How To Design A Laundry Room

Grey laundry room cabinets with marble countertops

Design Notes

Laundry rooms are an essential part of the home; they are where clothes come out clean, and miscellaneous items are stored. While almost all homes have one, many people wish they had a better, more functional laundry room. It is meant to be a productive area of the home. Some of the things that have made the wish list are:

Lots of lighting
Sink for rinsing and soaking
Ample storage
Drying area for both hanging and flat drying

Even though it is a working room, there is no reason it can’t be both attractive and functional. Before getting started on that long-awaited renovation, let’s go over what should be included and considered in your laundry room design to ensure it’s a space that serves multiple purposes and delivers the benefits you need.

Location

Upstairs or downstairs? This is a good question that deserves serious consideration and comparison. Will you be more likely to do other things downstairs, like being in the kitchen while doing your laundry? If the answer is yes, it would probably be best to have it there so you can check on it and change the loads. Are the kids more likely to bring their dirty clothes to the laundry room if it is conveniently near their bedroom? If so, it might help avoid messy piles of clothes if it’s located upstairs. There are pros and cons to both, and ultimately, it will be up to you which one will work best for your lifestyle. Some have also recommended doing two laundry rooms, which are other great options, especially if you are a large family.

Sink

Many laundry room designs include a sink because of all the added benefits. If you can upgrade your laundry room with a sink, it can be a great move. Having a sink nearby makes it easier to hand-wash delicate items or to scrub or soak out difficult stains like grass, dirt, and grease. Placing the sink to the left of your washing machine will make it easier to directly transfer soaking laundry without making a mess or dripping water. Watering your plants or cleaning up after a craft session is also a breeze. Incorporating a sink into your laundry room will let you handle small messes quickly and easily. If you are short on space, keep a sink cover handy and put it on when not in use. A sink can become a vital part of your laundry room routine and also make your life a whole lot easier when dealing with those tough stains and excess dirt. Read more tips and ideas from HGTV here.

Flooring

Since the laundry room can potentially encounter moisture, either from clothes that drip while being washed or from a leak in the machine, waterproof flooring is a must.

Besides moisture resistance, here is a list of things to keep in mind when choosing a flooring material:

Stain-resistant, since a lot of dirt will make its way around this room
Impact-resistant due to the high traffic and scratches left by appliances if they move
Durable so that it will outlast the appliances
Easy maintenance for you

One of the best and most popular options is ceramic tile because it is durable and has many beautiful designs that will last. There are several options to consider, such as natural finishes and chemical resistance. There should also be some thought given to the actual floor space available to you, as it is inevitable for laundry baskets to sit there while waiting to be washed, and having sufficient space to move around matters, as no one enjoys being in a crowded space. Taking the time to map out your needs will ensure you get exactly what’s right for your family.

A laundry room with maple cabinetry and a slot for double laundry and dryer built in

Lighting

This is often overlooked in the laundry room design phase, but it is essential. If the area is located in a space without a window or merely in an oversized closet, lighting can be limited, making it hard to see the stains or rips. While natural light is the best option, it is not always possible, so what other choices provide the best lighting for you?

Under-cabinet lighting
Canned lighting
Track lighting

Incorporating extra light into your laundry room design means less strain on your eyes. Under-cabinet lighting works well to eliminate the bothersome shadows that occur when sorting and folding laundry on the countertop. Canned lighting is excellent for direct spots of lighting that can be directed at dark corners or provide additional light above the washer and dryer. These additional sources of light mean no stain goes unseen or rip unnoticed. Plus, a well-lit area makes for better vibes, which we all know is a must for the laundry room.

Cabinets

Cabinets provide more than just a convenient place to put essentials like detergent and dryer sheets; they also offer extra storage for odd items or a place to air-dry certain clothes. The type and amount of cabinets you need will be determined by the size of your laundry room and the style of washer and dryer you choose. For example, if you have top-loading appliances, leave space between them and the doors to ensure they can still open.

The organization is key to any space, including the laundry room. By incorporating cabinets with built-in roll-out hampers, you can easily sort your clothes by color and have the loads ready to go instead of having messy piles all over the floor. You can add a fold-out drying rack that lets you air-dry certain items without getting in anyone’s way. Adding a large cabinet lets you store your mop, broom, and other cleaning supplies neatly, rather than tucking them behind a door. Planning what you want to put in the space will help you choose the right size and layout for your cabinets.

Built For You!

By creating a space that is suited to you and your lifestyle, you can make laundry a chore-free experience. It should be a place where you can easily accomplish your goals instead of dreading each load. Of course, each layout is different, meaning that a specific design is needed to reach your maximum potential, which is why custom is a great option. Our designers have years of experience that can help guide you through the process and assist you in finding the layout that is best suited to your needs. Browse our gallery online or visit our showroom to tour our cabinet displays, and let’s get started on creating the perfect laundry room you’ll love working in.

byStacey Walker/January 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

Walker Woodworking

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