The design of the 2 by 2 bathroom is a real interior challenge for its owners. This room is located in the border zone, and it can not be attributed to either too small or large. If it also has a bathroom, then the problem doubles. Absolutely all households gather in this room. In the morning and in the evenings, there are crowds, and sometimes queues. In the bathroom you need to place a place for washing, a washing machine, a sink, lockers for storing little things. All this everyday “wealth” should have its place and not interfere with each other. We will discuss the great possibilities of a small area and the nuances of its design.
In colors, they prefer a pastel palette. It can be beige, light green, soft lilac, blue, pink. White and its shades are popular. To the color scheme does not seem too boring, the opposite walls are decorated in different colors, but here you can not start a game of contrasts. Remember that the main task is to expand the space due to the palette of shades.
Looks good:
Beige and turquoise solution;
Gray complete with white - a stylish and austere option;
Yellow with light green will bring brightness to the atmosphere;
Peach and blue in decoration;
Light brown and white are considered calm, practical solutions;
Lilac and steel gray.
The original option will be the design of the walls in the same colors, and the corners in their deeper shades. If you use ceramic tiles for decoration, then the pattern on it will become a "revitalizing" factor. It can be a small mosaic or a couple of bright spots that are randomly scattered on the walls. It is unacceptable to use large prints in the interior design of a small bathroom; they “clutter up” the scarce space and visually narrow it.
White tiles with a metallic effect look nontrivial, which adds the necessary volume to the room.
Floor and walls
When choosing finishing materials for a bathroom of 4 sq.m, take into account the features of the room. Based on this, they should be:
Moisture resistant
The "chronic" humidity here will be constant even if you do not always take a shower in your home.
Heat resistant
Temperature differences are also the norm for this room, because someone from the household loves a colder shower, and someone likes the burning boiling water.
Easy to wash
No curtains will save from the constant drying of water droplets on the surface of the walls, therefore, to maintain cleanliness, they will have to be systematically wiped and washed.
The market of finishing materials offers three main options:
Ceramic tile. She remains out of competition. Gone are the days when the tile was plain and created a boring interior. The range of colors, shades, patterns, patterns and textured imitations is impressive. Of the advantages, it is worth noting its strength and high life. The tile will settle in the bathroom for a long time and survive more than one repair in the neighboring rooms, preserving its original appearance. In addition, the craftsmen stack it in several ways (diagonal, vertical) at the customer’s choice;
Wallpaper. Special material that is designed specifically for bathrooms. They are made of vinyl, fiberglass, foil or the "liquid" option - decorative plaster, covered with a protective acrylic layer;
PVC panels. Universal plastic meets all the stringent requirements of the bathroom and withstands its microclimate. It is made from softener and polyvinyl chloride. The range offers textured and color variety. Unfortunately, the plastic is sensitive to mechanical damage, but the damaged area is easy to replace without harming the rest of the finish.
As for the floors, ceramics will help out again. More reliable and durable material has not yet been invented, so it is better to postpone experimentation with new products if you are not ready for high prices. For expensive apartments, the use of bulk floors with original stereoscopic drawings has been increasingly practiced lately.
The so-called 3d effect is usually used in paintings with “marine” motifs:
Shoals of fish under water;
Sandy beach with starfish;
Impressively floating jellyfish;
Transparent bottom with sun glare in a clean reservoir.
All this magnificence really looks very impressive. The floor turns out perfectly smooth and durable, but such a purchase will cost a solid amount, so it is not suitable for budget options.
PVC panels are not always safe for humans. If you make a purchase from an unscrupulous manufacturer (usually at a bargain price), then with a sharp drop in temperature, an unpleasant surprise may be waiting for you - the release of toxic substances.
Ceiling
Ceiling options are also becoming more diverse. Materials are chosen not only to taste, but also according to financial capabilities:
Normal plaster. The cheapest and boring finish;
PVC Plastic allows you to experiment with color, but is not suitable for creating multi-level ceilings;
Hanging option. It is made of drywall and is suitable for complex structures. Of the minuses emit a time-consuming installation. As a result, a “step” will appear on the ceiling, on which spotlights look spectacular;
Rack ceiling. It belongs to the subspecies of the outboard, since long planks of drywall or plastic with the help of a metal frame are attached to the base. The prototype of this design was the lining of an ordinary lining, but with a spectacular backlight, such a ceiling looks modern and stylish.
Hanging options mercilessly "eat" precious meters, so they can only be used in high rooms, where this fact does not play a role.
Lighting
Lighting in the bathroom is selected depending on the color scheme and should emphasize the finish. The division into functional zones and light adjustment of the space. The latter will hide defects and emphasize the dignity of the room.
Light sources in the bathroom are divided:
By level (floor, wall, ceiling);
Speakers or built-in;
Zone (mirror, bath, door);
By application (general or decorative).
All fixtures used in the bathroom must comply with safety requirements: with protection against moisture, low voltage (12V in the bathing area) and closed shades. The room is 4 sq.m.just one ceiling chandelier for 2 60W lamps and a beautiful decorative illumination in the mirror area. This will make shaving and washing comfortable. Using a moisture-resistant LED strip, you can highlight the lower level, create a light element of the interior.
The choice of plumbing
Everyone has heard that the highest quality sanitary ware is made in Italy. The country of the Coliseum and Pizza really makes products at the highest level, but our domestic producers are constantly striving for excellence. The main requirement for plumbing will be reliability, and only then an aesthetic taste will be used. Of course, faucets must match the overall interior picture. In the vintage direction, artificially aged plumbing is used or imitation of the one that was used in the chosen era. In minimalism, they resort to simplicity of forms, and for advanced hi-tech, taps with chrome-plated surfaces and lighting with an open water flow are chosen. But perhaps the most acute will be the struggle for "life" between showers and traditional bathtubs.
Which bath to choose
An average bathtub will fit into a two by two meter room:
170x70 cm;
150x70 cm.
However, a simpler solution would be to choose a corner or sitting bathtub. They are in no way inferior to the usual in functionality, but they allow you to additionally place a pair of cabinets or a cabinet. Cover the remaining space from splashes with a normal curtain, but there are more original options. The bathtub can be turned into an imitation of a shower cabin with the help of glass panels or more transparent budget plastic. Their joints are sealed with rubberized or silicone seals. The surface is applied with bright colors or matte spraying. Such a design move will allow you to decorate the room and close the washable from prying eyes.
Shower instead of bath
Shower cabin - a modern solution in a minimalist style.It is convenient, practical and takes up little space. Shower trays are made of:
Ceramic tiles in more budget options;
Acrylic
Steel.
The last two options are more reliable and durable. The optimal dimensions of the cabin for the bathroom with an area of 4 square meters are considered to be 120x120 cm. Boxes are distinguished from the assortment of units. They are closed on top and are sealed cabins.
Boxes can be equipped with a deep or low pallet. The first replaces a full bath. Of the shortcomings, only impressive dimensions are distinguished. An angular shower cubicle takes up a minimum of space and is considered an economical option. The walls can be made of heavy-duty glass or lighter plastic. In design options, drawings, patterns or combinations of gloss and matte are applied to the surface.
In boxes, a number of additional functions are usually present: from hydromassage to mini-baths. The wider its possibilities, the more the price “bites”.
Toilet installation
If the bathroom is combined, then you have to think over options for installing a toilet. In such a small space, the task will turn into a real design test.
The original solution is to move the sink to the bathroom. In this case, a special hanging bowl will be used. The bath will have to choose a custom shape with a "ledge". Also for cramped rooms use:
Corner toilet. Its tank has a triangular shape, and the unit itself is compact and practical;
Hanging option. This type of toilet bowl with installation has become a fashionable novelty a couple of years ago. They save space, but have a significant drawback: complexity in maintenance. Unfortunately, all communications are hidden and the plumber will have to tinker to open access to them in case of breakage or clogging.
If the room has a square shape, then traditionally a shower or bathtub is installed in the corner. A sink and toilet bowl are placed on the sides of adjacent walls.In rooms of non-standard shapes, there are often "niches" into which the toilet fits organically. Thus, you will kill two birds with one stone: economically place the toilet and hide the flaws of the layout.
Should I abandon the washbasin
The lack of a sink in the bathroom significantly reduces its functionality. This element has always been and remains a must in this room. To wash your hands or brush your teeth in the morning, you have to go to the kitchen, or carry out the procedure in an unsuitable bath for this. In a word - sheer inconvenience. Sinks are classified into several types according to the type of attachment:
Built-in;
Overhead;
Tulips
Outboard.
Hanging shells, which literally gained a second life due to new forms, are now popular. They are equipped with a cabinet from below, which is adapted for storage of household trifles. A little more space in the lower "drawer" is occupied by built-in options. “Tulips” are gradually becoming a thing of the past, but invoices are taking over a larger segment of the market, like an original accessory for a bathroom. According to the material of manufacture of the shell is divided into:
Ceramic
Glass;
Wooden;
Metal;
Stone (from natural or artificial material).
Wooden sinks are more likely a fashion accessory, rather than a functional unit, as they look very stylish, but have a short lifespan. Glass ones are suitable for hi-tech, and heavy stone ones are for minimalism. The latter will have to be installed on a special heavy-duty table because of the weight, if we are talking about natural material.
Where to install a washing machine
It is rather difficult to fit a washing machine into a cramped space. If possible, the unit is generally installed in the kitchen. Otherwise, you have to puzzle over the location of the machine. There are only a few installation methods:
Under the sink;
In a special niche;
Hanging option.
A narrow washing machine can fit under the sink. In this case, a hanging (wall) or overhead bowl with a flat bottom is used. The machine will replace a traditional stand. Hanging accommodation option is extravagant. Most likely you will need the help of professionals who will install durable brackets, thereby ensuring the stability of the mount. The machine is “suspended” over the toilet or bath, if the latter has a small gap under the wall. In rooms of non-standard forms, if there is a niche, it is used as a cabinet. A washing machine is installed below, and shelves for storing towels and household chemicals on top. The cabinet closes, which allows you to hide its contents from prying eyes and not violate the aesthetics of the design style.
A little bit about styles
Scandinavian style is characterized by the use of combinations of cold tones (blue, cyan, green, gray) with white in the decoration. In minimalism, simple forms prevail and only a functional minimum in the decor. High tech prefers an abundance of glass and chrome surfaces. Plumbing should look simple but expensive. A high-tech room, as a rule, is equipped with a large number of spotlights and technical devices. Ecostyle is not complete without stone and wood. The latter should be subjected to special processing, because the bathroom is not the best place for this material. Provence and rustic style welcome floral ornament in the decoration of the walls.
The curtains in the bathroom are also chosen with a cute and simple pattern. The ceiling is simply plastered, emphasizing its irregularities. The floor is covered with colorful rugs, and cute vases with fresh flowers “for mood” are put on the shelves. For luxurious classics choose an abundance of decorative elements: stucco molding, floral patterns. Of the materials, wood, stone and crystal are preferred.
Optional accessories
Poor footage of the room will not allow to turn around with furniture.You can count only on the cabinet under the sink and a tall, narrow cabinet in addition. Shelves for shampoos, lotions and other cosmetics will have to be installed in the area of the bathroom itself. They can be both open and closed type. The second will protect the contents from water splashes, but will make the space heavier visually. Corner shelves - a simple and compact option. In addition, it is now popular to conquer every centimeter, so storage niches are placed even under the ceiling. They do not interfere with households and regularly perform their functions. In the colors, choose light shades that will help to avoid excessive piling. To free the surface adjacent to the sink, cups with brushes and toothpastes are attached to the wall. Traditionally, a mirror is hung on it or kits are chosen where it has already been built.
Ways to Increase Space
In such a room, you can increase the space in several ways:
Using color;
Through competent lighting.
With the color scheme, as we said above, one should not experiment, it is better to turn to proven compositions of shades. In the outline of the drawing, you can enter horizontal lines around the entire perimeter of the room, which, as you know, visually stretch the room in width.
If you are lucky and there is a window in the bathroom, then do not brick it tightly. Stylish blinds or bamboo panels will hide you from prying looks from the street in the evenings, and during the day they will let in more natural light. An abundance of mirrors and glass surfaces will also save the situation. If you have already worked on the light, then the reflecting materials will double it and scatter it in the room. But the glossy ceiling in this case is a taboo. It will create the effect of infinity, which will stretch the space vertically and inspire the sensation of a well rather than a room.
Conclusion
The design of the bathroom, where the meter shortage is felt especially sharply, is quite a difficult but feasible task. It will take a long time to pore over the design of the room, and maybe even shift this task onto the shoulders of a professional. Before you start decorating and placing plumbing, carefully weigh all the pros and cons of design.
Analyze the location of the functional areas, whether they will interfere with each other or household. The installation of a standard bathroom or toilet will necessarily be associated with a forced “cutting” of space in other interior objects. Unfortunately, a small bathroom is always a choice between what is necessary and what you can refuse. To shorten the list of the second, resort to minimalist styles, where the meager decor will look organic and natural.
The design of the 2 by 2 bathroom is a real interior challenge for its owners. This room is located in the border zone, and it can not be attributed to either too small or large. If it also has a bathroom, then the problem doubles. Absolutely all households gather in this room. In the morning and in the evenings, there are crowds, and sometimes queues. In the bathroom you need to place a place for washing, a washing machine, a sink, lockers for storing little things. All this everyday “wealth” should have its place and not interfere with each other. We will discuss the great possibilities of a small area and the nuances of its design.
Content
Color spectrum
In colors, they prefer a pastel palette. It can be beige, light green, soft lilac, blue, pink. White and its shades are popular. To the color scheme does not seem too boring, the opposite walls are decorated in different colors, but here you can not start a game of contrasts. Remember that the main task is to expand the space due to the palette of shades.
Looks good:
The original option will be the design of the walls in the same colors, and the corners in their deeper shades. If you use ceramic tiles for decoration, then the pattern on it will become a "revitalizing" factor. It can be a small mosaic or a couple of bright spots that are randomly scattered on the walls. It is unacceptable to use large prints in the interior design of a small bathroom; they “clutter up” the scarce space and visually narrow it.
Floor and walls
When choosing finishing materials for a bathroom of 4 sq.m, take into account the features of the room. Based on this, they should be:
The market of finishing materials offers three main options:
As for the floors, ceramics will help out again. More reliable and durable material has not yet been invented, so it is better to postpone experimentation with new products if you are not ready for high prices. For expensive apartments, the use of bulk floors with original stereoscopic drawings has been increasingly practiced lately.
The so-called 3d effect is usually used in paintings with “marine” motifs:
All this magnificence really looks very impressive. The floor turns out perfectly smooth and durable, but such a purchase will cost a solid amount, so it is not suitable for budget options.
Ceiling
Ceiling options are also becoming more diverse. Materials are chosen not only to taste, but also according to financial capabilities:
Lighting
Lighting in the bathroom is selected depending on the color scheme and should emphasize the finish. The division into functional zones and light adjustment of the space. The latter will hide defects and emphasize the dignity of the room.
Light sources in the bathroom are divided:
All fixtures used in the bathroom must comply with safety requirements: with protection against moisture, low voltage (12V in the bathing area) and closed shades. The room is 4 sq.m.just one ceiling chandelier for 2 60W lamps and a beautiful decorative illumination in the mirror area. This will make shaving and washing comfortable. Using a moisture-resistant LED strip, you can highlight the lower level, create a light element of the interior.
The choice of plumbing
Everyone has heard that the highest quality sanitary ware is made in Italy. The country of the Coliseum and Pizza really makes products at the highest level, but our domestic producers are constantly striving for excellence. The main requirement for plumbing will be reliability, and only then an aesthetic taste will be used. Of course, faucets must match the overall interior picture. In the vintage direction, artificially aged plumbing is used or imitation of the one that was used in the chosen era. In minimalism, they resort to simplicity of forms, and for advanced hi-tech, taps with chrome-plated surfaces and lighting with an open water flow are chosen. But perhaps the most acute will be the struggle for "life" between showers and traditional bathtubs.
Which bath to choose
An average bathtub will fit into a two by two meter room:
However, a simpler solution would be to choose a corner or sitting bathtub. They are in no way inferior to the usual in functionality, but they allow you to additionally place a pair of cabinets or a cabinet. Cover the remaining space from splashes with a normal curtain, but there are more original options. The bathtub can be turned into an imitation of a shower cabin with the help of glass panels or more transparent budget plastic. Their joints are sealed with rubberized or silicone seals. The surface is applied with bright colors or matte spraying. Such a design move will allow you to decorate the room and close the washable from prying eyes.
Shower instead of bath
Shower cabin - a modern solution in a minimalist style.It is convenient, practical and takes up little space. Shower trays are made of:
The last two options are more reliable and durable. The optimal dimensions of the cabin for the bathroom with an area of 4 square meters are considered to be 120x120 cm. Boxes are distinguished from the assortment of units. They are closed on top and are sealed cabins.
Boxes can be equipped with a deep or low pallet. The first replaces a full bath. Of the shortcomings, only impressive dimensions are distinguished. An angular shower cubicle takes up a minimum of space and is considered an economical option. The walls can be made of heavy-duty glass or lighter plastic. In design options, drawings, patterns or combinations of gloss and matte are applied to the surface.
Toilet installation
If the bathroom is combined, then you have to think over options for installing a toilet. In such a small space, the task will turn into a real design test.
The original solution is to move the sink to the bathroom. In this case, a special hanging bowl will be used. The bath will have to choose a custom shape with a "ledge". Also for cramped rooms use:
If the room has a square shape, then traditionally a shower or bathtub is installed in the corner. A sink and toilet bowl are placed on the sides of adjacent walls.In rooms of non-standard shapes, there are often "niches" into which the toilet fits organically. Thus, you will kill two birds with one stone: economically place the toilet and hide the flaws of the layout.
Should I abandon the washbasin
The lack of a sink in the bathroom significantly reduces its functionality. This element has always been and remains a must in this room. To wash your hands or brush your teeth in the morning, you have to go to the kitchen, or carry out the procedure in an unsuitable bath for this. In a word - sheer inconvenience. Sinks are classified into several types according to the type of attachment:
Hanging shells, which literally gained a second life due to new forms, are now popular. They are equipped with a cabinet from below, which is adapted for storage of household trifles. A little more space in the lower "drawer" is occupied by built-in options. “Tulips” are gradually becoming a thing of the past, but invoices are taking over a larger segment of the market, like an original accessory for a bathroom. According to the material of manufacture of the shell is divided into:
Wooden sinks are more likely a fashion accessory, rather than a functional unit, as they look very stylish, but have a short lifespan. Glass ones are suitable for hi-tech, and heavy stone ones are for minimalism. The latter will have to be installed on a special heavy-duty table because of the weight, if we are talking about natural material.
Where to install a washing machine
It is rather difficult to fit a washing machine into a cramped space. If possible, the unit is generally installed in the kitchen. Otherwise, you have to puzzle over the location of the machine. There are only a few installation methods:
A narrow washing machine can fit under the sink. In this case, a hanging (wall) or overhead bowl with a flat bottom is used. The machine will replace a traditional stand. Hanging accommodation option is extravagant. Most likely you will need the help of professionals who will install durable brackets, thereby ensuring the stability of the mount. The machine is “suspended” over the toilet or bath, if the latter has a small gap under the wall. In rooms of non-standard forms, if there is a niche, it is used as a cabinet. A washing machine is installed below, and shelves for storing towels and household chemicals on top. The cabinet closes, which allows you to hide its contents from prying eyes and not violate the aesthetics of the design style.
A little bit about styles
Scandinavian style is characterized by the use of combinations of cold tones (blue, cyan, green, gray) with white in the decoration. In minimalism, simple forms prevail and only a functional minimum in the decor. High tech prefers an abundance of glass and chrome surfaces. Plumbing should look simple but expensive. A high-tech room, as a rule, is equipped with a large number of spotlights and technical devices. Ecostyle is not complete without stone and wood. The latter should be subjected to special processing, because the bathroom is not the best place for this material. Provence and rustic style welcome floral ornament in the decoration of the walls.
The curtains in the bathroom are also chosen with a cute and simple pattern. The ceiling is simply plastered, emphasizing its irregularities. The floor is covered with colorful rugs, and cute vases with fresh flowers “for mood” are put on the shelves. For luxurious classics choose an abundance of decorative elements: stucco molding, floral patterns. Of the materials, wood, stone and crystal are preferred.
Optional accessories
Poor footage of the room will not allow to turn around with furniture.You can count only on the cabinet under the sink and a tall, narrow cabinet in addition. Shelves for shampoos, lotions and other cosmetics will have to be installed in the area of the bathroom itself. They can be both open and closed type. The second will protect the contents from water splashes, but will make the space heavier visually. Corner shelves - a simple and compact option. In addition, it is now popular to conquer every centimeter, so storage niches are placed even under the ceiling. They do not interfere with households and regularly perform their functions. In the colors, choose light shades that will help to avoid excessive piling. To free the surface adjacent to the sink, cups with brushes and toothpastes are attached to the wall. Traditionally, a mirror is hung on it or kits are chosen where it has already been built.
Ways to Increase Space
In such a room, you can increase the space in several ways:
With the color scheme, as we said above, one should not experiment, it is better to turn to proven compositions of shades. In the outline of the drawing, you can enter horizontal lines around the entire perimeter of the room, which, as you know, visually stretch the room in width.
If you are lucky and there is a window in the bathroom, then do not brick it tightly. Stylish blinds or bamboo panels will hide you from prying looks from the street in the evenings, and during the day they will let in more natural light. An abundance of mirrors and glass surfaces will also save the situation. If you have already worked on the light, then the reflecting materials will double it and scatter it in the room. But the glossy ceiling in this case is a taboo. It will create the effect of infinity, which will stretch the space vertically and inspire the sensation of a well rather than a room.
Conclusion
The design of the bathroom, where the meter shortage is felt especially sharply, is quite a difficult but feasible task. It will take a long time to pore over the design of the room, and maybe even shift this task onto the shoulders of a professional. Before you start decorating and placing plumbing, carefully weigh all the pros and cons of design.
Analyze the location of the functional areas, whether they will interfere with each other or household. The installation of a standard bathroom or toilet will necessarily be associated with a forced “cutting” of space in other interior objects. Unfortunately, a small bathroom is always a choice between what is necessary and what you can refuse. To shorten the list of the second, resort to minimalist styles, where the meager decor will look organic and natural.