How to Design a Bathroom Cheaply in a Rental Apartment?

In interior design, planning the space to make the best use of it is always key. A good plan is particularly crucial when it comes to a bathroom in a large-panel apartment, which is likely to have a small floor area. The room must be measured, and the locations of water and sewage connections must be determined. This will be necessary for the later design, as changing the placement of installations significantly increases the cost of the whole project. To keep the renovation cost lower, it's better to adapt everything to the existing conditions.

The priority when designing is to create a functional and ergonomic interior. Equipment and appliances should be at a universal level, with shelves and cabinets for storing cosmetics, cleaning products, or towels. It's better to avoid advanced and elaborate solutions. The decor should be minimalist to appeal to the largest group of people. Additionally, renters appreciate the ease of keeping the bathroom clean.

A bathroom in a rental apartment should not only feature minimalist decor but also appropriately chosen colors. The safest choice is light and neutral shades. Not without reason, inspirations for bathrooms in large-panel apartments are dominated by colors like white, shades of gray, beige, and light blue. This is due to two reasons. Firstly, rental apartments often have small bathrooms, and light colors visually expand the space. It will look larger than it actually is, which tenants will certainly appreciate. The second reason is versatility. When renovating the bathroom, the investor doesn't know the tastes of potential tenants. While neutral colors are accepted by everyone, bolder or darker ones might not be so well-received. To break up the subdued shades and add character, accents in the form of accessories can be added.

A bathroom in an apartment often doesn’t exceed a few square meters, which poses a significant challenge for investors. However, even in such a case, it’s possible to design an ergonomic and comfortable interior. Space for storage needs to be created, and if the area is too small to fit standard bathroom furniture, it’s best to consider custom-made furniture. It can be simple, so its cost doesn’t necessarily have to be high. For instance, a cabinet can fit under the sink, and if it's a countertop sink, it also provides a countertop for cosmetics or a small decoration. If the bathroom has a front-loading washing machine, a cabinet should also be hung above it.

Another trick to make the bathroom look bigger is using a mirror. It's best to focus on larger models, which, when applied correctly, can add several meters visually. There's no need to limit the mirror to being just above the sink. A great effect can be achieved when the mirror covers the entire wall. If the rental apartment has a bathroom window, placing a small mirror opposite it will bring in more natural light.

One of the questions that often arises when thinking about how to design a bathroom is whether it’s better to invest in a bathtub or a shower. Both the bathtub and the shower cabin have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on several factors. Firstly, the available space is important. A bathtub in a small bathroom can take up too much space, so a shower cabin is a better option for smaller areas. Even when the apartment owner is considering how to design a very small bathroom, a shower cabin can fit, especially since it can be custom-made.

If the bathroom already has a bathtub and the renovation needs to be quick and cheap, it can be kept. However, if more significant changes to the decor are being considered, it’s worth replacing the bathtub with a shower cabin, not only due to space savings. Additionally, it is more functional than a bathtub and uses less water, making it both eco-friendly and economical.

Every room in the house should be divided into functional zones, which can be distinguished through lighting. This should also be applied in the bathroom, even if it's a small bathroom in an apartment. The most attention should be paid to the area around the mirror, where precise tasks requiring good lighting are performed. Another distinct zone is the bathing area, regardless of whether the bathroom has a bathtub or shower. It’s a place that’s worth adding extra lighting to, which can be done with subtle lights. For example, a LED strip placed along the bathtub looks nice.

Regardless of the division into zones, the bathroom must have general lighting. This is a light source that evenly illuminates the entire interior, typically in the form of a ceiling lamp, like a spotlight bar.

One important aspect of lighting is the color temperature. It's recommended to use neutral light in the bathroom, so the mirror doesn't distort colors, which is essential for tasks like applying makeup. Also, consider the bathroom’s features. For white or cool-colored tiles, a cooler light color works best, while warmer tiles suit a warmer light tone.

Bathroom furniture should combine capacity, functionality, and aesthetics. They must also be resistant to moisture. MDF and HDF board models work well as they offer durability, resistance to deformation, and a good price. If the interior is modern and minimalist, iron furniture can be considered, but make sure it's coated with rust-proof paint. Around the bathtub or shower, suspended tempered glass shelves work well.

Modular furniture is particularly recommended for smaller bathrooms. It's inexpensive, user-friendly, and looks good. However, before choosing such furniture, it's worth dividing the bathroom into zones and precisely measuring the space to ensure there’s enough room for free movement once the sanitary equipment and furniture are installed. The most commonly included furniture items in bathroom decor are cabinets under the sink, hanging cabinets and columns, bathroom shelves, and mirrored cabinets. Since the rental apartment should be adapted to the needs of various users, it’s best to stick to standard distances and heights.