Laundry Room Layout: What Works and What Makes It Worse
Laundry Room Layout: What Works and What Makes It Worse
Your laundry room is inefficient. The washer and dryer are too far apart, there’s no counter for folding, and supplies are scattered everywhere. A good laundry room layout makes washing efficient, organized, and even enjoyable. But the wrong layout wastes time, causes clutter, and makes laundry harder than it needs to be. Here’s what works and what makes it worse for laundry room layout.
A laundry room layout is the arrangement of the washer, dryer, storage, folding space, and sink in a laundry room. A good layout follows the workflow: sort, wash, dry, fold, and store. It places the washer and dryer side by side or stacked, provides counter space for folding, and keeps supplies within reach.
To design a laundry room layout, place the washer and dryer side by side (or stacked for small spaces), add a counter above or beside the machines for folding, add cabinets or shelves for supplies, include a sink if possible, and ensure good lighting and ventilation. Don’t place the machines too far apart, don’t block access, and don’t forget storage.
What Works
Place Washer and Dryer Side by Side
Side-by-side placement is the most efficient layout. You can transfer clothes from washer to dryer without walking. Leave 1 to 2 inches between machines for airflow.
Stack Machines for Small Spaces
If space is limited, stack the dryer on top of the washer. Use a stacking kit designed for your machines. This saves floor space for storage and folding.
Add a Folding Counter
Add a counter above or beside the machines for folding. The counter should be at least 36 inches wide and 24 inches deep. A counter above the machines saves space.
Add Cabinets or Shelves for Supplies
Add cabinets or shelves above the machines or on the opposite wall. Store detergent, stain removers, and other supplies within reach.
Essential supplies to store:
- Tide Free and Gentle
- OxiClean Max Force Spray
- Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
- Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
- Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
- affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
- Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Include a Utility Sink
A utility sink is useful for pre-treating stains, hand washing, and soaking. Place it near the washer for easy transfer.
Add a Sorting Hamper System
Use a 3-bin sorting system for darks, lights, and delicates. Place it near the washer for easy loading.
Add a Drying Rack
Add a wall-mounted or foldable drying rack for air-drying delicates. Place it near the dryer for easy transfer.
Ensure Good Lighting
Add bright LED lighting so you can see stains and sort colors properly.
Ensure Good Ventilation
Good ventilation prevents mold and odors. Add a fan or open a window.
Add a Hanging Rod
Add a hanging rod above the dryer for hanging shirts and dresses straight from the dryer.
What Makes It Worse
Placing Machines Too Far Apart
Placing the washer and dryer on opposite walls wastes time and energy. Keep them side by side or stacked.
No Folding Space
No counter or table for folding means you fold on the machines or carry clothes elsewhere. Add a counter or table.
No Storage
No cabinets or shelves means supplies are scattered on top of the machines. Add cabinets or shelves.
No Sink
No sink means you pre-treat stains in the kitchen or bathroom. Add a utility sink if possible.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting makes it hard to see stains and sort colors. Add bright LED lighting.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation causes mold and odors. Add a fan or open a window.
Blocking Access
Blocking access to the machines, sink, or storage makes laundry harder. Keep pathways clear.
Not Using Vertical Space
Not using wall space for cabinets, shelves, and drying racks wastes space. Use vertical space.
Laundry Room Layout Options
| Layout | Best For | Space Needed | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side by side | Standard rooms | 60 to 72 inches wide | Easy transfer | Needs width |
| Stacked | Small spaces | 27 to 30 inches wide | Saves floor space | Harder to reach |
| L-shaped | Corner rooms | Varies | Uses corner space | More walking |
| Galley | Narrow rooms | 48 to 60 inches wide | Efficient workflow | Limited storage |
| Closet | Tiny spaces | 30 to 36 inches wide | Fits anywhere | No folding space |
Laundry Room Workflow
- Sort: Sorting hampers near the door
- Pre-treat: Sink or counter near the washer
- Wash: Washer with supplies within reach
- Dry: Dryer next to the washer
- Fold: Counter above or beside the machines
- Hang: Hanging rod above the dryer
- Store: Cabinets or shelves for clean clothes
FAQ
What is the best laundry room layout? Side-by-side washer and dryer with a folding counter above or beside, cabinets or shelves for supplies, a utility sink for pre-treating, and a sorting hamper system. This follows the workflow: sort, wash, dry, fold, store.
How do you layout a small laundry room? Stack the dryer on top of the washer, add a foldable counter or wall-mounted drying rack, use vertical space for shelves and cabinets, and use a wall-mounted sorting system. Keep supplies in labeled bins.
What should you include in a laundry room? A washer, dryer, folding counter, cabinets or shelves for supplies, a utility sink, a sorting hamper system, a drying rack, good lighting, ventilation, and a hanging rod.
How wide should a laundry room be for side-by-side machines? At least 60 to 72 inches wide for standard side-by-side machines. Leave 1 to 2 inches between machines for airflow and 3 feet in front for loading and unloading.
How do you organize laundry room supplies? Use cabinets or shelves above the machines. Group supplies by type (detergent, stain removers, boosters, machine cleaners). Label each shelf or bin. Keep frequently used items at eye level and heavy items on the bottom shelf.
References
- The Spruce. “Laundry Room Layout Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Room Design Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Better Homes and Gardens. “Laundry Room Ideas.” bhg.com.
- HGTV. “Laundry Room Design Guide.” hgtv.com.
