Home → Tips → 100 and 1 ways to install a washing machine: emphasis on countertop design
A novelty of the last decade - a countertop in the bathroom - is gaining universal popularity. The countertop hides communications, allows for compact placement of household appliances and storage systems, and creates an additional work surface. The design changes radically: from a utility room, the bathroom turns into a comfortable area with its own interior style.
And most importantly, a washing machine, the largest piece of furniture, is aesthetically built under the countertop.
Tabletop + machine: generating design ideas
What material is recommended for making a countertop, what configuration it will have and how it will look depends on many factors. From the size of the room, model, depth and height of the built-in washing machine, general design, goals and tastes of the owner.
For example, a stand-alone countertop-shelf looks original in spacious bathrooms, where there is no need to crowd furniture and plumbing fixtures together. Here it plays an aesthetic role, serving as a stand for interior decor items and indoor flowers. In bathrooms with a window, you can place the machine under the countertop , mounted instead of the window sill.
From the point of view of interior design, zoning using household washing equipment looks very interesting:
- A narrow or ultra-narrow washing machine is turned sideways to the wall and “covered” with a tabletop in the shape of the letter L.
- A rack is built above the surface of such a height that the system is perceived as a dividing partition.
- The back wall of the machine with connected hoses and cables is covered with a wall-box. Or it doesn’t close – for example, if the interiors are designed in loft, techno and other similar styles.
When installing a washing machine at a corner, we recommend experimenting with of the countertop : make the free side beveled, rounded, wavy or curly. At the same time, the acute angle – the cause of household injuries – is eliminated. Above you can hang shelves for various small items or a mirror.
Combining a washing machine and sink
Traditionally, a straight single-level countertop is used, so the height of the machine should not exceed 75-80 cm: otherwise it will be inconvenient to use the built-in sink. In small bathrooms, a super compact option is ideal - when an overhead “water lily” with a side drain is mounted directly above the body of the washing machine. Installation requires an even lower model (up to 70 cm), built under the panel, which reduces the possibility of choosing a washing machine model.
But why not deviate from tradition in favor of original design? It is possible to install a washing machine under a countertop made in several levels:
- with a classic “step” height difference;
- with several “ladder” or “cascade” transitions;
- with a non-trivial inclined “ramp”.
Then the height of the washing machine no longer matters, and the room looks more stylish and modern.
The most elegant design solution is a monolithic countertop made of artificial stone with an integrated bowl for washing. Another option is to install a tabletop with extended sides in the corner. The sink of the corner model is located in the center, the washing machine is located under one wing, the laundry basket or storage system is under the other. It is recommended to round off all the protrusions; this will add convenience and give the entire structure visual lightness.
Built-in washing machines
There are several ways to embed the SM. The choice of one option or another will depend not only on visual preferences and aesthetic considerations, but also on the layout, size of the cabinet and the dimensions of the machine itself.
If you are still at the stage of purchasing a washing machine for a ready-made set, then your task is greatly simplified. Modern manufacturers offer SMs of different sizes.
Built-in model SM, hidden behind the facade
You can choose a model according to the dimensions that fit perfectly into a cabinet prepared for CM or into a niche under a tabletop.
There are SMs on sale with the following parameters:
If you have already purchased a full-size machine, but do not yet have a kitchen set, then there are only two possible solutions:
Below are several possible solutions from which you will surely choose the best one for your kitchen.
Complete installation under the countertop
Similar to any other built-in appliances, the front part of such a machine will be equipped with special hinges for attaching the facades of the headset.
Its parameters of depth, width and height are already initially precisely set to the standard parameters of lower cabinets.
The disadvantage of such a built-in washing machine is the high price and difficult access to the body in case of breakdown.
Installation in a cabinet behind the facade
To build a washing machine into a cabinet, it is necessary that the dimensions of the equipment itself and the cabinet allow it to be placed there. All three parameters are fundamentally important here - height, width and depth.
The standard height of a base cabinet is 80-85 cm, and a full-size SM is 85 cm. If you have not yet purchased equipment, then in the store you should pay attention to compact models with a height of up to 70 cm or with the ability to remove the top cover. It is possible that in the car you have already purchased, it is possible to unscrew the top part, thereby making its height smaller.
The floor cabinet from most manufacturers can have several width parameters suitable for installing a SM in it: 60 and 80 cm. Consequently, the width of the machine will be several centimeters smaller. It is important to take into account here that on the left between the machine and the furniture body it is advisable to leave a gap the width of the cabinet door hinge. This must be done so that the powder compartment can move forward freely.
A small tabletop that covers only the machine
A good basic option if the standard design with a sink and washing machine located under a solid countertop does not suit you. In this case, a tabletop-shelf made of not very heavy material (woodboard, plasterboard, plastic) is hung on brackets over the lid of the machine. The sides remain open, the surface is used to place cosmetics or household chemicals.
In small rooms, such a solution is appropriate if the sink is mounted on a pedestal or built into a cabinet, and there is no need to combine it with the machine. If heavy material is used to make the panel, you can choose a U-shaped configuration, supported on the wall and floor. Installation of a structure with fastening to a bathtub , coil, or light partitions is unacceptable.
What sizes are there?
The main parameters of the washing machine, if you decide to build it in the bathroom, will be its width. and height. The standard height is usually about 85 cm. Which is not suitable for placing the device under the washbasin. You should choose a model of a more modest size.
The width of a regular washing machine is 60 cm. If you decide to build the machine under the sink, then pay attention to the many compact models. The width of miniature options is about 35-40 cm. Of course, you will save space due to functionality and spaciousness.
Depending on the space they occupy, front-opening washing machines are:
- full-size (designed for 5-7 kg of dry laundry). Height 85-90 cm, depth 60 cm, width 60 cm.
- narrow (3.5-5.2 kg). Height 85-90 cm, depth 35-40 cm, width 60 cm.
- ultra-narrow (3.5-4 kg). Height 85-90 cm, depth 32-33 cm, width 60 cm.
- compact (designed for 3 kg). Height 68-70 cm, depth 43-45 cm, width 47-50 cm.
Dimensions of top-loading washing machines:
- The depth is usually about 60 cm,
- height – 85 cm,
- width: 40-45 cm.
Full wall countertop
A universal approach used when equipping both spacious and compact bathrooms. The long surface unites all objects and devices located along the wall:
- sink for washing;
- washing machine;
- laundry basket;
- systems of shelves, niches or cabinets.
The depth of the countertop is calculated based on the depth of the body of the largest element - the washing machine. The configuration can be strictly rectangular at the same height, stepped, with recesses along the outer edge, asymmetrical. If desired, the lower space is completely or partially covered with furniture facades.
Countertop materials
An economical option, as well as a smart choice when equipping a bathroom with your own hands, is wood board and plasterboard. For use in sanitary and hygienic areas, only moisture-resistant materials protected with special hydrophobic impregnations are suitable. Chipboard, MDF and especially plasterboard sheets are easy to process: this is important if the panel is shaped. The light weight of gypsum boards will allow you to get by with wall brackets during installation.
Drywall for finishing
It is rational to use gypsum board when the room already has finishing, and the owner wants to preserve the style when installing the machine. The rough structure of the table top can be covered with the same ceramic tiles or mosaics as the walls (taking into account the increase in weight - you may still need supports for the floor), painted, or varnished.
Inexpensive designs for a built-in washing machine under the countertop in the bathroom also have disadvantages: if the materials turn out to be of poor quality, or errors are made in the waterproofing, the slab may swell, swell, and the savings will result in double costs.
Lightweight plastic
Plastic is rarely used for the manufacture of countertops: budget materials are not durable and strong enough, and a special imported composition that is resistant to stress and damage is close in price to wood or artificial stone. The main advantage of plastic products is their low weight.
Aesthetics of stone
Stone products, especially artificial ones, have virtually no disadvantages; The washing machine under such a countertop is reliably protected. The countertop is made of sheet material and glued together as a monolith with an integrated sink. At the same time, it looks great and is not at all afraid of moisture. In addition, the thickness of the material used is only 12 mm, so additional supports are not needed here; in most cases, ordinary brackets will suffice.
As for the front edge of the tabletop, it can be glued and made to the thickness you need. The standard leading edge size is 40 mm, but for some interiors you can use 70 or 100 mm, it will look great!
Glass solutions
Avant-garde, rare, but effective and practical options include tabletops made of tempered glass: clear, tinted or with photo printing. The small thickness and transparency (translucency) of the material make such panels visually light and elegant. Well, the risk of breaking a glass panel in the bathroom is much lower than in the kitchen.
This type of product is made to order, since it requires special equipment and professional experience. Of course, this will be more expensive than ordering a countertop from materials that are easier to process, but the result will be a bathroom with a truly unique design.
Technical side of the issue
With a little design imagination, you can make a countertop suitable for any model of washing machine. But if you focus on convenience, it is better to stick to the basic conditions.
Machine loading method
Only front-loading washing equipment can be placed under a solid surface. When choosing a model with a top loading hatch, you will have to arrange a folding section that plays a purely decorative role.
Increased protection
- The functionality of a built-in washing machine under the countertop in the bathroom must include protection against leaks.
- Make sure the washing machine is installed correctly. Poorly secured equipment can vibrate strongly during operation, and this vibration will be transmitted to the countertop.
- Connecting the machine to the water supply and sewerage must be carried out by specialists, strictly according to the instructions.
Size Requirements
- Full-sized machines are available in sizes 90x60x60cm (height/width/depth)
- From an ergonomic point of view, the height of a comfortable tabletop for a person 160-180 cm tall is 82-92 cm. We subtract the required gap: the washing machine under the tabletop should be at least 1 cm lower. We subtract the thickness of the material itself (in the case of acrylic stone this will be 12 mm). We get the result: the height of the washing machine will be 69-89 cm.
- The most convenient depth of a wall table is 55-60 cm. Subtract 10 cm - the required distance from the back wall of the machine to the wall, we get 45-50 cm.
Conclusion: the best built-in machines are narrow and ultra-narrow (35-45 cm) with a height of no more than 85 cm. They are produced under many well-known brands - Bosch, Beko, Zanussi, Siemens, Candy, Electrolux, Whirlpool. Some manufacturers (Bosch, Hansa) allow the top covers of some models to be removed during placement to reduce their height.
How to fit a washing machine into the kitchen
There are three ways to install a washing machine in the kitchen:
Now let's look at each method in more detail.
Full embedding
By choosing a built-in model of a washing machine and integrating it into the set, you can completely hide it behind the facade and achieve unity of all surfaces. Thus, the interior will be more tidy and visually appear more spacious. If your kitchen is small, then it is best to choose this method of installing a washing machine.
By the way, built-in washing machines differ from standard models only in that they do not have top and side decorative walls. The front panel has hinges on which the facade is installed. Next you can see photos of kitchen interiors with a built-in washing machine.
By the way, you can even integrate a washing machine into the set at the end, as shown in the photo below. In this case, the width of the model should be 59-60 cm.
Kitchen design with a washing machine built into the end of the unit
As for a top-loading washing machine, it can also be built in, but this will have to be done somewhat unconventionally - under a folding tabletop, for example, in a bar counter as shown in the photo below.
Partial embedding
You can also integrate an ordinary stationary front-loading machine into the set. The main thing in this matter is to choose a model of suitable height and width. This is not difficult to do, because the sizes of washing machines are standardized and in most cases just fit under the countertop.
Washing machine under the countertop: what's the result?
Installing a countertop in the bathroom is a modern design solution suitable for any interior. In small rooms, where every centimeter counts, a tabletop will help to properly organize the space and will look neat and stylish. After all, a washing machine often has a whole battery of various jars and bottles built on it, which often tend to fall off it and roll into some hard-to-reach place. So why not store these things correctly and neatly by placing a countertop in the bathroom?
In larger rooms, placing a washing machine under the countertop is also quite justified. Firstly, this is a good solution from the point of view of bathroom design, stylish and modern, and secondly, an additional surface on which you can stack various objects will not be superfluous here either. Want to transform your bathroom? Install a countertop with built-in washing appliances!
All about placing a washing machine in the kitchen
If there is no place in the bathroom for a washing machine (hereinafter referred to as WM), the easiest way is to place it in the kitchen. After all, all communications are already there - a pipe supplying cold water and a sewer drain. All you have to do is find a suitable place, select a model of the right size and, if desired, build it into a set or install it under a tabletop. In this article we will tell you how to do it correctly - without compromising the interior and ease of use of the SM.
