The bathroom is perhaps the most important room in an apartment or residential building. Each member of the family visits the bathroom at least 3-5 times during the day, so the convenience and rationality of its equipment has a great impact on the comfort of life of household members.
Owners of a small bathroom know how difficult it is to fit everything in there. necessary equipment, plumbing and equip a sufficient number of storage spaces. In situations where there is a real shortage of free space indoors, a bathroom with a shower becomes the only way to rationally organize the space. In this article we will talk about design options for a small but comfortable bathroom with a shower and toilet.
What is a shower cabin?
Most apartments, even those with a small bathroom area, are currently equipped with a bathtub. However, the justification of such a solution is questionable, since the modest size of the room will not allow for a large, convenient container for washing, and small-sized models are completely inconvenient to use, since you have to wash there while sitting or standing.
The design of a bathroom with a shower cabin allows you to more efficiently use the free space in the bathroom with the help of modern plumbing equipment. A shower stall is a specially designated area in a room, fenced at the top, bottom and assembly with glass or polymer fencing. It consists of the following components:
Keep in mind that a modern shower stall in a small bathroom is a godsend. Deep tray, allowing you to perform hygienic procedures while reclining or washing, numerous additional functions(built-in radio, lighting, hydromassage) allow you to turn the washing process into a pleasant pleasure.
Advantages
Of course, some conservative homeowners have a hard time imagining a bathroom design with a compact shower stall instead of a traditional, bulky wash basin that takes up space. most free space. Experienced designers believe that many people underestimate how much a shower stall simplifies the layout of a small sanitary room with little space. The design of a small bathroom with a shower has the following advantages:
Professional designers believe that over time, traditional bathrooms with a stationary container for washing will be replaced by a bathroom with a shower, because design projects for such solutions have already become affordable even in the budget price category.
Types of booths
IN last years There is an opinion that a bathroom with a shower cabin, the design of which is distinguished by its utilitarian design, is the destiny of only small-sized economy class apartments. However, high-quality, multifunctional showers can decorate even luxury apartments with more than one bathroom. Design project can organically fit a shower stall into an interior designed in any style. There are the following types of booths:
Note! When choosing a suitable model for a small bathroom, you need to consider not so much the size as the shape. Most often, corner shower cabins, which occupy one corner, freeing up the rest of the space for installation, allow rational placement of a place for washing. household appliances or furniture.
Finishing the bathroom for installing a shower stall
A shower stall in a small bathroom can be a real lifesaver, freeing up enough space to install a washing machine, dryer or furniture. However, in order for the interior of the room to look harmonious and not suffer from the effects high humidity, typical for a room with a shower, it is necessary to provide special finishing:
Important! When choosing a bathroom design with a shower stall, you need to check that its walls reliably protect the bathroom finish from water splashes, and that the doors are closed tightly, otherwise a puddle will always accumulate on the floor of the room when taking a shower.
Video instruction
Some people prefer a separate bathroom, while others prefer a combined one. Everyone has their own preferences. However, the latter option is quite common. And there is a simple explanation for this: such a solution is functional and practical. If you connect a bathroom and a toilet, you get bigger room with great possibilities.
The only disadvantage of this approach exists only if the family consists of many members. Visiting one room at a time will be quite a long and problematic task.
But we will consider the combined version of the bathroom, its features and the integration of a shower stall into this space.
Advantages and disadvantages
And first, it’s worth figuring out what are the positive and negative sides such a solution in the interior.
- Thanks to the larger space, you can place sanitary items much more comfortably.
- For such a room you will only need one door, which also plays a positive role during renovation - much more less costs funds and time to purchase the installation.
- If the wall between the bathroom and the toilet is removed, the amount of necessary finishing materials is significantly reduced.
- The presence of additional space allows for more convenient placement washing machine, For example.
Inconveniences
- If you make a combined bathroom yourself, you will not only need to spend a lot of effort, but also time to coordinate such a redevelopment.
- The inconvenience of visiting a shared bathroom for a large family has already been mentioned.
Features of the combination process
In addition to coordinating the demolition of the wall, to create a combined bathroom, it is important to think through everything in advance if the rooms are small enough. The design of such a combined space should include, first of all, everything necessary. And then you can complement the interior with decorative elements, as can be seen in the photo.
Let's look at a few tips on how to optimize space in a combined bathroom:
- First, you should think about whether you need a bath? Maybe it’s worth replacing it with a high-quality shower cabin, which will be equipped with many modern functions? This solution will allow you to win quite a lot of free space, which can either be left as is or filled with useful items. For example, it is more convenient to place a basket for dirty laundry or washing machine.
- In this case, it is better to decorate the walls of the room with small-sized tiles. Moreover, it should be laid vertically to visually increase the height of the walls. In this case, you can use the traditional technique: tiles of dark colors are laid below, and light ones on top. However, it is still believed that such a solution will visually make the room smaller.
- A mirror will look great in a combined bathroom. It will not only perform an important practical function, but will also visually enlarge the room. At the same time, the solution of integration into the wall will save space.
- It is also important to place the lighting fixtures correctly to create maximum light.
- In addition to the shower cabin, you can use wall hung toilet and a bidet. This will also save important square footage.
Shower cabin in a combined bathroom - the optimal solution
Considering all of the above, the conclusion suggests itself that for a combined bathroom, a shower stall is really best choice. This saves space, reduces water consumption, and gives many pleasant sensations during procedures. And such a device looks modern and relevant. Therefore, all that remains is to connect everything correctly.
Many people, faced with a small bathroom and bathtub, and usually this is no more than two or three square meters, decide to combine them to make the room larger and more functional.
This is a good solution for small families, since such a combination brings some difficulties. When connecting a bathroom and a toilet together, some people change the bathtub to a shower stall.
Shower cabin in a combined bathroom
By combining two rooms into one, the room increases, giving flight to imagination. Replacing the bathtub with a shower will help make it even bigger. The shower also makes it possible to take a quick shower before work, which is rarely possible with a bathtub. It saves water consumption, which is important. Also, modern shower stalls have additional useful features, such as radio, telephone, bath and aromatherapy functions.
Of course, a shower will never replace a full bath, but the variety of choices will help you choose the right one. Shower cabins can be with trays, low and deep. A deep tray can also be a good substitute for a bathtub, even if it is a sit-down bathtub. Shower doors that open outward, inward, or sideways will help you choose an option for any room layout.
Why is it worth combining a bathroom with a shower:
- The main advantage is the increase in the room in which every morning and evening is spent.
- More space allows you to install more cabinets for storing bath accessories, a washing machine and more little things that bring joy.
- Combining rooms allows you to save on finishing materials, since one of the walls will be removed, and there will also be more space and savings due to the elimination of one of the two doors.
- A larger room will allow you to install plumbing fixtures as you like or are more convenient.
- common room, larger in size, will allow you to realize ideas with a more complex design.
What can prevent you from combining a bathroom with a shower:
- Having a large family, it will become a problem for several people to visit the bathroom, especially if there are several children, especially if they are of different genders.
- To demolish a wall, you need to obtain a permit, and this is provided that the wall is not load-bearing. Such walls cannot be demolished.
Layout of a combined bathroom with shower
When starting a renovation, you should first draw the layout of a combined bathroom with a shower. When you know where and what will be located, renovation work carried out much faster.
Main types of layouts:
Design of a combined bathroom with shower
Not all design styles are suitable for small rooms. The design of a combined bathroom with a shower can be created only by simulating some style and small accessories.
Several types of design for small rooms:
A combined bathroom with a shower can be decorated in any style you like, the main thing is that it doesn’t put pressure and you don’t have to redo everything.
Finishing a combined bathroom with shower
The walls can be finished with any material - tiles, wallpaper, panels, and the easiest way is to simply paint them. Most often, walls are laid out with ceramics. When choosing tiles, you need to remember a few rules:
- The tile should not be too large, no more than twenty centimeters.
- It should be laid out vertically or diagonally - this will increase the volume of the room.
- Combine colors, don’t take more than two, so as not to be too bright.
- Separating the upper and lower parts of the room by color will make the room appear taller.
- The glossy surface of the tile will reflect light and make the area appear larger.
- Mirror tiles It will enhance the bathroom well, but it is difficult to care for.
- On the tiles dark colors Soap stains are very visible and you will have to clean it more often.
Advice ! A good option For any combined bathroom there will be a mosaic. With its help you can create your own, individual style. It can be all over the walls, or a separate drawing or pattern.
Many people decorate the walls with several materials, either separating the top and bottom, or alternating along the walls, you can make each wall different, or use contrasting inserts. There must be mirrors on the walls, be they small or covering the entire wall.
The most common ceiling finish is a good whitewash or paint. If your room is tiled, then it is better not to use it on the ceiling. Mounted or frame ceilings will steal extra centimeters of the room, but glossy suspended ceiling compensates for this. A mirrored ceiling will greatly increase the volume, but this option is not suitable for everyone, but only for brave people.
On the floor, you can lay out both tiles and wood, preferably diagonally - this will help to enlarge the combined bathroom. A wide range of heated floors will help make it cozy.
The video shows all the stages of repairing a combined bathroom
Plumbing and furniture in a combined bathroom with shower
The type and volume of the shower stall is selected taking into account the area of the room and the style of the room. It can be angular, square, rectangular, round, oval and even curved. The shower room can be with a deep or low tray, or without it at all.
For a small combined bathroom with a shower, wall-mounted toilets and sinks are chosen whenever possible. This will visually enlarge the room and make it possible, for example, to install a washing machine or a cabinet for cleaning products or bath accessories under the sink. In addition, this will make cleaning the room easier.
IN small room, small items are usually stored in wall cabinets or shelves. Their choice also depends on the location and style.
An area of 6 square meters in the bathroom will allow you to place in the room everything you need for comfortable hygiene procedures. Typically, bathrooms of this size are found in a private house; in apartments, the bathroom area is much smaller. For those who prefer to have more free space in the bathroom, the option of installing a shower cabin without a stationary bath is suitable. The main thing is to create an attractive design for the shower room so that it is cozy and beautiful.
Shower cabin instead of bath
Ergonomic modern bathrooms only benefit from installing a shower stall over a bulky bathtub. In this case, the best option is corner model, which looks attractive and additionally saves space. Creation shower corner- most practical option for small bathrooms. This is due to the fact that when installing it there is no need to install side walls– their role is played by the walls.
If you refuse a bath, the room can additionally be equipped with the following plumbing fixtures:
- A bidet will solve the problems of carrying out hygiene procedures in the absence of a bath. Most convenient hanging option, which occupies a minimum area;
- In a separate bathroom in the shower room, it is advisable to install two sinks. This will save a lot of time when washing your family in the morning;
- the second shower is installed for the same purpose as the second sink. However, this can only be done if there is large pallet for taking a shower.
It is important to pay attention to the distance between plumbing fixtures. The shower room must have enough free space, otherwise no design will save the room from being cramped. There must be at least 75 cm of space in front of the doors of the shower stall or corner when open. The minimum distance between the door and the cabin body is 15 cm. There must be at least 30 cm of space between the toilet, bidet, sink, and shower.
Design style
When decorating a shower room measuring 6 square meters, you can use different styles and interior design options. The most current styles are minimalism, hi-tech or modern, because most shower cabins look ultra-modern. But if you wish, you can bring any idea to life:
- rustic country style or chalet with wood finish - a suitable interior for a private home;
- decoration in Provence style will create a cozy romantic atmosphere;
- The loft style is somewhat reminiscent of modern high-tech and involves partially decorating the interior as an industrial space.
Country style shower room 
Shower room in loft style 
Decorating a shower room in Provence style It is better not to use styles such as classic, empire, baroque or art deco, since creating such an interior requires a large area. Even in a private house with a shower room of 6 sq.m., a classic finish requires a bathtub, as well as big sizes premises. In a small shower room, rich classic finishes look unpresentable.
Choosing a color
Due to the fact that a bathroom with an area of 6 square meters is considered quite spacious, the finishing can be done in any color you like:
- Light shades create a cozy and calm atmosphere in the home. Many people don't like White color for its “sterility” and for the fact that it resembles the walls of an operating room or treatment room. In this case, it is quite possible to use all shades of beige or any other pastel colors. Finishing in light colors good because it can be combined with any plumbing fixtures and furniture;
- use of blue, blue colors in the interior of the bathroom it is quite justified by the fact that the water element is dominant here. The main thing is not to overdo it with decor in the form of shells and images of sea creatures. The most advantageous option for a “marine” finish is blue mosaic in combination with white sanitary ware;
- classic combination of black and white flowers looks strict, but aesthetically pleasing. Usually the walls and ceilings are finished in white, and the floors are black, which creates visual increase volume of the room. If you use black and white ceramic tiles for horizontal and vertical surfaces, the boundaries between the walls and floor will be erased. White plumbing and black doors will perfectly complement the interior;
- finishing a shower in dark colors is a rarity due to the fact that such colors visually reduce the area of the bathroom in the house. Also, dark walls and floors require maintenance, as any dirt and splashes are very visible on them.
Bathroom in blue tones 
Bathroom in black and white colors 
Bright hues in the design of a small bathroom When choosing a finishing color, give preference to neutral tones; bright colors quickly become boring.
Decor elements
In any bathroom or shower room, a mirror is a must-have piece of furniture. It can be used not only as a practical item, but also as a room decoration. The style of the mirror frame should be completely consistent with the rest of the design. An original solution is to place several on the wall small mirrors. Large mirror visually increases the shower area. Mirror cabinets are popular, which perform two functions at once - they reflect objects and are a place to store toiletries.
Textiles can also be an excellent decor for the bathroom. Colored towels and a rug will diversify the interior, making it brighter and more comfortable. Especially relevant bright accents look in combination with basic beige or black and white colors.
Surprisingly, plumbing fixtures can also look unusual and decorate with their own appearance room. Firstly, toilets and sinks today can be found in absolutely any color. Secondly, many companies specialize in the production of plumbing fixtures unusual shape, which in itself attracts attention and makes the interior special.
Decoration Materials
For the shower room it is necessary to use finishing materials that are resistant to moisture. However, 6 square meters is an area sufficient to protect part of the room from direct water falling on the walls and floor. That's why the choice is quite wide.
Tile
Ceramic tile. This is a classic for covering walls and floors in the bathroom. It is used both in apartments and in private houses. The tile has high resistance to mechanical damage and exposure to water, it is easy to care for, it is durable and relatively inexpensive. Ceramic tiles are an environmentally friendly material, which again speaks in its favor. A wide choose colors will allow you to decorate the interior in an original way. Using tiles, you can lay out a picture, pattern or ornament, imitate masonry or wooden surface.
Mosaic tiles. This option has all the advantages of ceramic tiles, but has one significant drawback - the high cost of the material. But due to its small size, mosaic can be used to decorate “complex” surfaces - semicircular corners, wavy walls, and so on. By combining ceramic and mosaic tiles you can create an original interior.
Panels
Plastic panels. This material is becoming increasingly widespread due to its undeniable advantages: low cost, large assortment of colors and textures, moisture resistance, ease of installation. If, when choosing tiles or mosaics, you need to add the cost of masonry to the costs, then plastic panels install independently without much effort. However, lovers of environmentally friendly products and materials do not always like plastic.
Embossed Wall panels. To decorate the bathroom, relief panels are used extremely rarely due to the difficulty of maintenance. A textured or wavy surface is much more difficult to clean than a smooth one. They look original and presentable, despite the very affordable price.
Advantages and disadvantages for different types of finishes
If the part of the bathroom where the shower is installed is finished only with tiles or panels, then the rest of the room can be decorated in other ways:
- moisture resistant plaster: decorative plaster- a relatively new word in bathroom renovation, this material will allow you to create unusual interior. It can be used to decorate walls, leaving them smooth or giving them relief;
- moisture-resistant paint: this material is affordable and combines well with ceramic tiles;
- vinyl wallpaper: has moisture-resistant properties and allows you to give the bathroom an unusually cozy atmosphere.
To finish the ceiling, stretch fabric, plastic, metal panels, paint. The floors are laid with ceramic tiles or more durable porcelain stoneware.
Table - Comparative characteristics finishing materials for the shower in the house.
| Type of finish | pros | Minuses |
| Ceramic and mosaic tiles |
|
Expensive installation work |
| Plastic panels |
|
|
| Plastering and painting |
|
Low resistance to moisture |
| Vinyl wallpapers | Beautiful design |
|
Secrets of creating a beautiful interior
If you want to visually enlarge the room, use the following features in the interior:
- more glossy surfaces. This applies not only to walls and ceilings, but also to plumbing fixtures and furniture;
- transparent doors on the cabinets on the front side of the shower;
- minimum dimensions of plumbing fixtures. For the toilet, sink, bidet, use installations;
- hanging and built-in cabinets located under or above the sink, as well as above the washing machine, toilet;
- diagonal pattern on tiles. It is not necessary to choose a tile with a pattern; it is enough to lay it diagonally, which also expands the space;
- bright lighting. If there are no dark corners in your shower room, it will appear much larger.
Using these little tricks, you will create stylish interior shower room in your home.
On the secondary housing market today there are few apartments that would delight you with their huge sizes, especially the area intended for the bathroom. Due to limited space, we have to look for layout options of this premises so that every centimeter is used for its intended purpose. A shower stall in a small bathroom (pictured) has become a common occurrence. Cause similar choice in her small sizes, as well as in providing the desired level of comfort.
What is considered a small bathroom?
According to current building codes, certain dimensions are assumed for sanitary rooms. For a combined bathroom, at least 4 square meters are allocated during construction. A shower stall would be suitable for this area. Also in the small bathroom there is a toilet, washbasin, and washing machine.
If the project involves separate placement of the bathroom, then its area should not be less than 3 square meters. Only 1.3 m2 is allocated for the toilet in such apartments. The smallest bathrooms are in Khrushchev-era buildings, sometimes they do not exceed 2 square meters.
Attention ! If you choose the right bathroom designs with a shower, you can rationally use the available space and get the desired level of comfort and coziness.
Reasons for choice
Many owners of small bathrooms, starting renovations, think about how to equip a bathroom with a shower. Buying a bathtub or choosing a stall is the choice of the homeowner. Before purchasing, it is important to think about its practicality, aesthetics, and convenience. See the video for details of choosing a shower design for a small bathroom.
Let's analyze the main advantages of a bathroom with a shower.
Attention ! There is a direct relationship between the number of cabin functions and its cost. If you are limited in your financial capabilities, you can choose a booth with minimal functions.
Disadvantages of shower stalls
Beautiful bathrooms with walk-in showers also have some drawbacks. If you purchase a small booth, it will have limited functionality.
Conventional showers are inconvenient for small children and the elderly. It is inconvenient for them to climb onto a pallet that is too high, and besides, the child can hit it and fall. To cope with this problem, you can choose a model with a minimal pallet. Such cabins are adapted to the physiological needs of all ages.
During operation, plaque appears on the partitions from household chemicals, poor quality tap water. The partitions in many booth models are made of textured materials, and serious problems arise when cleaning them.
Low water pressure in the water supply system is not suitable for showers; you will not be able to take a shower until the pressure in the system normalizes.
If a small bathroom has a bathtub, you can omit the use of a washbasin, saving space. When buying a shower stall, you won’t be able to “sacrifice” a washbasin. For those who are used to taking it lying down water procedures, a shower stall will not work.
Let's talk separately about such an important issue as saving water. To take a quick shower you won't need a lot of water. If you need to wash yourself thoroughly, the shower head should work long time, so much more water is used than when filling a bathtub.
Posting rules
Small bathrooms with a shower will have an organic look if household appliances and fixtures are properly placed.
Advice ! Together with experienced designer create own project, taking into account all the accessories that will be in this room.
To optimally position the booth, start with measurements. Knowing the dimensions of the washbasin, toilet, cabinets, and washing machine, you can determine the parameters of the shower stall that can fit into your bathroom.
For a small bathroom room will suit a transparent shower stall or shower corner with a one-sided partition. However, if you purchase it, it is necessary to carry out high-quality waterproofing of the walls.
Designers do not recommend installing a mirror inside a shower stall. This option looks original only in photographs. IN real life the mirror will quickly lose its natural shine, there will be no question of any aesthetics. The best option There will be a mirror mounted opposite the booth, that is, on the opposite wall.
If your plans include selecting a shower stall that would take up minimal space, take a closer look at the corner models.
A round cubicle will take up the least amount of space in the bathroom. By installing a corner shower with rounded edges in your bathroom, you will achieve the desired space savings.
The door for cubicles in small bathrooms should be sliding; a folding option will not work.
Advice ! When installing the booth, please note that there must be a distance of at least 30 centimeters from household appliances and plumbing items. The entrance to the bathroom should be at approximately the same distance from the shower.
If you follow this rule, you will not have problems operating the booth.
Conclusion
Not all owners of city apartments can boast of huge bathrooms. We offer advice from professional designers with which you can optimize the space in a small bathroom.
Give up bulky bathtubs and replace them with a compact shower stall. You can allocate space for a washing machine and a cabinet with bath accessories.
If the dimensions of the bathroom allow it, designers consider it ideal to install both a shower stall and a bathtub in the same room. Unfortunately, for Khrushchev this is practically impossible. Plumbing manufacturers already offer combined options in which the stall and bathtub are connected to each other. This option is good because you don’t have to choose between taking a bath and washing in the shower. In addition, such a “hybrid” will take up less space; you can place a laundry basket, cabinets, and cabinets in the bathroom.
An alternative to the previous options for a small bath is a shower corner. The corner does not have a rear stationary wall, so you will not have any problems installing it. Do not forget, when choosing such a shower model, that the joint between the equipment and the walls of the bathroom will need to be sealed so that water does not leak through the cracks. The shower design is made of modern and safe materials, is affordable, easy to install, compact, and easy to maintain.
If you were unable to install a washing machine in the bathroom, do not worry. Organize a niche, armed with decorative finishing materials, and put the car in it. In order to “win” space, replace the swing door sliding structure. In this case, you can install not only a shower stall inside the bathroom, but also a washing machine.
