Combined Bathroom in a Khrushchyovka: How to Do the Repair Yourself and Arrange Everything You Need

A bathroom in a Khrushchyovka is always a survival challenge. 3-4 square meters where you need to fit a bathtub, toilet, sink, washing machine, and still leave room for a person. Real estate agent Roman Mynzhararu solved this task by doing almost all the repair work himself. He laid the tiles himself, studying video tutorials, installed the washing machine under the sink, and added modern lighting. After 3 years of use, everything works perfectly. Let's see how to create a functional bathroom in a Khrushchyovka without big expenses.

Main points from the article:

• You can lay tiles yourself — video tutorials replace years of study;
• The washing machine under the sink — a classic solution for small spaces;
• Black grout turns ordinary tiles into a design solution;
• Proper plumbing is more important than expensive finishing;
• Every centimeter should work for functionality.

Initial data: what was left by the builders

A typical combined bathroom in a Khrushchyovka from 1964 — a tiny room of about 3-4 square meters. The bathtub, toilet, and sink in standard locations, old utilities, Soviet-era ceramic tiles.

The condition was, to say the least, not ideal. Old tiles, worn-out plumbing, pipes that needed immediate replacement. But the layout was correct — nothing major needed to be changed.

The goal was clear: create a modern functional bathroom for an apartment to rent. The budget is limited, but the quality must be up to standard — tenants spend time in the bathroom every day.

Laying tiles by yourself: from video to result

The most impressive feat of Roman — laying tiles by himself. «I watched educational videos, but in the end, everything worked out», — he says. After 3 years, the tiles hold up perfectly, no loose pieces or cracks.

The secret to success is careful preparation and patience. Roman didn’t rush, studied the theory, prepared all tools and materials. He started with the least noticeable corners, gradually gaining experience.

The tiles chosen were simple, without complex patterns or small elements. Large format is easier for beginners to lay, fewer joints, fewer chances of errors. Light tones visually expand the tiny space.

Key principles for beginners — start with a flat wall without obstacles, use crossbars and tile leveling systems, don’t rush, and constantly check the level. The tools needed include a tile cutter (can be rented), a notched trowel for adhesive, a level at least 60 cm long, tile crossbars, a rubber mallet, and sponges for removing excess adhesive.

Black grout as a design trick

One of the most striking solutions in the bathroom — black grout for the joints. This was added during the home staging, but the effect was impressive. The ordinary light tiles played a completely new role.

Black grout creates a graphic effect, emphasizes the tile geometry, and makes the wall an accent. In a small bathroom, one such accent can drastically change how the space is perceived.

• Less visible dirt and longer-lasting original look;
• Works with any tile color and creates a modern style;
• Can be done yourself — buy ready-made mix or add colorant.

You can change the grout even in a finished bathroom — remove the old one, apply new. One day of work, and the effect is like a new renovation.

Placing the washing machine: sink-kettle

A classic problem in small bathrooms — where to place the washing machine. Roman solved it in a standard way — installed the machine under a special sink.

The sink-kettle is a flat sink 18-20 cm deep, mounted above the washing machine. The drain is not in the center but at the back or on the side to avoid interfering with the machine.

This solution saves space — two appliances in the area of one, rationally uses vertical space, protects the machine from splashes above, and the sink is convenient to use.

There are installation nuances: the machine must not be higher than 82-85 cm, the sink is mounted to the wall (not resting on the machine), a special siphon with a side drain is needed, and leak protection is mandatory.

«The sink was bought specifically for this... these special sinks are available, and they're actually inexpensive», — Roman notes. Special sink-kettles cost only slightly more than regular ones but solve the problem dramatically.

Modern lighting: mirror with backlight

One of the best purchases — a mirror with LED backlight and adjustable lighting modes. «A great piece — press and the light changes», — Roman marvels.

In a small bathroom, proper lighting is critically important. One bulb on the ceiling is not enough — the face remains in shadow from its own head. Mirror backlight solves this problem.

• Even lighting on the face and LED efficiency;
• Durability — lasts 10-15 years;
• Different modes — warm and cool light.

Alternatives — lights on both sides of the mirror, LED strip around a regular mirror, or bottom lighting. A mirror with backlight costs more than a regular one, but the effect is worth it — the bathroom immediately looks more modern.

Plumbing: where not to cut costs

Roman replaced all utilities completely — old steel pipes with new plastic ones, installed water meters, changed the plumbing.

• New plastic pipes — a necessary investment in a Khrushchyovka. Old steel pipes can burst at any moment, ruining the whole repair. Polypropylene pipes last 50+ years without problems.
• Water meters — not only savings on utility bills, but also consumption control. This is especially important in a rented apartment.
• The toilet was received free from clients — they were selling the apartment, and the toilet was practically new. Luck, but it shows that quality plumbing can sometimes be found secondhand.
• The faucet was bought new — not worth cutting costs here. A quality faucet lasts decades, a cheap one may break in a year.

Functional details: shelves and accessories

In a small bathroom, every detail matters. Roman thought through the space organization down to the smallest detail.

• A shelf for shampoos keeps bottles off the bathtub edge, frees up space, and creates order. A small detail but significantly affects how the space is perceived.
• A laundry basket — a stylish textile basket instead of a plastic bucket. A small detail, but the bathroom immediately looks more upscale.
• A toilet paper holder — not just a hook, but a full-fledged holder. Convenience of use and a neat appearance.
• Waterproof socket — an essential safety element. High humidity in the bathroom makes regular sockets dangerous.
• A towel radiator was left old — «we didn’t remove it because of the budget». If it works, there’s no need to change it.

Color solutions for a small bathroom

Roman chose a light color palette — an unbeatable choice for a small space. Light tiles, white plumbing, minimal dark accents.

• Reflect light, making the space brighter;
• Visually expand the room;
• Create a feeling of cleanliness;
• Suitable for any interior style;
• Never go out of fashion.

• Black grout on one wall;
• Black mirror edging;
• Dark accessories (basket, shelves).

One bold accent is better than multiple small colored details. In a small space, restraint is key.

Mistakes to avoid

• Too small tiles: small mosaic looks beautiful in catalogs, but in a small bathroom creates a ripple effect. Large tiles are calmer for the eyes.
• Dark colors: a dark bathroom in a Khrushchyovka looks like a crypt. Even if you want drama, it’s better to limit yourself to accents.
• Cost-cutting on waterproofing: in a bathroom, waterproofing is critically important. A leak to neighbors can cost more than the whole repair.
• Incorrect ventilation: in a small bathroom, humidity is high. Good ventilation prevents mold and mildew.

Budget for bathroom renovation

Roman doesn’t give the exact amount, but you can roughly estimate the costs:

• Tiles and adhesive: 15-20 thousand rubles;
• Plumbing (except toilet): 20-25 thousand;
• Pipes and supporting materials: 10-15 thousand;
• Mirror with backlight: 5-7 thousand;
• Accessories and small details: 3-5 thousand.

Main savings — in labor. Laying tiles, plumbing work (partially), installing accessories — all done by yourself.

What can be repeated in your bathroom

• Study various videos before starting: modern educational videos are really high-quality. You can learn basic tile-laying skills.
• Don’t skimp on preparation: quality primer, wall leveling, waterproofing — the foundation of durable repair.
• Plan the electrical work in advance: sockets, switches, mirror backlight — all must be planned before finishing.
• Choose simple solutions: complex patterns, small mosaic, unusual shapes — all are beautiful but hard to execute.
• Use vertical space: shelves, hooks, holders — in a small bathroom, every centimeter of wall is important.

Results after 3 years

«It’s already 3 years with the tiles, everything is fine, all great», — Roman reports. The homemade tile laying held up to the test of time and active tenant use.

No loose tiles, cracks in joints, plumbing problems. All solutions proved practical and durable.

The only thing added over time — black grout for an accent wall. This shows that even a finished bathroom can be improved with small changes.

Roman’s project proves that you can do a quality bathroom renovation in a Khrushchyovka yourself without big expenses. The key is not to rush, study the technologies, and choose quality materials.

A small bathroom — not a death sentence, but an opportunity to create the most functional space. When everything is within reach and properly organized, size stops mattering.