If your apartment is located in one of those houses that people call "Khrushchev", you probably know certain inconveniences associated with a lack of space in the bathroom. It is almost impossible to place a standard bathing tank and wash basin in it so that there is at least a bit of free space for some nightstand 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 in a single bathroom. But actually this is not the best option, especially if you have a large family.
The output in this case can serve as bathtubs with reduced dimensions. By choosing the right size and design, you will not only save the space of the room, but also decorate it with an original bathhouse. In this article we will talk about what types of bathtubs are and which of them are best suited for a small room.
Criterias of choice
To begin with, the choice of bathing capacity involves several criteria:
- geometric shape;
- the size;
- design;
- material;
- functionality.
The form
It is from the form of the bath that one should start from when choosing it. Her geometry may be:
- standard rectangular;
- round (oval);
- triangular (angular types of bathtubs);
- abstract (asymmetric).
Rectangular bowls are the most common and popular. They are suitable for any interior. They can be tightly fitted to the walls without spending extra centimeters. They are quite simple and practical to use. By saving 50-60 cm in the bath, you can freely place a washing machine in this space.
It is customary to install bowls in the shape of a circle or oval in spacious rooms, because these forms are in no way associated with saving useful area. The same can be said about bathtubs, the geometry of which is characterized by a lack of symmetry. However, if the size of such a bowl is reduced, it fits perfectly into the interior of a small room.
But the angular views of the bathtubs, made in the shape of a triangle, allow you to effectively use the space. And even if the side will have some 100 cm in length, such a bath will be spacious enough for swimming. But here you should consider 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 premises and protrude beyond the doorway.
The size
So, we decided that for a small bathroom, rectangular or angular types of bathtubs are most suitable for us, the photos of which you can see below. But if we are talking about a small bathing room, then the standard sizes of the bowl (150-170 cm in length and 50-75 in width) will not work for us.
Today on sale in a wide assortment of various types of bathtubs with reduced dimensions. It can be a rectangular bowl 120x70 cm, 130x70 cm, 115x72 cm, 150x100 cm, or a triangular bowl 70x70 cm, 70x50 cm, etc. Here it all depends on the size and shape of the room itself. You will have to independently measure and determine which dimensions of the tank will suit you the most.
Design
As for the design, today it is quite simple to choose a bathtub for the interior of the room. A wide range of models made in various styles complements the variety of colors and materials, so you can easily make any style from your small bathroom. Among the current assortment of bowls you can choose the following styles:
- modern (rectangular, angular, asymmetric types of bathtubs);
- Japanese (deep oval);
- Victorian (small in length, deep, with a vintage look).
Material
Today, bathtubs are made from a wide variety of materials. The most popular are bowls from:
- cast iron;
- steel;
- acrylic;
- acrylic and polymer concrete;
- tree.
Consider each of the listed materials, evaluating its advantages and disadvantages.
Cast iron bathtubs
Cast-iron bathtubs are a classic in our understanding. All of us remember these huge heavy bowls with which, without exception, all high-rise apartment buildings were equipped. 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 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 made quite rarely.
Steel
Steel bowls gained the greatest popularity. They are lightweight, can have various 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. Damaging the surface of a steel bowl is quite simple. It is enough to drop some relatively heavy object into it, and deformation, accompanied by enamel chips, is guaranteed. Sheet steel conducts heat very well, so the bath under the influence of hot water heats up very quickly, but it also cools quickly, giving the temperature to the surrounding air. Well and, of course, noise. A stream of water falling from a faucet into a bathtub causes a sufficiently loud sound. For some, this is a mere trifle, while others may be annoyed by such noise.
Acrylic and acrylic with polymer concrete
The most practical and universal are acrylic bathing bowls. The thing is that this synthetic material has the greatest number of advantages:
- relatively low cost;
- high strength along with ductility;
- excellent resistance to damage;
- 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 does not differ much from the cost of the usual steel bowl for us. At the same time, you will get an almost eternal bath, which you can independently bring to your home, connect it to communications. Moreover, you do not have to wait for the bowl to warm up before bathing, because the acrylic itself is not at all cold material. It should also be added that bathtubs from this material are made in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They can have peculiar seats, notches for legs, 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 of a mixture of acrylic and polymer concrete appeared on the market. This material resembles ceramic in structure, which is why models from it look much more massive and beautiful. Acrylic and polymer concrete baths have not yet found wide distribution, although they are of some popularity. 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 tubs filled with hot water. Of course, not everyone wants to equip their bathroom with such a bath, but if you decide to design it in an oriental style, then why not. Properly selected wood species and workmanship are two main criteria for choosing such a bath. As for the size and depth of the bowl, here you choose only on the basis of the size of the room. Naturally, a bathtub made of wood is not a cheap pleasure, especially if it is made in accordance with all the rules. But if you want your bathing room to resemble an oriental bathhouse with all its attributes, you have to fork out.
Bath functionality
No matter what size bath you want to purchase, think about its 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. Most hydromassage equipment is installed on acrylic bathtubs, including smaller ones. Moreover, it is completely hidden under special bends. In other words, the equipment does not take up extra space.
By setting up such a bathhouse, you can always enjoy a relaxing massage regardless of the size of the bowl.
Shower stall
An excellent solution for a small bathroom can be a shower. This option is most suitable for those who do not particularly like to bask in warm water with foam, or for those who are not suitable for such bathing. But there are models that combine the properties of both bath and shower. They consist of a deep tray in which you can draw water and calmly swim, as well as a shower system that includes vertical and horizontal water supply. Such types of bathtubs and showers are very popular among residents of small apartments. Considering them as an alternative to an ordinary bathhouse, you can win not only in free space, but also in monetary terms.