
The current designers are increasingly opting for a bathroom cabinet, and I fully support them. The balance between convenience and attractiveness creates a high level of comfort. When designing the bathroom, the main thing is not only to equip it beautifully, but also to do everything in such a way as to use sanitary ware and furniture was convenient.
Content:
A sink with a cabinet or a familiar tulip - which is better?
When I started repairs in my small apartment, the question arose - how is it beneficial to use the useful space in the bathroom?
All my adult life, I used the sink-tulip. It is unlikely that there will be at least one person who does not know what she looks like: a regular sink resting on a leg. It does not look bulky, combines with many styles and performs its main role in the bathroom.
One more plus of a tulip - a leg hides all communications. For storage of various household and bath accessories next to the sink you have to install a pedestal or mounted cupboard. The area of occupied space at the same time doubles.
I found a profitable replacement for sale - a sink with a pedestal, where the latter replaces the tulip stem and serves as a separate piece of furniture for storing everything needed. I think this is one of the best purchases for my bathroom.
Thumbnails selection rules
When I touched the issue of buying closely, it turned out that the assortment of washbasins was huge. The difference between different models is not only in the external data, but also in the internal content, materials from which they are made, the type of installation. I decided to understand the basic intricacies of manufacturing the structure in order to be able to choose the best option without outside help.
For such an advantage as multi-functionality, stands stand. You can buy it ready-made or order it according to individual parameters - then you can design the filling yourself inside. For cabinets under the sink fit:
- different types shelves, including with height adjustment;
- drawers;
- built-in laundry baskets.
The larger the size of the nightstand, the more will you can give fantasy - this is logical. Sizes in most firms are standard: 50, 60 and 80 cm.A smaller version will hide communications and is suitable for storing household chemicals, 60 cm can hold even a small basket, and the third size has enough supply for mounting everything together.
The cabinet with maximum dimensions, due to the potentially large weight under full load, can only be installed on a reliable support, on floor.
return to menu ↑Installation Types
Bathroom cabinets, depending on the type of installation, are found in two basic versions:
- floor standing;
- suspended.
The buyer can not always choose the way. Certain furniture and plumbing options require a specific installation method. Consultants in stores should warn about such features in advance in order to save the client from unplanned waste and damaged nerves in the future.
Furniture for a bathroom with dimensions of 80 cm and more is usually not considered as a suspended option. With too much load, the strongest fasteners can not cope and fall off, causing damage to the cladding on the walls and floor. And the wall of drywall will not stand even a standard cabinet, 50 cm wide.
return to menu ↑Floor models
Sink with a pedestal is a classic, a kind of traditional version. The simple design eliminates installation with "zamorochki" and does not require special knowledge. Most buyers who are alien to non-standard styles and fashionable innovations, opt for such models.
Floor stands under the sink can still be divided into three subspecies:
Suspended mounting type
Suspended pedestals with a sink do not touch the floor and are mounted on the wall. Optimal for design in style. high tech, minimalism, avant-garde, modern and the like. Under the cabinet, the formation of fungus or mold is excluded, since nothing prevents the high-quality cleaning of moisture and debris.
Hanging type - a frequent choice of designers in the setting of small spaces. The absence of the base of the cabinet visually increases the space. Due to the specific nature of the installation, bulky furniture cannot be installed on the wall, because for a large bathroom, preference is given to outdoor furniture.
The strength and quality of the chosen fixtures determines the service life of the furniture in the future. If at repairing the bathroom it is planned to plaster the walls with plastic or plasterboard, you should take care to install the fasteners into the main wall in advance.
If, contrary to the recommendations, a larger cabinet is purchased, then the installation should be entrusted to a proven specialist. It is important to consider the reliability of the chosen fastener to eliminate the risk of structural collapse. Otherwise, you can not only damage the furniture and surface cladding, but also disrupt the plumbing communications.
return to menu ↑Materials for production
The cost of pedestals mainly is the material used in the manufacture of all parts. But in our case, not everything that is expensive means better.
Often used the method of combining different options in one product. It allows you to simulate the structure of raw materials of natural origin and improve the quality of an inexpensive material. The production of bathroom furniture is often based on the method described.
Chipboard and MDF
The most common and accessible materials of all. Possess sufficiently good performance properties, but subject to the presence of a protective coating. Both are made on the basis of compressed wood waste, therefore, in a pure form they are afraid of moisture.
To protect against external influences the surface MDF and chipboard cover:
- varnish;
- acrylic;
- film;
- plastic.
Depending on the type of coverage, you may need to update it in a year or more. MDF is more expensive due to better quality and high security.
Plastic
Another relatively cheap material, which is often taken as the basis for the manufacture of furniture. The curbstone with a sink from plastic panels has quite tolerable operational properties:
- constant contact with water is completely harmless;
- the occurrence of fungus or mold is excluded;
- material is easy to process;
- subject to mechanical damage - the main drawback.
Continuous use of the cabinet over time will lead to the formation of small scratches on the surface. From the strong impact of the panel can significantly deform. Failed parts cannot be repaired, and the probability of replacement may be disputed.
Despite the shortcomings, plastic cabinets in the bathroom always remain in demand. Thanks to modern technology, facade can be made:
- straight;
- bent.
Pictures and patterns are easily applied to the surface, the color palette is unlimited.
return to menu ↑Tree
The most expensive cabinets with shells are made of natural wood. They truly look luxurious, which underlines the status of the owner of the property. Direct contact of wood with water is fraught with consequences; this must be taken into account when purchasing.
So that the tree does not deform over time due to constant exposure to moisture and temperature, the furniture surface is necessarily covered:
- oils;
- varnishes;
- waxing
After a certain period of time, the coating layer must be updated. Optimally, a good ventilation system is installed in the bathroom.
For the manufacture of cabinets in the bathroom, I advise you to choose one of the types of wood.
return to menu ↑Metal and glass
In my opinion, these are two materials that are used less often in the interior of the bathroom. If speak about metalthen no matter how thick the layer of protective coating may be, it is impossible to stop the development of corrosion on the metal.Only stainless steel is not subject to this process, but it looks very unusual.
Forged metal elements may appear in the most daring design decisions. They can not serve as the basis for the whole structure, but in combination with the same tree you will definitely get a smart result.
Glass varieties are as rare as metal. Immediately comes the thought of the fragility of the material, however, for the manufacture of such pieces of furniture used special tempered glass of high strength. All traumatic edges must be rounded.
Types of sinks
After the choice of the cabinet has become obvious, it's time to go to the selection of the sink. Let it be two different elements, but ultimately you get one whole piece in the interior of the bathroom. Because the sink and nightstand should look harmoniously together.
The main criteria for selecting a sink, regardless of the parameters of its support:
Magnitude. A large sink on a bulky cabinet will look coarse in the interior of a small bath, just like a small sink will be “lost” in a spacious room.
The unity of style. Washbasin must match the overall design of the bathroom.
Ergonomic. It characterizes ease of use - location, height, space for personal hygiene items, etc.
Security. Sinks made of glass because of the fragility of unsafe for young children. Care should be taken when selecting wall-mounted washbasins, which are safer than built-in washbasins.
The standard width of an average sink is from 50 to 65 cm. The maximum is 90 cm. At the same time, there are non-standard models up to 50 cm wide and over 90 cm. If there is a need to install a sink of even greater size, it makes sense to consider the option of installing two washstands.
return to menu ↑The shape and color of bathroom sinks
Technological advances and the variety of materials suitable for processing, allow to make shells of various forms. Quite unusual, far from geometric - this is to avant-garde artists. I want to draw attention to those that can be found in all specialized stores:
- rectangular - universal type, suitable for almost any interior;
- round - must be combined in design with other round objects;
- square - will be appropriate in a simple style;
- oval - non-standard shape that best fits similar design.
Contrary to the prevailing stereotype, the sink should not be only white. Even the brightest colors can successfully fit into the overall style with the right selection. Hand-painted on ceramics or glass is becoming increasingly popular, but it is such a pleasure not cheap.
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Installation Methods
Sinks for bathrooms also differ in the type of installation. On this depends not only the cost of plumbing services, but also the general appearance of the structure as a result. Individual models provide the only possible installation method.
Install the sink on the cabinet in the bathroom in three ways:
- Fully embed in the surface of the cabinet. Here there are two possible options: the washstand occupies the entire surface area without joints and gaps or in the tabletop the pedestals make a hole the size of a sink and then assemble. When plumbing is partially installed, all joints around the perimeter should be treated with sealant to prevent water from getting inside.
- Part of the embed in the cabinet, part left outside. The result is a semi-built sink, where one half protrudes beyond the bollard. The method is ideal for bathrooms, the area of which does not allow to place furniture of normal width. And to perform hygienic procedures is even more convenient, since the legs do not rest against the doors of the pedestal.
- Install the sinkby making a hole in table top only for siphon. Such models are also called overhead. They always look unusual, complementing a stylish design. The top edge of the sink should be no more than 90 cm from the floor, otherwise daily use will cause inconvenience.
Table top for large sideboard
If the built-in sink does not occupy the entire surface area of the cabinet, then the installation of other models requires a tabletop. In many models, it is a continuation of the walls of the cabinet, that is, it is made from the same material and has the same structure. To diversify the design and add zest to the finished interior, you can order a tabletop that is different from the main material of the structure.
The size of the tabletop is not limited to the parameters of the cabinet. By request of the client can make a wider or longer surface, which will create additional space for storing personal hygiene items. In addition, under it you can place a laundry basket or install a washing machine.
Materials
In the bathroom often holds a high level of humidity, there are changes in temperature. Therefore, when selecting a material for a tabletop, it is necessary to take into account all its properties so as not to encounter unpleasant "surprises".
- Chipboard and MDF. A common relatively inexpensive option, the whole bollard is often made from similar raw materials. Basically covered with a laminated film with a pattern that can imitate natural materials. With constant use of chipboard serves very little, MDF, by virtue of better quality, can be used for several years.
- Fake diamond. One of the commonly used options for countertops. Not afraid of water, ultraviolet and mechanical damage, durable. It is more expensive than most materials, which always justifies the excellent quality.
- A natural stone. Luxurious in spacious bathrooms, resistant to most of the annoying factors. The disadvantages are too much weight and the impossibility of restoration in the event of a chipping.
- Tree. It is expensive, needs a high-quality protective layer from moisture and its constant updating.
- Glass. It does not deform over time, does not lose transparency, but complicates the cleaning process.
- Mosaic plasterboard or tiles. A good option, provided the choice of high-quality moisture-resistant grout for joints.
Solid countertops with sink
A countertop with a solid cast sink is a rare species so far, due to its high cost and complex technology. The problems of deformation, swelling of the material or the formation of mold become alien to those whose budget allows you to make such purchases. The design is a monolithic countertop with a recess in the plane, which serves as a sink.
Solid countertops are made from artificial stone, earthenware or porcelain. There are no seams and joints, so water leakage is excluded. The quality of raw materials ensures the durability of the entire structure.
Forms of construction
In specialized stores, I met two types of cabinets with a sink: rectangular and angular. Here the choice depends no longer on its own whim, but on the nuances of bathroom planning. If the corner of the room remains unused after the placement of other objects, the choice of the type of furniture becomes obvious.
Rectangular bollards - a classic type of furniture that 90 buyers choose from 100. Depending on the dimensions of the furniture, there are drawers, shelves, and special compartments inside. The sink is built in a surface, the siphon from it is hidden in a curbstone.
Corner constructions optimal in the case when you need to use the free angle in the plumbing room. They are more spacious than rectangular ones. Usually have the form of a trapezoid or triangle.
A separate advantage of angular pedestals is the ability to install a large sink, while there is enough space for storing personal hygiene items. Semi-built sinks in such structures are not installed.
return to menu ↑Bathroom cupboard with two sinks
For spacious bathrooms, where the area allows you to give vent to imagination, the purchase of two sinks with a pedestal will be an excellent solution. In a large family, such an acquisition is particularly justified. But in the small-sized housing, of course, the second sink will be superfluous.
Among the main advantages I want to highlight:
- saving time at gathering all family members in the morning - two people can simultaneously carry out hygienic procedures;
- more chances to create a design with a twist;
- You can arrange a special hygienic regime, for example, one shell to give to the use of children, and the other will remain only for adults;
- One of the family members can take one sink, and arrange personal items at their convenience - which will not interfere with relatives and guests.
The range of thumbs with two sinks is completely unlimited. Any shapes, sizes, configurations, colors - whatever the designer and the soul of the customer. The basic rule is to try to match the chosen design of the entire bathroom.
return to menu ↑Choosing a place
Deciding where to install a new cabinet with a sink in the bathroom, it is necessary before buying one. The task is simple, if the new design will be put in place of the old shell. When re-planning the bathroom as a place for the future placement of sanitary communications should be taken care of in advance.
Why is it so important to determine the location of the sink at the beginning of the repair work:
- A plan of the bathroom showing all the elements will help determine the optimal size of the washbasin. Consider all plumbing details and the distance that the door will open to the inside.
- Outgoing water pipes from the wall can rest against the shelves and drawers of the selected drawer. In order not to cut pieces of material, essentially steal the useful space and spoil the furniture, you should adjust the content inside at the time of the order.
- I highly recommend that you take the sewer pipe near the water pipes. Otherwise, for pulling the corrugated hose to the siphon at the bottom of the cabinet will have to make a hole.
When all the nuances will be taken into account, you can begin distributing sewer pipes, as well as hot and cold water. Global redevelopment requires highly specialized knowledge, therefore it is better to seek professional help.. Preventing a problem is much easier than wasting energy on eliminating it.
return to menu ↑Optional accessories
Along with the choice of cabinets and suitable sinks, no less attention should be paid to the selection of accessories. From their quality depends on how comfortable furniture will be in use. The same goes for its durability.
For example, the handles on the doors and drawers perform not only a practical function, but can also become a special designer zest.
Many do not pay attention to the quality of the hinges on the doors, considering that this accessory can be saved. I do not agree - the higher the quality of the hinges, the longer the furniture will last without squeaks and rust. Not to mention the fact that on the failed loop the door will not hold at all.
Together with the cabinet and sink often purchased mirror. Placing it over the sink, hygiene procedures will become much more convenient. The design of the selected mirror should correspond to the design of the structure: with or without a frame, with a pattern along the edge or a shelf below - it is up to you to decide.
Choosing furniture
Everything for the bathroom