Bathroom: types and ideas of design
A bathroom (sanitary unit) is in every house or apartment. Of course, it is more usual to call it a toilet, bathroom or toilet. For most, it is known that the bathrooms are combined and separate. However, one can and should learn much more about them in order to turn this place in their home into something amazingly beautiful and pleasant.
What it is?
Every day a person begins and ends in one room, which is called a bathroom. It is especially nice when it has a beautiful and harmonious look, allowing you to relax and tune in to the positive.
Often the area of housing does not allow to allocate a lot of meters under the bathroom, so the choice falls on the combined options. In them, the toilet and bathroom are in the same room. This solution is especially important for apartments in Soviet-era houses. Of course, in modern spacious apartments, and even in private houses you can find combined options.
It is not so easy to choose the design of the bathroom and correctly place all the sanitary elements in it. And sometimes in the bathroom you want to place more and household appliances, for example, a washing machine or a water heater. Today, designers present a variety of interior options for both combined and separate sanitary facilities. Various examples show how even on the smallest area you can place different plumbing. It remains only to choose an option that is suitable for the area of the apartment, and begin to implement it.
But do not forget that the bathroom first of all must be practical, and then beautiful.
In order for the bathroom space to be as functional as possible, the plumbing should be positioned so that it is separate from each other. For convenience, there should be free space on its sides and in front. To highlight individual zones in the bathroom, you can use different textures, including their combination, emphasize certain colors, install decorative partitions. Even in a combined bathroom there should be at least three work areas, namely:
- toilet bowl;
- shells;
- bath (shower).
When planning the interior of the bathroom, the sewer should be the starting point. After all, the farther from it will be plumbing, the more pipes will be laid. Moreover, the discharge slope should be maintained throughout their length. Practice shows that a toilet that is 2–3 meters away from the sewage system must be installed on the podium, otherwise the waste water will not be too good.
Many people think that the design of the bathroom - this is just a choice of material for decoration and colors. However, in fact, more and more difficult. After all, it is necessary to think over the layout of water supply and wiring, taking into account how the plumbing fixtures are located. Today, this process can be simplified using computer programs, that allow you to visualize the interior in great detail. If you carefully consider all the points when planning the bathroom, you will end up with a very harmonious, comfortable, beautiful and functional room.
Special features
Each type of bathroom has its advantages and disadvantages.In order to better represent which one to choose for a particular housing, it is worthwhile to get acquainted with them in more detail.
Combined bathrooms
This is when the bathroom and the toilet are combined in a single space. The main advantage of this type of bathroom is space saving, which is especially valuable for small-sized apartments. Recently, in apartments in new buildings, combined toilets have become quite common in economy or comfort class projects, where most of them are studio apartments and apartments with one living room. Another advantage of such a bathroom is that a small amount of materials is required for its decoration or repair. Especially when compared with the decoration of two separate rooms with toilet and bathroom.
In terms of cleaning one room is also more convenient than two.
The disadvantages of combined sanitary facilities begin to manifest themselves if more than two people live in a family. It is difficult to use both a toilet and a bath at the same time. The minus is also in the fact that it is necessary to arrange all the items in the bathroom of the room very compactly. As a result, when in one room you manage to place a toilet, bathroom, sink, washing machine,that place for the convenience of the person practically does not remain. The ideal option for such a bathroom would be for a family with no children or two people. And also the option of a combined sanitary unit is suitable if the apartment has another additional toilet room. Similar options are very often found in new buildings.
Separate adjacent bathroom
This is when the pipes, plumbing and drainage in the bathroom and toilet are common, but they are two separate rooms. The main advantage of such a bathroom in a simplified repair, especially in terms of drainage and common pipes, which are one to two rooms. This bathroom is great for large families. After all, the bathroom and toilet can be used simultaneously. Of the main drawbacks, it should be noted the greater amount of space that is needed to implement such a bathroom.
In addition, in this embodiment, the area of the bathroom and toilet are very small, which creates additional inconvenience. This solution is especially inconvenient for obese people who need space. Best of all, such a bathroom is suitable for families with children, and also in the event that several generations reside under the same roof.
Separate bathroom
This is when the toilet and bathroom are located in different parts of the home. Most often, this option is found in modern buildings and spacious residential buildings. Even in the late 80s - early 90s of the twentieth century it was possible to meet apartments with four and five rooms, in which there were two bathrooms. The main advantage of such a bathroom is that it can be planned as you like.
You can make a completely separate toilet and bathroom, and you can combine the toilet, for example, with a shower. Or to make one bathroom combined and one more toilet room, so to speak, for guests. This option is very convenient to use. However, to organize such a lavatory may not in every apartment or even house.
Kinds
Bathrooms are of completely different types and can vary in the distribution of the bathroom and toilet, and in materials and sizes, not to mention the interior designs, colors, and so on. And also the bathrooms are also different in configuration. After all, the joint version of the bathroom in addition to the bathroom and toilet, maybe even with a shower, boiler, children's toilet, washing machine, bidet and other items.
Material
According to the materials that are used for finishing the bathroom, there are several types today.
Moisture resistant plasterboard
Apply to finish most often if the walls need alignment. However, it is necessary to choose moisture resistant gypsum board with high density. Its moisture resistance provides a special substance, which is applied to the cardboard from two sides. In the combined bathroom it is possible with the help of wet drywall to also install a small partition that will visually separate the bathroom from the toilet. The only such option will somewhat reduce the area of the sanitary unit. Best if tile walls or panels will be used for plasterboard walls around the bath.
Plasterboard walls can, if desired, be plastered and painted, as well as tiled, mosaic, cork coated or stone (natural or artificial).
Plastic panels
They are a convenient and economical finish option. The main advantages of such finishing are lightness, fire safety, moisture resistance, durability. In addition, they are easy to install horizontally, vertically and even at an angle.Thanks to the finishing of the bathroom with plastic panels, you can choose an interesting color scheme. However, it should be borne in mind that such panels do not suffer blows and eventually become covered with cracks.
Ceramic, mirror or glass tile
It is a classic solution for finishing the bathroom. To date, this species has not lost its relevance. In addition, the range of tiles has only increased. Among the advantages of such finishing in the first place is hygiene. After all, the walls of the tile is easy to wash and disinfect solutions. In addition, ceramic tile is durable and looks good for many years.
And now it is possible to choose both completely ready panels, and a tile with original drawings, flowers, the sizes. Due to this, you can create a unique interior.
Decorative plaster
It is a practical material, featuring an affordable price and good quality. Walls with this finish will be resistant to moisture and steam. Among the advantages of this finish should be especially noted good waterproofing, ability to absorb moisture, easy application to the walls, durability, safety.And if you want to extend the life of the plaster in the bathroom, then it is better to cover it with moisture-repellent wax.
Coloring with waterproof paints
It is another classic option for wall decoration. The most commonly used water-dispersed paints or latex-based. The advantages of this option are obvious - it is simplicity and a huge selection of colors. In addition, the interior can be varied, causing the original bright drawings on the wall.
Wallpaper
Wallpapering of bathrooms and toilets became available not so long ago, only with the arrival of waterproof wallpaper. Now their choice is very large, and they can be distinguished from other types of wallpaper by a special sign in the form of three waves, which is applied to the label. It is best to choose wallpaper from vinyl and acrylic. Especially well, they are suitable for bathrooms with shower. This is due to the fact that even waterproof wallpaper has a weak point - the joints. As a result, in a room with a bathroom they will have to be changed very often. The advantages in the form of a variety of this material for the bathroom walls are obvious.
Designers recommend for more original interiors to combine the decoration of different materials.Especially impressive are the finishes with the use of mosaic, wood, glass tiles with holographic patterns. To finish the floor in the bathrooms it is best to use porcelain tiles with a not too smooth surface. An interesting solution would be a combination of the same tile for the floor and walls, but in different shades. And also popular with designers are flooring made of stone or options that imitate wood.
In a small bathroom it will look good wooden tiles, and in a large - granite slabs in the form of squares. The ceiling in the bathrooms is better to leave white. To create a perfectly flat surface, you can use stretch ceilings. Tiles with dim ornaments are also suitable for ceiling decoration.
Dimensions
The size of the sanitary facilities can also be divided into types.
Small bathrooms
The size of which is 1,5x2 or 2x2 m is often found in "Khrushchev". This area is minimally comfortable. And also bathrooms of this size can be found in panel houses and it is best to make them combined.
Medium bathrooms
With an area of 4 to 6 square meters, they can accommodate in their space not only a bathroom and toilet, but also a small locker or washing machine.In this bathroom, plumbing is best placed around the perimeter of the space or on opposite sides.
To make the interior more comfortable, you need to consider the location of the door.
Large bathrooms
An area of 7 square meters will allow you to place all the necessary plumbing, furniture and household appliances.
Sometimes the bathroom can be narrow and long. In this case, shower or bath try to place in the depths. At the same time the sink and toilet are installed along the wall. For convenience, their location should take into account the frequency of use of one or another object plumbing.
Colors
Using different colors can visually enlarge the space or create a certain atmosphere in it. For example, green or sandy-yellow color brings cosiness to the space. Red, blue, and also copper colors and their shades will allow you to create a cheerful mood. Blue and silver will give a feeling of freshness and pleasant coolness. White and beige colors are most often found in the Scandinavian-style bathrooms. Recently, however, they are not used as often.But the black and white version of the bathroom is now not uncommon, which is not surprising given its elegance.
From the latest color trends is to highlight the use of tiles of the same color, but different shades. For example, for the Moroccan style fit tile in sand or blue colors and with a beige-brown ornament. It should be borne in mind that for a visual increase in the room it is better to use light colors, and to decrease it is better to use dark ones. To expand the space also use colored markings on a light background. To the bathroom contributed to relaxation and look more comfortable, it is best to use pastel blue, green, white or purple. But in large quantities within the same room designers do not recommend using gray, brown and black colors.
Style and design
The modern interior of the bathroom should be not only practical, but also attractive. The inconspicuous rooms with remnants of wallpaper and a piece of linoleum on the floor or tiles are gradually fading. And they are being replaced by projects that combine both convenience, functionality and, of course, beauty.Today, quite often you can find very original versions of bathrooms, for example, with a window, installation, brick walls. Now the bathroom has become stylish and interesting, and not just boring and practical.
Original ideas how to make a bathroom now is very easy to find. Under each project there is something interesting. For example, combined bathrooms, where the bath with a toilet is located on a decent area, can be designed in any style, for example, high-tech or Scandinavian. Of course, it is more difficult to make more compact spaces attractively and in a certain style, but even here the designers are ready to offer a lot of options.
It contributes to the creation of interesting interiors of bathrooms and an abundance of modern materials. For example, surfaces that mimic brick or concrete are ideal for a loft-style room. For a toilet and a bathroom in classical English style, it is better to choose tiles with an antique crackle effect. The bathroom in the Baroque style looks interesting when using materials that resemble the texture of expensive fabrics.
You should not get involved only in monochromatic colors or elegant tiles, designers strongly recommend using their combination.
In the retro style, bathrooms with rounded leg-baths in white look particularly original. And in the spacious rooms it is best to put it in the center. A great addition to this will be bronze or brass taps and faucets.
For interiors in the style of minimalism best fit plumbing with straight lines. And it is better to opt for objects in white. Hanging toilets and transparent showers will give special showiness. You can put laminate on the floor.
A modern-style bathroom will look great if it is equipped with light sanitary ware, for example, from acrylic. In this case, you can use angular, oval or rectangular bathtubs, which are ideally combined with hanging toilet bowls. The interior in the style of Provence for the bathroom is best filled with unpretentious forms. For example, a great solution would be the effect of rubbing on objects, as well as light colors. Cosiness in this interior will add small shelves.
The interior in the style of the chalet is characterized by simple furniture, sometimes with a touch of retro. Particularly impressive are the objects of wood or materials that imitate it.
In modern bathrooms accessories are of considerable importance. After all, they bring comfort, aesthetics, and sometimes practicality to the interior. Trivia such as textiles or towel holders should fit harmoniously into the interior. For example, for the nautical style an excellent addition would be a porthole mirror and towels in blue and sand tones. And the chebbi-chic style becomes even brighter with patina-covered objects.
How to choose?
When choosing a bathroom layout and its design, the first thing that should be emphasized is functionality. To begin to plan what items and where they will be located in the room. As a rule, the plumbing equipment is positioned so that there is the maximum possible distance between it. Usually, plumbing equipment is arranged in a linear manner, when all objects are opposite each other, or radially, while sanitary engineering equipment is located around the perimeter of the room.
It should be borne in mind that when creating a full-fledged design there are no trifles. That is why when choosing plumbing, attention should be paid to shelves, and hooks, and faucets, and coasters, and soap dishes, and a towel holder and other accessories.To place such trifles stands on an outstretched arm.
All appliances in the bathroom should look harmoniously together. The main thing is the material, style and form. A small area of the room can significantly affect the size of the plumbing. Today it is easy to choose from modern models such that they save space, but at the same time they are also comfortable and of high quality. If the bathroom is small, then you should prefer a hanging, corner or built-in plumbing. And be sure to take into account the physique of the guests. For example, with a high growth, it will not be very convenient to swim in a bathroom with a length of one and a half meters, as in a small-sized shower for a large person.
The size of the sink plays an important role. Not always compact sink is comfortable. And also it is necessary to take into account whether the space under it will be occupied, because in this case it is better to choose models with a siphon shifted backwards. The choice of color and finishing materials primarily depends on personal preference. However, it is very good if the materials are beautiful, moisture-proof and practical. When choosing a flat or shaped ceiling, it is important to consider the height of the walls.For example, the height of the room will be less than 5 centimeters when using suspended structures.
If different finishing materials are used to finish the ceiling, walls and floor, then they should organically look in the overall interior.
Tips and tricks
To place the plumbing in the bathroom, so that it is practical and beautiful - this is real art. However, even for beginners there are a number of tips and recommendations from experts that will allow turning the lavatory into a place for relaxation. For convenient use of plumbing it is best to have at a certain height. Wash basin is better to choose the size of 48–61 centimeters. Otherwise, even hands will be uncomfortable to wash. At the same time in front of him should be free space of 70 centimeters.
If the bathroom has upper shelves, then they must be located at a height of no more than 180 centimeters. With respect to the side wall, the center of the toilet bowl should be located at least 40 centimeters. If there is a bidet in the bathroom, then it should be placed so that its sidewall is 30 centimeters or more away from the wall.
As for the holder for toilet paper, then it is placed at arm's length.When developing a bathroom, the location of objects should be thought out, taking into account its height and size, so that it is more comfortable.
If you want to place a washing machine in the bathroom, then the place under the washbasin is best suited for it. If it is impossible to install under it, then the machine is installed where it is possible. In this case, above it can be placed, for example, a boiler or shelves. When the bathroom has a small area, you should opt for washing machines with top loading. In a small space, it is desirable to replace the bath with a compact shower. You can install a corner bath, which will completely free up another corner. And it is also possible to partially place a washbasin above the bathroom, thereby freeing up some space.
There is also an option to order a bath of irregular shape that fits perfectly into the size of the room.
For a long and narrow sanitary unit the ideal option would be a homemade shower. It will not take more than one meter and, moreover, with the original design, it can even become an adornment of space. With glass doors, this cabin will bring harmony to the bathroom,visually making all his space a single entity. For square rooms, homemade showers will also be a good option. Bidet is best located near the toilet, at a distance of about 40 centimeters.
However, there are accommodation options and opposite the toilet. It is worth considering that the bidet as it does not place, takes at least one meter of space. Designers do not recommend installing a bidet in bathrooms of 4–5 square meters. In smaller rooms it is better to use a hygienic shower. It is a flexible hose with a mixer and a special nozzle, which is attached to the toilet.
Beautiful examples and options
- In the “Khrushchev”, where the bathroom is not impressive in size, it can also be made beautiful and practical. For a room of up to 5 square meters, a shower cabin can be an ideal option, which will be more spacious than a bathtub. The main thing is to make a good waterproofing of the pallet and walls.
- The presence of a shower cabin will allow in addition to the toilet to place another washing machine, built-in wardrobe for towels and various bath accessories. For the decoration of the room a bright and unusual solution will be the contrast of colors.Dark brown stone tiles and white elements with black roses will shade any imperfections. The graphic solution and flowers will soften the shower's slightly stiff style.
- In a wooden house you can often create any bathroom you like. Of course, if the size and layout allows, it is better to use the combined version with a soft and comfortable Scandinavian interior. The maximum of a tree, for example, an oak together with sparkling white will create a cozy atmosphere. It is best to supplement them with glass elements that do not visually occupy space. Another feature of a bathroom in a wooden house is no extra items. All of them should be used as intended.
- In a typical apartment, the area of the bathroom allows you to create various options. One of them can be a bathroom with a compartment for a washing machine. The elongated shape of the room is conventionally divided into a toilet, bathroom and laundry room. The rectangular bathtub is installed in a niche that was formed when the box of risers was hidden. A wide tabletop with a drawer under the surface is made under the mortise sink.
- Solid beige will not look boring if it is diluted with mosaic.It is best placed on the bottom of the room.
The important point in a monochrome room is the geometry and right angles, otherwise any flaws will be very bright.
That is better: the separate or combined bathroom, look in the following video.