arise later.

Interior design of a small bath

The main thing is to remember that even a small room should not be a reason to refuse the necessary accessories, such as a bidet. Even in such a situation, each element can be given its own place. If you do not have complete confidence in your own abilities, it is better to turn to real professionals. They will always help and give practical advice. Consultations are absolutely free, but they will help you understand in which direction you should move next. The choice of materials now is really large, it’s easy to get confused. Therefore, advice is never superfluous.

It is not necessary to be a professional designer in order to develop a project for your own apartment, even if such a difficult issue as renovating a small bathroom is on the agenda. The situation is made easier by the fact that the modern construction market boasts a wide range of products with almost any size and configuration.

When purchasing a new home, the vast majority of potential owners pay attention to the size of the kitchen, living room, the presence of a balcony or loggia, the dimensions and side of the windows, without thinking at all about such an important nuance as the parameters of the bathroom. But this room is no less important than the kitchen, because in it they not only resort to hygiene procedures, but also wash, dry hair, make up, get a haircut and go to the toilet, if we are talking about a combined bathroom.

Drawing up a design project

Any repair begins with drawing up a project, which requires the maximum degree of responsibility, because the success of the result directly depends on how correctly it is drawn up. That is why owners must take into account every centimeter of usable space, remembering that, if desired, even in a very small bathroom you can place all the necessary elements.

Conventionally, all standard bathroom designs can be divided into square and rectangular (elongated), despite the fact that it is easiest to work with the first option, since the correct shape of the room allows you to place much more plumbing fixtures and furniture in it. If possible, the bathroom space is expanded by combining it with a toilet, because to accommodate just a toilet bowl it is not at all necessary to have a separate, albeit very small, room.

If this is not possible, then renovating a small bathroom has every chance of becoming a real headache for the owners, although in reality a small bathroom is not a death sentence at all, even when you want to place a full-fledged bathroom and washing machine in this room.

The figure below shows a square bathroom of regular shape with a total area of 3.42 square meters with an aspect ratio of 1.8 to 1.9 meters. The location of the door also plays an important role in any project, with the central opening being considered the best option. And if the door were moved to the right or left to its extreme position, then it would be necessary to move either the washbasin or the washing machine, while simultaneously reducing the bathroom bowl itself or the size of the sink (the conventional name for the sink set and the bedside table located under it).

Unfortunately, not even in all new buildings one can observe such an ideal aspect ratio, let alone standard panel buildings. However, even in very small bathrooms repairs can be carried out as competently as possible in compliance with all ergonomic subtleties and nuances.

As an illustrative example, we can cite the project of a miniature bathroom of irregular shape with a side entrance door with a total area of 2.2 square meters. In this case, it is advisable to zone the room, highlighting a shower room and a kind of dressing room, in which a toilet, a bidet and a washbasin with a countertop capable of accommodating both one and two separate bowls for the owner and hostess are freely located.

There is no washing machine in the picture, although a properly planned renovation of a small room will avoid such an inconvenience, and there are several simple, but no less effective techniques for solving the problem. One of them is to narrow the space allocated for the shower area and install a stationary or wall-mounted machine butt against the shower wall.

In this way, you can install not only one washing machine, but also a dryer; fortunately, modern manufacturers offer many kits that can easily withstand such add-ons. In addition, you can build the machine directly under the countertop for the washbasin, however, in this case, the owners will have to sacrifice one storage system.

Secrets and nuances

Renovating a small bathroom can be done with maximum possible productivity and space saving if the owners take the time to familiarize themselves with several important rules and nuances. This list includes such useful Recommendations from renovation and design experts:

If possible, you should always combine the restroom and bathroom, resulting in a more spacious room. The exception is when a large family lives in the apartment, because while one of the members is taking a bath or shower, the other may want to go to the toilet and will have to wait for some time.
In cramped conditions, corner placement of the toilet and sink is welcome, especially since there are now many sanitaryware designs designed specifically for such an arrangement. In the same way, you can arrange storage systems, abandoning bulky classic-type cabinets in favor of more compact wall-mounted or floor-mounted corner cabinets, display cases and shelves.
A bidet requires additional space, which is not always possible to find. Meanwhile, there is a solution that will help save space without such serious sacrifices as comfort, and it consists in connecting a hygienic shower to the toilet.
Many standard apartments are equipped with bathrooms, which are nicknamed the ugly word “guts” because of their irregular elongated shape. This already difficult situation is aggravated by the entrance located in one of the narrow walls of the room, which does not allow plumbing elements to be placed according to the usual pattern. However, there is a way out of this situation, because a very narrow long room can turn into a wonderful shower room with spectacular glass doors without edging, dividing the space into zones. It is noteworthy that such shower rooms have become very popular lately, especially if you play with the design and lay out the entire floor with sea pebbles or spectacular mosaics on a slope to drain water.
If the owners have nowhere to put the washing machine except the bathroom, where there is also a lack of free space, then you can combine this home assistant with a sink, using tabletop models presented in the form of spectacular glass bowls, cast artificial stone bowls, or even a regular box installed directly on top of the unit. The trick is that such washbasin designs have a non-standard horizontal drain that goes into the wall, and not towards the floor, without in any way interfering with the installation of a washing machine.
Recently, built-in furniture for the bathroom has become increasingly popular, but this option will only be appropriate for furnishing spacious rooms, despite all its convenience and compactness. And all because such modules tend to visually conceal space, turning already miniature restrooms into tiny boxes. That is why experts strongly recommend abandoning tightly closed facades in favor of lighter and airier structures that let in light. They can be glass display cases, forged shelves or mirrored multi-story hanging shelves on which you can place all sorts of things without sacrificing square meters.
If the owners dream of a bathtub when their bathroom can only fit a shower, then they should take a closer look at the spectacular seated models with curved legs that never go out of style. In addition, there are showers with hydromassage and a deep bowl tray, which, if desired, can be used as a full bath.

Among other things, such techniques as partial overlap of the washbasin with the bathtub, diagonal placement of the font itself, as well as the use of the narrowest models of washing machines with vertical and horizontal loading help to save space in very tiny rooms.

Small bathroom renovation ideas (25 photos)

Realization of dream renovation

Naturally, in addition to the most practical use of square meters, the owners want to create a real dream project, the implementation of which will not be hindered by cramped conditions. And fortunately, this is quite possible, the only thing is to choose an interesting style and complement it with original decorative elements.

Stylistics and visualization

Interior fashion changes as quickly as any other trends, constantly offering some innovations and interesting design solutions.

However, there are several original options that are ideal for small bathrooms, without ever losing their relevance.

And we are not talking about heavy baroque classics, because in addition to ornate stucco, mirrors in gilded frames and marble tiles, there are many other interesting ideas that can also be safely called classic. An example is the loft style, which has been popular for decades, which can be not only brutal, but also very cozy and romantic.

The features of the presented project include:

A light touch of Victorian style in the form of plumbing, faucets and faience itself, which gives the room a special charm.
Imitation of brickwork, which is no less practical than ceramic, stone or marble tiles.
A sit-down, but at the same time quite spacious bath that allows you to save space.
A spectacular glass wall that adds eclecticism to the interior.

The last element is worthy of special attention, because such a cunning technique as installing one or even several glass walls allows you to visually expand a limited space and distract from all its problem areas and shortcomings. In the photo, the bathroom borders the kitchen, and this option is ideal for a bachelor. If several people live in the apartment, then the transparent wall of the bathroom should open into the bedroom, and even then if there are two bathrooms.

Asian style in the bathroom will also allow you to create a very cozy interior for relaxation, especially if you complement it with appropriate music, candles, fresh flower petals and aromatic incense.

Matte or glossy graphite-colored tiles will make the space more intimate and cozy, a snow-white bathtub made of cast stone or more affordable acrylic will make it elegant and solemn, and wooden lamps, cabinets and laundry baskets will be environmentally friendly and practical. A skin rug, which will be very pleasant to step on after taking a bath, will only complement this spectacular picture.

If you want to decorate your bathtub to the maximum with natural materials such as wood and stone, then it is better to opt for the Scandinavian style, which also never goes out of fashion. Perhaps this option is the best for decorating miniature bathrooms, since it only emphasizes their small size, however, as the main advantage, and not at all a disadvantage that cannot be gotten rid of.

Practical execution

In order to make a renovation in a small bathroom with the highest possible quality, it is necessary to carry out all the preparatory work, which involves removing old tiles using a hammer drill, completely eliminating paint and varnish coatings and whitewash, and double priming. After that The following algorithm of actions is performed:

gating of walls for plumbing and electrical wiring;
performing the wiring itself using plastic pipes and cables in protective waterproof casings;
puttying and leveling the walls with moisture-resistant plasterboard, if necessary;
sequential laying of tiles;
installation of plumbing, electrical and lighting fixtures.

At the final stage, decoration is carried out and, perhaps, this moment is the most pleasant, especially if the interior uses such spectacular elements as space-expanding mirrors, round false windows with lighting, artificial aquariums and mosaic panels made of real sea pebbles and shells.

Apartment renovation is always a serious stage for residents. But the biggest headache is for owners of small apartments, where they want to place as many things as possible and not lose freedom when moving. Today we’ll talk about how to implement it in order to avoid standard mistakes.

Main nuances

There is no need to talk about global changes in a small space, but making it cozy and functional is a feasible task. Modern bathroom attributes allow you to choose furniture, appliances and equipment of compact sizes. It’s worth starting your journey into renovating small rooms by searching for such items. To do this, you need to visit stores and pick up:

toilet (when combined with a toilet);
sink;
compact bath or shower;
a small-sized washing machine, if possible.

Sometimes the bathroom is so small that home appliances are out of the question. If possible, you should combine the bathroom with the toilet. Just keep in mind that the redevelopment must be legal. Visit special departments and receive documents by paying a certain amount.
Photos are enlarged, click!

The second stage of renovation in small bathrooms is the choice of finishing materials. Here you should pay attention to light colors without any decorations. The less clutter on the walls and ceiling, the more spacious the bathroom will be.

The choice of materials also depends on the budget of the residents. If you choose an economical option, then for renovations in a bathroom with small dimensions you can use:

interior paint;
PVC or MDF panels;
ceramic tiles;
mirrors;
linoleum;
suspended ceiling or GVL structure, if the height in the bathroom allows.

For people with higher income, priorities should be:

ceramic tile;
porcelain stoneware;
decorative plaster;
mosaic;
liquid wallpaper.

Using mirrors or glossy textures in the interior, you can change the geometry of a small bathroom. Options for wall decoration using mirrors, original mosaics and other materials can be seen in the photo of a renovation in a small bathroom.

In a small space, large decors look advantageous, but in single quantities. These are ornaments on the walls if ceramic tiles, stone, or mosaics are used for decoration. Sometimes one decor is replaced with an option where the main emphasis is on one of the walls. It could be a more saturated shade or some kind of panel. If your budget allows, you can put up a themed mural.

Working with space

For small bathrooms, the big problem is often the height of the room. The design of the ceiling does not always allow the creation of multi-level structures from gypsum fiber board, because the height of the frame still needs to be reduced. This makes the room more uncomfortable. How to decorate ceilings in a low room can be seen in ready-made renovation projects for small bathrooms.

A clever trick with mirrors helps to visually expand the room, when a monochromatic light coating is applied to the wall opposite the mirror, which is reflected in the mirror and creates the feeling of an extension of the bathroom. A mirrored ceiling in a small room is also an excellent solution for increasing the height and overall volume.
Using corner furnishings with radius details, you can save a lot of space. These could be hanging shelves with light decor, a compact corner toilet, a small radius bathtub or a shower stall. The fewer protrusions and corners, the more elegant and compact the filling of the bathroom. This allows free movement inside.

Many owners of small bathrooms are mistaken in the fact that renovating such a room is easier and cheaper, and you can do it yourself. But in practice, this is a more complex task that should be entrusted to specialists.

We recommend inviting an interior designer to get a project thought out to the smallest detail. This stage is the key to the success of all renovations in a small bathroom. Try not to spoil the already limited space.

Installation work also requires skill and patience, because in a small space all the shortcomings are obvious.

Let's look at the photo:

Video material:

Look at small bathroom photos, ideas, designs.

Apartments of the same type with a small area are an eternal problem in post-Soviet new buildings, and the bathroom in them is the room that suffered the most at the hands of Soviet architects. Modern architects, when developing projects for new buildings, try to take into account the requirements for a modern level of comfort and create bathroom designs in such a way that they comply with the rules of aesthetic and building codes. However, they are still limited to a small room area. But, despite the fact that the vast majority of the population is forced to live in apartments in which the total bathroom area does not exceed 3 square meters, even such bathrooms can be made cozy and functional. To do this, in the process of timely development of their design project, it is important not only to pay attention to the selection of materials taking into account the chosen style and color, but also to listen to your intuition, which will tell you what you can get using this or that design solution. The specified requirements for the process of developing a bathroom design solution are due to the fact that the high-tech age has somewhat changed the requirements for living space, and today most of us are concerned not with the size, but with the practicality of the bathroom, since the design of the bathroom involves a compromise of convenience, practicality and space. In addition, the main function assigned to the design of the bathroom is to help restore your strength after a hard day. To carry out the design of a small-sized bathroom at the highest level, let's consider the main subtleties of this process.

Design of a combined bathroom: attempts to increase usable space

When developing a design project for a small bathroom, decide on the choice of those interior details to which you will assign a fundamental role. Before you start planning your bathroom, determine the necessary details, including:

Bath;
Sink;
Toilet (if we are talking about a combined bathroom);
A shower cabin, the installation of which has become a fashionable trend of recent times.

As for the minor interior details, these include a washing machine, which can also be installed in another room.

If your apartment has a separate bathroom and you want to make the room more spacious, one of the options for expanding it is to combine two rooms. To do this, it is necessary to remove the plaster partition separating the bathroom and toilet, and also seal one of the doorways. However, many believe that combining two different-purpose plumbing items is unhygienic and refuse this option. But if you still choose this option, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the possible design and layout options for a combined bathroom.

Simple- providing for the placement of the bathroom in width, and the rest of the furniture along a longer wall;
No corners- another bathroom layout option, according to which a semicircular niche is formed around the bathtub. Thanks to this layout, there is a visual reduction in usable area, however, the lack of free space can be easily compensated for by placing a large mirror on the wall.

Combined bathroom - not the best solution if a large family lives in the apartment, consisting of several generations and including grandparents, parents and children, etc. A solution to the problem of space zoning can be a decorative screen, which, unlike an oilcloth curtain, looks more attractive and is completely hidden in the closet after the water procedures are completed, which cannot be said about curtains, which create visual clutter in the space even when assembled.

Small bathtub design photo

Organization of repairs in Khrushchev: main nuances and options

Another problem that arises in the process of designing a small-sized bathroom in a Khrushchev-era building is indirectly related to the small area of the room and implies the need to mask communications, which will save usable space in the room. Experts recommend hiding communications in a compact box, while providing access to water metering units. As for the wiring with hot or cold water, it is recommended to hide it in a floor step box or in pre-prepared grooves. Sometimes, due to the presence of a heated towel rail, the length of communications can be excessively long, and an alternative option, in this case, is an electric heated towel rail, which can be located in any place convenient for you, but in this case you will have to stretch electrical wires to install the socket.

In houses built in Soviet times and characterized by the sonorous name “Khrushchev”, two types of bathrooms were designed and therefore in three-room apartments there is often a separate bathroom with a small bath, while in one- and two-room apartments the toilet and bath are combined. Tiny bathrooms in three-room apartments sharply limit the designer's imagination, however, following our advice, you can significantly expand the space of a miniature bathtub. For this it is recommended:

Decorate the walls in the bathroom with several spectacular mirrors;
Arrange a glossy stretch ceiling, complemented by spotlights;
When choosing a color scheme, avoid dark shades;
Avoid unnecessary cabinets and shelves that clutter up an already small space;
If possible, abandon the bath in favor of a shower.

A combined bathroom, found in three-room apartments, is characterized by greater capacity and involves the location of the toilet opposite the front door, next to which a sink and bathtub are installed. This arrangement of plumbing in the bathroom ensures that there is free space next to the door, which is usually used for installing a washing machine. The rather prosaic furnishings of a bathroom in a Khrushchev-era building can sparkle with bright colors if you add chic to it, following our advice. So, you have three options at your disposal:

Option #1

Replacement of plumbing. Instead of traditionally shaped bathtubs, toilets and sinks, opt for similar square-shaped sanitary ware. Choose a sink that features a long countertop that extends onto the bathtub. Thanks to this technique, you can rationally use the small bathroom space by placing all the necessary hygiene products and other small items on this countertop.

Mirrors that you plan to hang above the bathtub and sink, also choose a square shape. To finish the ceiling surface, use aluminum slatted panels, and lay the floor and walls with mosaic tiles.

Option No. 2

Install a toilet equipped with a wall mount, and also select a flat sink that comes with the washing machine. Hang a large mirror above them, and replace the bath with a corner shower. Place a narrow shelving unit between the stall and the wall, leaving some space against the wall next to the door that can be used to accommodate a small laundry basket. To visually increase the bathroom area, cover the ceiling with decorative plaster in light shades, and use ceramic tiles in a contrasting shade to finish the floor.

Option No. 3

The first thing any designer should do when remodeling a bathroom is to replace the standard rectangular bathtub, opting for a modern corner design that will save space in a cramped bathroom. Do not rush to abandon this decision, citing the fact that a cast-iron bathtub is more wear-resistant, since modern bathtubs made from high-quality acrylic hold the temperature no worse. Using this technique, you will free up space for a washing machine, which is unlikely to fit in the bathroom or kitchen of a Khrushchev-era apartment. Thanks to this technique, you don’t have to hide the washing machine in a built-in closet; it will be ergonomically located under the sink.

Another design trick that allows you to save space in a cramped Khrushchev-era bathroom is to install a wall-hung toilet instead of a traditional floor-mounted structure, which will make the room “lighter.” As for the stability of the plumbing, there is no reason to worry about it, since the fastenings for hanging plumbing can withstand at least 200 kg.

Bathroom design with shower

If, in the process of developing a bathroom design project, you plan not only to create the visual effect of additional space in the bathroom, but also to actually free up space in the room, experts recommend abandoning the bathtub and installing a shower stall, which will allow you to implement this idea as efficiently as possible. The minimum size of a traditional lying-in bathtub is 140 cm, while the width of a shower stall does not exceed 70 cm. Having “conquered” half a meter of free space from Soviet architects, you can be sure that you have achieved an unconditional victory over space.

If you are sure that you cannot live without a bath, a compromise option has been developed especially for you - bathtubs with a shower cabin, ideal for a large family where there are lovers of showering and bathing. Despite the fact that by choosing this option, you will not cope very successfully with the task of saving space, in any case, it is more ergonomic than installing a bathtub and shower at the same time.

Another option for those who like compromise solutions is to install a shower stall, in the lower part of which there is a sitz bathtub. Although you won't be able to take a full, relaxing bath, you can take a sitz bath and relax in the hot water.

Important! If you own an apartment with a small bathroom, avoid a shower stall whose walls are made of frosted glass. To blend into the bathroom interior as much as possible, they should be made of transparent glass. The cleanliness of the glass is another factor that needs to be taken into account.

Shower enclosures are the greatest invention, ideal for small bathrooms. There are many models of shower cabins, but in our case, the most successful are corner shower cabins or traditional compact cabins. The use of shower cabins reveals the following advantages:

Saving bathroom space;
Saving water resources, as water consumption is reduced during the shower;
The process of taking water procedures becomes more comfortable, especially if the shower cabin is equipped with a hydromassage function;
The interior of a bathroom equipped with a shower takes on an original and stylish appearance.

Important! By replacing the bath with a shower stall, you will free up space for a washing machine or a small cabinet, but we advise you not to overdo it, as even a spacious bath can be turned into an untidy, cluttered, barn-like room.

In addition, it is important to remember that the ergonomic design of the bathroom eliminates the placement of plumbing elements and furniture in every corner, since only the most necessary things should be placed in the bathroom.

Installing a corner bath - a compromise solution

Corner bathtub - the know-how of modern designers, is a compromise solution between installing a traditional oval-rectangular bathtub and completely refusing to install this element of plumbing. The main advantage of a corner bathtub is the ability to save space in a standard rectangular-shaped bathtub, and in a bathroom whose sides are close to a square, a corner bathtub will take the place of its traditionally shaped counterpart.

Important! Placing a corner bath, unlike a traditional one, does not pose any difficulties. This is explained by the fact that a corner bath, regardless of its shape (whether oval or square), can only be installed in a corner.

Otherwise, the installation of a corner bathtub is no different from that in the case of a similar plumbing element of a traditional oval-rectangular configuration. In addition, this is not the only configuration option for this plumbing element. Modern manufacturers suggest paying attention to corner bathtubs, characterized by the following configuration:

oval with rounded edge;
square, characterized by straight and clear lines;
round, which is not the best choice for tight spaces;
curved (despite maintaining a right angle, the free edge of the bathtub remains curved).

Visual enlargement of the bathroom due to the original design of the ceiling

When developing an interior design project for a small bathroom, you need to pay special attention to the ceiling. Despite the fact that in most cases it is not the first thing that attracts attention, it is worth making only the slightest mistake in its design, and it will immediately catch your eye. Thus, let's consider what needs to be abandoned in the process of designing small bathrooms.

If the ceiling height in a small bathroom is low, avoid dark shades in its design;
Multi-level ceilings in this case are also not the best solution.

Often in houses built in Soviet times, the ceilings are quite high, which can be emphasized favorably by playing on contrasts. One option is to create a dark “top” and a light “bottom”. However, if the ceilings are characterized by a standard height, it is better to abandon this technique, since it will create the impression that the ceiling is about to “crush” you.

To achieve visual spaciousness in a cramped bathroom, you can use several design techniques:

When decorating the ceiling, use transparent materials and light colors;
Focus on bright lighting.

Important! The materials you use to finish the ceiling in the bathroom must be durable and moisture-resistant, as well as resistant to temperature changes.

The most proven and popular methods of finishing the ceiling are:

suspended ceiling;
slatted aluminum ceiling;
stained glass ceiling;
mirror ceiling.

Choosing tiles in the design process of a small bathroom

In this chapter, it is necessary to talk about the psychological effect that you need to focus on when choosing tiles for decorating a small bathroom. Its essence lies in the fact that the smaller the size of the bathroom, the smaller the tiles you need to choose for finishing it, since a person pays attention not to the size of the tiles, but to their quantity. The more tiles, the larger the space appears. Experts recommend laying the walls in the bathroom with ceramic mosaics, but this option requires a lot of endurance and patience. It is also important not to overdo it with contrasts, so as not to create a kaleidoscope effect, which can make the room even cramped.

Important! For small rooms it is better to choose glossy tiles. Unlike matte, its use is associated with greater difficulties in maintenance, however, by reflecting light, it serves as a mirror, visually expanding the room.

In the process of choosing bathroom furniture, a general rule applies, which does not change depending on the chosen stylistic concept and the size of the room. Its essence lies in the fact that all bathroom furniture must be moisture resistant, which is met by interior elements made from the following materials:

natural or artificial stone;
glass;
plastic;
MDF panels.

When designing the interior of a small bathroom, experts recommend abandoning the use of traditional cabinets, since a large number of free-standing items contributes to the room becoming even more cramped. One of the most profitable solutions would be to install a built-in wardrobe up to the ceiling or a solid shelving unit consisting of open shelves and characterized by the complete absence of doors or the presence of sliding doors.

Important! An additional way to increase space in the bathroom is to install cabinets with glass doors, but they must be promptly cleaned of stains and deposits.

Laundry basket

A laundry basket is an optional, but at the same time important element of furniture in the bathroom, since storing laundry before washing it in a washing machine is not an option. However, many experts recommend eliminating the laundry basket in the bathroom and placing it in the pantry or another room. In this case, the main task is to ensure that the laundry basket does not stand out from the general background in the bathroom. You can put it in a built-in closet (you can also put a washing machine there if it has a front-loading mechanism).

Mirror

A mirror is an important element of the bathroom interior, contributing to its visual expansion. Even if you chose mirror tiles as the finishing material, it will be impossible to do without a mirror. Experts recommend choosing a wall or flat mirror without an accompanying cabinet, and it should be of the maximum size. If you are not afraid of the prospect of constantly washing mirror surfaces, refuse to use a mirror as an element of the interior and make the wall completely mirrored.

When choosing a mirror, follow these rules:

The mirror in the bathroom should be well lit, therefore, you need to take care of organizing the lighting;
Caring for a mirror is an important aspect of its use (modern models equipped with heating help you forget about stains for a long time);
Service life of the mirror (modern models, coated with a special film, are characterized by longer operation in conditions of high humidity).

Stylistic concept for the bathroom

The most suitable stylistic solution for a small bathroom is the minimalist style, which involves the use of a minimum number of free-standing elements characterized by minimal dimensions. In addition, important parts such as a toothbrush cup, soap dish, liquid soap bottle, etc. must match in color and harmonize with the overall color concept of the room. Thematic decorative elements will help you place the necessary accents - an exotic shell, a moisture-loving climbing plant or a painting are the most preferred elements. This approach will allow you to create the most functional and, at the same time, stylish bathroom.