Smart Laundry Room Layouts
Smart Laundry Room Layouts
We all have to wash our clothes. A well-functioning and efficient laundry room can make a big difference. A room full of clutter can make this chore that much harder. Here are some ways to make the most of your small space and wash your stress away.
Design is Key
Several factors impact how well a laundry room functions. These include the type of washer and dryer you have, wall finishes, floor covering, organization, and storage space. The most important factor, however, is the layout. Choose the one that works best for you.
Types of Layouts
Let’s take a look at some of the smart laundry room layouts.
Galley or Corridor
This simple layout fits into the smallest areas. It is typically used in long, narrow areas found off the side of kitchens or mudrooms. The space is often very narrow and only one wall can be used. This is where the washer and dryer go, along with a sink, and maybe some shelves or cabinets. The other wall is usually empty, except for maybe some hooks or narrow shelving.
L-Shaped Layout
Similar to the galley style, an L-shaped layout features appliances on only one side. The long side may also have room for cabinets or counters. The short leg may fit a utility sink, but it’s mainly used for storage or folding. If the water supply and electrical are located here, it makes sense to put the washer and dryer in this area too.
U-Shaped Design
In this design, the second long leg is typically a bonus area. It can be used for extra storage or clothes racks. The other legs are where the appliances and other key services are placed. A U-shaped laundry room should be at least 90 inches wide with a 42-inch wide aisle.
Open Plan Option
This design is the most flexible one. However, you will need a very large space and a big budget. Similar to a kitchen with an island, an open plan laundry room is big enough to fit a folding table in the center. There may also be extra space that can be used for other purposes, such as storage cabinets for sports equipment.
Hidden Laundry Room
If there’s no dedicated space for a laundry room, you will have to put the appliances in an existing room in your house. They can be placed under the kitchen countertop or stacked in a pantry or small closet, hidden by a curtain or door. Since there is really no storage, a hidden layout shouldn’t be your first choice.
Other Design Options
Consider placing a DIY butcher block countertop on the surface of a front-loading washer and dryer. It makes the perfect spot to fold clothes. Storage baskets and bins go nicely on a wall of floating shelves above the units. If space in your home is limited, put your laundry area in the garage or shed, near water hookups.
Top Laundry Room Hacks
Here are a few ways to maximize the space in your small laundry room.
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- Install a rod or clothesline to hang clothes to air dry. A pull-down drying rack is another option.
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- Push the washer and dryer units to one side. This will open up a narrow space to store necessities.
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- Install a pull-down or pull-out ironing board. It takes up little space and will come in handy.
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- Level up your washer and dryer a foot or two off the ground. This will form a cubby underneath for dirty laundry.
Let Us Help You Remodel
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