Designing a Laundry Room: Settings, Products, and Timing
Designing a Laundry Room: Settings, Products, and Timing
You want to design a laundry room. Maybe you’re building a new home, renovating, or converting a closet. A well-designed laundry room makes washing efficient, organized, and even enjoyable. But the wrong design wastes space, causes clutter, and makes laundry harder. Here’s how to design a functional laundry room.
Designing a laundry room is the process of planning the layout, equipment, storage, and finishes of a laundry space. A well-designed laundry room follows the workflow (sort, wash, dry, fold, store), provides enough space for each step, and keeps supplies within reach. Good design considers plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and lighting.
To design a laundry room, plan the layout first (side-by-side or stacked machines), add a folding counter, add cabinets or shelves for supplies, include a utility sink if possible, ensure good lighting and ventilation, add a hanging rod and drying rack, and choose durable finishes. Don’t forget storage, don’t block access, and don’t skip ventilation.
Planning the Layout
Side-by-Side (Best for Standard Rooms)
Place the washer and dryer side by side. This is the most efficient layout for easy transfer. Leave 1 to 2 inches between machines for airflow. Need 60 to 72 inches of width.
Stacked (Best for Small Spaces)
Stack the dryer on top of the washer. Use a stacking kit. This saves floor space for storage and folding. Need 27 to 30 inches of width.
L-Shaped (Best for Corner Rooms)
Place machines on one wall and counter and storage on the adjacent wall. Uses corner space efficiently.
Galley (Best for Narrow Rooms)
Place machines on one wall and counter and storage on the opposite wall. Efficient workflow in narrow spaces.
Essential Elements
Folding Counter
Add a counter above or beside the machines. At least 36 inches wide and 24 inches deep. A counter above the machines saves space.
Storage Cabinets or Shelves
Add cabinets or shelves above the machines or on the opposite wall. Store supplies within reach.
Essential supplies:
- 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
- Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
Utility Sink
A utility sink is useful for pre-treating stains, hand washing, and soaking. Place it near the washer.
Hanging Rod
Add a hanging rod above the dryer for hanging shirts straight from the dryer.
Drying Rack
Add a wall-mounted or foldable drying rack for air-drying delicates.
Sorting Bins
Use 3 labeled bins for darks, lights, and delicates. Place near the washer.
Good Lighting
Add bright LED lighting. Task lighting over the counter and machines helps with sorting and folding.
Ventilation
Add a fan or window. Good ventilation prevents mold and odors.
Flooring
Choose durable, water-resistant flooring. Tile, vinyl, or laminate are good choices. Add a non-slip mat in front of the machines.
Design Checklist
| Element | Purpose | Space Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Washer and dryer | Washing and drying | 60 to 72 inches (side by side) |
| Folding counter | Folding clothes | 36+ inches wide |
| Cabinets or shelves | Storage | Above machines or opposite wall |
| Utility sink | Pre-treating, hand washing | 24 to 30 inches |
| Hanging rod | Hanging clothes | 36+ inches wide |
| Drying rack | Air drying | Wall-mounted or foldable |
| Sorting bins | Sorting clothes | 3 bins, 12 to 18 inches each |
| Lighting | Visibility | LED throughout |
| Ventilation | Air quality | Fan or window |
| Flooring | Durability | Water-resistant |
Design Mistakes to Avoid
Not Planning Storage
Not planning storage means supplies end up on the machines. Add cabinets or shelves.
No Folding Space
No counter means you fold on the machines or carry clothes elsewhere. Add a counter.
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation causes mold and odors. Add a fan or window.
Blocking Access
Blocking access to machines, sink, or storage makes laundry harder. Keep pathways clear.
Not Using Vertical Space
Not using wall space wastes space. Add shelves, cabinets, and drying racks to the walls.
Choosing Wrong Finishes
Non-water-resistant finishes get damaged. Choose tile, vinyl, or laminate flooring and moisture-resistant paint.
Not Planning for Plumbing and Electrical
Make sure there are enough outlets, water lines, and drain lines for the machines, sink, and lighting.
FAQ
How do you design a laundry room? Plan the layout first (side-by-side or stacked machines), add a folding counter, add cabinets or shelves for supplies, include a utility sink if possible, add a hanging rod and drying rack, ensure good lighting and ventilation, and choose durable finishes.
What should a laundry room include? A washer, dryer, folding counter, cabinets or shelves for supplies, a utility sink, a hanging rod, a drying rack, sorting bins, good lighting, ventilation, and durable flooring.
How big should a laundry room be? At least 60 to 72 inches wide for side-by-side machines, with enough depth for the machines (30 to 35 inches) plus counter and walking space (36 inches). A small laundry closet can be 30 to 36 inches wide for stacked machines.
What is the best layout for a laundry room? Side-by-side washer and dryer with a folding counter above or beside, cabinets for supplies, a utility sink, and a sorting system. This follows the workflow: sort, wash, dry, fold, store.
What flooring is best for a laundry room? Tile, vinyl, or laminate. These are water-resistant and durable. Add a non-slip mat in front of the machines. Avoid carpet, which can get wet and moldy.
References
- The Spruce. “Laundry Room Design Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Room Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Better Homes and Gardens. “Laundry Room Design.” bhg.com.
- HGTV. “Laundry Room Design Guide.” hgtv.com.
