Many modern homes have a antechamberthat is, that little room that leads to the bathroom proper: it is not just a style choice, but – in special cases – a real bureaucratic obligation that cannot be avoided. In the latter case, there is no point in despairing. Maybe you would have preferred to have a larger bathroom, but now you find yourself with this unused corner and it is good to make the most of it. How to do it? There are tons of good ideas that will help you save space and create a truly original (and very useful) piece. Let’s discover some of them.
When and why the antechamber is mandatory
The antechamber was born as a service areawhich separates the room where the toilets are located from the rest of the house. We can therefore understand its usefulness, especially in certain conditions. It is precisely for this reason that Italian law provides for the obligation (in modern houses and those undergoing renovation) to prepare this corner, in the case where the bathroom opens onto a room in the living roomIn other words: if the bathroom has its entrance in the living room or the kitchen, there must be at least two doors separating it from the main room – that of the bathroom itself and that of the dressing room.
This is a regulation aimed at respecting basic hygiene rules: for this reason, the antechamber is not mandatory if the bathroom opens onto a corridor or the sleeping area. Even regarding the dimensions, there are precise rules to respect. The room must measure at least 1 x 1.2 meters, while there are no special provisions regarding the height. Finally, it is not mandatory for the antechamber to have one. window (unless there is a boiler or boiler). However, it is essential that a ventilation or extraction system is installed to avoid humidity problems.
How to make the most of the antechamber
We saw this the antechamber may be a legal obligationThat’s why, in some cases, you simply can’t avoid doing it. So why not make the most of it by creating a useful corner for your home? If you have a bathroom to furnish, know that you can really treat yourself: from a very comfortable laundry room to a small office, or – why not? – to an extra wardrobe. Some simple ideas can help you create an anteroom that will not only be very elegant, but also valuable for your daily needs.
Bathroom in the living room
The most common situation, given the legal obligations, is to have a dressing room in the living room: Since the bathroom cannot open onto the living room or kitchen, you will inevitably have to deal with this extra space. Don’t worry, there are many ideas to make the most of it. Let’s see some of them.
A small bathroom
The legal obligation concerns the bathroom, or more precisely the room in which the toilet is located. So there is nothing to stop you from creating a bathroom in the antechamber small corner to place the sink and the mirrorin order to save space in the bathroom itself (which often remains quite small). When it comes to coverings, you are spoiled for choice: from tiles that match or contrast with those in the bathroom to wallpaper, there is now also waterproof wallpaper, perfect for humid environments. And don’t forget a elegant laundry basket!
A spacious laundry room
Speaking of dirty laundry, have you always dreamed of a room dedicated solely to laundry? Your wish is quickly granted: the antechamber, if equipped with the right pipescan easily accommodate the washing machine and dryer. If space permits, equip the room with all the comforts. Insert one or more cabinets for detergents, an ironing board (also foldable) and a deep sink – very useful, for example, for filling a bucket of water or washing some clothes by hand. Is the anteroom too small? All you have to do is stacking devices and perhaps hide them in one of the special cabinets that are easily found in furniture stores.
A leisure/relaxation area
The antechamber can become yours relaxation areaan oasis of peace where you can retreat after a long day of work. If you enjoy reading, add a few bookcases, a comfortable armchair and a floor lamp, perhaps finding space for a small table where you can set down a cup of hot tea to sip on winter evenings. If, on the other hand, you have a hobby that requires a little space – such as for modeling, sewing or cutting – you can place a large desk and a multipurpose piece of furniture where you can organize your work materials.
A large closet
There is never enough space, so you can use the anteroom as simple closet. All you need are spacious cabinets or exposed shelves, or even more elegant shelves. What to fix? Everything you need: from bathroom linen to the supply of cleaning products, from crates of water or drinks to kitchen boxes, vacuum cleaner, broom and bucket, as well as all the other necessary utensils. household chores.
Bathroom in the sleeping area
If – for convenience or because you have bought a house already organized in this way – you have an anteroom that precedes the bathroom in the sleeping areayou can use it in an alternative way to save space. In this case, it will be much more useful to arrange it within the framework of your room, given its proximity. Here are some interesting ideas.
A very useful wardrobe
Have you ever thought about a dressing room? If you don’t have enough space in the bedroom, you can do it in the dressing room. If the space tends to be humid, it is better to place one cabinets where you can organize your clothes: in this case, the ideal would be to use the room only for the change of season, placing the clothes in special bags or containers to avoid the formation of mold. On the contrary, if the environment is very dry, you can place some supports and shelves where you can display your clothes, so you can always have everything in view.
A small study
Finally, why not get yourself a small studio of the anteroom? Organize the environment by placing a desk with a table lamp, a comfortable chest of drawers and shelves or bookcases where you can store your readings or important documents. Don’t forget some shelves to display some decorations that will liven up the room: a few will be enough framed photos or some small plants to give a special touch to your bathroom and make the atmosphere more relaxing.