A window between the bathroom and the kitchen, a niche under the window, a mezzanine in the hallway – all these features of Soviet apartments seem strange to modern youth.
However, all these “oddities” appeared in Soviet apartments for a reason.
Window between the bathroom and the kitchen
It is not exactly known why such a window was made in Soviet apartments; there are many versions on this matter.
The most plausible of them is that the window was needed to save electricity.
Niche under the window in the kitchen
Everything is simple here – the niche under the kitchen window was intended for storing food.
Mezzanine in the hallway
The appearance of mezzanines was due to the small area of Soviet apartments.
Mezzanines were made to provide more storage space.
Half-whitewashed walls
This design decision came about for several reasons.
Firstly, it is economical – whitewashing is cheaper than paint. Secondly, white color visually enlarges the room. Thirdly, the junction of whitewashing and paint is clearly visible in smoke.
Unglazed balcony
An unglazed balcony has its advantages: more light and air enters the room, and it is easier to evacuate in case of a fire.
