Before and After: How a Bathroom in a Khrushchyovka Was Made Larger and More Functional

Khrushchyovka apartments, mass-produced in the USSR from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, were known for their compact size. This particularly applies to bathrooms, which in standard projects barely fit the essentials. But is the situation really hopeless? The story of Timofey, a resident of a Khrushchyovka series 1-511 in the Moscow district of Aeroport, proves otherwise.

Timofey's apartment is located in a building from 1959. Like many Khrushchyovkas, this house lacks hot water supply, has gas, no elevator, and wooden floors. Timofey notes that the building has very thick brick walls and good sound insulation.

Main points from the article:

• The bathroom was expanded by relocating a wall;
• A full bathtub was installed instead of a sitting one;
• Space was created for a washing machine;
• Modern materials and plumbing were used;
• An electric towel warmer replaced the water-based one.

From a cramped cubicle to a full bathroom

Originally, the bathroom in Timofey's apartment was so small that only the most essential plumbing fixtures could fit inside. “In the original setup, it was impossible to turn around; you couldn't even place a washing machine. You could only have a toilet, a sink, and a small bathtub,” Timofey recounts.

The problem was solved by expanding the space. “Originally, there was a wall here, and we expanded the bathroom just by this width,” explains the apartment owner. This allowed not only for a full bathtub to be installed instead of a sitting one, but also space for a washing machine.

Modern solutions for comfort

During the bathroom renovation, Timofey and his girlfriend used modern materials and techniques. The walls and floor were tiled with 60x60 cm ceramic granite, which visually expands the space. The ceiling is a white, matte stretch ceiling with spot lighting.

Special attention was paid to storage: under the sink, boxes for personal hygiene items were installed. “On the washing machine, there is a box for laundry pods, a small tray with cotton swabs, sticks, and perfumes,” Timofey shares details.

Innovations in details

An interesting solution was found for the towel warmer. Instead of the traditional water-based model, an electric one was installed. “It’s much more convenient because, first of all, you can place it anywhere in your bathroom; it's temperature-controlled and, of course, safe in the sense that you won’t flood your neighbors,” Timofey explains.

As for concerns about increased electricity bills, the apartment owner assures: “With reasonable use of an electric towel warmer, you won’t even notice a difference.”

Beauty and functionality

Despite the bathroom becoming more spacious, every centimeter of space is used wisely. A small shelf was installed above the bathtub for shampoos and other bathroom essentials. A round mirror with backlighting hangs on the wall, which is not only functional but also visually expands the space.

“When the lighting is circular, it creates a much softer light and makes hygiene routines much more comfortable and easier,” Timofey notes.

Lessons from the renovation: what to consider

Timofey’s experience shows that even in a standard Khrushchyovka, you can create a comfortable and functional bathroom. Here are some key points to consider during such renovations:

• Don’t be afraid to move walls if it doesn’t compromise the building's structural integrity.
• Use modern materials and technologies—they can significantly improve the functionality of the space.
• Plan your storage system carefully—this is especially important in small spaces.
• Pay attention to lighting—it can visually expand the space.
• Consider installing an electric towel warmer instead of a water-based one.

Review of this bathroom:

The story of transforming the bathroom in Timofey's apartment proves that even a standard Khrushchyovka layout is not a death sentence. With the right approach, creative thinking, and modern solutions, even the smallest space can be turned into a comfortable and functional room.