Bathroom design niches for washing machines

How to make a cabinet above the washing machine in the bathroom?

Design of a small, bright bathroom with efficient use of space

Nowadays, small-sized studio apartments, or apartments in the so-called “Khrushchev” buildings, are very popular, where every centimeter must be used correctly in order to get the maximum benefit from the space. For a modern interior, beautiful, high-quality and functional furniture is the main rule.

A cabinet for a washing machine in the bathroom allows you to close the machine and use the rest of the space for storing household chemicals, towels, and linen.

One of the important points is the equipment of the place for the washing machine. It doesn’t matter where it will be - in the bathroom, hallway or kitchen. Installation in the bathroom is of course much simpler than, for example, in the kitchen. No additional hosing is required for installation.

Cabinet for washing machine in the bathroom in a built-in niche

To save space in a room or disguise household appliances, it has become popular to build a cabinet above the washing machine.

A built-in cabinet for a washing machine in a small bathroom allows you to properly use the free space

Pros and cons of placing a washing machine in the kitchen

pros

1. Save space in the bathroom.

2. There is no danger of machine breakdown due to high humidity.

3. Ease of connection due to the fact that any kitchen has sockets, unlike the bathroom.

4. All major household appliances are located in one place, eliminating the need for additional electrical wiring.

5. All household work (cooking, washing, etc.) can be carried out in one place.

6. The ability to use a water tee to the machine, which is much easier than running a separate sewer pipe and cold water pipe.

7. Fits perfectly into the kitchen design.

8. If the washing machine can be placed separately without being built in, then this will allow you to purchase a machine with a depth of more than 60 cm, which is usually difficult to do in the bathroom due to lack of space.

Minuses

1. Additional noise in the kitchen, which is very disturbing if there is no door in the kitchen or if there is a TV there.

2. The smell of washing powder and other laundry detergents, which can be quite noticeable.

3. The proximity of food and laundry products is, at a minimum, not very hygienic.

4. Vibration of the washing machine, if installed incorrectly, can damage the furniture set in which it is built and even the equipment that is located next to it.

5. Drying your car after washing can be inconvenient as it requires leaving the door open for a while.

6. It would be inappropriate to use a washing machine located in the kitchen as a basket for dirty laundry.

Advantages and disadvantages of this interior solution

Washer and dryer in a cabinet with convenient and functional shelves and drawers

Let's start with the positives.

Firstly, the cabinet protects household appliances from moisture (if the washing machine is in the bathroom, water naturally gets on it), thereby protecting its body from corrosion.

A convenient cabinet for a washing machine and washbasin looks stylish and beautiful, and also protects the washing machine from external influences

The cabinet for the boiler above the washing machine protects it well from prying eyes and serves as additional storage space

A built-in wardrobe can only be installed in large rooms. It requires quite a lot of space, so this option, unfortunately, is not suitable for small apartments.

Rack with open shelves above the washing machine in a small bathroom

The only downside is that you may not notice the leak in time if the washing machine is installed inside. Also, the cabinet may not last long, but this will depend on the material you choose for its manufacture.

White homemade cabinet above the washing machine installed in a niche

Minimalist bathroom with washing machine placed under the cabinet

Cabinet materials

What can you use to make a cabinet where the washing machine is hidden? There are several options, and everyone chooses according to their pocket. Although it should be noted that some materials, both in quality and price, will be acceptable to a wide range of consumers.

You can make a cabinet from wood. This is the most expensive option. And even if someone says that moisture quickly deteriorates wood, one can object to him that all kinds of protective impregnations make lumber today almost eternal in terms of its use.
MDF and fiberboard. Today the most popular and practical materials. Making cabinets from them above the washing machine in the bathroom, as well as for it itself, is as easy as shelling pears. The main thing is to indicate the shape and size. The panels themselves will be cut in the workshop, and you can assemble them yourself.
Mirror or glass. Not the most practical option, especially for the kitchen and bathroom. But, as they say, it's all a matter of taste and budget.
Plastic. A good budget option that will temporarily solve the problem of hiding a washing machine. It's all about the fragility of polymer materials. So if the task is to build a cabinet for a washing machine, which in five years will be replaced by something else, then you can use it.

Attention! The choice of material, size and shape of the cabinet will depend only on the owner of the house or apartment. Or rather, on how much money he is willing to pay for it.

Selection of building materials

Cabinet above the washing machine made of white semi-gloss laminated chipboard, made independently

Before choosing building materials, you need to carefully and accurately measure the bathroom and washing machine. Different models have different dimensions. Then you need to make a drawing, taking into account the dimensions of the cabinet. It should be 3-4 cm wider than the washing machine.

A small wall cabinet above the washing machine in a niche

In terms of height, choose the option that is most suitable for you, it can vary from 2 to 2.5 meters. The higher the structure, the greater the number of functional shelves. Please note: the tall structure is unstable. The size of the cabinet should correspond to the size of the bathroom; large furniture in small rooms looks awkward and takes up a lot of space.

Moisture-resistant MDF for making a bathroom cabinet

After taking measurements, we go to the store and select moisture-resistant MDF, which is the most suitable and budget option for making furniture. This is a relatively new material, which is obtained by pressing fine dry sawdust. But at the same time, it is very resistant to aggressive environmental influences. When choosing MDF, you should pay attention to the thickness, choose the required color and texture. It must have a PVC coating for additional protection from moisture. The MDF thickness required is at least 19-20 mm; with such parameters, the cabinet will be very reliable and can withstand a washing machine, the weight of which is about 80 kg.

Carefully examine the surface of the product for chips and scratches. Start making.

Equipment and tools for cabinet making

You will need a fairly standard set of tools:

drill;
screwdriver;
jigsaw;
metal corners;
screws;
tape measure, pencil.

Before making the cabinet, we calculate the dimensions of all parts. The intermediate shelves will be 10-15 mm shorter than the bottom and top walls. We make markings and cut out parts to individual sizes. You can order ready-made material, which will be cut on a special machine.

Details of the future shelf made of white MDF

First of all, we attach the legs to the base.
Mark the holes for the shelf holders on the side walls.

Holes for fastening shelves on the side walls

Holes for connecting the cabinet frame

Pinch screws and end hole

A cabinet with a machine inside and shelves, built into a bathroom niche

In some cases, the washing machine is not closed with a door, and it “fits” harmoniously into the new interior. A white washing machine can be placed in a classic snow-white bathroom, and a gray metallic one will suit a bathroom with gray ceramic tiles.

Large cabinet above the washing machine near the shower

If there is no time and opportunity to place a cabinet, a simpler and more affordable option is possible - placing shelves above the washing machine. They can also store various accessories that are necessary for daily care.

Convenient shelves above the washing machine

They can be made from available materials, for example, pieces of MDF that could have been left over after renovating an apartment, or from glass coated with film (for easier maintenance).

Spacious, hand-made closed bathroom cabinet

Bathroom cabinet with space for a washing machine

Should I buy ready-made furniture, or create a budget-friendly and most suitable universal rack or cabinet? In any case, the choice is yours.

Corner cabinet with built-in washing machine

Washing machine in a small bathroom with convenient and functional cabinets and shelves

Cabinet for washing machine, photo

Minimalists don't like it when carefully organized interior design is overwhelmed by poorly integrated fixtures. A modern food processor, a coffee maker, or an elegant retro oven can be the icing on the cake of a kitchen design, but a washing machine is difficult to present in an aesthetically pleasing, attractive way. Even a built-in model is quite difficult to make part of the interior. Many people try to hide this household appliance using a number of options - install it in a niche, hide it under a countertop, or purchase a cabinet for a washing machine in the bathroom.

How to build a machine into a closet, what materials such furniture can be made from, how to implement this solution so that it is aesthetically pleasing and functional - this will be discussed below.

Usually a bathroom is designed for a long time, so choosing a washing machine is an important decision. You need to choose a freestanding or built-in model:

when buying built-in appliances, there are many options to cover them with furniture panels;
free-standing equipment is cheaper than built-in equipment, and if necessary, it is easier to replace and repair.

When arranging a bathroom, it is advisable to make sure that the washing machine is not visible. Thoughtful solutions can make the machine invisible. Let's consider interesting options for large and small floor cabinets, photos of the implementation of interesting projects.

For built-in washing machine

Built-in appliances have no external gloss, providing freedom and highlighting the selected furniture. A cabinet for a built-in washing machine has its limitations, because its dimensions are predetermined:

The standard model is essentially a vertical cabinet with shelves no more than 1.1 m high, which is installed above the device.
The horizontal design is a kind of pencil case that can have any length, encircling the kitchen. The “height” of the cabinet is only 40 cm, this option is convenient for people of average height and shorter.
The corner solution looks extraordinary and allows you to use free space, although the design features do not allow you to fully use it.

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If mirrored doors are involved in the design, then they are separated into a separate group of cabinets; the appearance of the bathroom is so transformed. Mirrors create the illusion of space, but are demanding to maintain.

Furniture for built-in appliances is usually made to order, so you can choose excellent cabinet placement options, making the entire space work.

Under-counter cabinet

When placing a small cabinet under the countertop, it is important that it does not rest on the machine.

Posting rules

It is necessary to leave a few centimeters between the device and the furniture structure. This is important for:

free operation of the device, especially during spinning,
moisture evaporation,
possible service.

Photo. Once the door is closed, the equipment becomes completely invisible

The countertop can be a continuation of the area with the washbasin; next to it, you can successfully equip a place to place a basket for dirty laundry, a shelf for storing clean linen. Installing the countertop at a height of about 90 cm will ensure ease of use of the sink. The countertop must be long enough, approximately 150 cm, to accommodate the sink and all devices.

With or without door?

In some cases, the washing machine is not closed with a door; it fits harmoniously into the interior. The finishing of the equipment should fit harmoniously into the decoration of the room. It is important to carefully consider the design of the bathroom and choose the right model. For example:

a white machine in the bathroom, decorated in white colors, with snow-white furniture and plumbing fixtures;
a model with a metallic finish in a room with gray ceramic tiles and a gray countertop, as shown in the photo below.

The machine can be hidden by changing the color of the facade by gluing a film finish! If there is no goal to completely hide the equipment behind the door due to insufficient ventilation, you can cover the cabinet with a special film to match the color of the cabinets of the surrounding furniture.

You can leave the machine “in plain sight,” but it is much more interesting to create an aesthetic interior by closing it with a lid, for example, using a movable wall moving along guides. When you need to access the device, the panel moves towards the sink. Guides are installed on the tabletop and floor. To create a door you can use:

opaque plastic,
wood boards,
Opaque frosted tempered glass.

Photo. The equipment is placed under the countertop, masked by a tempered glass door in an aluminum frame (first photo) and a plastic door (second photo)

Table top height

If you need to install the sink lower, you can use a solution with a multi-level countertop:

the countertop under the sink will be lower,
The countertop above the cabinet with the washing machine is higher.

This option looks stylish and interesting.

The cabinet under the countertop can be extended above the countertop. The tabletop in this case can serve as a stabilizing element of the structure. Wall cabinets can accommodate a variety of shelves above the washing machine for:

placement of clean linen,
cosmetics,
hairdryer,
toiletries.

Individual cabinets

The type of cabinet depends on the device, or more precisely, on the method of opening it. A top-loading model opens from the top, takes up less space, and is harder to hide in a closet. A vertical washing machine cannot be hidden under the countertop. Alternative options:

installation in a vertical rack with blinds;
a floor cabinet in which you can also store towels, laundry detergents, and toiletries.

Such furniture will entail a loss of space - due to the vertical method of loading the machine, the first shelf is installed at a height of 120 cm above the floor level.

A cabinet located in a niche is a suitable option for front-facing washing machine models with a door that opens in front. This will provide functionality.

If the conditions in the room allow it, you should choose sliding doors hidden in the wall. You can appreciate this solution in a small room.

On the other hand, you don’t need to open the entire cabinet to have access to the washing machine - you can install a separate door behind which the machine and the shelves at the top will be located. In small bathrooms, a door that opens in a less standard way is useful. You can use door systems such as blinds or accordions that take up little space when opened. Colors and materials have no boundaries and adapt to any interior.

Photo. Laundry cabinet with folding doors for small bathrooms

Types

Bathroom cabinets are selected based on their purpose, the wishes of the owners, the type of washing machine, its drive and connection to communications, and the capabilities of the room.

You can find these:

The vertical design is a familiar cabinet in which the bottom is removed, freeing up space for the unit.
Mounted is one of the most common budget options. You can choose a deeper one than when combined with a sink. This one can hide meters, pipes, and a column.
The free-standing option resembles a cabinet: and the shelves are located next to the machine. The cover unites the space in the bathroom, and the sink is sometimes built into it. An interesting option when the appearance of the machine stands out from the style of the bathroom or contradicts it.
A corner cabinet is a competent design of space that requires ingenuity and imagination. Guests will appreciate the taste and non-standard approach.
A built-in wardrobe is rarely installed in a bathroom; there is not much space in apartment buildings. If the appearance of the apartment changes dramatically, redevelopment is done or there is enough space, then such a cabinet will be an example of functionality, dividing the room into a utility zone and a zone of comfort and hygiene.

Tall cabinet

If the room is spacious enough, you can plan a large closet - with sliding doors (like in dressing rooms) or with traditional doors and drawers. The cabinet for the washing machine can be made in the form of a pencil case up to the ceiling. This option makes it possible to use almost a meter of additional space.

You can place an electric washer dryer above the washing machine. For convenient loading and unloading, it is recommended to buy a washing machine and dryer with a special pull-out shelf.

You can cover most of the bathroom, for example one wall. The created tall cabinet can accommodate:

dryer,
ironing board,
basket for dirty laundry,
vacuum cleaner,
cleaners,
spare towels.

Photo. Tall cabinet with traditional doors

Photo. Tall cabinet for washing and drying with a sliding door that does not interfere with the passage

Cabinet installation

A washing machine in a bathroom in a floor-to-ceiling closet is considered a very convenient placement option. Equipment is placed at the bottom of the cabinet, and household goods and textiles are stored on top.

As a result, the owners receive a mini-storage room installed in the bathroom. Depending on your preferences, you can install furniture with closing or opening doors. In this case, it all depends on the preferences of the owners.

What materials can be used?

The cabinet can be made from:

You should choose materials that are resistant to high humidity. Every furniture maker can cope with this task.

Doors are made from:

furniture board,
wood,
glass,
plastic,
may look like blinds made of plastic or metal.

The following idea will ensure proper ventilation of the machine. Experts recommend opening the door at night after finishing washing, but people often forget to do this, and an open door can cause injury. To solve these problems, you can install special doors that allow air to pass through, providing round-the-clock ventilation.

Niches and walls

Sometimes there is a niche in the bathroom that allows you to create a cabinet. To place the washing machine in a recess, you often have to design and build a niche yourself; you will need about a meter of area.

Photo. The narrow machine, 45 cm wide, fits perfectly into the niche, camouflaged with metal blinds

In small bathrooms, in some cases it is worth considering the possibility of destroying the walls (if they are not load-bearing) and expanding the room through the corridor or bedroom. As a result, the washing machine is accessible (opens) from the bathroom, but physically stands in another room, where, after covering it with wood, the MDF looks like a chest of drawers.

Photo. In order for the equipment to fit in the bathroom, we had to break through the wall into the bedroom, in the resulting niche the equipment was installed and a wardrobe on top

Practical solutions are plasterboard walls. On one side they form a niche for the machine, on the other side you can put a shower or bathtub.

The advantage of this solution is the ability to use the space above by hanging a wall cabinet above the machine and arranging shelves.

Photo. Niche for equipment made of plasterboard, tiled

Photo. Behind the gray doors in the niche are hidden appliances and a practical cabinet for toiletries

How to do it yourself?

Bathroom cabinets have a right to life: they have a simple geometry and are made from affordable materials, they are budget-friendly, but always exclusive. If you have tools in the house and you know how to use them, then this is a feasible task.

Design a cabinet, the simplest option is to make a vertical pencil case or assemble a combination of two parts: a rack at the top and a box for the car at the bottom. The part with shelves can be corner.
Take measurements. Some companies sell “semi-finished products”: cuts for walls, shelves, hinged doors, this simplifies the task, their total cost should not exceed the price of finished cabinets. If the house is not new, then measurements need to be taken several times: the walls are very uneven, like the level of the floors.
Wall connection. You need to make holes with a 5 mm drill. If the canvas is solid, then duplicate the holes from the edge of the part to prevent longitudinal cracks from forming. For strength, use corners, coat the wood joints with PVA glue, and screw in the screws.
If the cabinet has legs, then furniture screws will successfully cope with this task; they can be used to conveniently adjust their height. To prevent the hats from scratching the floor, hide them in plastic covers. Use a level to check if it's level.
If the cabinet is made of two parts, then you can connect them by holding them tightly in a vice and drilling holes. The length of the screws is important: short ones will form a flimsy connection, long ones will stick out and spoil the look.
Shelves can be installed in the same way as connections: prepare holes in the cabinet walls and screws. Use plugs to hide visible connections.
If you cut out the parts yourself, then process the outer edges with a router or sandpaper.
When installing the cabinet, make sure it is level.
Drawers begin to be made by screwing the handle into the center of the front part (measure the center in height and length). Connect the front with the sides; they should completely “hide” behind the face of the box. The back and bottom can be nailed with a hammer. Attach the fittings (guides) to the cabinet walls at the same level: the guides should be horizontal so that the drawer does not roll around and closes easily.
The rear wall of the cabinet, if provided, is also secured with a hammer and nails. To make it look aesthetically pleasing, the gap between them should be 7-15 cm.
The doors are hung last. Screw in the screws at right angles to prevent the doors from sagging. Use latches to prevent them from swinging open; you can buy these devices in the hardware department.

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Before work, think about where and when you can carry out certain work: cutting, impregnation of wood, painting, joining parts. Making it yourself takes longer than buying or having a craftsman do it. There may be inconvenience for household members and neighbors due to noise, the smell of paint and chemicals.

It is up to you to choose which cabinet will be in the bathroom. The main thing is that he decorates it.

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Cabinet dimensions, ventilation

When planning a niche or cabinet, you should take into account the size of the equipment. When the bathroom is small, every centimeter is important! Vertical top-loading models take up less space, but are difficult to hide in a closet. Before choosing a place for the washing machine in the bathroom, you need to measure the dimensions of the equipment.

The average washing machine model occupies an area of 60 × 60 cm. This is a lot, especially since it requires space to open the door.
A standard front-loading washing machine is 60 cm wide, 60 cm deep, 85 cm high. It is important to leave a few centimeters free, ensuring proper ventilation and maintenance in case of breakdown.
If the niche is shallow, it is better to choose a narrow washing machine with a depth of 40-50 cm.
It should be taken into account that in the back of the machine a place is required to connect the supply and drain hose (depending on the model - about 10 cm).
It is necessary to leave 2 centimeters on the sides so that the vibrating equipment does not hit the cabinet structure.
It is important to consider the location of the electrical outlet - it is desirable to have easy access to it without removing the equipment.

To find the best way to hide a machine, you need to take into account the model and technical capabilities. The top-loading model limits the choice of solutions. Only models with a load of up to 5-6 kg, whose height does not exceed 85 cm, can be installed under the countertop. Most bathroom countertops are mounted at this height, although 90 cm will not cause any problems when using the sink.

Note: The washing machine wires are about 1.5 meters, extension cords cannot be used!

It is necessary to leave some space around the machine so that during washing and spinning, the vibrating equipment does not damage furniture, countertops, and other equipment. The location of the washing machine must be compatible with water supply and sewerage systems.

Some experts say that ventilation is not necessary - after washing it is enough to leave the door open overnight. However, it is better to make ventilation holes in the cabinet (for example, round at the bottom), allowing free air circulation if the machine is closed in the cabinet.

Conclusion To find a suitable location for your home appliances, it is worth planning some decisions during the interior design stage. Sometimes using simple tricks - adding a wall, expanding the table - is enough, allowing you to hide unwanted objects and equipment. The proven solutions of architects for integrating household appliances presented above will help you choose the appropriate option for different rooms in shape and size.