How to close the pipes in the toilet so that it is both beautiful and practical - this problem must be solved by everyone who renovates the bathroom. We will talk about the main options for building a closet in the toilet with your own hands.
By erecting a plumbing cabinet behind the toilet, we solve several contradictory problems:
- Close the pipes in the toilet. The appearance of common building risers is rarely aesthetic. They often look like badly welded, ugly, perpetually sweating pipes.
- Set up several shelves in the free space behind the toilet to store supplies of toilet paper and the like.
- At the same time, maintain access to the pipes for possible repairs, installation and maintenance of water meters. And in general: you never know!..
The fundamental technical solution of such a cabinet is obvious: a wall is erected behind the toilet, in which an opening of a larger or smaller size is left. The wall is most often finished with the same material as the entire toilet, and the opening is closed with some kind of door.
Let's take a closer look at the most common options...
Storage in the toilet - shelves
An easy way to organize the placement of items is with shelves in the toilet above the toilet.
If, due to narrow space, it is not possible to place wall-mounted wooden or plastic shelves on one of the side walls, then they are installed on the back wall above the toilet. For permanent storage, closed shelves are preferable; this will help not visually overload the room. This area is designed for storage, toilet paper, fresheners, and even for storing cat litter.
Open shelves above a plasterboard or glass installation are a good place to install decorative items or flowers that can be used to decorate the toilet space.
A shelf above the doorway provides a place for long-term storage of toiletries when the wall above the toilet is occupied by plumbing pipes, a boiler or other plumbing equipment, and the opening between the side walls is narrow. On such an open shelf it is advisable to store toilet paper, washing powders and other household items. And to prevent dust from settling on them, it is better to store them in boxes or boxes with lids.
Open shelves
Stylish storage in the toilet. Open shelves can transform and complement any interior. They are especially relevant in tight spaces. Such storage systems do not clutter up the space, give a feeling of lightness, and can visually change the interior for the better. For example, in a cramped room they should be installed on a narrow wall, this way you can visually stretch it out, thereby expanding the space. Homemade storage system in the toilet. Neat open shelves in the toilet. Open shelves in the toilet. Storage in the toilet on open shelves. Storage in a small closet. Stylish design of a small toilet.
Simple shelves above the toilet
If you have a separate bathroom, then this option of shelves in the toilet will be the simplest and most spacious solution for you. Such shelves do not require a lot of materials and time to install. You can make them with a minimal set of tools; you only need a drill and a jigsaw. You can sand the shelves manually with sandpaper or buy beautiful treated boards for them.
First of all, you need to prepare the boards for the shelves, is that important? so that their width is not very large and the shelf does not interfere with the room later. Their length should be equal to the width of the room, since they will be attached specifically to the walls. After the boards are cut, they are sanded. It is advisable to cover the workpieces with stain, paint or varnish outside before installing them, especially if the toilet has already been finished. This way you won’t breathe in harmful paint fumes and splashes that may fall on the floor or walls won’t ruin the finish.
Wood varnish and stain can only be removed from other materials using a solvent.
The easiest way to attach shelves in the toilet is with the help of corners. It is not necessary to use large and powerful fasteners; you can get by with compact options. But use two fasteners on each side - this will give the shelf in the toilet stability and it will not start to tilt.
If you have pipes and other communications on the wall, then this is not a reason to abandon the idea of making shelves. It is easy to cut out recesses of the appropriate size on the board using a jigsaw and the pipes will not interfere either during installation or during operation.
Plywood shelves
The most common material for shelves is, of course, plywood. Thanks to its low cost, strength and durability, plywood has held a leading position in this area for decades. In addition, anyone can make a shelf in the toilet behind the toilet with their own hands from plywood. And if you not only want to rationally use space, but also decorate the interior, then this material is the best option for you.
First, you need to decide on the type of shelf; they can be either classic with straight parts or with curly cutouts. If you have a jigsaw, then it is best to choose the curly options. They require a little more effort, but they do a much better job of decorating any room.
First you need to decide on the appearance and size of the shelf that you want to make in the toilet with your own hands, since the size and shape of the parts depends on this. It is best to first find or draw a drawing of the shelf. This will make your work much easier and, in addition, you can easily calculate the amount of material you need.
The next stage is marking the parts on a single sheet of plywood. If your design has several parts of the same size, then it is best to make patterns from cardboard and draw with their help. After the parts are cut out, their ends need to be sanded well. After this, you can fold the finished product and begin decorating it.
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Flat surfaces can simply be covered with stain and varnish, this is quite enough. But you will have to work a little with the ends so that the shelf has a beautiful appearance. It is best to use edge tape, which is simply glued to the ends. The tape can be matched to the color of the tint or, conversely, it can be used to shade the ends. When everything is ready, you can hang the shelf on the wall.
Corner shelves
Ideal storage systems for a small toilet. If the toilet area is very limited, then wide open shelves will simply be inappropriate. Here it is worth thinking about how to take advantage of unsightly corners. Several rows of open shelves of non-standard size - already ordinary ones - will fit well here. They are convenient for storing toilet paper, cotton pads in glass jars, detergents and cleaning products.
Wall cabinet
Wall cabinet in the toilet.
Most often in the interiors of small toilets you can find hanging drawers. This is due to several factors. First of all, the doors of the cabinet are closed, which allows you to hide all hygiene and care items from prying eyes. On the other hand, such a storage system looks neat and aesthetically pleasing. The cabinet has enough space to place everything you need. True, it is not appropriate in every space, but only where the area allows it. Unfortunately, this option is not suitable for very small rooms.
An excellent option for a small toilet.
Rails with metal baskets
Rails in the toilet.
Many people are sure that metal roof rails are only suitable for use in the kitchen. In fact, they will come in handy even in a small bathroom. You can install several metal baskets in the same style on it. Place toilet paper, napkins, and cosmetics in them. Very convenient, practical and pleasing to the eye.
Neat organization of storage in the toilet.
Unusually shaped shelves
Storage shelves in the toilet.
The size of the room is not an obstacle to experimenting with design. Even the interior of a small room can be advantageously diluted with unusual objects. Install not just open shelves, but furniture of an unusual shape, for example, in the form of a honeycomb.
Honeycomb-shaped shelves in the toilet.
One step, two steps
By the way, it is not necessary to buy special furniture for the toilet in the store; you can use improvised materials. For example, place a stepladder or an extension ladder behind the toilet, which is rarely used (only during repairs or when changing light bulbs). The stepladder will accommodate baskets with towels, paper and other accessories, and the ladder can be used as a heated towel rail.
Stepladder as a storage system.
Built-in storage
The layout of some toilets allows for built-in storage systems. This method works well where there are niches and allows you to use them practically and wisely, turning the disadvantages of space into advantages.
Built-in storage system in a small toilet But we don’t say goodbye to you here, come back again!
Blinds
This is one of the modern options for masking pipes. Blinds are especially practical in small bathrooms because they do not take up much space. Among the advantages are the following:
- ease of care;
- noise absorption;
- aesthetic appearance;
- long service life.
The slats of the blinds are smooth and straight, which makes them easy to care for. In the toilet, due to high humidity, it is better to use aluminum or plastic products. Installing the structure is not much different from installing roller shutters.
Shelving above the toilet: convenient, practical and affordable
Today, easy-to-install and very compact racks that are placed above the toilet have become quite popular. Their peculiarity is that they have stable legs, and the shelves start higher, above the toilet cistern. Such racks can also be open or closed, many of them are equipped with doors. In particular, among wooden shelving you can find closed models.
Metal racks look more elegant; openwork ones, with all kinds of curls, are especially interesting. But there are also very simple folding models with shelves. This is a simple budget option, but it is no less effective in terms of solving the storage issue in the bathroom.
Rack
The storage rack in the toilet combines the functions of open shelves and a built-in wardrobe. It doesn't take up space and can accommodate jars, drawers, boxes, towels and all kinds of small items. The shelving unit in the toilet holds everything you need for this room, and sometimes even more; it is quite possible to organize a storage area for a mop, brushes, buckets, etc.
Special racks
Complete toilet storage system.
So that owners of small apartments do not feel discomfort and do not rack their brains about how to organize storage in the toilet, modern furniture brands have developed many convenient multifunctional storage systems. Today you can find many original toilet sets in a variety of styles. For example, an elegant metal shelving unit would be suitable for a classic-style toilet, a laconic white set would easily fit into a Scandinavian setting, and stylized wooden models would be appropriate for a rustic style.
Stylish model of a toilet cabinet.
Just what you need for a small toilet.
Neat storage in the toilet.
Varieties
The variety of sanitary cabinets allows you to apply them to any room, and the range of their facades will help you choose the doors that best suit the design of the room. This piece of furniture is distinguished according to various criteria.
By type of door
Plumbing cabinets can vary in type of door. They may be the following:
- louvered doors - can be of two types: roller shutters and so-called pseudo blinds. Roller doors are very convenient because they do not take up space in the open position; they are easier to use in hard-to-reach places where regular doors simply cannot open. Pseudo blinds are an ordinary door made in the form of blinds, but without moving parts, which is very convenient in terms of ventilation of a space with pipes;
- a plumbing hatch covering a niche can be of absolutely any size thanks to the existing range from many manufacturers. This is an ordinary frame made from a corner, to which a metal door with a lock is attached with hinges. Such a hatch looks simple and uncomplicated, which may not always be combined with the design of the bathroom. A cheap and common product is also not particularly durable;
- Hinged doors are an individual product, often created to order. When assembling a cabinet with hinged doors, you should take into account the space in front of them to fully open them. Considering the materials used, this can be an expensive proposition.
Hinged Inspection hatch Roller shutters Folding
According to the material of manufacture
Also, designs are divided into a number of types, depending on the materials of manufacture:
- metal doors are used in the manufacture of hatches when equipping niches. Metal is also used to develop frames and fittings. Do not forget that we are talking about the toilet and bathroom, where condensation can collect on iron pipes, increasing air humidity. Thus, it is better to use parts made of aluminum or other stainless metals;
- wood is often used to create the facade and base of the cabinet. Hinged wooden doors can close a built-in closet from floor to ceiling, or separate communications with a small neat door;
- Parts of roller shutters or small hatches are usually made of plastic. This is a lightweight and inexpensive material;
- In addition to wood, for swing doors you can use tiles attached to a special frame. This solution is very useful for preserving the design concept of the room when invisible hatches are used;
- mirror surfaces can visually enlarge the space and will also fulfill their intended purpose.
Wood Mirror Metal Plastic Tiles
Built-in wardrobe
The most accurate option. Sometimes the built-in closet in the toilet behind the toilet is difficult to notice even in the photo. But this is also the most difficult technique to implement; it needs to be designed at the repair stage. In fact, built-in models are a niche.
What to make a niche from?
- Moisture-resistant drywall is one of the suitable materials for implementing such an idea. Waterproof and wear-resistant, it will reliably protect the contents from splashes of water and force majeure. It is tiled or painted.
- Plywood options are cheaper, but they will last much less.
Built-in models look best with wall-hung and wall-mounted toilets. This combination can be easily decorated in any style, including minimalism.
The most important thing in built-in cabinets is the design of the door; in fact, it is the only visible element. And here there is wide scope for creativity.
Which doors to choose?
- Wooden doors of the louvered type look great in a simple style such as scandi or eco. Painted, they will fit into a modern interior.
- Doors made of natural wood are universal in themselves. They can also fit into a Scandinavian, minimalist, or modern interior. Be careful with such solutions in bathrooms combined with a bathroom. If the toilet is located next to a shower or bowl, the wood must be treated with varnish or a similar moisture-resistant coating.
- “Invisible” doors, the design of which matches the finish, can fit into any style. They are decorated with tiles, plaster and wood panels.
- A mirror is a controversial technique in decorating a toilet. Agree, even tiny bathrooms with an area of less than 1.5 m do not need to be expanded, it is not functional. Plus, the coating is fragile and not practical.
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In modern design, the principle of color blocking is often used - highlighting color spots. This technique is especially relevant in bathrooms combined with a bathroom. The area around the plumbing fixtures is highlighted with color: the niche and cabinet are painted.
In niches you can often find a combination of a closed cabinet and open shelves. This is a good solution for wide walls. In this way, designers add “air” so that the place does not look overloaded and boring.
Shelves can be equipped both vertically on the side and horizontally - directly under the doors. In both cases, the illumination of these zones looks very impressive. Often, a built-in model is combined with a plumbing cabinet in the toilet behind the toilet: communications are hidden behind the doors and additional storage shelves are installed.
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Dimensions
The issue of choosing cabinet sizes is very individual, but you should know a few rules that will help you avoid the unpleasant consequences of improper installation of the structure:
- a cabinet from ceiling to floor is installed if the communications in the toilet occupy the vertical wall. Such a large cabinet gives access to any part of the pipes at any time, which is very convenient during repair work. It is easy to install shelves inside a large cabinet and store household supplies and chemicals there. Without using a niche, you should be prepared to form a protrusion measuring approximately 40x70cm;
- a small hatch is designed to provide access to the meter, but it is extremely difficult to carry out repairs through it, so owners who are unsure of the condition of the pipelines should choose a different cabinet size;
- an average cabinet size, for example, 50x70cm, will provide access to the counter and allow you to install several shelves inside. Typically cabinets of this size are made of wood or with a tile front.
- The dimensions of the secret door are determined by the dimensions of the tiles or other material with which the room is lined. Usually 2-4 tiles are used, which forms a door measuring approximately 35-35 or 35-70cm;
- The depth of the cabinet should be such that you can use a key inside or easily reach the desired valve.
It is worth considering that installing a cabinet is an almost inevitable process, so even before replacing the pipelines, you should think about what size the structure will be and how well it will fit into the interior of the bathroom or toilet.
Plumbing cabinet
This design requires more financial costs, but pays off due to its functionality. Plumbing cabinets completely hide pipes, which do not add aesthetics to the interior.
A cabinet is also necessary if you are annoyed by the noise of water drained by your neighbors: the doors allow you to disguise the sound insulation. Built-in shelves provide storage space.
Features and Benefits
Small apartments suffer from a lack of storage space, but their washrooms are also small. Most often, there are no installations installed in them, the sewer pipes and cistern are in plain sight, the toilet is pushed forward, and between it and the wall there is an empty space that could practically be equipped with stationary shelves.
Furniture stores have a varied selection of shelves and hanging cabinets, but a small room requires efficient use of space. That is why it is better to make shelves in the toilet yourself, taking into account the specifics of the bathroom layout.
The advantage of such furniture is undeniable:
- many little things will immediately acquire their rightful place;
- the pipes will be hidden under an overhanging structure;
- with the help of shelves you can play up the design of the room;
- empty walls make it possible to fill them with different types of furniture: a hanging cabinet, an open shelving unit or shelves;
- small open sections in the access area will become a place not only for a book, you can put decorative items on them: scented candles, a figurine, a shell.
Drawers instead of shelves
You can give your toilet a little more soulfulness and originality if you use wooden boxes treated with a protective compound instead of standard store-bought storage systems. These could be fruit containers, homemade slats, or drawers from old furniture.
Options for the location of cabinets in the bathroom
The most popular solutions.
Cabinet behind the toilet
A convenient cabinet behind the toilet provides an excellent storage system for toilet paper, towels, air freshener and other small items.
The photo shows a pop art style toilet with a cabinet located behind the toilet.
Thanks to this placement, it is possible to free up space on the cabinet with a sink or shelves, which can be decorated with other beautiful decor.
Above the installation
Such a solution will be an excellent addition to the toilet, which does not overload or clutter the room. This arrangement not only allows you to hide communications, but also provides enough space to fill with other necessary things.
The photo shows a cabinet with a mirrored door above the installation in the interior of the toilet.
Hidden
It is distinguished by a very aesthetic appearance and, due to the facade part, which harmonizes and merges with the walls in the interior, creates the feeling of a complete plane, behind which there is actually a secret closet with a lot of things. Quite often, when finishing a toilet with tiles, the doors of the hidden box are also decorated with identical cladding.
Side
It perfectly complements the decor and, due to its thin and light forms, does not overload the space. This piece of furniture may be left or right-handed.
The photo on the right shows the interior of a small toilet, decorated with a narrow floor cabinet with drawers.
Angular
It is considered the most suitable option for small toilet rooms, which can be located in any corner of the room. Two corner shelves installed on both sides of the toilet will look very organic.
In a niche
Such products are equipped only with shelves and doors, and the rear and side walls represent the niche itself.
The photo shows the interior of a toilet with an open cabinet with lighting built into a niche.
How to make a door yourself
To create a special cabinet, you will need minimal experience in carrying out repair work. That is why a person can cope with this task on his own. It is enough to follow this scheme:
- After a detailed study of the layout, you will need to select a built-in or wall-mounted design option. The first one will cost less. However, to create it you need to choose a time in your personal schedule. That is why this option is not suitable for everyone.
- Frame construction. Metal will last longer, but wood is stronger. The optimal solution is the preliminary construction of a niche. Later, hinged doors made of the selected material option are attached to it.
- If space allows, you can additionally install a shelf inside to store various products. However, they should not come into direct contact with the pipeline itself.
- At the last stage, the façade is renovated and finished.
Niches covered by a facade
Toilet interior in vintage style. The color of the doors is in harmony with the shade of the tiles.
Roller shutters cover a niche in the wall.
The façade material is painted white. The doors are fixed flush with the installation box.
The built-in wardrobe looks compact and provides access to communications. This, by the way, can be done very cheaply with your own hands.
White roller shutters do not stand out against the background of white walls. Despite the color division, the interior is perceived as one.
Interesting: how they hid the boilers in the closet behind the toilet (full description of the process and estimate)
The wood texture of the floor, cabinets and doors goes well with green ceramics.
The wenge door hides access to communications.
Ceramic finishing of the inspection hatch. In the closed position, the contour of the niche is almost invisible.
Built-in wardrobe, which is closed by furniture roller shutters.
Built-in cabinet above the toilet installation.
Access to the water heater through the inspection hatch.
Roller shutters
Remember the roller shutters that are often used to close small retail establishments at night? Similar roller shutters to hide pipes can be made in the toilet. They are distinguished by their rigid design and are quite convenient to use. There are two disadvantages:
- Relatively high cost. For example, plumbing roller shutters measuring 80x100 cm can easily cost about 5,000 rubles, depending on the city.
- Large folding box. See the ledge in the next photo? This is where the blinds roll up. The cassette can also be placed inside the “cabinet”, but only if space allows.
An example with a box inside is just in the next photo.
If you are confused by the “cold” and uncomfortable appearance of roller shutters, know that they can also be in color or even with a pattern.
Design of a small toilet with a cabinet
A small toilet room is equipped with narrow shelves that take up space above the toilet barrel, or a side wall or mini-models, with open or closed shelves that look very harmonious and neat.
Quite often they use products with mirrored facades, which make it possible to visually increase the dimensions of the room. Such cabinets do not contribute to cluttering the space, give the atmosphere a special lightness and allow you to radically change the design of the room.
Design of a toilet in an apartment - 7 rules
It would seem where you can mess up in a room as small as a toilet. But in such an area everything is visible, every detail matters. Let's figure it out.
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Toilet - wall-hung only
This is the first most important and ironclad rule - only a wall-hung toilet with installation. Without it, you don’t even have to think about toilet design. Even the most expensive and sophisticated floor-standing toilet is inferior to a wall-hung one in all respects. Differences:
- Only the wall-hung toilet has a modern appearance.
- There is no ugly silicone joint with the floor or a gap between them.
- Because visually the area of the room is estimated by the floor, but the suspended floor does not occupy it, the area seems larger.
- Convenient to clean. Dirt does not accumulate behind the toilet and at the joint.
- Effectively takes up less space.
A modern toilet design without a wall-hung toilet is impossible. This is the thing on which saving is unacceptable.
Some photos will show regular floor-standing toilets - this is a mistake. These photos are here to illustrate other ideas, I will not return to this.
Hatch in the toilet
This is the second point, without which the toilet design will be of a very low level. The worst thing you can do is use a ready-made white metal hatch. This is a purely rough technical solution, which is unacceptable in the design of a toilet in an apartment.
Correct ways to hide pipes and meters:
- Hidden hatch under the tiles.
- Furniture doors.
- If inexpensive - a painting or a printed photo, a panel, a roller blind.
The latter can be done very inexpensively. And this is already better than a white hatch. Be sure to hide the pipes properly. It is on such nuances that the design of the toilet is built.
Please note that the hidden hatch under the tiles will have dark gaps around the perimeter. To prevent this from being noticeable, the grout of the rest of the tiles should also be dark.
No more than 2 colors
The toilet is white. Those. There is always 1 color already. There should be no more than two colors that strongly contrast with white. Otherwise there are too many details for a small toilet without a bathroom. The exception is patchwork and other non-aggressive mixtures, where colors do not dominate and do not attract attention.
I love dark and black colors in the interior, but not in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen. On average, the design of a small toilet looks advantageous in light colors. Everything else is an unjustified risk.
White, beige, gray, wood shades are the best colors. I wrote in detail in an article about the design of small bathrooms.
Small sink
There are very small sinks specifically for toilets. Being able to wash your hands is very important for a toilet without a bathtub. Otherwise, we come into contact with the door handles of two rooms at once just to get to the sink.
They are so miniature in size that in width they occupy little more than part of the wall with the platband. This is not a design issue, but for practicality I recommend it.
Decorative lighting
There is no need for a bright overhead light in the toilet. We do not need to look at ourselves in the mirror or perform any hygiene procedures. This means you can make decorative lighting and use it as the main one.
One of the modern ideas for renovating bathrooms in 2022 and for the toilet too is to place light sources at the bottom and middle of the room, making them hidden. With this arrangement, they provide a lot of shadows and the interior looks not boring, but at the same time strict. The more textured the tile, the more voluminous and interesting it will look. There are a million ways to embed LED strips, special profiles with a diffuser screen, etc. You can find a place for them even on an area of 2 sq.m.
Brush holder on the wall
Yes, such a small thing. There are very few objects in the toilet and each of them affects the overall perception of the interior. And such things as a brush are usually left for the last minute and bought “temporary”. Which then, of course, last for years. Just buy a normal one right away and hang it on the wall.
Toilet larger than 2 sq.m.
2 meters is more than enough space for a toilet and is exactly the size in most apartments. That's why all the rules and photos are about them. If your toilet is larger, then it makes sense to place additional items there, otherwise the space will be used irrationally.
Candidates for entry: bidet and pseudo-bidet, washing and drying machines, boiler. If the toilet is still small, here’s how to place a washing machine in the bathroom.
Shelf lighting
Spot lighting can be used as illumination. Small round lampshades are easily mounted in chipboard, OSB or plasterboard. A small border is made above the very top shelf. Behind it you can hide the wiring that will extend from the lamps.
An interesting lighting option is obtained by using LED strips. To connect them, you must use a special converter - a 12 or 24 W power supply. The choice of power supply depends on the type of tape. Nowadays there are LED strips that even connect to AC power from an outlet.
The tape pieces are attached with their sticky side to the bottom surface of the shelves and connected to each other by wires. The LED lighting switch can be placed in a location convenient for you. If you use a motion sensor, then the light in the toilet will turn on automatically when someone enters. All these interesting little things are impressive when they are arranged in a room such as a toilet.
