A washing machine is an indispensable attribute of modern apartments. Traditionally, it is placed in the bathroom, while pursuing two goals - convenient organization of the washing process and unity of style in the room. The appearance of the equipment does not always match the interior, so designers advise not only finding the optimal place for it, but also somehow hiding the washing machine in the bathroom. Solving this problem presents certain difficulties for small rooms and inconvenient layouts, therefore, if possible, you should think through the interior of the bathroom in advance, taking into account the type and dimensions of the washing machine.
Pros of placing it in the bathroom
In spacious apartments, several square meters are sometimes allocated for a separate laundry room, and this is certainly the best solution. Next to the machine you can place a dryer, a clothes hanger, and if there is free space, even an ironing board.
But most often, the choice of location for the washing machine is limited to the bathroom, kitchen, hallway and, oddly enough, the toilet. The bathroom is considered the most convenient option for the following reasons:
- It is easier to install the machine in close proximity to water and sewer pipes.
- The noise from a running machine does not interfere with household members’ relaxation and communication.
- In the bathroom you can organize a place to store detergents, soiled laundry, washing basins and other necessary things.
- If a technical device breaks down, it is easier and easier to eliminate the consequences of a flood.
Placing the washing machine in the kitchen is also possible, and quite often the machine is built into a kitchen unit, but this option does not meet hygiene standards. Placement in the toilet is a manifestation of a non-standard approach, and requires minor construction work. Therefore, even in a small bathroom you should find a convenient and aesthetic place for a washing machine. For this purpose, you can consider options for small redevelopment:
- Attaching a toilet to the bathroom.
- Increasing the bathroom area due to the kitchen or hallway.
You can find additional meters in this way - replace the traditional bath with a shower cabin or shower corner. Experts also consider it reasonable to purchase a front-loading washing machine, as it is more convenient in terms of its arrangement with furniture and plumbing fixtures.
Hiding behind the shower
First of all, we evaluate the available space. If, in addition to the bathtub itself, you can find a place for a washing machine or sink, then feel free to move on to the next points. When the designers have clearly “deprived” them of square meters, it is worth thinking about serious changes.
The easiest way is to replace a bulky bathtub with a compact shower, and install a washer, dryer, hanging cabinets or open shelves in the free space. It will be easy to disguise the machine with an elegant door, mirror panel or curtain.
Placement under the sink
In a small bathroom, the optimal solution is to install a washing machine under the sink. To do this, purchase a specially shaped washbasin, where the drain hoses and siphon are located not in the center, but at the back wall, leaving space for installing the device. Many manufacturers offer ready-made sink-machine tandems, and this is the most convenient option.
Using both the machine and the washbasin should be comfortable, so when choosing products yourself, you need to take into account the following nuances of this combination:
- The sink area should be 5-10 cm larger than the machine in size and completely cover the body of the device from water splashes.
- A gap of about 3 cm is required between the washbasin and the top side of the machine.
- The siphon must have two pipes and be located behind the machine.
- You should choose a compact, built-in model with front loading. The optimal size of the device is a height of up to 70 cm and a depth of 35-40 cm.
- The sink should be mounted on brackets without resting directly on the device.
If desired, the machine can be closed with a decorative door or curtain that matches the color of the walls or furniture.
Place it in a cabinet under the sink
If you are satisfied with the previous option, but are embarrassed by the unsightly appearance of the open typewriter, we hide it behind a beautiful façade. Especially if the bathroom is in a classic or country style, the shiny modern design of the washing machine will look unnatural and inharmonious. Then you need to order a perfectly suitable set and disguise the machine with a door.
We also act if a suitable locker already exists. You just need to wisely choose a commensurate washing machine model – built-in and narrow. But in any case, you will have to spend a lot of money: either on custom-made furniture, or on an improved machine.
Placement under the countertop
A washing machine under an elongated countertop with a built-in sink looks harmonious and discreet. It is important that the depth of the machine body is slightly less than the width of the tabletop or coincides with it. There should be a small gap in height between the machine and the board so that vibration of the operating unit does not destroy the entire structure. Next to the machine you can provide a roll-out shelf for detergents and a drawer for linen. If the equipment does not match the color of the rest of the furniture, it is covered with a sliding door or curtain.
Washing machine connection options
The washing machine should be installed closer to sewer drains and water pipes. Therefore, the ideal option is to place it against the wall of the bathroom, supplying water directly through it. If the distance to communications is large, use long hoses, avoiding connections. Otherwise, leaks will be inevitable.
You can organize the water supply in one of the following ways:
- If the pipe is metal, the connection is made using a release coupling, which is attached to a pipe with a drilled hole. A 3/4 ball valve for the hose is screwed onto it.
- The connection to a metal-plastic pipe can be made using a fitting. The cutting area should be sealed with a rubber band, then a tap should be placed on the fitting, and a hose on it.
A tee between the mixer and the water supply is another option for connecting the machine.
Tee in the bathroom between the machine mixer. The position of the electrical outlet is also a point that should be taken into account: it is better if it is placed next to the machine. If it is not there, you should consider installing it. The use of an extension cord is not advisable due to the dangerous proximity of water.
Installation in furniture
Following modern trends of minimalism in the interior, you can install a washing machine in a closet or cabinet. The parameters of the technical device must correspond to the piece of furniture. Special cabinets can be found on sale or made according to an individual project, with shelves in the upper part for powders and basins and an additional compartment for linen prepared for washing.
This option is very convenient for the housewife, as everything needed for washing is nearby and hidden from prying eyes. The bathroom will always be clean and tidy. Another advantage is the ability to choose furniture to match the interior style, install mirrored doors, visually expanding a small room.
The disadvantage of this method of placing the machine is the need to manufacture furniture to order, which requires additional material costs.
Placement in a niche
When carrying out renovations in the bathroom, you can provide a special place for the washing unit, fencing off part of the area with moisture-resistant gypsum plasterboard, glass blocks, and foam blocks. The partitions are finished with ceramic tiles, thus maintaining the unity of the bathroom style.
This kind of small laundry room can be arranged as conveniently as possible - equip shelves and hooks in the upper part, install a hanging cabinet, and attach a heated towel rail. An important condition for placing the machine in a niche is the presence of side gaps of at least 3 cm, holes for the outlet of hoses and an electrical cord.
Using a curtain
A simple and affordable way to disguise a washing machine is to use a decorative curtain, behind which you can hide both the unit itself and the plumbing lines. The curtain is chosen to match the tone of the wall tiles - variegated or plain, depending on the pattern on the tile.
It is better to choose curtains made of vinyl or textiles impregnated with a hydrophobic composition. They are more durable and have dirt-repellent properties. The curtain is hung on hooks or eyelets, installed on a straight or circular rod.
Non-standard solutions
Modern interior design provides scope for experiments and design delights. The search for original ways to save space leads to unusual options for placing a washing machine.
A common technique is to position it at the top level. This could be a shelf in a closet or a well-secured open shelf. Below you can put a laundry tank, cabinet or trash can. This option has the undoubted advantage of hygiene, making it easier to clean the room.
If there is no possibility of placing the washing machine in the bathroom, then it is installed in the toilet above the toilet cistern. To ensure safety, a durable shelf is attached with reliable brackets that can withstand the weight of a loaded, operating machine.
A vibration plate is used as a podium, protecting against jumps and reducing the noise of the operating unit. Another important nuance is that the machine must be positioned so that the drain hose is above the level of the drum. This technique will prevent sewage from entering the operating device.
If there is space under the countertop
It’s even easier to hide the machine in the bathroom if there is a long countertop. You just need to move the unit under the panel. “ ensemble” will look more aesthetically pleasing and harmonious if you think in advance about the color unity and equal depth of both interior items.
It is necessary to leave a gap of 3-5 cm between the top cover of the washing machine and the countertop so that the vibration emanating from the machine does not spoil the wood.
This option is considered the most popular and practical. Firstly, there will be no need for redevelopment and unnecessary expenses. Secondly, free access to communications allows you to quickly respond to a leak and facilitates installation and connection.
Tips and tricks
There are quite a few options for convenient and aesthetically pleasing placement of a washing machine in the bathroom. But the proximity of an electrical appliance and water is potentially dangerous. The following recommendations must be followed:
- Water should not get on the body of the machine.
- The room should be well ventilated.
- Only waterproof sockets should be used.
- A working machine should not touch walls or furniture.
- The length of the cord and hoses must correspond to the distance from the device to the connection points.
- The use of an extension cord is not permitted.
Compliance with these rules will protect the device from damage and ensure the safety of people.
