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

Design of a small, bright bathroom with rational 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

Installation Tips

The installation of the rack depends on various factors. If it is a mounted model, it is attached to the wall near which it is planned to install the machine itself. Hanging structures do not cover the machine itself. They are good for housing front-loading washing machines.

They are installed in spacious bathrooms; they are not suitable for placement in narrow bathrooms. In this regard, floor options are considered more versatile products.

If you equip them with doors, the washing machine will be hidden from view. This will ensure its protection from water and pollution.

The shelving cabinet can be stationary or built-in. Options of the first type are simply installed on the floor without any fixation to the wall. If necessary, they can be moved to another place.

Built-in pencil cases are narrow column structures. They are as compact as possible, filling the narrow niche spaces inherent in many bathrooms in city apartments in our country. As a rule, these are niches with shelves, under one of which there is enough space for convenient placement.

As for the intricacies of installation, it all depends on the type of machine available and the installation location.

• If you plan to install a boiler on top, it is better to buy or order a low version with one shelf and a countertop.
• If there is a lot of space in the bathroom and you need to use it as functionally as possible, it is worth installing a product with a drying rack and containers for dirty laundry.
• You should not install an option with a large number of shelves above the washing machine if they are not needed.
• If the walls are loose, there is no point in installing a wall-mounted shelving unit. It is better to take a stationary option without mounting to the wall.
• Wall-mounted models must be mounted so that there is easy access to the shelves.
• When installing a rack, it is worth considering the height of the shelves taking into account the height of the household.
• The minimum height of the tabletop should be 90 cm.
• If you plan to add doors to the rack, you should consider the mechanism for opening and closing them.

Types of cabinets and methods of placing a washing machine

Depending on the layout and area of ​​the room, furniture for built-in appliances can come in different shapes and sizes. You can choose a suitable cabinet for your washing machine at places where you sell household appliances. But if you make it yourself or on an individual order, the dimensions and internal contents can be planned in exact accordance with your needs.

According to the type of placement and fixation, cabinets are:

• mounted;
• floor;
• built-in

Mounted

As a rule, this is a separate cabinet that is not directly related to the washing machine. It just helps fill and organize the space at the top. A wall cabinet can be straight or angular and looks good above the machine if their widths are the same or differ slightly. Wall cabinets and shelves of shallow depth allow them to be mounted above vertically loaded appliances.

Less common are wall-mounted L- or U-shaped models: the main part of such cabinets is at the top, but they are complemented by one or two lower sections on the side of the machine. Such designs can hide a maximum of connections and household appliances, such as a boiler or dryer. The side sections often provide space for a laundry basket. In order to make the most efficient use of the free space around the machine, such models are usually made to order according to individual calculations.

Note: Wall cabinets require a solid base and should not be mounted on fragile walls or plasterboard partitions. The best option is a load-bearing wall.

Floor-standing

Floor cabinets are reliable, convenient, easy to combine with additional sections and therefore are more common than others. In terms of functionality, they resemble cabinets for washbasins and are presented in the form of pencil cases, shelves, hinged models or chests of drawers.

Narrow cases and racks are optimal in cases where the space above the machine is very limited on the sides. Depending on the dimensions of the machine, the width of the pencil case can be from 60 cm. Compact sizes make washing machine cases popular in small bathrooms.

The height of the pencil cases is limited only by the height of the ceilings. But you need to calculate the stability of the structure: tall narrow cabinets cannot be overloaded at the top - this will shift their center of gravity. Due to the vibration of the machine, an overloaded pencil case may tip over. The maximum permissible load for each section or shelf must be indicated by the manufacturer on the furniture labeling and on the assembly instructions.

Hinged floor cabinets are made with a width of 80 cm or more. In small bathrooms, only one such cabinet can fit, but in larger rooms you can equip entire sets: these can be double-leaf models of the usual rectangular shape or several different sections, which are complemented by a chest of drawers or a pencil case. A hinged floor cabinet usually houses not only a washing machine, but also a boiler and, if possible, other equipment.

Chests of drawers are often complemented with a countertop or combined with vanity units. The storage system is represented by drawers or shelves.

The location of the machine in the closet is determined not only by its aesthetic appearance, but also by safety and convenience. Existing types of furniture suggest one of the following options:

1. Bottom section. Standard place for the machine in floor-standing models. Due to the expected large loads, it is often made without a bottom. For ease of hose removal, the rear wall is partially missing. The depth of the niche for the machine can be different and accommodate the equipment completely or partially.
2. Top shelves. To save space, such placement is possible in small bathrooms. Under the machine there can be a laundry basket, toilet, sink and even a bathtub. This looks original, but in practice there may be problems with loading laundry and adding powder: at a height of more than 1.5 meters this is inconvenient. But the main thing is that the machine needs a reliable foundation. Therefore, the cabinet material must be of increased strength, otherwise the structure will quickly fall apart from vibrations. For overhead placement, machines designed specifically for installation in a cabinet are suitable: they are equipped with special hinges or magnetic holders for fixing equipment on the inner walls of the cabinet.
3. Combination with washbasin. The washbasin can be located directly above the machine. In this case, the cabinets do not have shelves for storage, but the design itself is very compact. When placing the washing machine and washbasin at a short distance along one wall, linear chests of drawers are suitable, along adjacent walls - corner chests of drawers and cabinets.

Note: The sink for installation on a washing machine must be special - with an offset drain. It is not located in the center (as in conventional washbasins), but as close as possible to the wall. This is due to the need to shift the siphon: if it is in the center, the washbasin will have to be raised above the washing machine, and the resulting unaesthetic gap will have to be covered with waterproof material.

Built-in

Typically, built-in wardrobes are installed in various niches provided for by the layout. But if there are several meters of free space, it is possible to install the structure in a corner or along the wall. Most often, built-in wardrobes are made up to the ceiling - this allows you to make maximum use of the free space. Such designs are very popular as they provide numerous options for designing the cabinet inside and out. It can be highlighted with color or finishing material, or you can imitate one of the walls of the bathroom, making even the cabinet doors invisible.

The only drawback of built-in models is their stationarity. If there is a need to repair, rearrange or change the size of the cabinet, it will be very difficult to dismantle such a structure in whole or in part. It is only possible to redesign some sections and shelves (if they are fixed in the cabinet sections and not built into the walls). Therefore, it is recommended to install built-in wardrobes only after careful planning of the storage system, materials and design.

The methods for placing the machine in sliding wardrobes are similar to the options for floor cabinets. For installing equipment on the upper sections, built-in furniture is preferable, as it is stronger than cabinet furniture.

Examples in the interior

We offer 10 examples of successful selection and placement of shelving structures above the washing machine.

• A laconic wooden frame system with two shelves for storing necessary items.

join the discussion

1. Varieties
2. Materials
3. Types of shelves
4. Tips from the professionals

The washing machine takes up a lot of space in the bathroom, making it difficult to place other things. In this case, residents of their apartments come up with alternative options to save space: someone installs a washing machine above the toilet, others nail shelves above it.

If you have imagination, then there will be a solution on how to save space. But in this case there is no need to invent anything, the idea is already there - placing shelves above the washing machine. It is up to the owners of the bathroom to decide what they will be like. The main thing is that they match the interior and are spacious.

Space Saving Techniques

To clean the washing machine in the bathroom, its design must be functional and ergonomic. To make the space visually more spacious and bright, despite the installation of large household appliances, you need good lighting and clear zoning of the room. Experienced designers recommend several techniques to help free up space in the bathroom for a washing machine:

1. A washing machine for a small bathroom should be compact, so pay attention to models with reduced thickness.
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2. Top loading is not always a plus for a small bathroom, since such models cannot be installed inside a niche, hidden in furniture or under the sink.

   
   Top loading washing machine

3. You can free up a corner for the washing machine by using a corner bathtub or an asymmetrically shaped shower stall.

Important! There are 2 conditions for safe operation of a washing machine in the bathroom - grounding connection and waterproofing of the floor. Keep these rules in mind and your life will become much easier.

Materials

An important step is the choice of material from which the shelves will be made. Wood will appeal to connoisseurs of comfort and home warmth, but you will have to spend money on water-repellent impregnation. A glass product is elegant, but the problem is that there will always be water stains on it.

• Tree. A popular material for bathrooms, but it requires constant care. Renew the impregnation or varnish product at least once every 3–5 years. It is important to prevent water from getting on the wooden shelf.

• Plastic. Plastic shelves do not look as attractive as wood or glass, but the material is waterproof, compact and lightweight. Plastic shelves are inexpensive, but over time the material begins to turn yellow.

• Metal. Durable and stylish metal shelves resist mechanical stress well. They are moisture resistant and ergonomic. You need to choose a coated material that is not susceptible to corrosion. Chrome-plated raw materials or stainless steel are suitable.

• Glass. A glass shelf looks great in a high-tech or minimalist style. The cost differs - it all depends on the type of material from which the holders are made. The glass can be transparent or equipped with a mirror. The glass shelf should be made of an impact-resistant variety.

Please note: the shelves above the washing machine are attached using hinges, corners or brackets. They come in different types and designs. If there are children in the house, then a shelf-cabinet is more suitable so that all dangerous objects and household chemicals are hidden behind the doors.

Location of the machine in the bathroom

There may be several options for the location of the washing machine:

Option #1

If your bathroom is of modest size, then it is quite appropriate to place the washing machine under the sink. There are several advantages of this placement: rational use of the space directly under the sink and space saving. But when installing the machine under the sink, care should be taken that it covers its surface as much as possible, and water should not be allowed to enter while washing.

There will be other disadvantages to such an arrangement:

• you will have to buy a water lily type sink;
• it is necessary to use a special siphon; it is often included in the kit of the machine that is used for this location;
• high probability of blockages due to the structural features of the sink;
• the loading of the washing machine will be minimal;
• there is a risk of water getting into the relevant electrical control system of the washing machine, which will lead to breakdown;
• Although the design of such an arrangement will look aesthetically pleasing, using such a sink will not be entirely convenient, because there will be equipment under your feet;
• The machine can only be used with front loading.

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Such a design will have more disadvantages than advantages, so this option is rarely chosen.

Option No. 2

A good placement option would be a built-in machine. Today this technique is very popular. However, the machine will have to be placed in existing bathroom furniture, so there is one caveat: such a set will have to be made to order directly to the design and size of the entire room and the washing machine.

Option #3

Another good option would be to install it next to the sink. To make the design look more harmonious, they can be combined with a common tabletop, especially considering the fact that recently its use in this room is being used more and more often. Also, to make the bathroom interior design more spacious, it is recommended to hang a mirror above the countertop.

Option No. 4

In some bathrooms you can see niches installed in the wall. This is a great place to place your washing machine. In this case, the planned interior design will not be affected.

Option #5

An option can also be used when the placement of plumbing fixtures and furniture in the bathroom is placed according to the principle of zoning. As a result, the washing machine and washbasin will be separated by small partitions from the rest of the space. A cabinet with mirrored doors located next to them will visually increase the space of a small bathroom. White ceramic tiles can also accomplish this task if they match the color of the car.

If the presented options turn out to be unacceptable for you, then you will need to slightly re-equip the bathroom - install a shower instead of a bath. As a result, some space will be freed up, which can be used for installing a washing machine.

Types of shelves

Modern people are always in a hurry, manufacturers know this, which is why there is a huge selection of shelves on the market. You don’t have to make the product yourself - you can open one of the catalogs and choose the model you like. But before that, you should familiarize yourself with what kind of shelves there are.

Mounted

Such products can be made of a variety of materials; shelves are mounted at the top of the walls. Perfect for a small bathroom; you can place toothbrushes, gels, shampoos, etc. on the shelf.

Velcro

Expert opinion

Mikhailov Ivan Maksimovich

Furniture maker. Work experience 3 years.

People who are attracted by simplicity and who do not want to spend a lot of time on installation will definitely like the Velcro shelf. It attaches to any surface, but withstands minimal load.

Corner

Not everyone uses corners in their bathroom, but in vain, because this place is the best suited for placing shelves. They are almost invisible, but contain a large number of things. Corner models come in both wall-mounted and floor-mounted types.

Please note: if you install a wall-mounted shelf-cabinet, you can even hide communications and meters in it. Of course, for this it will need to be made deeper.

If you carefully study the products that manufacturers offer for bathrooms, you can find very interesting models, for example, a wall-mounted module with a pull-out laundry basket. Ikea has such a module in the ALGOT series - it is very functional, and it even includes a dryer for small items.

Tips from the professionals

In order for the shelf to serve for a long time, be comfortable and not have to be changed, professional designers advise taking into account the style and color of the bathroom, otherwise the shelves will be an unpleasant “stain” that you will want to get rid of over time. It is better to store heavy things in floor samples, and light ones in wall-mounted ones.

When choosing a model, you should find out how much weight the shelf can support. The thicker the structure, the heavier it will withstand.

It is better to give preference to models that have rounded corners - this will protect against injury. Don’t forget that a bathroom should not only be beautiful, but also functional, so first of all, you should choose shelves based on the principle of “reliable and spacious.”

Organizing a cozy atmosphere in the bathroom is not so difficult, the main thing is that everything that is done is from the heart. Patience and imagination will help you create a unique environment. In order for a bathroom to be beautiful and functional, you don’t need a lot of money - what matters is the desire to create something.

For an overview of the floor cabinet above the washing machine, see the video below.

To save space in the kitchen or bathroom, use every centimeter of free space. In a large room for kitchen or bathroom accessories, you can install a nightstand or cabinet. Where there is no space for bulky items, you can limit yourself to shelves above the washing machine.

Installing the machine in a spacious bathroom

If you have a spacious bathroom, the washing machine can be located anywhere. However, so that it does not spoil the design, you should prepare a special niche for it. In this case, it is also recommended to decorate this corner in a special way, so that in general it looks organically in the interior of the room. However, as a rule, designers in most cases do not put washing machines in nooks, but rather put them on display. True, they cover it on top with a large countertop, which combines electrical appliances, cabinets on the floor, and a sink into one line.

If desired, household appliances can be completely hidden in the cabinet, closed from prying eyes with a convenient folding door. This option will be justified if the bathroom interior design is made in a classic style or in bright colors. This is explained by the fact that in such an environment the washing machine will stand out from the harmonious design of the room, introducing a certain dissonance into the created cozy atmosphere.

Sources

https://bathroom-design.su/idei/idei-razmeshheniya-stiralnoj-mashiny-v-vannoj-c-foto/ https://roomplan.ru/kvartiry/vannaya/kak-raspolozhit-stiralnuyu-mashinu/ https: //sovety-vannoy.ru/oformlenie/idei-dizajna/dizajn-vanny-s-stiralnoj-mashinkoj.html

Bathroom shelves

If you couldn’t fit an automatic washing machine (WMA) under the sink, you can still save space. Many users use the lids of their washing machines as a surface for placing bath accessories, microwaves, kettles and other items - despite the prohibition in the instructions.

Look up and see wasted space - above the washing machine. Why not add a few shelves here? Or even a small locker? It turns out that this idea has long been picked up by manufacturers - they offer ready-made solutions that differ both in design and in materials of manufacture.

Varieties

Shelves above the SMA can be made:

• Open. They do not have doors; any object is easy to reach.
• Closed. If you are annoyed by the color cacophony of mismatched jars and bottles, you can hide them behind the shelf doors. By combining the shelves with common walls and doors, you get a wall cabinet with shelves.

• Plastic. The shelves are not afraid of moisture and are cheap. But not strong enough. And most importantly, mold can grow on plastic. It is recommended to choose perforated products - then moisture will not collect on the surfaces.
• Metal. Durable and stylish. But you only need to choose coated metal that is not susceptible to corrosion. Stainless steel and chrome-plated metal are suitable. For interiors in Provence and country styles, forged versions, as well as bronze products, may be suitable.
• Ceramics and glass. These are usually small decorative items. They are not afraid of moisture, but are very fragile. As a rule, ceramics and glass are used together with wood or metal.
• Tree. Fiberboard and MDF sheets are most suitable - they are durable, light, and look respectable. Minus - susceptible to moisture. But you can use wood impregnated with special compounds that repel moisture.

The shelves are attached - in the bathroom or in the kitchen, using hinges, brackets and corners. Also, shelves can be a single structure united by common components.

The cabinets above the washing machine can have different designs - the imagination of the creators is not limited by anything, you only have to take into account the cost of materials and the size of the room. The cabinet can be made:

• Mounted. This is the simplest option. By making it deeper, you can even hide meters or communications in it.
• Free standing. In appearance it looks like a cabinet. The shelves are combined by side walls into a single whole.
• Floor. This is essentially a shelving unit with open shelves. An example of such a solution is in the photo below.

DIY rack

Don’t want to spend money on ready-made furniture, or maybe you have your own ideas? Then you can design or make shelves yourself. Home craftsmen can easily cope with the task - the main thing is to find a suitable material - durable and moisture-resistant.

Preparation of the drawing

Let's consider an example of creating a rack - a simple and affordable design. Start by drawing up a drawing. Only by making an accurate calculation will it be possible to purchase materials. In the drawing, reflect the exact dimensions - height, width and depth of the structure. The dimensions will depend on the size of the washing machine - it must fit completely into the niche of the rack. Choose the height at your discretion. But keep in mind that an excessively high structure will be unstable and bulky.

The width of the rack should be 3–4 cm larger than the width of the machine.

Preparation of materials

To create a rack you will need the following tools and materials:

• Chipboard. There must be a moisture-proof coating. The PVC layer allows the use of chipboard for furniture installed in the bathroom. It is not recommended to use laminated MDF sheets - they will swell from moisture and lose their original appearance
• Metal corner.
• Self-tapping screws.
• Four legs.
• Screwdriver or screwdriver.
• Marker and tape measure.

How to assemble?

Assembly order:

1. Referring to the drawing, mark the materials and cut out the parts. So, if the rack has dimensions (HxWxD) 250 x 45 x 64 cm, the following parts will be needed:

• 2 side panels 247 x 45 cm;
• 4 shelves 64 x 45 cm;
• top panel 67 x 45 cm;
• bottom lintel 67 x 10 cm.

1. Assemble the finished parts using self-tapping screws and corners. First attach the roof and bottom lintel. At a distance of 85.5 cm, fasten the first shelf, after 38.5 cm - 3 more pieces.
2. Screw the legs to the side walls. That's it - the rack is ready.

Installing a glass shelf

If there is no space for a rack, limit yourself to the simplest solution - make a glass shelf above the machine. It won’t fit many accessories, but it certainly won’t be superfluous. Buy a glass shelf at any construction market; your task is to install it correctly. The width of the glass must be at least 0.4 cm. Glass installed in bathrooms must be covered with a special film.

Make fastenings from aluminum profiles or decorative holders. To attach them to tiled walls, you will need a drill. But do not turn on the hammer drill mode. Insert dowels into the holes made, and holders into them. Secure the glass surface and the job is complete.

Thanks to the shelves installed above the washing machines, it is possible to obtain significant space for useful items and accessories. In addition, by browsing the assortment of online stores and showing your imagination, you can enliven the room with interesting interior solutions.

Advantages and disadvantages

• They cover household appliances from moisture and protect them from corrosion - this applies more to structures with side walls.
• If you make doors, you can place not only bathroom accessories on the shelves, but also detergents.
• Shelves keep your bathroom tidy. The more shelves there are in the room, the easier it is to clean.
• All supplies and accessories not only occupy their assigned “seating” places, but are also easily accessible - to take the necessary product, just stretch out your hand.

The solution in question has no disadvantages - only one benefit. If, for example, when installing an SMA in a cabinet or cabinet there is a danger of not noticing a leak in time, then in the case of shelves there are no such risks.

Review of ready-made solutions

Go to any online store of functional furniture, and you will be presented with dozens of models designed for installation above the washing machine. Especially popular are cabinets with many compartments and linen baskets.

Pillar cabinet

Pillar cabinet - ideal for the bathroom. The machine is protected from moisture.

The shelves are open and closed, the latter are adjustable in height. It’s easy to hide detergents – powders, conditioners, etc. – behind the doors.

etc., you can put small but important items used daily in plain sight. The size is designed for full-size SMA with a width of 60 cm.

Material: laminated MDF.

Algot 8 - model from Ikea

You can assemble a variety of combinations from ALGOT series items. In the photo there is a whole wall-mounted module with a pull-out laundry basket.

You can make one or two baskets - the module is assembled taking into account the characteristics of the room and the needs of the user. Here, in addition to shelves, there is also a convenient clothes dryer.

Expert opinion

Mikhailov Ivan Maksimovich

Furniture maker. Work experience 3 years.

If there is no dryer in the machine, then small items can be dried on the shelves - no water gets on the cover of the SMA. A variety of materials were used in the manufacture of module components - chipboard, galvanized steel, polypropylene.

Floor cabinet from Leroy Merlin

An elegant solution, laconic and functional. It is possible to save space and create convenient places to store towels, linen, and toiletries.

Width - 64 cm. A full-size washing machine with a width of 60 cm will fit here.

The design does not depend on the parameters of the load-bearing wall; it can be moved from place to place. The bottom is open at the front and back.

The floor cabinet allows you to hide all communications necessary to connect the washing machine.

Mounted version from Vod-Ok

Household wall-mounted module with a niche. This option will be appropriate both in the bathroom and in the kitchen - if it fits into the interior. Made from MDF and chipboard. You can hide a lot of useful things in a niche. The width is designed for a full-size device. The manufacturer also offers a variation with a pull-out laundry basket.