Small bathroom design
Small bright bathroom design with rational use of space

Nowadays, small studio apartments or apartments in so-called "Khrushchev-era buildings" are very popular, where every centimeter must be used correctly to get the most out of the space. For a modern interior, beautiful, high-quality and functional furniture is the main rule.

Washing machine cabinet
A cabinet for a washing machine in the bathroom allows you to close the machine and use the remaining space for storing household chemicals, towels, and linen

One of the important points is the arrangement of the place for the washing machine. It does not matter where it will be located - in the bathroom, hallway or kitchen. Installation in the bathroom is, of course, much simpler than, for example, in the kitchen. No additional hoses are required for installation.

Built-in cabinet in the bathroom
Washing machine cabinet in the bathroom in a built-in niche

To save space in a room or to hide household appliances, it has become popular to make a cabinet over the washing machine.

Built-in cabinet for washing machine
A built-in cabinet for a washing machine in a small bathroom allows you to use the free space correctly

Advantages and disadvantages of this interior solution

Washer and dryer in the closet
Washer and dryer in a cabinet with convenient and functional shelves and drawers

Let's start with the positives.

  1. Firstly, the cabinet protects household appliances from moisture (if the washing machine is in the bathroom, water naturally gets on it), thereby protecting its body from corrosion.

    Convenient cabinet for washing machine
    A convenient cabinet for a washing machine and sink looks stylish and beautiful, and also protects the washing machine from external influences
  2. Secondly, the cabinet can be made vertical, and the upper section above the machine can be filled with, for example, household chemicals. Everything is convenient and “at hand”, and significantly saves space. A large number of additional shelves creates order and simplifies cleaning the bathroom.
Cabinet for boiler above washing machine
The cabinet for the boiler above the washing machine hides it well from prying eyes and serves as additional storage space

A built-in wardrobe can only be installed in large rooms. It requires quite a lot of space, so this option, unfortunately, is not suitable for small apartments.

Rack with shelves
Open shelving unit above washing machine in small bathroom

The only downside is that you may not notice a leak in time if the washing machine is installed inside. Also, the cabinet may not last long, but this will depend on the material you choose for its manufacture.

Cabinet above the washing machine
White DIY cabinet above a washing machine installed in a niche
Minimalist bathroom
Minimalist bathroom with under cabinet washing machine

Selection of building materials

Cabinet above the washing machine
Self-made cabinet above the washing machine made of white semi-gloss laminated chipboard

Before choosing building materials, it is necessary to carefully and accurately measure the bathroom and washing machine. Different models have different dimensions. Then it is necessary to make a drawing, taking into account the dimensions of the cabinet. It should be 3-4 cm wider than the washing machine.

Wall cabinet in a niche
Small wall cabinet above the washing machine in a niche

In terms of height, choose the most suitable option for you, it can vary from 2 to 2.5 meters. The higher the structure, the greater the number of functional shelves. Note: a high structure is unstable. The dimensions of the cabinet should correspond to the dimensions of the bathroom, large furniture in small rooms looks ridiculous and takes up a lot of space.

Moisture-resistant MDF
Moisture-resistant MDF for making a bathroom cabinet

After measuring, we go to the store and select moisture-resistant MDF, which is the most suitable and budget option for making furniture. This is a relatively new material that is obtained by pressing finely dispersed dry wood sawdust. But at the same time, it is very resistant to aggressive environmental influences. When choosing MDF, you should pay attention to the thickness, choose the necessary color and texture. It must have a PVC coating for additional protection from moisture. The thickness of MDF must be at least 19-20 mm, with such parameters, the cabinet will be very reliable and will withstand a washing machine, the weight of which is about 80 kg.

Carefully examine the surface of the product for chips and scratches. Proceed to manufacturing.

Equipment and tools
Equipment and tools for making a cabinet

You will need a fairly standard set of tools:

  1. drill;
  2. screwdriver;
  3. jigsaw;
  4. metal corners;
  5. screws;
  6. tape measure, pencil.

Before making the cabinet, we calculate the dimensions of all the parts. The intermediate shelves will be 10-15 mm shorter than the bottom and top walls. We mark and cut out the parts according to individual dimensions. You can order ready-made material, which will be cut on a special machine.

Details of the future shelf
Details of the future shelf made of white MDF

Step by step instructions:

  1. First of all, we attach the legs to the base.
  2. We mark the holes for the shelf holders on the side walls.

    Holes for mounting shelves
    Holes for mounting shelves on the side walls
  3. We drill holes and insert shelf supports.
  4. We take the base (bottom) and connect it with the side walls using corners and screws.
    Pre-drilled holes
    Holes for connecting the cabinet frame

    Tie down screws and end hole
    Tie down screws and end hole
  5. We secure the top of the cabinet and the back wall using corners.
  6. Next we install the internal shelves.
  7. Finally, we install a door with a closer. If desired, you can make a door with a mirror. Mirrors visually increase the space in the room, so many designers use this advantage.
Cabinet built into a niche
A cabinet with a washing machine inside and shelves, built into a niche in the bathroom

In some cases, the washing machine is not closed with a door, and it harmoniously "fits" into the new interior. A white washing machine can be placed in a classic snow-white bathroom, and a gray metallic will suit a bathroom with gray ceramic tiles.

Large cabinet near the shower
Large cabinet above the washing machine near the shower stall

If there is no time and opportunity to place a cabinet, a simpler and more accessible option is to place shelves above the washing machine. They can also be used to store various accessories that are necessary for daily care.

Shelves above the washing machine
Convenient shelves above the washing machine

They can be made from scrap materials, for example, pieces of MDF that may have been left over from an apartment renovation, or from glass covered with a film (for easier maintenance).

Closed cabinet
Spacious closed bathroom cabinet made by yourself
Bathroom tall cabinet
Bathroom tall cabinet with space for washing machine

Buy ready-made furniture or create a budget and most suitable in size universal rack or cabinet? In any case, the choice is yours.

Corner cabinet in the bathroom
Corner wardrobe with built-in washing machine
Washing machine in a closet in the corner of the room
Washing machine in a small bathroom with convenient and functional cabinets and shelves

Video: Hinged wardrobe with a washing machine inside

Photo selection of cabinets for washing machines in the interior: