Both in old and in modern houses, the room for a bath and a bathroom is often combined and has very small dimensions. Therefore, it is so important to come up with the original interior of the combined bathroom, using the ideas of its versatility and comfort, quality materials, and adhering to the chosen style.
Modern trends in the design of bathrooms
The most difficult task and a widespread problem is the limited space of the bathroom. The combination of a bathroom and a toilet in one room , when the usable area is only a few square meters, is a difficult but quite feasible task.
In old high-rise buildings, the bathroom space is minimal, and many residents prefer to clean the wall between the bathroom and the toilet in order to increase the overall space. This provides the opportunity to place on a larger area the necessary equipment (washing machine, heated towel rail, etc.) and furniture. In modern homes, combined bathrooms usually have an area of โโ6 to 9 m 2 .
Advantages of combining a toilet and bath:
- it is possible to make zoning;
- choose a single style for the interior design of the combined small bathroom;
- save finishing materials by removing the door and one wall;
- simpler wiring diagram of communications.
The main factors in the design of combined bathrooms
The development of the interior design of the combined bathroom with a small area requires the following factors:
- The standard area of โโthe room is up to 5 m 2 , more spacious bathrooms provide more design opportunities.
- Modern styles (hi-tech, minimalism, etc.) relate to democratic trends, their main ideas are practicality and functionality, so they are ideal for small rooms.
- Classical style directions are recommended to be used only in a spacious room.
- When developing the interior, choosing finishing materials, furniture, one should take into account the increased humidity in the room, possible temperature differences.
- By choosing several shades, you can make the room zoning and emphasize the functional areas of the interior of the combined bathroom.
- Fashionable colors in recent years are neutral tones (beige, sand, light pink), as well as dark green and a shade of clay.
- When choosing a modern style, contrasting combinations in color are also widely used: black and white, black and red, etc.
Rules of arrangement
Basic requirements for the selection of plumbing and decoration in the toilet and bathroom:
- hygiene and cleanliness in the room;
- water resistance of finishing materials;
- reliability during communications;
- the practicality of using limited space.
Bathroom layout: general rules
An important factor in planning the placement of all structures in a small bathroom is the location of the door: on a short or long wall.
The main options for the interior of the combined bathroom in Khrushchev:
- A typical layout is when a bathtub is placed near a short wall, and the remaining objects are placed on one of the long ones.
- If there is a niche in the room, then a bath is placed in it, which follows the shape of its contours, the sink is also installed on a rounded countertop, which will give a complete harmonious picture.
- When the door is located on the smaller wall directly opposite it, it is recommended to put a shower cabin, on the side wall put a toilet and sink, under the bottom of which you can hide the washing machine behind the false panel.
- When placing the door on a long wall, you should focus on three details when planning: the bathroom, the countertop under the sink and the wide mirror above it, with the right combination, you can slightly expand the space for the eyes.
Bathroom layout 3-4 m2
In the interior of the combined bathroom 3 square meters. m (as in Khrushchevโs apartments), plumbing and compact furniture can be accommodated, following a few simple rules:
- Use only light shades in the design.
- Install a shower cubicle or a unit with a tile tray with transparent doors.
- The installation of a compact corner bath is acceptable.
- All corners should be used to the maximum, setting either a sink or a toilet bowl there.
- The washbasin can be made hinged over the bathroom, and below - a towel dryer.
- Use a lot of mirror surfaces (hanging cabinet doors, wide wall mirrors).
- The interior of the combined bathroom is 4 square meters. Husband can supply a narrow model of a top-loading washing machine.
- Another option is to put a โwasherโ with horizontal loading, but under the washbasin.
- Run curly shelves and other decorative elements that are pleasing to the eye.
Layout of a bathroom with an area of โโ5-6 m2
Such a room is already considered not quite small, so you can put in it:
- a bathtub of a traditional shape (rectangle) or angular, and if desired, combine it with a shower enclosure;
- washing machine;
- a sink;
- small hanging cabinets;
- toilet bowl and even a bidet.
Options for combining a bath and shower in the interior of a combined bathroom of 5 square meters. m:
- put a small corner bath, and next to it - a shower cabin with a door in a semicircle;
- make installation of the cabin and bath in opposite corners of the room;
- put a rectangular bathtub on a long wall, and a booth - on the opposite in the corner.
The layout of the bathroom is large
When planning a bathroom combined with a toilet, which has a size of 9 m 2 , there are many interesting and creative ideas:
- in a spacious room you can realize any design ideas and create an interior in both classic and any modern style;
- it is acceptable to use both light and dark shades of any color scheme;
- in addition to a standard bath, you can put a jacuzzi and shower, which can be used by all family members as they wish;
- the bath can be used as a separate structure if it is made of stone or cast iron;
- zoning the space will help using tiles in different colors, installing a beautiful tile panel or a beautiful multi-colored mosaic;
- you can use a multi-level floor, which will help to create an emphasis on the bathroom-podium or on another piece of furniture;
- It is recommended to use different types of lighting: spotlights, chandeliers and wall lights;
- for decor, it is recommended to use animalistic or geometric patterns and prints;
- to decorate the interior, use your imagination by adding various accessories and decorative details: plants in pots or flowerpots, original mirrors, stylish furniture (a table, a washstand), make unusual drawers or shelves, etc.

The choice of finishing materials: tile
The interior design of the combined bathroom mainly depends on the nature of the residents living in the apartment and their taste preferences. However, there are several rules that help in choosing finishing materials and plumbing:
- the most important is wall cladding, for which ceramic tile is considered the best finish, it is such a material that has the necessary water-repellent properties, a wide selection of colors and shapes;
- with a limited area of โโthe bathroom, the use of mirror tiles or the installation of mirrors of a large area will help to visually expand the space;
- the use of black, violet or dark blue tiles in combination with snow-white sanitary ware will make the interior of the combined bathroom elegant and stylish;
- bright and colorful colors will help create a cheerful atmosphere in the room.
Types of finishes for walls and ceilings
In addition to tiles, the following is also used in the bathroom:
- agglomerate - an artificial stone, but its price is quite high;
- plastic panels are a more budget option, however, this finish resembles an office, it should also be remembered that this material is more fragile and combustible;
- gypsum board with high moisture resistance, which requires finishing during installation;
- painting walls and other surfaces with moisture resistant paint;
- natural stone and marble are symbols of luxury and prosperity.
To finish the ceiling surface of the combined bathroom, you can use materials:
- plastic - well protects from moisture and is durable;
- stained-glass windows or mirrors - fragile, but beautiful material;
- stretch ceiling made of vinyl fabric - a more environmentally friendly option.
The choice of plumbing
Modern industry provides many models of bathtubs and showers of various shapes. Acrylic bathtubs make not only rectangular, but also oval, round, in the form of a quarter or a semicircle and other complex geometric shapes. There are samples of the washbasin with a narrowed depth, but wide, corner sinks and toilets (they can be placed at an angle of 45ห or 60ห to the door), etc.
For a small bathroom, you can choose any suitable model of a streamlined shape of light shade or white, which will contribute to the visual expansion of the space. If you choose an asymmetric model with a narrower width in the area of โโthe legs or a sitz bath, then you can place a compact washbasin nearby.
You should be aware that a bathroom with a length of at least 170 cm is considered to be comfortable, so you can put it in the interior of a small combined bathroom (170 ร 220 cm), but then there will be too little space for the rest of the necessary sanitary ware (toilet and wash basin).
Showers can save even more space, and extra meters can be used to install a washing machine, dressing table, second washbasin or bidet. The minimum cabin size is 80 ร 80 cm. Experts advise installing a compact angular version of the cabin for a room with a minimum area. Examples of interiors of the combined bathroom with shower can be seen in the above photos.
In addition to the finished shower, you can install a pallet lined with beautiful mosaics, which will visually increase the area of โโthe bathroom. The walls in such a booth can be made translucent or limited to waterproof curtains, which temporarily close when taking a shower.
Furniture selection and installation
Furniture in a small bathroom combined with a toilet is recommended to choose a rather narrow one, not more than 40 cm deep. If the room height is sufficient, then designers are advised to install hanging cabinets with mirrored doors. The space under them near the floor will remain empty and will create the effect of extra centimeters in the room.
In the corner you can put a pencil case with transparent glass inserts. Furniture color - preferably white or light shades. And massive cabinets of dark materials in a cramped room will seem huge and bulky.
If one of the walls is thick, then you can make recesses or niches in it and place shelves for shampoos, cosmetics and other little things for taking water procedures, lay LED lights around the perimeter of the ceiling, etc.
One of the important issues is the installation of a washing machine in the bathroom, several solutions are shown in the photo below.
Zoning in the combined bathroom
Regardless of the area of โโthe bathroom combined with the toilet, when planning its interior, it is possible to divide the room into several zones.
Zoning is done in several ways:
- The classic technique consists in combining ceramic tiles of different colors, shades, coatings (glossy or matte) or size (small and large format), with different patterns. This allows you to draw clear boundaries between the functional areas.
- If the family consists of more than two people, it will be important to separate the toilet zone and the bidet from the rest, which can be done using a movable frosted glass partition or by placing a bathroom in a niche with a curtain.
- Similarly, you can separate the shower with a glass partition or curtains.
- When installing hanging plumbing in a common box, you can save space and facilitate cleaning in the room, and when decorating it with tiles in the same style as the rest of the interior, add elegance to the appearance and lay out a shelf for small things.
- The heated towel rail mounted near the riser will not only become a hi-tech decor, but will also allow you to separate part of the room.
- For zoning the room in the bathroom, you can also use different types of lighting or spotlights.

Tips for designers when arranging a bathroom
When planning the interior of a bathroom combined with a bathroom, experts recommend:
- use a limited number of colors and shades (not more than 3);
- apply geometric ornaments for emphasis;
- use extremes when decorating the interior in light or dark colors;
- to add style to the room, use original or unusual accessories and decor;
- furniture should preferably be installed as more practical;
- instead of a bathroom, put a shower cabin, which will save square meters;
- use a lot of mirrors and glass structures;
- apply tile finish under natural materials (marble, stone, wood);
- in a spacious bathroom it is recommended to put live plants and other decorative elements.
Given the above recommendations, with independent planning of the interior of the combined bathroom, each owner can realize their own desires and create an interior that will be beautiful, original and comfortable for all residents of the apartment or house.