Today, numerous publications specializing in design topics offer a lot of interesting options for country houses and spacious apartments. When it comes to small homes, owners often agonize over the details of creating a beautiful and comfortable interior design. It is very difficult to organize a functional and user-friendly space in a tiny area. But don't be upset. Many designers who develop interior design projects have a few good ideas in stock that will help decorate a tiny apartment.
Bathroom interior 5 sq.m - problem or design challenge
A 5 sq.m bathroom seems very small. However, it turned out that this is actually the standard size of the bathroom in apartments in older apartment buildings. A modern room intended for hygiene procedures should be equipped with practical furniture, a comfortable washbasin and toilet, as well as a shower or free-standing bathtub. Most often, you have to place a washing machine on these five squares!
At first glance, it may seem that arranging a fashionable interior design for a 5 sq.m bathroom is not an easy task and, in principle, has no right to success. Fortunately, practice shows that small spaces can be not only functional, but also modern and elegant.
Work with what you have
Often when designing a layout you have to work around existing features and hide unsightly practical elements. With the right combination of furniture, you can achieve excellent results.
Behind a group of high-level cabinets you can cleverly place a chic shower room with a boiler. And place two niches in the spotlight: one includes, for example, a window, and the other a mirrored dressing table.
Design of a small bathroom with an area of 5 sq.m (ideas, photos)
What you should remember when designing a bathroom of 5 square meters above all:
- Arrangement of a place for a bath. In a 5m bathroom, a shower is better than a bathtub for a very obvious reason: it takes up much less space. However, this does not mean that having a bath is out of the question. Much depends on the shape of the bathroom and whether a washing machine will be installed in it. If not, then a bathtub may be the right choice!
- Color spectrum. The smaller the room, the better light colors will suit it. They will add lightness and brightness;
- Lighting In small rooms, lighting is as important an element of arrangement as furniture or accessories;
- Accessories In a small bathroom, it is better to rely on minimalism. The more trinkets, the greater the impression of chaos and disorder;
- Sanitary fixtures Some bathtub owners forego the need for a sink and use the bathtub to wash their hands. However, if you prefer to have a washbasin, then it is better to take a small and classic one.
On a note! It will be good if the sanitary fixtures are hanging: this gives them a lighter look and creates more space in the bathroom. The toilet tank should be built into the wall - another space saver!
If the washing machine must be installed in a 5 m2 bathroom, consider a top-loading model. Such washing machines are smaller in size, but their drum capacity is not inferior to front-loading washing machines.
What furniture is suitable?
Suitable furniture for a small bedroom of 5 square meters is laconic, compact, light. Preferably multifunctional. The main attribute of any sleeping room is a bed. Forget about oversized models 180-200 cm wide, otherwise it will be impossible to even enter the room. Your option is 140-160 cm. The idea of reducing the length also works. For short people, 190 cm will be enough - the savings seem insignificant, but at 5 square meters it will be very noticeable.
A suitable headboard is either soft wall panels (ideally matching the color of the walls or a couple of shades darker), or as airy as possible. In the second case, a white wrought-iron bed is meant. In the layout, when the bed is pushed with its head against the wall, ordinary pillows will play the role of the headboard.
They abandon bedside tables altogether or purchase light, airy models.
The photo shows a compact bed with a soft headboard.
There will be no room for a classic wardrobe or wardrobe. But you can order a built-in wardrobe according to your size, or a tall pencil case. Be sure to use all the space up to the ceiling - capacity will increase by 20-30%.
The desktop must also meet the requirements of compactness. Some people build it directly into the closet, or install a folding console.
Which is better to choose – a bath or a shower?
Bathroom furniture and plumbing fixtures are an essential element of a bathroom, and you can’t do without it. Whether you choose a bathtub or shower will determine the next steps in the design, especially the number and size of cabinets. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of each of these solutions?
Bathroom 5 sq m with bath
A small bathroom with a bathtub seems like a bad idea. However, in practice this solution can be very functional, elegant and space saving! The best solution is a deep, white wall-mounted bathtub lined with tiles.
The design project of a 5 sq. m bathroom with a free-standing bathtub and washing machine can be a little more complicated, but it all depends on the shape of the room and the possibilities of arrangement. Thanks to the bath, you can create your own SPA corner. It is also suitable for washing hands, washing or soaking various items, and even storing some accessories.
However, the downside to this solution is that the bathtub may take up space that could be used for something else, such as a washing machine or cabinet. But it all depends on the individual idea!
Bathroom 5 sq m with shower
A small bathroom with a shower seems to be the standard, especially in apartment buildings. A shower, especially one with a linear drain (i.e. without a tray), takes up virtually no space. The elegant glass of the shower cabin is an additional decoration of the room.
The disadvantage of having only a shower is its limited functionality compared to a bath - it is more difficult to create a home spa or relax in hot water.
An alternative solution could be a 5 m2 bathroom that has both a bathtub and a shower! It's not so much about installing both, but about combining the functionality of a bathtub and a shower tray. The solution is a bathtub that is smaller than a classic one, equipped with an overhead shower and glass that serves as a shower stall.
Beautiful interior examples
A fairly detailed description of the process does not always provide a complete picture of the final result. We invite you to look at photos of ready-made solutions, which, if desired, can always be used as ideas for subsequent interior design.
How to visually increase the space in a 5 sq m bathroom
A bathroom of 5 square meters in an apartment building somewhat limits the freedom of planning. Is it possible to optically expand such a small space? Yes it is possible. If the room has a window, you should take advantage of this and hang a mirror on the wall opposite it. It will reflect daylight and thereby make the room brighter.
For a small room, choose furniture and tiles in light colors and with a uniform, smooth texture. Shiny materials are another great idea for visually increasing space. They work in the same way as a mirror, reflecting light and thereby brightening the room.
What about ceramic tiles? It should be chosen in medium size. Small cubes, paradoxically, can make a space appear smaller, as can fairly large ones. In this case, it is strongly recommended to follow the golden mean.
Choose light colors, preferably white, gray or blue. For a bathroom with an area of 5 square meters, it is worth introducing wooden elements, for example, flooring or stucco on cabinets, which will make the room warmer and more comfortable.
Square with obstacles
Sometimes the available bathroom area is not perfectly rectangular. It may happen that structural elements interfere with the space of the bathroom. This project is an example of how to accommodate all the features needed for a complete bathroom.
An offset sink under the vanity allows for efficient use of a long, narrow space.
The bathing area is separated from the toilet by an alcove partition. The area behind the front door can be used for engineering solutions: a dressing room or other storage.
Bathroom 5 squares – interior design in different styles
A classic white bathroom is the best option for a small area. However, you can also take inspiration from some specific styles: glam, Scandinavian or modern, which are perfect for small bathrooms!
Bathroom 5 sq m in minimalist style (photo)
The minimalist style prefers high-quality finishing materials; decorative elements made of natural stone, metal and glass will look especially beautiful. A minimalist interior is the best choice for a small bathroom - because this style, like no other, is ideal for a small city apartment. Its main feature is its simplicity. Precious wood species, fashionable chandeliers and lamps, silver or gold-plated taps, glamorous door and cabinet handles can become the main accent of a designer interior.
Bathroom 5 sq m in modern style (photo)
Wood, marble or a combination of both? This is probably the best solution for a 5 sq. m bathroom. A modern bathroom loves comfort and consistency, so pay special attention to this. Modern doesn't mean monochrome, but it's definitely best to avoid colorful schemes.
Bathroom 5 sq m in Scandinavian style (photo)
The idea of a 5 square meter bathroom in a Scandinavian style will also appeal to many. Interior design in this style in the photo always looks modern, neat and elegant. Pair white tiles with a warm wood tone or choose white wood. The effect will be amazing!
Decor and lighting
We have already mentioned that a lot of light is needed. Even for a small bedroom of 5 square meters, an ordinary ceiling chandelier is not enough.
- Try not to block the natural light from the window with anything. If there is practically no sun in the bedroom, you can replace heavy blackout curtains with light curtains or abandon them altogether.
- Artificial lighting will be needed at several points: bedside sconces, ceiling chandelier, lamps in the work or dressing area. Use white or slightly warm lamps to create a pleasant atmosphere.
The photo shows a small narrow bedroom
Since there is simply not enough space for works of art, the decor must be functional. The main decoration of the bedroom is textiles. Pillows, blankets, bedspreads, bedside rugs, curtains - choose according to your style and color palette.
Pictures or photo frames must be correlated with the size of the room. That is, instead of one large one, it is better to take 2-3 small ones.
Place vases or flower pots, figurines and other tabletop items only if there is free space. It is better to refuse floor accessories.
What determines the cost of finishing?
How much does it cost to furnish a 5 sq. m bathroom? The cost depends primarily on the type, quality and quantity of material.
When calculating, the following must be taken into account:
- Cost of removing tiles on the wall (and on the floor, if any);
- Leveling walls and floors - unfortunately, in apartment buildings they are often crooked;
- Laying new tiles or panels;
- Lighting installation;
- Cost of furniture, plumbing and accessories.
On a note! If a design project for a 5 sq. m bathroom is developed by a developer, it will be somewhat cheaper, since you will not have to calculate the cost of removing old elements.
Decorating a beautiful and fashionable interior for a 5 sq. m bathroom is not an easy task, but it can be done. First of all, you need to remember that it is important to approach repairs with all responsibility! A good design project goes a long way. Many bathroom furniture stores offer renderings - for free or at a low cost if you buy the materials there.
A small bathroom loves bright colors, minimal accessories and high-quality materials. You won't have to give up your bath if you carefully select all the furnishings in this room! It's a good idea to choose a cabinet above the washing machine: then you can place two important elements on one wall.
Style selection
The interior style should be closely intertwined with the rooms located in the immediate vicinity - bedroom, living room, etc. All kinds of materials are used:
- plastic - for the manufacture of shelves, drawers, wall panels;
- plasterboard - the material of partitions separating the dressing room from other rooms;
- wood, including cork - as wall cladding, material for cabinets, racks, shelves;
- steel, aluminum – material of racks, crossbars, individual shelves;
- rattan, wicker - wicker baskets for storing small items;
- paint, wallpaper - wall decoration material;
- glass – sliding wardrobe doors of individual styles are made of frosted or transparent.
Fabrics for covering walls and furniture are rarely used, as they can collect dust, and in limited space it is not so easy to remove it.
The most suitable styles for the wardrobe:
- boiserie - all existing shelves are attached directly to the walls, without cluttering the interior with vertical racks;
- classic - shelves, cabinets, wooden frames, but they look solid and full-fledged only in large rooms;
- minimalism - bright, contrasting colors, clear simple shapes, plastic panels;
- loft – shelves made of MDF, fiberboard against the background of “brick” walls;
- high-tech - shiny chrome racks, glass shelves;
- ethnic - racks stylized as bamboo stems, some of the shelves are wicker;
- modern - universal, most often in bright colors, without unnecessary decoration, it is possible to use plastic baskets and textile organizers;
- Provence - faded colors, romantic patterns, antique design.
It is rare that an interior is maintained strictly in one style, usually representing a laconic mixture of two or three.
Decoration Materials
The most popular among facing materials in this case is ceramics due to its moisture resistance, durability, and ease of maintenance. A rich range of colors and sizes make this option suitable for any interior design. Mosaic has the same qualities, which are complemented by another advantage: its small size makes it possible to cover semicircular surfaces. And in combination with the previous material, you will be able to realize original ideas. Plastic panels have the most affordable cost, but this reduces the degree of environmental friendliness and service life. But a wide color palette, low cost and ease of care make them worthy of attention. Pebbles, stone, and wood are often used for finishing. Wood will add special warmth and comfort to the design of the room. Additional materials include special paint and moisture-resistant plaster.
Space zoning
Thanks to the competent division of space into zones, taking into account their specifics, it will be possible to make the room even more functional. This can be achieved by arranging plumbing fixtures with similar operating principles in one place or by using special techniques. Among the latter are sliding decorative partitions made of glass blocks. Color transitions (lilac, etc.) on the walls, contrasting multi-level ceilings and lighting fixtures will help you achieve visual zoning. However, the simultaneous use of the presented methods of dividing space into zones is not advisable. In this way, you can achieve architectural or color overload, which will entail complete disharmony of space. Taking this into account, it is recommended to divide the utilitarian room into a maximum of 3 functional zones:
- intended for water procedures (sink, shower);
- reserved for personal hygiene and natural needs (bidet, urinal);
- household (cabinets, laundry equipment).
Geyser
Modern water heating systems are compact and easy to use. But even with their accuracy, there is a risk of poor placement, making it difficult to use the space. To turn the gas unit on and off, you need free access, a convenient distance so as not to reach for it or stand on a stepladder. Many people want to hide such household appliances, but safety precautions do not allow this.
But there is a way out - carefully placing the speaker in a plasterboard niche (not close) above the washbasin, for example, will help save space. The niche is decorated using ceramics or artificial stone, and can be in the shape of a column or panel. The choice of models is large-scale: the shapes, dimensions, and colors are amazing in their diversity, so there should be no problems with matching the general style (high-tech, etc.). Materials for finishing the niche are selected that are non-melting and non-flammable, because... The device is prone to heating.