Color
The most practical and less "dirty" shades are the most common - white, pastel, beige. We are used to seeing them in traditional bathrooms, and for good reason: light colors are slightly expand space, and dirt on them is barely noticeable.
The fact is that in the bathroom, especially if the water in the apartment is calcareous, light drops and stains remain on the surfaces. If you decorate the bathroom in dark colors, drops, dust and debris will be clearly visible on the walls and furniture.
Small chips and defects do not attract attention if the surface has a non-uniform pattern (for example, tile patchwork) or natural texture - wood or stone.
Walls
The most popular material for wall decoration in the bathroom rightfully considered ceramic tile... Due to its positive qualities - environmental friendliness, durability and resistance to moisture - the tile is the most durable wall covering.
It is easy to care for, and if it becomes necessary to update the walls, you can simply replace the grout or paint the tiles... It is ideal for sanitation as it is not available for bacteria to multiply. Compared to paint, wood and PVC panels, the material retains its original appearance for the longest time.
Before laying the tiles, it is necessary to apply waterproofing, which will protect the walls from the effects of water.
Floor
Porcelain stoneware - the most popular cladding material bathroom floor... It is strong enough, but if you want a truly indestructible bathroom, we advise you to pay attention to self-leveling floor... Its main advantages:
- strength;
- durability (service life is about 15 years);
- resistance to abrasion (does not lose its original properties), moisture and chemicals;
- ease of care;
- solidity (no seams).
As well as under porcelain stoneware, under the self-leveling coating, you can install a system of underfloor heating.
Ceiling
Regular paint and paint are competing for the title of the most durable type of bathroom ceiling covering. stretch PVC fabric... The advantages of the paint include not only simplicity and aesthetics, but also a relatively long service life: a well-treated and leveled ceiling is easy to keep clean, and, if necessary, to renew.
But PVC ceiling has even more advantages:
- not afraid of dampness and steam;
- does not accumulate dirt;
- easy to clean;
- retains water in case of flooding by neighbors from above;
- hides irregularities and communications.
Correct installation and maintenance will provide the ceiling with a lifespan of up to 25 years, but for this there must be good ventilation in the bathroom.
The only drawback of the stretch fabric is that it is easy to pierce it, but such a situation is difficult to imagine.
Mat
The most wear-resistant product that does not fade, does not fade, is not afraid of moisture and temperature extremes - mat microfiber. The bright synthetic rug is extremely shiny and soft.
For safety, choose a product with a TPR rubber backing.Made of thermoplastic rubber, it is resilient, durable, does not spoil the coating and is not afraid of mold.
Furniture
Cabinets and cabinets in the bathroom are operated in difficult conditions: humidity, temperature changes, exposure to cleaning agents affect. Therefore, we do not recommend buying cheap chipboard furniture for the bathroom.
Give preference to MDF structures - in production it is protected with hydrophobic compounds, primer, wax and oils, and also covered with a film or paint. If the aesthetic part and practicality are your priority, choose combined furniture, where the body is made of MDF, and the facades are made of wood. The most suitable species for the bathroom are oak, cherry, ash, beech.
A good way to ensure the durability of your furniture is to lift it up or hang it up. So, water falling on the floor will not affect objects. A nice bonus: raised furniture will make the room seem more spacious.
Bath
If a choose between bath and showerrelying on durability as the only criterion, the bath should be given the palm. The most reliable design, unlike the cab, has a minimum of components, which means it is not subject to breakdowns and frequent repairs. Only an open built-in can compete in durability with a bathtub. shower room with drain, tiled with ceramic tiles.
And yet, equipping a bathroom "for years", give preference to a good cast-iron bath. Its service life is more than 20, and according to the assurances of the manufacturers - more than 50 years. Cast iron is a strong and heavy alloy: the thick walls of such a bath perfectly retain heat and absorb sounds. In reliable companies, enamel is fired at high temperatures and checked at every stage of production, so the coating becomes smooth, resistant to reagents and abrasion.
Toilet
When choosing between sanitary ware and sanitary ware when buying a toilet, give preference to the second material. Outwardly, the products will be indistinguishable, but sanitary porcelain contains quartz, which increases its performance: the toilet bowl will last about 45 years without fear of water and household chemicals.
The most preferred type of water supply is bottom. It has a complex installation, but the design is considered more reliable and produces less noise.
Mixer and shower head
When buying a mixer, rely on the weight and price of the product: too light and cheap will not last you long. Reliable mixers are made from heavy bronze and brass - with nickel and chrome as a protective layer. They are corrosion resistant and look modern and stylish.
Also pay attention to the presence of a rubber pad: it will wear out over time. The most acceptable replacement for rubber is ceramics. Such plates are less sensitive to water composition.
Reliable shower heads are made of stainless steel, resistant to bacteria. But heavy metal, if dropped, will damage the bath coating, so experts are increasingly advising to buy products from relatively light and durable metal-plastic.
When making repairs in the bathroom, carefully study the construction market, manufacturers and the properties of materials in order to renew the room once, enjoy the comfort for a long time.