Laundry Rooms Ideas: What Works and What to Avoid
Laundry Rooms Ideas: What Works and What to Avoid
You want ideas for your laundry room. Maybe you’re building a new home, renovating, or just updating your current space. A good laundry room makes washing efficient and organized. But the wrong ideas can waste space and money. Here’s what works and what to avoid with laundry room ideas.
Laundry room ideas are design and organization concepts for creating a functional and efficient laundry space. Good laundry room ideas follow the workflow (sort, wash, dry, fold, store), use space efficiently, keep supplies within reach, and provide good lighting and ventilation.
To create a great laundry room, plan the layout first, add storage cabinets or shelves, include a folding counter, add a utility sink if possible, use a hanging rod and drying rack, ensure good lighting and ventilation, and choose durable finishes. Don’t skip storage, don’t block access, and don’t forget ventilation.
What Works
Layout Ideas
Side-by-side machines: The most efficient layout. Easy transfer from washer to dryer. Need 60 to 72 inches of width.
Stacked machines: Best for small spaces. Stack the dryer on top of the washer. Frees up floor space for storage and folding.
L-shaped layout: Machines on one wall, counter and storage on the adjacent wall. Uses corner space efficiently.
Galley layout: Machines on one wall, counter and storage on the opposite wall. Efficient for narrow rooms.
Storage Ideas
Wall cabinets above machines: Store detergent, stain removers, and supplies within reach. Keep the machines clear.
Open shelving: Easy access to frequently used supplies. Use labeled jars or bins.
Pull-out hampers: Hidden sorting bins that pull out from cabinets. Sort by darks, lights, and delicates.
Over-the-door organizer: Use the back of the door for cleaning supplies, ironing supplies, and small items.
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
- Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
Counter and Folding Ideas
Counter above machines: A countertop above the machines provides folding space without taking up extra room.
Fold-down counter: A wall-mounted counter that folds down when not in use. Best for small spaces.
Butcher block counter: Durable and warm. Good for folding and pre-treating stains.
Drying Ideas
Hanging rod: Add a rod above the dryer for hanging shirts straight from the dryer.
Wall-mounted drying rack: Folds flat when not in use. Best for air-drying delicates.
Retractable clothesline: Pull out when needed, retract when done. Best for small spaces.
Sink Ideas
Utility sink: Useful for pre-treating stains, hand washing, and soaking. Place near the washer.
Deep basin sink: A deep basin allows soaking large items like bedding.
Lighting and Ventilation Ideas
LED lighting: Bright, energy-efficient lighting. Add task lighting over the counter and machines.
Window: Natural light and ventilation. If possible, add a window.
Exhaust fan: Removes moisture and prevents mold. Essential for enclosed laundry rooms.
Finishing Ideas
Tile flooring: Water-resistant and durable. Choose large-format tiles for fewer grout lines.
Vinyl flooring: Water-resistant, affordable, and easy to clean.
Washable paint: Use semi-gloss or satin paint that can be wiped clean.
Backsplash: Add a backsplash behind the sink for easy cleaning.
What to Avoid
No Storage
No cabinets or shelves means supplies end up on the machines. Always plan storage.
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 an exhaust 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 or vinyl flooring and washable paint.
No Sorting System
No sorting system means you sort on the floor. Add labeled bins or pull-out hampers.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting makes it hard to see stains and sort colors. Add bright LED lighting.
Laundry Room Ideas by Space
| Space | Layout | Storage | Counter | Sink |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large room | Side-by-side | Wall cabinets | Full counter | Yes |
| Small room | Stacked | Open shelves | Fold-down | Maybe |
| Closet | Stacked | Shelves above | Fold-down | No |
| No room | Rolling cart | Cart shelves | Portable board | No |
FAQ
What are the best laundry room ideas? Side-by-side or stacked machines, wall cabinets or open shelving for supplies, a folding counter, a utility sink, a hanging rod, a wall-mounted drying rack, good LED lighting, ventilation, and durable flooring.
How do you organize a small laundry room? Use stacked machines, wall shelves above, a fold-down counter, over-the-door organizers, wall-mounted drying racks, and labeled bins. Use vertical space and keep supplies in labeled containers.
What should every laundry room have? Storage for supplies, a folding counter, a hanging rod, a drying rack, good lighting, ventilation, and durable flooring. A utility sink is ideal if space allows.
How do you design a laundry room layout? Follow the workflow: sort, wash, dry, fold, store. Place sorting bins near the door, machines in the center, counter beside or above the machines, and storage within reach. Keep pathways clear.
What flooring is best for a laundry room? Tile or vinyl. Both are water-resistant and durable. Choose large-format tiles for fewer grout lines. Add a non-slip mat in front of the machines. Avoid carpet.
References
- The Spruce. “Laundry Room Ideas Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Room Ideas.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Better Homes and Gardens. “Laundry Room Design.” bhg.com.
- HGTV. “Laundry Room Ideas.” hgtv.com.
