Where to put a washing machine in a small bathroom

Owners of small apartments often have to use their ingenuity to arrange all the furniture and appliances needed for comfortable living. A small living space isn't a hindrance, because even the most modest space, with a smart approach, can accommodate everything you need.

In most cases, difficulties arise with the placement of the washing machine. Owners of Khrushchev-era apartments can't boast a large kitchen or a spacious bathroom, yet these are the spaces typically used for washing machines. Consequently, the bathroom is the optimal location for a washing machine. Let's explore how to place a washing machine in a small bathroom, including interesting ideas and unconventional installation methods.

We'll place it under the sink or countertop.

The most convenient and comfortable option remains placing the washing machine under the sink or countertop. Arranging household appliances this way offers numerous benefits:

• connecting the machine to utility lines will be very simple;
• the space under the sink, which is often left free, will be put to good use;
• the interior will look stylish and harmonious.

Careful consideration should be given to choosing a washing machine. If your bathroom is very small, it's advisable to purchase a modest-sized machine, no more than 45 cm deep. While compact machines are typically smaller, this type of washing machine requires compromise. It's better to wash your laundry in two loads than to clean it by hand. While it's possible to install a standard-sized washing machine, you'll need to find some clever ways to ensure it's installed comfortably and ergonomically.

Let's take a closer look at how to install a dishwasher under a sink or countertop. Some installation options are quite simple, while others are more intriguing design solutions.

Washing machine under the sink. Here we'll describe a case where the sink isn't supported by a drain pipe, has no cabinet underneath, and the drain is sideways rather than downwards.

The dimensions of the washing machine should be perfectly proportional to the sink. The standard height of washing machines allows for the sink to be positioned at a comfortable height.

By installing the appliance this way, you'll be able to save extra square centimeters in the bathroom. This placement option is suitable for even the smallest spaces.In specialized stores, you can find sets consisting of washing machines and perfectly matching sinks. We recommend looking at ready-made kits, as choosing one yourself can be challenging.

Under a multi-level countertop. For shorter people, placing a sink at the same height as a washing machine can be inconvenient. However, there's a solution: the sink can be positioned at a comfortable height, and the countertop above the washing machine can be raised. The space above the appliance and under the sink can be used to store detergents and other utensils.

A washing machine on a special drawer. This method is used in the opposite situation to the previous one: the washing machine simply doesn't reach the countertop. While you can easily ignore the space between the machine and the countertop, anyone with a small bathroom is unlikely to miss the opportunity to create extra storage space for small items. Therefore, it's best to install the washing machine on a low drawer, which is suitable for storing detergents, towels, toilet paper, and other items.

An automatic washing machine under an "irregular" countertop. This design solution is likely ideal for a compact bathroom. It will not only stylishly decorate the room but also accommodate the structural features of your bathroom. The idea is to design the countertop to be of varying lengths, rather than uniform in length. Above the washing machine, it will be slightly wider and then gradually taper.

This design solution will create a harmonious interior. It also saves space in the bathroom—as you move around the room, you won't bump into an overly wide and awkward countertop.

The above installation methods for automatic washing machines are standard. We'll discuss other ways to install a washing machine in a small bathroom later.

We'll buy a top-loading washing machine.

Top-loading washing machines are ideal for small bathrooms. Installing them is relatively easy, even in tight spaces, thanks to their compact size. The ideal area for placing a vertical lamp would be near a shower stall or bathtub.

However, despite their huge advantage—their compact size—top-loading machines have one drawback: they don't allow for a countertop or permanent storage space for shower accessories. This is due to the constant need to open the lid. If you really try, you can hang a small shelf or cabinet above the machine, but they'll be quite high up, and they'll only hold a limited amount of items.

Let's try to raise it

Designers are coming up with some truly bold and unconventional solutions. One such solution is raising the washing machine above the floor. However, this placement option is only ideal for a bathroom with an alcove. If your bathroom has this design feature, you're in luck.

The construction niche can accommodate a washing machine, a drying chamber, and shelves for towels, clean linen, household chemicals, and various small items. The niche may be open, but if there is a desire, it can be closed in several ways.

1. A standard hinged door. This option isn't suitable for every room, as the door will need to be opened, requiring a lot of space around the niche.
2. Roller shutters. This modern decorative element perfectly conceals the contents of a niche from prying eyes. Roller shutters require no additional space – when opened, the roller blind gathers near the ceiling, and when closed, it simply lowers downward. Closed roller shutters are a solid, dense fabric in a specific color. A fabric with an interesting photo print would look especially beautiful. Thus, in addition to their primary function, roller shutters will also decorate the room's interior.
3. Using blinds or fabric drapery. This option will be somewhat cheaper than specialized plumbing roller shutters.

If the bathroom is located adjacent to a storage room, a small remodeling project may be worth considering. A storage room attached to the bathroom would serve as a niche, perfect for a washing machine.

Solution for a combined bathroom

Where can I place a washing machine in a combined bathroom? An interesting method is to highlight one wall of the room and place an open cabinet there, into which you can place the washing machine. Based on the room's dimensions, calculate the cabinet's dimensions and whether it will consist of one or several sections. It's best to install the machine in the lower section of the cabinet, and use the upper sections for storing household chemicals, towels, shower accessories, and clothes.

The cabinet can be either closed or open. The choice will depend on your wishes, preferences, and the design features of your bathroom.

Let's choose a wall-mounted machine

Wall-mounted washing machines offer a convenient solution. However, not everyone is comfortable with wall-mounting; only the bold and creative can embrace this solution. After all, loading and unloading laundry from the drum requires literally "climbing the wall." Many designers prefer wall-mounted washing machines.

Some users aren't as concerned about reaching in to retrieve their laundry as they are about the machine falling over. If this is your only concern, don't worry; if you secure the machine properly, it will be completely safe to operate.

Of course, if your bathroom walls are made of drywall, positioning the washing machine this way won't work. Only a sturdy wall can handle such a load. The main disadvantage of this installation method is that the selection of a washing machine will be limited to units with a small permissible laundry load. The space under the appliances can be used as you wish: hang shelves, cabinets, or even place a cabinet with a sink underneath them.

Small bathroom remodeling options

The size of kitchens and bathrooms in Khrushchev-era apartments is a fascinating topic that can be endlessly debated. Some owners constantly complain about the cramped spaces, while others are happy with the space and are willing to get creative in their layout.

Especially for those living in Khrushchev-era apartments, we've decided to share some interesting design solutions that will help you achieve the most comfortable bathroom design possible, eliminating the hassle of wondering, "Where should I put the washing machine?"

When remodeling your bathroom, add a few square centimeters of hallway space to the existing bathroom area. This will create a niche that will easily accommodate a washing machine. You can place the unit directly on the floor or at a higher level. Keep in mind that the ideal placement of the drum is 90 cm from the floor, which will make the machine even more convenient to use.

You can find a place for a washing machine without major remodeling or renovations. An interesting idea is to create a small niche, similar in size to the washing machine, by protruding towards the hallway. A structured protrusion in the hallway can be easily concealed by a wardrobe façade. This allows for a unique remodeling experience without having to do it yourself.

We hope this article will clear up any questions you might have about where to place a washing machine in a small bathroom. There are many options for placing appliances, from standard under-sink installations to creative wall mounting. Carefully consider your bathroom design, evaluate its structural features, and choose the right dimensions for your washing machine, and the problem of washing machine placement will be solved.

   

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