Content
How to close the space under the bathroom if every penny counts? The cheapest and fastest way is to make a decorative curtain with your own hands. Behind it, you can hide all the shortcomings of plumbing, and, if necessary, household items and household chemicals. Making a curtain is very easy. First of all, you need to make a frame and string special fasteners on it. And then sew a product from any non-woven material. Or you can buy a ready-made oilcloth shower curtain and shorten it to the required length. Advantages:
- cheap, practical and aesthetic;
- easily mounted on any bath, regardless of its configuration and dimensions;
- in the event of a water leak, there is direct access to the point of failure.
Most of all, this design solution is suitable for country style, retro or vintage.
First of all, let's understand what a finished screen is. This is an inexpensive design that can be found in hardware stores. It is easy to assemble and remove when needed. Screens for decorating the bottom of the bath are usually made of plastic. A large selection of shades allows you to choose a product that is suitable in color for any interior. Convenient in everyday life are screens with doors, which, in turn, can be hinged or sliding. The last factor will be a big plus for a small bathroom.
If the bathroom is small, you should look at ready-made screens with sliding doors and built-in storage shelves.
If you choose a design with internal shelves or drawers, you can significantly unload wall cabinets. And in the case of a small bathroom - remove them completely. Advantages:
- 100% moisture resistance;
- duplicate the color of the most common types of ceramic tiles;
- simple care;
- quickly assembled and disassembled: the product is accompanied by installation instructions.
Decorative screen under the tree
Here is a list of building materials for a capital structure:
- moisture resistant drywall 10-12 mm thick;
- PVC panels or tiles;
- tile.
First you need to make a frame. It can be assembled from a wooden bar, which is less preferable, or an aluminum profile. Guide elements are attached directly to the floor and walls. Then the frame is sheathed with drywall. Do not forget to make a hatch for the revision of pipes.
First of all, you need to make a frame
The basis for the ceramic tile screen can be laid out of brick or foam block using cement mortar. So that in the future you do not have to break the capital structure, make a window through which it will be possible to repair plumbing equipment.
Don't forget to make a revision hatch
Some firms that manufacture custom-shaped bathtubs also specially produce frames for a specific model. They are usually made of plastic or high density foam. After the rough work is completed, it is necessary to veneer the surfaces with a finishing material.
As the latter, you can use mosaics, PVC panels, wooden slats, artificial stone and even leather.
As a finishing material, you can use ceramic tiles
- long service life;
- reliability and capital structure;
- hygiene when facing with ceramic or PVC tiles;
- simple care.
Before starting the installation of the frame structure, we level the floor.
- We lay plumbing and drain communications.
- We lay out the pedestal from a brick, and cover it with moisture-resistant plywood on top.
With a one-piece design, the bath is installed on the podium, but, if desired, it can also be placed in a recess. 3. We sew up the side surfaces with moisture-resistant drywall or expanded polystyrene boards.
Bath built into the podium
When choosing a lining for the podium, you need to take into account the color scheme of the existing finishing materials and the overall style of the room. Advantages: • monumentality and decoration; • strength and durability.
Stylish podium for a spacious bathroom in a modern style
If you want to close the bath yourself, use one of the first two methods. It is better to entrust the construction of a podium and other capital structures made of bricks to professionals.
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Making a shower curtain material selection
In some situations, it can be easier to make a shower curtain with your own hands than to waste time visiting markets and shops.
What qualities should the material for the curtains have:
- Strength. Vinyl products are the most durable, and polyester products are the least durable. PVC - the film quickly loses color when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Moisture resistance. Textiles have the least moisture resistance, but acrylic or polyester are perfect.
- Bath configuration and location. If the bath is in a niche, then the cornice will rest against the walls on the sides. All other options imply the presence of a curved cornice and curtains made of lightweight materials.
It is advisable to select curtains for the bath in accordance with the general stylistic orientation of the room.
A little patience and perseverance will help bring a twist to the interior of the bathroom by making an author's bath curtain.
Making a rigid curtain
To make a rigid stationary curtain for the bathroom, you need to purchase profiles suitable for sliding systems on the construction market or in a store. They will form the base of the shower curtain.
For doors, you can choose a narrower profile. The assembly consists in installing the springs on the floor and connecting the profiles to each other in the desired sequence.
The space inside the frame can be filled:
- polycarbonate;
- acrylic sheet;
- plastic panel;
- special plastic that imitates glass.
If this option turns out to be too complicated, you can make everything easier:
- buy an inexpensive accordion door;
- disassemble it into its component parts;
- remove rollers and guides from the structure.
Then make a new bathroom curtain by inserting panels from any material you like into the old guides.
Making a soft curtain for the bathroom
Doing soft models with your own hands is much easier, even a person without special skills can handle it.
What materials will be needed:
- moisture resistant matter;
- ruler, soap or crayon;
- scissors;
- needles;
- threads;
- sewing machine.
In order to cope with the task as quickly as possible, you should act in this way:
- Use a ruler to calculate the distance from the pipe to the floor surface. But you do not need to make the product very long; the optimal height from the floor is 15-20 cm.
- Cut out a rectangle from the material. Its width should exceed the length of the bath bowl by 10-15 centimeters.
- Process the edges of the resulting fabric figure manually or by machine.
- To decorate the product, you can cut out figures from the same or another fabric, and then sew them on top of the canvas. You can also use inserts of a different color, ruffles, folds, and whatever your imagination can do.
The finished product must be hung on the mount. Attachment for the curtain in the bathroom can be of several types:
- Barbell. It can be wooden, plastic or metal, fixed on the wall with brackets. A plastic mount is the cheapest and cannot be used to hang heavy curtains. The metal cornice will withstand even heavy curtains. Wooden fasteners are presented in different colors, their strength is sufficient for medium weight curtains.
- Kernel. Attaches to wall and ceiling. There are two types: a sliding rod and a shutter rod. One side of such a product is equipped with loops on which it is convenient to hang a curtain. The spring mechanism, which is available in the sliding rod, allows you to change its length.
You can hang the curtain on clips, special rings or fleurons. All necessary fasteners are sold in building hypermarkets, in the bath department.
Curtains created with love and with your own hands are much more interesting than purchased ones, because such a thing exists in a single copy.
Stationary
Another name - capital screens are non-separable panels. The closed part below the bathroom makes it difficult to access the basement. Do-it-yourself installation of the product will be very difficult, so it is better to trust the professionals. These models are a design that needs additional finishing. Such screens are usually made from the following materials:
Once the material has been chosen, the panels can be finished in any style. If desired, they can be painted with your own hands or use tiles instead of paint, which is very convenient. In addition, as a finishing material, it is possible to use a film, PVC panel or artificial stone.
In some cases, the basement space is decorated with wood, however, in this case it is better to choose waterproof species - oak or beech.
brick options
Brick models are the most reliable foundation, they are distinguished by an affordable price, as well as ease of construction, which can be done by hand. The one-piece construction is a laying of bricks with cement mortar, which provides the screen with reliability and strength. Facing is carried out with any material available for this. The closed space will look attractive, and the uneven masonry can be corrected with the amount of glue when finishing.
Drywall, MDF or plastic
Models made of plastic or drywall, like other materials, are attached to a pre-assembled structure in the form of metal profiles, as well as wooden blocks. For timber bars, certain conditions must be met, i.e. they were processed and impregnated with protective compositions against moisture. After installation, the entire frame is sheathed with the necessary material.
Installation of a capital structure
No less popular is the capital construction that covers the bottom of the bath. They make it from chipboard, plywood, moisture-resistant drywall or even brick. The finished frame is lined with tiles or other finishing materials. Today you can also find ready-made frames for cladding on sale.
This capital structure allows you to get under the bath if you suddenly need it, and in its central part there is a recess for the legs.
The disadvantage of this design is its monumentality. If there is a need to get under the bath, this fence will have to be broken. Therefore, in the design you need to make a fairly wide window with a door. This window, if necessary, will provide the possibility of storing the same detergents under the bath.
Taking into account the fact that the bath can also be used for washing, for example, in the central part of the structure, you can make a small sloping niche for the feet so as not to rest your fingers on the tiles.
How to do it, watch the video:
Do-it-yourself installation of a frame curtain
Frame sliding curtains for the bathroom are installed if the walls in the room are even: the distance at the level of the side of the bathroom and at the level of the upper crossbar of the curtain must match. Then the doors will open / close easily, they will fit snugly against one another, without letting water through.
Typically, a frame blind consists of a frame on which rod sections are already fixed, as well as a side mounting profile. The lower rail of the sliding bath screen is installed directly on the bathtub rim, the side profile is set in the center of the rim. The order of work is as follows:
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We install the side profile vertically. They usually have three holes (maybe more).The profiles are set with the lower end along the side of the bathtub, set vertically upwards, controlling the direction with the building level. Having exposed the profile, through the holes mark the installation locations of the fasteners. Profiles are usually fastened to dowels. If the bathroom walls are tiled, before drilling a hole in the wall, take a ceramic drill and make holes in the tile. Then, changing the drill to another (on concrete or brick, depending on the material of the wall), make a hole to the desired depth, hammer the plastic part of the dowel into it. To ensure tightness, silicone sealant is applied to the back of the profile (preferably sanitary, with antifungal additives). Having installed the profiles, fix them with dowel-nails.
- There is usually no profile on the second side; the frame itself is attached directly. It also has three holes. All actions are similar, only this time you have to expose not the profile, but the entire frame. We align it, mark holes, drill, install dowels. Next, you need to apply sealant to the side and bottom. It is more convenient to apply on the side to the wall, since during installation you will have to hold on to the frame with your hands.
-
We install the frame in place, tucking its right edge into the installed profile. We apply silicone to the lower part, combine the holes in the frame with those that were made on the wall, and fix it with dowel-nails.
- Last - fix the frame to the installed profile. To do this, there are two factory holes in which we install self-tapping screws. This completes the installation of the sliding frame curtain for the bathroom. It remains only to install plastic plugs that cover the mounting points of the fasteners.
To make it easier to care for the sliding curtain in the bathroom, it is advisable to seal the gap that forms at the junction of the frame to the wall with a sealant. You can use silicone, but polyurethane is better. Gently fill the gap, immediately wiping off the excess.
Arrangement tips and tricks
In a small room, every corner needs to be used. The door can be converted into a hanger for towels and things. It is enough to screw hooks or a crossbar to it. You can even attach a small shelf for small things. It is advisable to choose a sink with a bedside table, where cleaning products, rags, sponges and other things will be stored. If this is not possible, it is recommended to buy a basket where you can store household chemicals or put dirty things. The space under the sink should be used to the maximum because it is functional and adds coziness to the room. All bedside tables in the bathroom should be in 2 or 3 tiers to save space. The wall above the toilet is usually not used in any way, as there is a risk of hitting your head on objects.
However, it can be attached to a small shelf for storing cosmetics, towels and toilet paper. It is convenient to hang towels on hooks in the wall, so they do not take up much space, and they are easy to take. However, if there is no space on the walls, baskets and shelving can be used. Towels easily fold into "rolls" and other shapes. From them you can make a beautiful composition. This arrangement saves a lot of space. Every house has things that are very rarely used: spare towels, household chemicals for cleaning, a first aid kit, etc. You can store them on high shelves when there is no more room on the floor and walls. They will not clutter up the space, and storage will become more convenient.
The mirror in the bathroom is an important attribute. In stores you can find models with an opening rack. The mirror plays the role of a door. Inside you can place cosmetics and household chemicals. A good solution would be to screw the shelves on the sides of the mirror. So that cosmetics do not lie everywhere and everywhere, it is best to purchase an organizer or make it yourself. Shelves can be placed in the corner of the room.They will not fit many items, but it is better to screw on several levels for greater functionality. Placement of furniture in the bathroom can be difficult due to the small space. Periodically it is worth doing a general cleaning, and throwing out unnecessary things.
Material selection
When choosing a material, the following characteristics should be considered:
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Mechanical strength - it is the highest for PVC products, the lowest for polyester.
Vinyl products are prone to color or pattern fading, but if there is no direct sunlight in the room, this problem is irrelevant. -
Moisture resistance - the main task of the curtain is to protect the rest of the room from water ingress. Textile products show themselves worse than others in this regard.
Despite the fact that they have a special impregnation, it is washed out over time, and the material begins to get wet. -
The shape and location of the bathtub, and the method of fastening associated with it. As a rule, for the “bath in a niche” option, when the device ends against opposite walls, and from here the curtain will be attached in the same way, the issue is not very relevant.
But if the bath is angular or has a different curvilinear shape, you will have to choose: either use the upper suspension to attach the curved cornice, or choose the lightest possible material for the curtain. And, in any case, this material must have sufficient flexibility to accurately follow the contour of the cornice. - Compliance with the overall stylistic decision of the bathroom
Original curtain drawing for connoisseurs of black humor
Curtain fastening methods:
- Round cornice, as a rule, in the form of a telescopic tube with spacer fastening to opposite walls
- String cornice - mounted on brackets, used only in the “bath in a niche” option
- Round curvilinear cornice
- Rail type cornice - both straight and curved
The last two types are attached to the walls along the contour of the bath, they can have hanging mounts.
In any case, when choosing a suitable material, it should be remembered that the bathtub curtain occupies a fairly large area in the bathroom. Therefore, depending on how competently the choice was made, it can either become an interior decoration or spoil it.
However, given the simplicity of the product, failure is not a cause for disappointment - after all, an unsuccessful curtain can be replaced within a few minutes. The main thing is that the new solution should be more organic.
Gallery
Bath curtain decoration
The curtain can be sewn by yourself. You can use shower curtains that need to be reduced. In some cases, you can buy a simple, finished product and let your imagination run wild.
Useful decorative items. Their list can be limited only by wishes, financial capabilities. You may need lace, foil, beads, beads, shells, sequins, feathers, shells, ruffles. It all depends on your imagination, the style of the room.
Such products look very harmonious in the bedroom in the style of country, Provence, even Baroque.
Application
Curtains that are decorated with appliqué look very interesting. For the basics, you can take a transparent or plain material. It needs to be decorated with glue, scissors, decorative elements. Almost any material can be glued. A clear varnish will help to fix it on the surface, which will give strength, moisture resistance. You can even use natural elements such as flower petals to warm up your memories on cold, winter evenings.
You can find funny photos from the family album, make yourself a thematic collage, dream about traveling.
Decoupage on plastic
Decoupage technique is very interesting and loved today. It impresses not only with the simplicity of execution, but also with the possibility of choosing an ornament and shades. With its help, you can easily choose a unique pattern, make it part of your interior.
The cost of such work will also pleasantly please. The surface on which the material can be applied is also almost any. A plastic screen will be an excellent canvas for your creativity.
There are some features that will allow you to work for a long time. The first stage is processing with acrylic paint. After it dries, you can proceed to the most pleasant stage. Drawings need to be cut out, wet a little. Coat the screen with PVA glue, it is most suitable for this technique.
Pictures are laid out on top, leveling is carried out. The surface must be varnished. It is advisable to do this in several layers. Lacquer suitable transparent water-based, waterproof. Each next layer is covered on top of the previous one. A thicker layer of varnish will reliably protect the surface.
Using a bath screen can not only transform your room beyond recognition, but also make the space functional. Such work is characterized by simplicity, convenience. You don't need to spend a lot of money to buy them. You can make the design yourself, saving a significant amount.
What should be a good curtain
For all types of baths, curtains are a must-have accessory, otherwise the floor and walls in the room will be constantly wet.
Curtains in the bathroom help to keep repairs for a long time, protect the bath from fungus and mold, make the room cozy and beautiful. In order for the product to cope with its intended purpose, you need to choose it correctly.
Classic curtains
Classic models are very similar to window curtains - a curtain made of a special material is attached with rings to a flat or tubular cornice.
But there are some differences from ordinary curtains: such a cornice is fastened in a spacer between two parallel walls, and only material previously impregnated with a special waterproofing agent can be used as a curtain.
Curtains of the classical type can be created with your own hands without much difficulty.
Flexible bathroom curtains are made from the following materials:
- polyethylene;
- linen or cotton impregnated;
- vinyl;
- polyester.
The cornice can have a straight or curved shape, depending on the configuration of the bath. A tubular cornice spacer is suitable for a straight bathtub.
If the bath bowl is curved, then the supporting structure is the ceiling profile, which can be of any shape. However, these products have both advantages and disadvantages.
Of the benefits, the following come to the fore:
- Low cost. Such curtains can not be cleaned of dirt, but simply replaced with new ones if necessary.
- Quick interior update. By changing the curtains, you can transform the bathroom in a matter of minutes.
Like any inexpensive accessory, cheap canvases have their drawbacks:
- Short service life. Even if the product is carefully looked after, it will not last longer than a couple of years.
- Rapid pollution. Inexpensive materials are covered with rust spots, deposits of mineral salts, colonies of mold fungi appear on them. At the same time, when washing or cleaning, there is a chance that the product will lose its presentable appearance.
Classic curtains are sold in supermarkets, construction markets and specialized bath product boutiques. In addition to ready-made curtains, hand-made materials are also sold there.
Sliding curtains
The sliding structure is installed on the edges of the bath. Its main advantage is that it takes up very little space. And the main drawback is the visual reduction of space. Sliding curtains are perfect for a spacious bathroom.
There are 2 most popular types of sliding curtains:
- glass;
- plastic.
In terms of functionality and aesthetics, the models do not have significant differences, the difference lies in the price and in the features of care.
It is possible to assemble such a structure with your own hands, but it will take a lot of time and effort.
folding curtains
Folding structures, also called an accordion, are removed with one stroke of the hand.
Folding curtains consist of fabric sheets of the same size stretched over narrow frames.
The movement of the structure occurs due to the hinge system, so when choosing, you need to pay attention to the strength and quality of the joints
Doing such a thing with your own hands is very troublesome and time consuming, in addition, you will need the skill of sewing and designing from metal or PVC profiles.
Swing and corner blinds
Judging by the reviews, the swing design is the most inconvenient. To open such a curtain, you need to have a lot of free space. But for shower cabins without a pallet, a hinged curtain would be the best option.
Thanks to the waterproof canvas, you can better protect the room from moisture. To cover the corners that will remain open, a convenient door is installed. With its help, it will be possible to organize a completely closed space.
For the manufacture of corner curtains, acrylic canvases are usually used. You can make such a thing with your own hands, but you will need engineering thinking and accurate calculation of material and fasteners.
Ready screens
The most common and relatively inexpensive way to cover a bathtub is to buy a prefabricated screen. Most often they are made of plastic, but they can also be metal, glass, MDF or wood. The dimensions of the finished screens, as a rule, correspond to the standard parameters of bathtubs.
plastic bath screen
Ready-made screen designs are one or more panels that are enclosed in a metal or aluminum frame with legs. They are very easy to install.
It is enough to bring the top edge of the assembled panel under the edge of the bathtub, align it to the floor at an angle of 90° and unscrew the adjustable support legs to fix the screen. Additional fixation is not required, so if necessary, they can be easily removed.
By design, the screens are:
- deaf;
- With sliding doors;
- With hinged doors;
- With drawers.
Blind screen under the bath
Advantages of curtains
Sliding curtains should be installed strictly according to the level. For this, guides are often used. Many of those who install curtains instead of a screen are repelled by a number of advantages. Among them are the following:
- Suitable for small rooms, compact baths;
- Under the bathroom, you can equip additional storage space necessary;
- Ease of access to communications.
Modern manufacturers offer a huge variety of designs, ready-made screens. Simple fabrics that absorb moisture do not reach. They will become a source of development of mold, fungus.
By choosing the right design, the product of suitable quality, you can give the design a unique look, organize additional storage space, hide all unsightly designs.
You can hide behind a screen small boxes, household chemicals, household items.
How to close the bottom of the bath
There are several ways to arrange a place under the bathroom so that communications and other elements of the sewer system are not visible. Use finishing materials with which you can decorate the rough base of brickwork. If in the near future it is not planned to change the interior in the bathroom, you can build a more complex structure - a podium. An alternative to it is a curtain. This is a fast and affordable option.
Tiling
This method allows you to close the bathroom of any type. It does not matter what type of material will be used to sheathe the bottom of the plumbing fixture. You can use any tile, including mosaic. The choice of the shade of the cladding is made taking into account the color in which the interior is decorated.
The advantages of this method:
- easy care;
- attractive appearance;
- it becomes possible to hide the transition between walls and false panels, when choosing the same tile for masonry, these sections merge;
- environmental friendliness.
Decorative curtain
This method is chosen if the niche under the bathroom will be actively used: for storing detergents, household containers, etc. Then the possibility of attaching a curtain is provided. In this capacity, woven material, polyethylene film (not transparent), polyester can act. When choosing, take into account that the level of humidity is increased in the bathroom. This leads to the appearance of fungus on different surfaces, including the curtain. The best option is polyethylene. It is distinguished by ease of care. As a result, the mold will be easy to remove.
If you plan to fix the curtain under the bath with your own hands, you can choose a fabric with impregnation. As a result, the risk of mold formation in the structure of such material is reduced. The product is easy to clean. The bar on which the curtain will be attached is fixed under the side of the bowl of the plumbing fixture.
Podium
Doors under the bathroom in this case are not provided. The plumbing fixture is sheathed on all sides with facing material. As a result, the tightness of the structure is ensured, which reduces the risk of water ingress. Steps are provided for climbing. However, a podium for a bath can be made only if the room is large. Inside this structure, detergents and household items are stored. Access to them is provided through the door. In this case, you can close the bath with tiles, wood panels, plastic.
Finishing and decorating options
It is worth noting that you can hide the voids under the bathroom not only unilaterally, tightly closing the corresponding area.
A variety of cleaning products, powders and other accessories will perfectly fit into the technological niche.
One of the most common and commonly used solutions is special screens. This design can be mounted extremely easily and quickly.
In addition, there will be no problems and time-consuming tasks, unlike the construction of a concrete structure. Today, you can buy standard bath screens even in the store.
In addition, it is not difficult to make them yourself according to your own unique design, depending on the location, volume and design of a particular container, as well as the need to fill the space in the bathroom.
Installing the screen under the bath is also extremely simple. The presence of specialized spacers and adjustable legs greatly simplifies all work, eliminates the need for damage or dismantling of external decorative materials and tiles.
To date, a huge number of colors and variations of the corresponding screens are presented. Plastic components perfectly combine moderate cost, as well as high strength and attractiveness.
High temperature and humidity do not pose any problem for him, therefore, he is able to serve for many years, subject to careful use and the absence of critical mechanical influences.
It is quite possible to build a completely blank screen or make sliding doors that are not even visible at first glance.
It is always worth remembering that no one is immune from the breakdown of communications, and no one needs to break concrete for a long and dull time, risking damage to all finished surfaces, and even the bath itself.
You can pay attention to the screens, which, in addition to thoughtful frames, also have shelves inside. Multiple walls provide a complete encirclement of the space under the bath, providing an aesthetically pleasing space on the outside and a useful space on the inside.
The capital and completely static design is now much less popular, although for only a couple of decades it was given absolute preference for the lack of special alternatives.
In addition, you can paint such surfaces with acrylic or silicone waterproof paint, cover with artificial stone, just stick a PVC film.
You can also use a wooden coating of dies, which must be pre-treated with waterproof compounds. Many companies complete their products with a plastic frame, which are installed simultaneously with the container itself.
As a result, such surfaces need only be finished or painted on the outside to create a completely harmonious and attractive environment.
Nothing prevents the use of ordinary lightweight plastics, and even polystyrene, as overlapping panels.
However, any careless impact can lead to destruction and cracks, so preference is still given to more durable materials.
Tips for finishing the space under the bathroom
After installation in the bathroom, many people note that they really dislike the empty and unoccupied space under it.
The ability to close a niche with the use of various decorative coatings or as a result of conventional concreting looks very appropriate and effective.
However, it is not always necessary to resort to complex and costly solutions in order to mask this space. First of all, you need to think about whether it is worth hiding it once and for all.
Individual bath options today can be made with high design taste, have an extremely presentable and attractive appearance, so that they can be installed even in the middle of the room as the main element in the bathroom.
For other options of containers that do not look very good, or in case of additional elevation of the bathroom with the help of various reinforcing and rigid structural components, it is worth taking advantage of the finishing and decoration options.