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In cramped living conditions, it is necessary to arrange furniture and household appliances as compactly as possible. To save a couple of cubes of free space, a cabinet for a washing machine with a countertop helps. This small piece of furniture, having absorbed a bulky apparatus, can significantly improve the ergonomics of the interior.
What are the cabinets for washing machines?
In the cabinet you can place not only a washing machine (SMA), but also all kinds of laundry accessories – here they will always be at hand. The nightstand is made from moisture resistant material. In addition to a niche for appliances, it has a built-in sink or sink – this is the most rational and aesthetic solution for a kitchen or bathroom. You can verify this by the photo, which contains options for floor cabinets for washing machines.
Many options for a rational and at the same time aesthetic arrangement of washing machines in bedside tables have been invented. All the variety of products can be divided into two large groups:
- With a sink – this solution allows you to maximize the use of space in the bathroom or kitchen – a room where there is a sink.
- Without sink. This is a simpler and cheaper solution.
Also, conditionally, all constructive versions can be divided into bedside tables for:
- kitchens – these models are distinguished by beauty and functionality;
- for the bathroom – the emphasis is on ease of use, the main thing is to be in harmony with the interior.
To understand the variety of ideas presented by manufacturers, we classify all options for floor cabinets for washing machines according to several criteria.
In 99% of cases, the sink is located on the side of the drawers, and not above the washing machine – with this solution, you can easily place the siphon.
By installation method
There are three installation methods:
- On the floor. The floor version is highly durable. The most important point here is that the bottom panel must be resistant to moisture.
- on legs. Especially often used in the presence of a floor heating system.
- Hanging option. The washing machine is on the floor, and the hanging bedside table is fixed with anchors on the main wall.
By material of manufacture
For the construction, durable materials are used that are not subject to corrosion. The moisture-repellent properties of materials in the bathroom are especially important.
Suitable materials:
- Metal. Strong and reliable. Must be coated against corrosion.
- Plastic. Cheap and practical. Not afraid of moisture.
- MDF. Attractive and reliable. The material is characterized by increased water resistance – if treated with a special water-repellent composition.
- Glass. Stylish and exclusive. Such designs are usually made only to order.
- Tree. Eco-friendly and stylish. It is dyed and laminated.
- A rock. Expensive and durable. Usually developed individually – taking into account the interior.
By design
There are no limits to your imagination – SMA lockers can look completely different. They can be classic – rectangular, or modern – with rounded edges.
Dimensions are selected in accordance with the dimensions of the washing machine – there are ready-made solutions for full-size and compact devices. Fans of individual projects can order an exclusive design.
Products are distinguished by the type of facades:
- Open They don’t have doors. The washer is on display. Minus – you have to often wipe the dust.
- Closed. Both SMA and shelves are covered with doors. Door design is good for families with children. Another plus is that you can choose the doors to match the color and style of the interior.
There are doors:
- folding – open outward – down 45 degrees;
- hinged – mounted on hinges and open outward;
- sliding – move to the side;
- retractable – retractable on rollers.
Countertops:
- seamless – a solid surface without joints;
- curly – with a complex contour;
- mortise – cut a hole for the sink.
Advantages and disadvantages
It is especially advantageous to put a countertop with a cabinet in a small bathroom – it is possible to use every centimeter of space with maximum benefit. Here you have a machine, and powders with rinses, and a washbasin – everything can be easily reached without changing the position of the body. This is a very profitable solution, but it also has disadvantages – it is better to find out about them in advance. Let’s compare the good and the bad when installing a nightstand under the washing machine.
Pros:
- Looks attractive. It all depends on you – you can choose or even order an option in any style, color, etc.
- Saves space.
- Communications are hidden – hoses, wires, plumbing wiring.
- Behind closed doors, the device works quieter – if they are provided for by the design.
- You can provide several shelves for all sorts of useful stuff – there are always plenty of bottles and jars for various purposes in the bathroom. Especially convenient options with a box for linen.
Cons:
- If something breaks, the approach to communications becomes more complicated.
- During cleaning, it is difficult to wash the corners inside the nightstand.
- The installation of this furniture and the SMA in it should be carried out by a specialist.
- Additional expenses.
- A mini cabinet with SMA will not fit in every bathroom. For example, in Khrushchev’s houses this project cannot be implemented, especially if the bathroom is not combined.
Overview of ready-made solutions
On sale there are both ready-made designs and standard ones, according to which you can order a version for specific conditions. Let’s see what manufacturers offer.
Misty Cuba 105 L
Floor version from “Misty” (Russian company) from the premium class. The cost is about 22 rubles. Width – 000, depth – 105 cm. The body is made of laminated chipboard, with a glossy or enamel coating on top. Includes dolomite sink. Used chrome hardware. There are drawers for useful little things, but there is no laundry basket. Weight – 50 kg.
LOTUS-110
This model is from the Lotos collection from the company of the same name (Russia). The company makes furniture to order and offers ready-made solutions. LOTOS-110 is available in left and right versions depending on the location of the sink. The material of the countertop is cast marble. Body and facade – moisture resistant MDF. Color design – red, white, light green, breeze, cappuccino, pistachio or at the request of the customer. The price is about 40 rubles.
Misty Mexico 105 R
Another floor option from “Misty” from the premium class. Width – 105 cm, depth – 50 cm. Height – 86,5 cm. The materials used are the same as those of Misty Cube. There are drawers, but no laundry basket. The cost is within 22 rubles. Weight – 000 kg.
Remember Dallas-100
Facades “Dallas” are made of moisture resistant MDF. Especially for washing machines from the company “Estet” (Russia). There are left and right versions. The tabletop is made of cast marble. The body and facade are covered with glossy enamel. The drawers close smoothly thanks to the special Blum closing mechanism. The kit costs about 21 rubles.
IKEA and Leroy Merlin
The largest furniture company Ikea (Russia) offers cabinets that can be used for the installation of SMA. In the photo below – the machine is placed in a bedside table with doors. Used ordinary kitchen furniture.
You can also buy suitable furniture in the Leroy Merlin hypermarket chain – there is a huge selection of furniture, it is easy to pick up cabinets and cabinets in which you can install washing machines. The original version of the floor locker for SMA – with a laundry basket.
Often finished products come with an overhead sink. If you make an individual order, you can choose the sink to your liking. Bowl-shaped wash basins are especially popular.
Cabinet with own hands
If you are friends with a saw, drill and other tools, you can make a bedside table for SMA yourself. You will have to spend time, and no one will give materials for free, but you can do exactly what you want. Well, and satisfy your “homemade” vanity at the same time.
For work you will need:
- chipboard sheets;
- bars and boards;
- screws;
- pencil;
- roulette;
- drill;
- a hammer;
- saw;
- Sander;
- level.
Procedure:
- The lower base will consist of two guides and several crossbars – the more of them, the more rigid the structure will be, and this is what we need. The washing machine is heavy, it will vibrate during the spin cycle, so the product must be as strong and rigid as possible.
- Connect the guides with transverse furniture screws. Drill holes in advance so that the screw heads do not rise above the surface of the boards. The hats will be recessed into the tree, put on plastic caps over them – the same color as the furniture.
- Attach chipboard or plywood to the base. But the thickness of plywood should be at least 0,8 cm.
- Attach the corners to the legs – to connect with the base. Tighten the screws and the corner – it will be attached to two surfaces at once. It is advisable to attach the corners to the boards with bolts – for a stronger connection.
- Close the base with chipboard boards, attach them with screws. Fill the holes with wood filler.
- Give the product an attractive look – treat with stain and varnish, and then paint. You can decorate the legs with special decorative elements.
Popular sizes
When buying a cabinet, you need to consider the size of the SMA and the features of the room:
- The width of the most compact version is 110 cm. Height is 88 cm. Depth is 62–65 cm. The compact version is designed for a small room, it has the simplest design – only a niche for the apparatus and a drawer under the sink for useful things.
- In a more spacious room, versions with a height of 90 cm are used. Width – 130 cm, depth – from 60 to 65 cm. Several drawers can fit here.
- The universal version has a width of 120 cm. Suitable for almost all kitchen and bathroom areas.
Installation Recommendations
It is better to entrust the installation of a bedside table – even with a sink, even without it, to the masters. Also, specialists must connect SMA. Usually such services are provided by stores selling such furniture. But in principle, having a minimum experience of such work, you can do everything yourself.
The procedure for assembling and installing cabinets with a place for a built-in sink:
- Assemble the cabinet, checking your actions with the instructions. Move it closer to the installation location.
- Connect the sink faucet to the water supply.
- Connect the siphon, which has a branch for the washing machine, to the sink and to the drainage system.
- Place the machine in the cabinet with a niche, pass the hoses – drain and fill – through specially provided holes.
- Connect the machine to the sewerage, electricity and water supply.
- Start the test process.
The hoses must not be bent during installation – problems may arise when turning on the AGR.
How to choose?
In order for the purchased furniture to be ideal for your washer, consider a few points:
- Where will it be installed – in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Depending on this, the dimensions and shape of the product are determined.
- Dimensions of the washing machine – it must fit in the space provided for it.
- If you want to hide the CMA, look for a version with a door.
- Pay attention to the quality of fittings – handles, hinges, canopies, etc. If the fittings are of poor quality, you will have to repair furniture from time to time. Also pay attention to the material of the fittings, the best option is chrome-plated metal. Plastic fittings, even coated, will not last long.
- Choose a product from moisture resistant material.
- Try to match the design of the product to the interior of the room.
There should be gaps of several centimeters between the walls of the bedside table and the machine – this is necessary to prevent the transmission of vibration from the apparatus to the furniture.
Having bought or made a stand for SMA with your own hands, you can ennoble the interior and save space. There is a choice – from the simplest designs to mega-functional products – with drawers and linen baskets.