Two Bathrooms Instead of One: How to Maximize Small Spaces

In our second episode of 'Renovation Drive', we continue transforming a standard Stalin-era apartment 205 with Ksenia Shakhmatova. Today we discuss a solution that seems impossible in most old buildings but can significantly enhance living comfort and increase property value. 'This is my gestalt — giving people two toilets,' Ksenia admits. Indeed, a second bathroom in an urban apartment is no longer luxury but convenience that has become the standard for quality housing. But how to organize it in a space-limited environment?

• Episode 1: Bought a dead Stalin-era apartment — what went wrong?
• Episode 2: Relocation: What solution saved our Stalin-era apartment?
• Episode 3: Expensive renovation mistakes.
• Episode 4: How to stay within 3 million? Finishing touches.

Key points from the article:

• A second bathroom can increase apartment value by 5-10%;

• Two bathrooms can be placed even on the area of a standard combined bathroom;

• Minimum area for a guest toilet is just 0.9 m²;

• It's important to consider pipe locations and the possibility of connecting to sewerage;

• Proper space planning and selecting compact plumbing are key to success.

Why a second bathroom matters:

Many consider a second bathroom an unnecessary luxury, but in reality it's a functional space that solves many daily issues:

• Time savings during peak hours. Morning preparations for work and school turn into a real test when the whole family needs access to the bathroom at once.

• Zone separation. The main bathroom with a bathtub or shower can be used for water procedures, while the guest toilet is for visitors without infringing on homeowners' privacy.

• Increased property value. Real estate agents confirm that a second bathroom increases market value by at least 5-10%, sometimes making the apartment much more attractive to buyers.

That's why Ksenia insists on creating a second bathroom even in limited space: 'My idea is to give people two toilets. I believe they will be grateful.'

Stalin-era apartments: features and limitations

A feature of Stalin-era buildings is relatively small bathroom sizes compared to living rooms. In our case, it's a standard room about 1.7 by 2 meters. It seems impossible to fit two full bathrooms here. But Ksenia Shakhmatova, a space optimization specialist, found an unconventional solution.

'Our two rooms: bathroom and toilet, are not very large to say easily that it's simple to place two bathrooms here,' admits Ksenia. But she adds: 'With difficulty and great effort, but we managed to squeeze in a toilet, washing machine, large sink, and even a bathtub.'

Technical aspects: is it possible?

Before planning a second bathroom, it's important to understand if this is technically feasible. The main limitation is the location of the sewer stack and the possibility to connect additional pipes.

'It's important to understand that placing a second toilet in an apartment is technically possible, there are no restrictions. The main thing is that it should be near the sewerage,' explains Ksenia.

In our case, the solution was quite simple: 'We'll make a tee and a double tee. In principle, this is the minimal damage we should have because they are very close to each other.'

But there are nuances. For example, in some old buildings it may be necessary to coordinate with the management company or TSC, especially if intervention in the stack is required. It's better to examine the building’s technical documentation and consult specialists beforehand.

Layout solution: every centimeter counts

How to place two bathrooms where there was once one? Ksenia suggests the following solution:

• Space division. The original bathroom is divided into two separate rooms — the main bathroom with a bathtub and an additional guest toilet.
• Expansion using the corridor. 'We will extend it here. The corridor is wide, about 100 cm. So we'll add a bit more here. Expanding bathrooms using corridor space is possible.'
• Compact installation of plumbing. '40 centimeters barely fits for a sink, especially a large normal one... In this bathroom we also want to install a small sink — just for washing hands, about 15 cm by 20 cm. Such micro-sinks exist.'

The peculiarity of this approach is careful measurement and planning for every centimeter. In ultra-compact spaces, even a few centimeters can be decisive.

Minimum sizes for bathrooms: what norms say

According to building codes, the minimum bathroom dimensions are:

• Toilet without sink — 0.8 × 1.2 m (0.96 m²);

• Toilet with sink — 1.2 × 1.5 m (1.8 m²);

• Bathroom — 1.5 × 2.0 m (3.0 m²);

• Combined bathroom — 1.7 × 1.5 m (2.55 m²).

But Ksenia goes beyond these limits: 'Our space is about 1.7 m by 2 m, but it's my fixed idea and gestalt — to give people two toilets. I believe they will be grateful, and I really want to implement this.'

For a guest toilet with a small sink, 0.9 m² is sufficient if space is organized well. The main thing is to ensure comfortable use.

Plumbing: micro-formats and compact solutions

The key to a compact bathroom is properly selected plumbing. The modern market offers many solutions for small spaces:

• Compact toilets. There are models only 45-48 cm deep instead of standard 60-65 cm. Especially compact are installations with built-in cisterns.

• Micro-sinks. As Ksenia mentions: 'Small, just for washing hands — 15 cm by 20 cm. Such micro-sinks exist.' These models are perfect for a guest bathroom where a full sink is not needed.

• Corner bathtubs or shower cabins. In the main bathroom, a corner bathtub can save space or a compact shower cabin.

• Washing machine with vertical loading. These models take up less depth and can be placed in narrow spaces.

• Installations. Concealed mounting systems not only look aesthetic but also save up to 10-15 cm of depth.

Example layout: how we created two bathrooms in a Stalin-era apartment

In our project, we decided to divide the existing space into two functional rooms:

Main bathroom:

• Bathtub;

• Toilet with installation;

• Compact sink;

• Washing machine.

Guest bathroom:

• Compact toilet;

• Micro-sink (15×20 cm).

'In a family with two toilets, it's desirable that at least one has a normal sink for brushing teeth,' explains Ksenia the logic of placement.

To implement this plan, we had to slightly increase bathroom area using the corridor: 'Here we will add more. We'll extend this wall that ends here, where the bathroom wall is at the bottom of the tiles. We'll extend it this way.'

Finishing touches: visual tricks for small spaces

In ultra-compact bathrooms, finishing is just as important. Here are several tricks to visually expand the space:

• Light colors. White and light tones visually expand a room. In small bathrooms, avoid dark colors.

• Mirrors. A large mirror or mirrored cabinet creates an illusion of more space.

• Uniform wall and floor finish. Using the same tile for walls and floor (or very similar in color and texture) visually increases volume.

• Large-format tiles. Contrary to common belief, large tiles are better for small spaces as they create less visual noise.

• Wall-mounted furniture and plumbing. Lack of floor contact creates a feeling of more space.

Cost analysis: investment and return

Creating a second bathroom requires additional investment, but it's usually worth it:

• Additional expenses:
  

• Bathroom fixtures for the second bathroom;

• Additional finishing materials;

• Work to lay utilities;

• Constructing partitions.

Benefits:

• Increased apartment value by 5-10%;

• Higher liquidity of property (faster sale);

• Increased living comfort.

According to Ksenia's experience, additional expenses for creating a second bathroom amount to 150-200 thousand rubles, but increase apartment value by a much larger amount, especially in multi-room apartments for families with children.

When to give up on the idea of a second bathroom?

Despite all advantages, in some cases it's better to abandon the idea of a second bathroom:

• Technical limitations. If the stack is too far away, and connecting would require laying long horizontal sewer lines with insufficient slope.

• Critically small area. Even with compact solutions, it's impossible to ensure comfortable use of both bathrooms.

• Relocation on the first floor above non-residential spaces. Special hydro-insulation is required here, which complicates and increases the cost of the process.

• One-room apartments. In such cases, a second bathroom is usually not justified from the standpoint of functionality and cost.

Practical tips from a professional

In conclusion, Ksenia shares several practical tips for those who decide to create a second bathroom in their apartment:

• Start with engineering utilities. 'You need to understand how pipes will be laid, where they go, and only then plan the space.'

• Don't skimp on plumbing quality. In small spaces, reliability of all systems is crucial since access for repairs may be difficult.

• Plan ventilation carefully. In compact spaces, good exhaust is especially important.

• Use the space above installations. You can place shelves or cabinets there for storage.

• Install a heated floor. In small spaces, this doesn't require big investment but significantly improves comfort.

Conclusion: small spaces — great opportunities

The story of our Stalin-era renovation proves that even in limited space, a functional second bathroom can be created. Key success factors are:

• Careful planning of every centimeter;

• Use of compact plumbing;

• Proper engineering solution;

• Visual tricks to visually expand the space.

'I will put in all efforts for this anyway,' Ksenia assures when speaking about a second bathroom. And her results prove that with the right approach, even the most daring renovation ideas can be successfully implemented.

Two bathrooms instead of one is not just a trendy fad or whim. It's a practical solution that makes life more comfortable and increases the value of your property. Now, knowing professionals' secrets, you can realize this idea even in a limited space.