One of the most effective and stylish solutions For the interior in a standard Khrushchev house there is a washing machine in the kitchen. Yes, in modern apartments Often there is a separate place for each piece of household appliances, but old-style apartments are not intended for modern design. IN Soviet era apartments were built without any frills, relying only on the basic needs of an ordinary Soviet citizen. And that's why modern people Problems often arise when planning a kitchen.
Just a few decades ago, the very presence of a washing machine was already considered a certain luxury. Naturally, the developers did not think about any harmony in the interior, which is why in an ordinary Khrushchev there is so little space for the necessary household appliances. Modern man can't do without this basic set appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine and cooking stove, but how to fit all this in a modest Khrushchev house?
Where to install the machine
The only acceptable option is to hide the machine, disguising it with decorative facades, boxes or doors. You don’t just need to cover the machine with something and combine it with kitchen furniture, but also do it as aesthetically as possible. The first step is to determine the location in the Khrushchev building where the washing machine will be installed. The only suitable place is the kitchen. You need a point with access to plumbing, and in Khrushchev there are few such points - only the bathroom and kitchen. There's not much room to roam around in the bathroom, and it's simply impossible to hide a washing machine there. There is only one option left - a washing machine in the kitchen.
No need for extra initiative
You should not experiment and place the unit in the corner of the room opposite the sink - this will only bring a lot of problems. Many people extend the hoses to install the machine further away, but this approach will only reduce the life of the device. When draining and taking in water, the machine will work much more intensely, and accordingly, some parts will quickly become unusable. For these reasons, the installation of a washing machine in a kitchen in Khrushchev should not be carried out far from the so-called “wet zone”.
Now it’s worth considering the basic types of washing machines. There are two main types - top-loading and front-loading.
If you have a top-loading machine, it is better to abandon the idea of camouflage with furniture. You will constantly have to remove and reinstall the heavy countertop when loading and washing.
After washing, the tabletop will also have to be removed, since the tank must dry out from moisture. Some people make a folding tabletop, but this option also did not pay off.
Methods for integrating a washing machine into furniture
But in the case of a frontal washing machine, you can try several options at once. The easiest way is to order furniture according to individual drawings, if you are just moving and have not yet settled into the Khrushchev-era building. Specialists will make according to your sizes suitable furniture, and the appliances will be delicately integrated into the furniture. On top it will be covered with a stylish tabletop, and the front panel will be covered by a cabinet door. You can do without a door, it all depends on your wishes.
If you want to use your old furniture in Khrushchev, you will have to work on your own. There are special built-in machines that are very easy to work with. You only need to attach the decorative facades to the specially provided holes for fastenings. Attach a separate small countertop on top, or, thanks to simple manipulations, combine everything with the main kitchen countertop - the choice is yours.
If the machine is not built-in, you can remove the top cover - the dimensions of some devices allow it to fit under the countertop. If the dimensions do not allow, you can raise the base and make the tabletop a little higher. Kind of built like this washing machine does not attract attention and looks great against the background of the entire interior.
Some craftsmen make a separate box from a standard frame and drywall, and then close the front panel with a door. But before you decide to take such a step, it is worth considering all the consequences. Yes, there is not much space in a Khrushchev-era apartment, and you have to save on everything, but be prepared for additional discomfort due to the built-in kitchen. If you have a door, you will have to keep it open all the time when washing. After washing, you will also need to open it to let the drum dry. There may also be problems with loading the powder - the countertop may interfere. Only after weighing all the pros and cons can you begin to install a washing machine in the kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building.
Service premises in apartments are not characterized by excessive space, which must be used as rationally as possible. , in which the washing machine will be located, has compartments in the upper part that can be closed with doors. They can store small-sized household items, household appliances and other items. Bottom part The cabinet can also be closed with a single or double door.
Materials and tools
In standard kitchen set such modules are not provided; they are usually made to order according to individual project. If the room is already equipped with furniture, then in the process of purchasing materials you should take care of selecting identical facades and laminated chipboard. The design of the cabinet is relatively simple; special steel corners are used to give it the necessary strength during assembly.
The cabinet for the automatic washing machine built into the kitchen unit is made at home from individual parts. Sawing of the module walls is ordered at a specialized site shopping center engaged in sales building materials. Facades, fittings, and awnings are selected from the goods available in the store’s assortment in accordance with a pre-prepared list.
An automatic washing machine, to house which a cabinet is made, has standard sizes. The module is manufactured using the following tools:
- electric drill with a set of drills;
- mains or cordless screwdriver with bits;
- a set of metalwork tools;
- tape measure, length of steel ruler and pencil.
Preparing elements
For ease of assembly operations, at the initial stage it is necessary to mark and drill mounting holes. for an automatic washing machine has hinged doors and drawers. On the side walls, using a ruler and a square, it is necessary to determine the attachment points of the canopies and mechanisms that ensure the movement of the boxes.
The parts are connected to each other using special furniture screws: confirmation screws for a hexagonal internal key. At the points where the elements meet, holes are drilled with a diameter of 6 mm and a depth slightly greater than the length of the fastener. When all module parts are ready for installation, we transfer them to the prepared place in the kitchen. All furnishings that may interfere with the work are removed from the area.
Assembly order
The final stage is the most difficult and responsible; the cabinet for installing the automatic washing machine must be strong enough. The module does not have a bottom, and the unit is located directly on the floor. Sequence of assembly operations:
- We install the side walls vertically and, using confirmations, connect them to the lids and horizontal partitions.
- We install a reinforcing wall at the bottom.
- We fix back wall made from painted fiberboard using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.
- We put the drawers in place, screw and adjust the doors.
The cabinet is assembled, all that remains is to move it into place, install an automatic washing machine in it and connect it to the water supply and sewerage system.
The unit must stand strictly horizontally, otherwise it may move during operation and touch the walls.
Module at correct selection materials and high-quality assembly will fit perfectly into the kitchen design.
Today, not everyone can boast of luxurious living space. Many live in houses and apartments of the standard of the last century, when everyone had a minimum of household appliances. But progress does not stand still. And if many people used to wash by hand, now the vast majority use rather large ones. washing machines automatic type. There may not always be enough space in the bathroom to install this unit and therefore many resort to the idea of installing a washing machine in the kitchen. How to correctly position an existing unit or how to choose suitable model– let’s look at it below.
Washing machine in the kitchen: which model to choose
Automatic washing machines are becoming increasingly popular. So today, in addition to standard models, there are built-in and compact wall-mounted ones, because today, when choosing a unit, in addition to its performance and characteristics, overall dimensions are no less important. How to make a choice?
The choice of washing machine largely depends on the size of the kitchen; consider several types of models:
- Wall mounted washing machine – latest development Daewoo company. Its main advantage is that it takes up very little space and can be hidden inside a pencil case or cabinet. Wall-mounted machines are much more economical than conventional ones and operate quietly. Suitable as additional washing machines for large families or as main ones for one or two people. The disadvantage is the small capacity and installation features: the unit can only be mounted on the main wall.
- Compact automatic machine similar to standard model, however, its dimensions are somewhat smaller. Suitable for kitchens with little free space. The loading depth is slightly shallower than that of a full-size washer, but this gives the model the advantage that it can be easily squeezed into a row of a kitchen model and will not protrude forward.
- Full size washing machine fits perfectly into a spacious kitchen. The model is more convenient to use than its smaller counterparts and allows you to perform a large volume of washing in one cycle. The disadvantages include the fact that a large washing machine is not so easy to fit into the interior.
- Built-in models come in two types: fully built-in and built-in. The first ones are fully integrated into the headset, like any kitchen appliances and are covered with a façade. This is an excellent option for a small kitchen, since the appliances do not stand out against the general background and do not create a feeling of cluttered space. Washing machines with built-in options are, as a rule, models of reduced height that are placed under the sink or countertop.
Depending on the kitchen and the preferences of the housewife, you can choose a model that optimally meets all the criteria.
How to hide a washing machine in the kitchen: the pros and cons of built-in appliances
You can hide the washing machine from view so that it does not clutter up the kitchen space by integrating it into the set. Behind the facades are hidden both full-fledged models of a smaller type or wall-mounted washing machines, as well as fully built-in machines.
Advantages of built-in washing machines:
- Full functionality with reduced dimensions;
- Possibility of installation anywhere with access to communications;
- Space saving;
- Reduced noise level during washing due to sound absorption of headset modules.
The disadvantages of such models, in addition to their higher cost, include lower laundry capacity, difficulty in ventilating the machine due to closing facades, and poor technical capabilities. In addition, to install a built-in washing machine, as a rule, you have to buy furniture made to order, so as not to miscalculate in the calculations and built-in washing machines exclude the vertical type of loading.
Features of installing a washing machine in the kitchen, advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of this solution is ease of use and space saving in the bathroom. In addition, the kitchen is a room with less high humidity than a bathroom, which will ensure safe operation of the device. The disadvantages include the inconvenience of placing laundry supplies: according to the principle of everyday proximity, it is more logical to store them in the bathroom.
The full-size washing machine and built-in models are almost identical in installation and connection, however, there are a number of nuances:
- If you plan to store washing accessories in the kitchen, you should choose a furniture module 30 cm wider than the dimensions of the washing machine.
- The place to install the washing machine must be soft and level, otherwise when spinning, the machine will make loud sounds and “dance” around the room.
- There must be a small gap between the unit and the walls of the models, otherwise when the washing machine vibrates during the spin cycle, the entire kitchen will shake.
- This equipment must be installed so that access to the drain and water hose of the unit is not blocked. Otherwise, if something fails, you will have to tear up the kitchen floor to get to the connection point to the utilities.
- If the kitchen, in addition to the machine, has other built-in appliances, it is better to place the washing unit not next door, but one or two modules away from other appliances.
- The washing machine's power source must be grounded. It is also better to install an automatic weaning device on the outlet.
- The drain hose must be connected to the sewer system through a special siphon. Hooking the drain hose to the sink is not a very safe option. If the sink clogs, a flood may occur.
- When connecting the washing machine to the water supply, it is highly advisable to install a separate tap for the unit. So, if the valve malfunctions, you can turn off the water on site and fix the problem.
After installing and connecting a washing machine of any type, a short test wash is performed. This will help identify possible shortcomings in the installation.
Bulky washing machine in the kitchen in Khrushchev
In very small Khrushchev kitchens, installing a washing machine is undesirable: due to limited space it is not always possible to install the unit in accordance with access and safety requirements. However, if the kitchen is the only possible option, it is better to resort to compact or wall-mounted models.
Selecting a washing machine for the Khrushchev kitchen requires individual approach, as, in fact, the general interior design, including furniture and appliances. In a kitchen with a linear or angular arrangement of furniture, you can hide the unit under the countertop or sink. A wall-mounted washing machine can be hidden perfectly in a pencil case. Moreover, if the pencil case is deep enough, such an arrangement will not interfere with the ventilation of the machine, and communications running along the wall will not take up too much space, which will allow you to place other devices or utensils in the same pencil case.
How to place a washing machine in the kitchen (video)
Regardless overall dimensions and installation locations, an automatic washing machine is a necessary assistant for any housewife. Modern models and the latest developments from manufacturers allow you to choose a unit to suit any design, making it the accent of the entire interior or just a beautiful addition.
Attention, TODAY only!
Every home has a washing machine, which in its own way takes up quite a lot of space. If it is in the bathroom, then it is still tolerable, but when there is not enough space for it, then the question arises completely differently.
All that remains is to install it only in the kitchen, but how to do this so as not to spoil the interior of the room or disrupt the functionality of the kitchen?
Is it good to have a washing machine in the kitchen?
Let's look at the pros and cons of a washing machine in the kitchen, so to speak, prepare the ground before installing it. After all, the only way out of a situation is not always positive. As in our case, there is also good points, there are also bad ones.
Advantages of installation in the kitchen
- Free space in the bathroom. This is a definite plus for small apartments, because modern design allows you to enter household appliance without any harm from the aesthetic side.
- The presence of all necessary communications, as, in fact, in the bathroom. This can hardly be considered an advantage, but it cannot be called a disadvantage either.
- Everything is at hand. Many housewives like to wash clothes while cooking. This will reduce the time spent walking from room to room.
- Possibility of choice when equipment can be 600 deep or even more. Unfortunately, you can’t afford this in a bathroom when there is only 1 square meter for the passage between the sink, toilet and appliance.
Note!
Even small kitchens have space for household appliances; the main thing is to choose the right kitchen unit. For example, as was done in the photo, the owners of an apartment in a Khrushchev building.
Flaws
- After the work process, it is recommended that the washing machine remain open for some time to dry the insides. This is impossible when a washing machine is installed in a kitchen unit; it is inconvenient and not aesthetically pleasing.
- If the device is installed in the bathroom, then you can put dirty laundry in it, which cannot be done in the kitchen. Agree, such a picture is unlikely to arouse appetite and... positive emotions.
- Storage washing powder in the kitchen is not recommended, as the proximity chemicals with food products adversely affects their quality. This is not to say that you can be poisoned, but the smell of such products can irritate the nasal mucosa.
And now, in order for the washing machine to not only look good in the kitchen interior, but also not stand out, you need to take into account some factors when purchasing.
Technology is not a cheap thing, so even the most insignificant detail can affect your future.
- Before considering any appliance models you like, you should decide on the exact dimensions of the space.
In some cases, literally 1-2 cm is not enough to harmoniously fit the equipment into the set. - Vertical loading should be a no-no for you. This does not mean that the device is insufficient good quality, it is much more difficult to fit into the kitchen ergonomically.
- It is better to opt for built-in models; they are not visible from the outside and are more compact. You can also store dirty laundry in these.
Built-in devices mean compact devices. The price for them is much lower. - Corner kitchen The good thing is that you don’t have to rack your brains about how to separate the electric stove and the washing machine. As in the case of a refrigerator, it is not advisable to install any appliances close to the oven.
For your information!
Do not forget to prepare all communications to ensure normal operation of the equipment.
When laying pipes, use only quality materials and avoid strong bends and branches.
Installing a front loading washing machine
Now let’s move on directly to how to install the device yourself. The main thing is to follow the advice that our instructions prescribe, then you will easily cope with any difficult situation.
How to install under the countertop
The standard height of a washing machine is 850 mm, which is 3 cm higher than standard height headset. And this does not take into account the curvature of the floor. What to do in this situation?
There are two ways out:
- Raise kitchen table for washing machine up to 900 mm. Yes, this, of course, is a rejection of standards, especially inconvenient for short housewives. But it is effective, plus the capacity of the lower cabinets increases slightly.
- Remove the cover from the device. Most models have this function, which allows you to achieve success in resolving the issue without unnecessary hassle.
Niche with facades for household appliances
After you have dealt with the above point, you need to think about what the cabinet for the washing machine will be like. Although, of course, you don’t need to build a solid cabinet, you just need to install a side wall.
Important!
It is better to install the equipment between two pedestals; in this case, the design will be much more reliable.
- For normal operation of the device, the distance must be set to a minimum of 630 mm. This allows a tolerance of 15 mm on each side. In the case of a wider device, try to adhere to the same design - a total gap of 30-50 mm.
- To keep the washing machine closed in the kitchen, it is necessary to install hinges on the side walls of the cabinets. Please note that so that the equipment does not touch them, it is better to make a tolerance of 20 mm at the edges.
- If you are using not the side of the cabinet, but a regular stand, then it must be secured to the tabletop and to the floor through metal and plastic corners.
This precaution is necessary if the façade will be hung on the stand. - If the kitchen allows, then an additional 10-15 cm of space can be used to install small shelves. These shelves are used for household chemicals and other cleaning products.
Now let's look at the option when the washing machine is purchased with vertical loading. Firstly, let's start with what advantages it has over a device with front opening.
- More compact dimensions that allow you to fit washing machines in the kitchen even into corner cabinets.
- The dirty laundry storage area will be impossible to see, allowing the device to be used without operation for 1-2 days.
Secondly, let's look at an example of how you can integrate a top-loading machine into a kitchen set.
- If the device will be installed under a countertop, it is necessary to mark the place where it will stand.
- Then saw off the tabletop with a small margin (2-3 cm) directly above the installed machine.
- Using metal strips (end strips, for countertops) or plastic edge, process the edges of all open parts of the tabletop.
- Install 2-3 hinges that open 180 degrees on the side of the cabinet, which is located near the washing machine.
- Place the cut piece of the tabletop in place and screw the hinge plates with self-tapping screws on the back side.
So we answered the question of how to hide a washing machine in the kitchen. Now you can easily lift the decorative cover of the device, while maintaining the straight line of the headset. This method, of course, is very labor-intensive, but the washing machine in the kitchen will feel in the best possible way. And you don’t have to be embarrassed about soaked laundry.
Conclusion
Finally, I would like to invite you to watch a comprehensive video: a kitchen with a washing machine, where you will find a lot useful information. No matter how good the theory, practice always allows you to achieve better.
Many housewives are not happy that the washing machine, which does not have a place in the bathroom, is so noticeable in the kitchen and catches the eye. They are faced with the task of disguising this piece of equipment, making it so that it becomes almost invisible, disappears into the furniture and matches the style of the kitchen.
All housewives want the space in the kitchen area to be as ideal, comfortable and beautiful as possible and that nothing spoils the impression of the room in which the family hearth is traditionally located. We have selected several recommendations that will help you make your washing machine a full-fledged member of your kitchen composition.
Why hide something beautiful?
If your kitchen is of a certain style, then perhaps a new washing machine, not covered with anything, will become a kind of highlight of the interior. For example, in a room designed in high-tech style household appliances is a decoration of the entire interior.
This style implies a technocratic room, so a silver washing machine that looks like an unidentified flying object with a bright control panel will be a wonderful element that you can even be proud of. Or in an antique style, you can not hide a washing machine made in the design of this style. Today you can find equipment for any task that will fit perfectly into the interior. True, this is a matter of money and the availability of free time for searching.
Hide behind cabinet doors
When ordering a kitchen, you can think ahead and hide the washing machine behind cabinet doors that are no different from the main furniture set. The Sami have a simple option - to order a built-in washing machine along with the furniture. But if you don’t plan to get rid of the old one and want to save money on buying a new one, then when planning your kitchen, just warn the seller about this and order a drawer with doors for a standing machine.
Most likely it will turn out to be just a little wider and bulkier than for a built-in machine. But it will cope with the task of camouflage perfectly. Moreover, if you, for example, have a small machine, then in the same drawer you can provide a shelf for storing laundry detergents, which will be a pleasant and convenient addition.
Good old drywall
If you already have a furniture set, and the washing machine is located a little away from it, then you don’t have to order an additional furniture module, but make it yourself. To do this, you just need to make a standard frame and cover it with plasterboard.
The resulting box can be covered with wallpaper, if there is any left over from the renovation, painted in suitable color or vice versa, select this zone bright tone. You can hang doors painted in any suitable color on the hinges, which are now sold in any hardware store.
Simple decoration
If your washing machine is built under kitchen countertop, but for some reason you saved on doors for it, then you can find a way out of this situation yourself. For example, if your kitchen imitates country cuisine or made in style French Provence, then you just need to buy a curtain line, or a small curtain cornice of suitable size, paint it in the color of the furniture and sew a pair of decorative curtains to fit with embroidery or decorative fringe. In this case, such decoration will emphasize the style of the entire kitchen and become part of it.
Whatever method of disguising your washing machine you choose, it is important that it matches the style of your kitchen and that you personally like it. In addition, you can come up with your own method of disguise if you use your imagination!