If your apartment is located in one of those houses that are popularly called "Khrushchev", you probably know certain inconveniences associated with a lack of space in the bathroom. It is almost impossible to place a standard bathing container and a washbasin in it so that at least a little free space is left for some bedside table or other furniture. There is no need to talk about a washing machine at all. Some owners of small apartments solve the problem by combining the bathroom and toilet into a single bathroom. But this is actually not the best option, especially if you have a large family.
In such a case, baths with reduced dimensions can serve as a way out. By choosing the right size and design, you will not only save the space of the room, but also decorate it with an original bath. In this article, we will talk about what types of baths are available and which ones are best for a small room.
Selection criteria
To begin with, the choice of bathing capacity involves several criteria:
- geometric shape;
- size;
- design;
- material;
- functionality.
Shape
Exactlythe shape of the bath should be taken into account when choosing it. Its geometry can be:
- standard rectangular;
- round (oval);
- triangular (corner types of bathtubs);
- abstract (asymmetrical).
Rectangular bowls are the most common and popular. They will suit any interior. They can be tightly fitted to the walls without wasting extra centimeters. They are quite simple and practical to use. By saving a bath length of 50-60 cm, you can freely place a washing machine in this space.
Bowls in the shape of a circle or oval are usually installed in spacious rooms, because these shapes are in no way connected with saving usable space. The same can be said about baths, the geometry of which is characterized by a lack of symmetry. However, if the size of such a bowl is reduced, it will fit perfectly into the interior of a small room.
But the corner types of bathtubs, made in the shape of a triangle, allow you to use space efficiently. And even if the side will have some 100 cm in length, such a bath will be spacious enough for bathing. But here one should take into account the geometric features of the room, as well as possible options for placing the bowl. It should not occupy more than a third of the area of the room and protrude beyond the doorway.
Size
So, we decided that for a small bathroom, rectangular or corner types of bathtubs are most suitable for us, photos of which you can see below. But if we are talking about a smallroom for bathing, then the standard dimensions of the bowl (150-170 cm long and 50-75 wide) will not suit us in any way.
Today, various types of bathtubs with reduced dimensions are on sale in a wide range. It can be a rectangular bowl 120x70 cm, 130x70 cm, 115x72 cm, 150x100 cm, or a triangular 70x70 cm, 70x50 cm, etc. It all depends on the size and shape of the room itself. You will have to measure yourself and determine which container dimensions will suit you best.
Design
As for design, today it is quite easy to choose a bathtub for the interior of the room. A wide range of models, made in different styles, complement the variety of colors and materials, so you can easily transform your small bathroom into any style. Among the current range of bowls you can choose from the following styles:
- modern (rectangular, corner, asymmetrical types of bathtubs);
- Japanese (deep oval);
- Victorian (small in length, deep, with a vintage look).
Material
Today, bathtubs are made from a variety of materials. The most popular bowls are from:
- cast iron;
- steel;
- acrylic;
- acrylic and polymer concrete;
- wood.
Let's consider each of the listed materials, evaluating its advantages and disadvantages.
Cast iron bathtubs
Cast-iron bathtubs are a classic in ourunderstanding. All of us remember these huge heavy bowls, which were used to equip all apartments in high-rise buildings without exception. The only advantage of cast iron over other materials is its ability to retain heat for a long time. In other words, hot water in such a bath cools down more slowly. In all other respects, the cast-iron bowl loses. And most of all - because of the significant weight. Modern types of bathtubs for a small bathroom made of cast iron are quite rare.
Steel
Steel bowls have gained the most popularity. They are light in weight, can have different shapes and colors, but, most importantly, they are cheaper than all other options. That is why most bathrooms are equipped with such bowls.
The disadvantages of steel baths include the relative strength of the material, high thermal conductivity, and noise. It is quite easy to damage the surface of a steel bowl. It is enough to drop some relatively heavy object into it, and deformation, accompanied by enamel chips, is guaranteed. Sheet steel is an excellent conductor of heat, so the bath heats up very quickly under the influence of hot water, but it cools just as quickly, giving off temperature to the surrounding air. And, of course, the noise. A jet of water falling from a faucet into a bath causes a rather loud sound. For some, this is a mere trifle, while for others, such noise can be annoying.
Acrylic and acrylic with polymer concrete
The most practical and versatile are acrylic bathing bowls. It's all aboutthat this synthetic material has the greatest number of advantages:
- relatively low cost;
- high strength along with ductility;
- excellent damage resistance;
- low thermal conductivity;
- durability;
- light weight;
- the ability to perform a variety of forms.
Of course, not all types of acrylic bathtubs can be called inexpensive, but most of them can be bought at a price that is not much different from the cost of a steel bowl we are used to. At the same time, you will receive an almost eternal bath, which you can bring to your home on your own, connect it to communications. Moreover, you do not have to wait for the bowl to warm up before bathing, because acrylic itself is not a cold material at all. It should also be added here that bathtubs from this material are made in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They can have original seats, leg recesses, armrests, shelves and many other elements that complement bathing comfort. It is these bowls that are most often used to equip small bathrooms.
Not so long ago, various types of bathtubs made from a mixture of acrylic and polymer concrete appeared on the market. This material is similar in structure to ceramics, which is why models made from it look much more massive and beautiful. Bathtubs made of acrylic and polymer concrete have not yet found wide distribution, although they are quite popular. Their only drawback is the high price.
Tree
Wooden bathtubs came to us from the Ancient East. While our ancestors bathed in baths, the Japanese and Chinese bathed in wooden vats filled with hot water. Of course, not everyone wants to equip their bathroom with such a bath, but if you decide to decorate it in an oriental style, then why not. Properly selected wood species and workmanship are the two main criteria for choosing such a bath. As for the size and depth of the bowl, it is up to you to choose, based on the size of the room. Naturally, a wooden bath is not a cheap pleasure, especially if it is made according to all the rules. But if you want your bathing room to look like an oriental bath with all its trappings, you'll have to shell out.
Bathtub functionality
No matter what size bath you want, think about functionality. Even in a small room, you can install a bowl equipped with hydromassage equipment. This, of course, does not apply to ordinary steel, cast iron bowls, or even wooden bowls. Such models usually do not have such functions. For the most part, hydromassage equipment is installed on acrylic bathtubs, including smaller ones. At the same time, it is completely hidden under special bends. In other words, the equipment does not take up extra space.
By installing this bath, you can always enjoy a relaxing massage, regardless of the size of the bowl.
Shower stall
ExcellentA walk-in shower can be the solution for a small bathroom. This option is most suitable for those who do not particularly like to bask in warm water with foam, or for those for whom such bathing is contraindicated. But there are also models that combine the properties of both baths and showers. They consist of a deep tray in which you can draw water and swim calmly, as well as a shower system that includes vertical and horizontal water supply. These types of bathtubs and showers are very popular among residents of small apartments. Considering them as an alternative to a regular bath, you can win not only in free space, but also in terms of money.
