A small sanitary and hygienic room dictates its own conditions regarding the creation of the interior and the location of the necessary elements of comfort. For the correct arrangement of space, standard-sized washbasins are not suitable due to their large volume.
A good solution here would be small bathroom sinks, made in a classic style or of an unusual shape. They will easily fit into the style of any direction and will not “eat up” a single extra centimeter of valuable free space.
In this material we will talk about the varieties of miniature shells and share the secrets of choosing them.
Specifics of small shells
Specific models can be called copies of large plumbing devices; they have the same functionality as their full-scale “brothers,” although they are inferior in convenience.
The tiny format allows you to rinse your hands, and if we talk about washing and brushing your teeth, drops and paste will fly around the room, leaving traces. But sometimes residents have no other choice to arrange their plumbing fixtures organically.
There are still significant advantages:
- Space is saved. Such small bathroom sinks are the only true option for cramped living space.
- Easy installation.
- Rational use of quadrature.
The items have a laconic design and blend harmoniously into any environment. Classification occurs according to dimensions, placement methods, raw materials and method of fastening.
Furniture
In a small room there are only three places where you can install or hang furniture modules.
- Under the sink, if there is no washing machine there.
- Above the washbasin, where you can fit a mirror with a shelf, but a mirror cabinet would be a more rational solution.
- The wall is closer to the door. A narrow closet will fit here.
All surfaces must be waterproof, smooth, so that they can be easily wiped and washed.
Photo: Cersanit
Photo: Aquaton
Photo: Keramag
- Bathroom, toilet
14 useful tips for ergonomics in a small bathroom
Variety of offers
The product range is presented in a wide variety.
According to configuration, instances are:
- Rectangles of various sizes. Such devices are the most common, arranging both classic and modern stylizations.
- Squares, beloved by the classics, promising solidity and rigor.
- Around and oval. Thanks to the soft, streamlined contours, such variations are in great demand. Empire, modern and loft styles love them.
- A small corner sink that takes up an inconvenient empty space, giving it functional value. This technique will save space for equipment and furniture without blocking the passage.
It is worth noting non-standard types, whose non-trivial design, developed by engineers and designers of famous brands, will give the room individuality and originality, solving spatial problems.
Tightness or poor layout will require eliminating sharp corners by turning to rounded versions.
Corner toilets
In some apartments, the toilet is so small that when using it, your feet literally rest against the door, which is extremely inconvenient. A corner toilet can partially eliminate this inconvenience. By installing it in a corner, the distance for the legs increases and becomes less cramped. The use of a corner model also allows you to install a sink with a mixer even in a small toilet, so as not to have to run to the bathroom to wash your hands. But the most important advantage of corner toilets is the possibility of non-standard placement of plumbing in the room to optimize space. This is especially true for bathrooms with an atypical layout.
From us you can buy the following corner toilets: Ideal Standard Connect Space E119501, Jacob Delafon Odeon Up 18557K and Vitra Arkitekt 9754B003-7200.
Materials
If you have a limited budget, choose earthenware products. In this line you can find products at the best price and good quality. The popularity of stainless steel is not decreasing; it is a guarantee of hygiene and durability.
When servicing these accessible modules, do not operate with abrasive cleaning agents, otherwise the coating will become dull; the downside is the loud irritating noise from the water jet.
The price of small stone sinks is much more expensive, but they have a longer service life while maintaining their original appearance.
True, the disadvantage is a negative reaction to dyes and alkalis; specialized washing pastes and solutions will be needed.
The impressive mass should also not be forgotten. The same applies to porcelain, which is characterized by strength, absence of cracks, accumulation of dirt, environmental friendliness, but it is delicate and can suffer from mechanical stress.
- Attractive marble is an expensive pleasure that requires careful care.
- Many owners like composite bowls made of artificial stone, for example, quartz agglomerate is known for its quality factor.
- The glass device, made in different colors, looks stylish and aesthetically pleasing, but it requires regular care, otherwise the surface will become covered with unsightly marks from drops, and hard water will leave stains of limescale.
Fragile raw materials need to be handled with care. The size range varies, the smallest sink has a length of 20, a width of 18, and a depth of 25 cm. Copper and bronze models captivate with their unusualness, but the chance of oxidation deters connoisseurs of extravagance from purchasing.
Shelves with towel rack
For small bathrooms, as you can see above, multifunctional plumbing fixtures are excellent (the same sinks for washing machines, mirrors with cabinets, etc.). The same goes for accessories. You can install shelves and a towel holder separately, but it is better to give preference to the universal option. This could be a shelf with hooks or a rod. In our store you can purchase both options: - WasserKRAFT K-2022 (double shelf with rod). — WasserKRAFT Donau K-9415 (one shelf with hooks). — Linisi Murano 89262D (one shelf with a rod).
Installation features
The hanging type is in demand due to its aesthetic appearance. Not only does cleaning become easier for the housewife, but it also creates a light, airy atmosphere around the room, making the interior lighter. A laundry basket or washing machine will fit underneath.
Installation is carried out on brackets, hiding communication parts. A solid wall is needed to prevent collapse; a worn-out plane will not withstand such a load. Built-in mini-sinks blend harmoniously into the spatial boundaries.
- The set with a cabinet is very convenient. This is both the basis for the washbasin and the disguise of communications.
- The bedside table will act as a storage system for towels, cosmetics, and household chemicals. This way you can organize your space ergonomically.
The triangle is the ideal solution for tiny rooms. A calm, cozy mood is created with the help of overhead structures, installing them on top of the countertops, which looks elegant and aristocratic.
The color palette is not limited; choosing the desired color scheme for your decorative design will not be difficult. In old buildings, a tulip sink attached to a special stable pedestal is optimal.
A bold idea is to install a small sink in the toilet above the toilet. The tap is not placed in a high position, this ensures less splashing of liquid.
Bath
Bathtubs are divided into two main groups: wall-mounted and corner.
Corner bathtubs are placed in a corner and are shaped like a quarter circle. Due to their short length, manufacturers make them quite deep - about 60 cm and above. And standard wall-mounted bathtubs, 170 cm long, may not fit in a small bathroom.
Materials
- Cast iron
- Steel
- Acrylic
- Kvaril
- Ceramics
Cast iron bathtubs are the most durable, they are almost impossible to damage. Only enamel can wear off, so if you ever decide to restore it yourself, use a high-quality coating. Another important plus: they keep the water temperature for a long time. Main disadvantages: heavy weight, difficulty in transportation and installation, high price.
Bathtub Universal Nostalgia 150×70
Steel ones are cheaper than cast iron ones, but they make noise during filling, can sag under the weight of a person, and the water in them cools down faster.
Freestanding bathtub Roca Swing
Acrylic and quaryl options weigh little, there are different shapes and colors, and can be chosen to suit almost any budget. The disadvantages include the need to carefully select detergents.
Freestanding bathtub 1Marka Classic
Ceramic baths are made from earthenware and metal ceramics. These models are the most expensive, quite durable, hold the temperature for a long time and do not make noise when filling.
Photo: Ravak
Photo: Roca
Photo: Ravak
Criterias of choice
When looking for a product, they take into account their own financial capabilities and technical characteristics of plumbing fixtures. Quality and practicality take the lead.
If the area allows, it is better to opt for the deepest possible sink, which promises comfortable use. Consider the location of the load-bearing wall when purchasing a hanging element.
You should buy products only from trusted manufacturers; dubious retail outlets cannot offer a high-quality product.
A compact room requires light tones; the black and white combination, the combination of soft green and snow-white colors in the design solution has proven itself to be excellent.
Photos of a small sink demonstrate that it acts as a colorful and effective addition to the interior design, matching the surrounding environment in style, color scheme and adding a fresh touch. No less important, of course, is the functionality and comfort gained by the owners.
Types of bathroom sinks
When choosing washbasins, the main attention is paid to the installation method. First of all, its price and the ability to independently carry out all the necessary work depend on how easily the plumbing fixtures are attached.
Wall-hung washbasin
Such models are mounted directly on the wall, either using dowels or using brackets if the product is quite massive. Another option is to equip the sink with a hanging cabinet, which allows you not only to hide unattractive communications, but also to organize a reliable support with additional storage places.
Attention: When buying a washbasin, you need to pay attention to the hole for the mixer. If there is none, you will have to make a niche to hide the water pipes and install the faucet on the wall.
Hanging structures are ideal for small bathrooms, since the space under them remains free. Here you can install a laundry basket, shelves or a stand with bath accessories.
Washbasins look good in modern or retro interiors, but they are chosen much less often for classic or country interiors.
The disadvantage of the model is the problematic installation, which not everyone can cope with. The wall should only be solid; the partitions are unlikely to support the weight of the product.
In the photo - wall-hung bathroom sinks :
Sink "Tulip"
The name of this type of washbasin very accurately reflects their design features. The bowl is installed on a separate pedestal, which masks the siphon and communications wiring. Externally, the shell really resembles a flower on a thin stalk.
The “tulip”, which has become a classic among plumbing fixtures, has several advantages:
- simplicity and reliability of fastening
- spectacular appearance
- compact dimensions
- affordable price , compared, for example, with overhead or built-in analogues
Tip: is best suited for a classic-style bathroom . It will fit harmoniously into the interior. In addition, in a spacious room (and for classics only rooms with a large area are used) there are no problems with storing things. Which is important, because there is no room for them under such a washbasin.
You can see what “tulip” sinks look like in the bathroom photos :
Countertop sink
One of the most popular models. It is a bowl mounted on some kind of base. Most often it is a cabinet, less often a tabletop with legs or a console.
The bowl-sink looks very stylish, which has earned it the love of consumers. But the model is in demand not only because of its original design. Among its advantages:
- speed and ease of installation
- Possibility of support on a tabletop of any size
- wide range of materials and decorative techniques used
- variety of shapes
- convenient sealing of joints, guaranteed protection against leakage
Important: all connection points with the countertop and insertion of communications must be carefully insulated to avoid dampness and the troubles that accompany it.
The only thing that can scare off consumers is the price of the overhead bowl. This is the most expensive model on the modern plumbing market.
The following photo shows examples of countertop sinks:
Built-in models
They come first in terms of practicality and ergonomics. Suitable for rooms of any size, and they are comfortable to use for both adults and children.
There are three types of countertop sinks in a bathroom :
- The sides of the bowl are above the surface of the base and rest on it. This type is the most common and easy to install.
- The bowl is located under the tabletop. Installation here requires certain professional skills: you need to ensure that the hole under the sink is slightly smaller than its size.
- Semi-built-in model, when the sink partially protrudes beyond the edge of the supporting plane. This option is optimal for small bathrooms.
The bathroom countertop under the sink serves several functions. This is a dressing table, a place to store personal hygiene products, and splash protection for the lower shelves or bedside table. And also a stylish piece of furniture that makes our bathroom unique.
It should be noted that built-in washbasins are less susceptible to cracks and chips than others; in addition, they are easy to clean, since the outer surface is closed and hardly gets dirty.
Photo of sinks with countertops for the bathroom:
Sink with cabinet in the bathroom
In a modern interpretation, such models are the closest relatives of the famous “Moidodyr”, they are pleasing to the eye and allow you to effectively organize space. On the one hand, the cabinet masks the “behind the scenes” of the plumbing, on the other, it serves as a spacious storage unit, allowing you to get rid of clutter.
In rooms with a large area, the size of the cabinet may well allow the installation of a washing machine in it. Using a cabinet under the sink is also advisable in small bathrooms, especially if the bathtub in them is replaced by a shower.
Tip : For small spaces, it is better to choose a wall-mounted rather than a floor-mounted cabinet. This model visually increases the space, is convenient for cleaning and suffers less from moisture, since ventilation is provided not only on the sides, but also from below.
Corner varieties are preferable to straight ones - they occupy less area.
What types of cabinets are there for a bathroom sink ? Photo selection :
"Water lily"
A sink with a flat bottom and a horizontal drain is available specifically for installation above a washing machine. This is an excellent solution for small bathrooms, although the model has its drawbacks:
- The siphon of the structure periodically becomes clogged and has to be cleaned.
- There is a risk of flooding the electronic module of the washing machine with water.
- Household appliances are “in plain sight”, causing the appearance of the room to suffer.
And yet, sinks above the washing machine are irreplaceable, for example, in “Khrushchev” apartments and other bathrooms of similar sizes.
Advice : it is better to purchase a ready-made kit: a mini-automatic machine designed for installation under a washbasin and a bowl - today such a “duet” is offered by many leading manufacturers.
Examples of “water lilies” in the photo below:
Corner sink in the bathroom
This model will make even a tiny bathroom comfortable, using the usually empty area at the junction of two walls.
Corner sinks are:
- hanging
- with pedestal
- built-in
The first option is good for lovers of long water treatments and relaxation who do not accept showers. In this case, a compact asymmetrical bathtub comes to the rescue, above the narrow part of which there is a hanging corner washbasin. This technique allows you to save space and increase the ergonomics of the room.
By choosing a built-in corner sink for a small bathroom, we will provide ourselves with additional storage space. Occupying a minimum of space, the vanity cabinet is very spacious due to its great depth.
Interesting examples in the photo :
Photo of a small sink
Disadvantages and advantages of mini-sinks
If you study the disadvantages and advantages of this type of plumbing, most experienced people come to the conclusion that mini-sinks still have more disadvantages than advantages.
Their advantages include the absolute saving of free space and the ability to install where a regular sink will not fit.
A mini-sink can be installed even in the tightest bathroom
But several more shortcomings were found in these units:
- Small size. Most washbasins are of such a size that even simple washing is not always possible. Small sinks can serve only as a washbasin.
- Splashing water. If you select the wrong mixer, water will splash all the walls and you at the same time.
- Functionality. As already mentioned, the main functionality of such sinks comes down to simply washing your hands, since you are unlikely to be able to fully brush your teeth or wash your face.
To wash your hands after visiting the toilet, even the smallest sink will be enough.
However, often such products are purchased exclusively as a washstand in a toilet or combined bathroom. They cope with this function perfectly.
Ceiling and lighting
Having chosen the cladding option, you should pay attention to the finishing of the ceiling. Complex multi-level designs are inappropriate here, so you should choose something more discreet. An excellent solution is a glossy stretch ceiling or a mirrored suspended ceiling: thanks to the reflection, the room seems twice as large.
Stretch ceiling in the bathroom
But options with photo printing need to be chosen very carefully, since an overly bright image will “crush” and draw attention to itself.
Plain stretch ceiling
Green stretch ceiling
If the interior is decorated simply, without any special frills, the ceiling can be covered with plastic panels or painted.
Plastic ceiling in the bathroom
Lighting in a small bathroom should be soft and uniform. Spotlights located on the ceiling cope best with this. It is better not to use massive sconces, as well as bright lamps, otherwise the room will not be very comfortable, but you should also not leave dark corners.
Spotlights on a plastic ceiling
