Laundry Room Design Tips

blue laundry room with a sink and a window

Design Notes

The laundry room is essential to the smooth operation of the household because it keeps garments tidy and ready for use. Given that the washing cycle never ends, it is evident that long periods will be spent in this area; therefore, sufficient time should be allocated to designing it to be both practical and pleasant. Finding ways to make the most of your available space, being aware of the crucial components to incorporate into the design, and simplifying the process will reduce frustration and save time.

How to design a laundry room layout

The location and flow of a space are just as important as the elements inside. Consider the tasks involved in doing laundry so that you can structure them accordingly. Placing the laundry room upstairs is an excellent option if most bedrooms are there. Creating a specific spot to store detergent and dryer sheets near the appliances keeps them within easy reach. Adding a countertop to the laundry room provides the perfect space to fold your clothes right away, rather than on the couch or in each bedroom. Review each task to ensure your design can be customized to meet your needs.

Laundry design with front loader

A front-loading washer and dryer have doors facing the front, which offers easier access when doing the laundry. There are several ways to maximize storage when designing for a front loader, such as placing it on a pedestal with built-in drawers. If the appliances are placed side by side, you can utilize the wall space above by installing an entire wall of upper cabinets or shelves. Stacking the front-loading machines frees up space for cabinets that go from floor to ceiling to be installed. Opting for custom cabinets can provide tailored solutions that guarantee every inch of space is used fully.

Laundry design ideas

One of the main goals in design is to create a functional space, which is valid with the laundry room, but no one said it had to be boring. Including elements such as color and pattern can brighten up the space and highlight a touch of your personality. A tile or backsplash can be an excellent way to achieve this, and because it is water-repellent, it is also a practical choice. A bold cabinet color is a great choice, especially with a neutral wall and flooring palette. Don’t be afraid to add a touch of style to this functional space.

How to design a laundry room for small spaces

Maximizing space in the home is always important, but it becomes a top priority when working with less square footage. Study the available space for a small laundry room and explore ways to utilize it to the fullest, such as utilizing wall space. Installing a wall of cabinets, even if they are not as deep as the standard size, will provide ample storage for detergent, cleaning supplies, and other items. Shelves are another ideal design tool; they can add a little style to the laundry room. Minimizing clutter is crucial throughout the home, but it is essential in a confined area like the laundry room, so be sure to keep only what is needed.

pink laundry room cabinets with washer and dryer

Laundry room storage

When building a laundry room, storage is a crucial component that should be carefully considered. The finest storage options are cabinets, as they can accommodate a wide range of items and sizes while remaining out of sight. Cabinets also make it easier to stay organized by separating items, such as detergents, cleaning supplies, and even paper products. Built-ins provide storage for a laundry room, offering a practical solution. To add style, consider using woven baskets or bins covered in fabric to introduce a touch of color to the space.

Laundry room design mistakes

Deciding where to place the laundry room is an integral part of the design, but being open to several options can help ensure that the best spot is selected. Though you may want it in the basement because it is out of the way, if most of the laundry comes from the second floor, it might make more sense to place it there. If there is an extra foot of space next to the washer and dryer, consider placing something there, such as a narrow roll-out. Lighting is critical in task-heavy areas, such as the laundry room, so incorporate specific resources, like LED strips under cabinets and overhead lighting.

Laundry room with a washer and dryer and hanging space

Laundry design must-haves

Some features are forgotten when building a laundry room due to financial constraints or because they can be updated later. However, some characteristics, such as:

Drying rack: This provides a place for delicate and other clothing items that cannot be put in the dryer to hang, rather than being scattered around the house and blocking doorways.
Folding stations: Instead of carrying each load of laundry to another room of the house, usually a bed or couch, to fold, having a designated area that is waist-high makes it easy to get everything done in one spot. Not to mention, it helps with the backaches!
Sink: Including this component in the laundry room’s layout makes it simple to soak or pre-scrub a difficult stain before washing it.

Adding these features to the laundry room can help make the repetitive task more enjoyable.

Laundry mudroom design ideas

Sometimes, a space needs to serve multiple purposes, and places like the laundry and mudroom are great combinations that complement each other. While there are a few variations in each space, several common threads make it easy to blend them. Mudrooms are designated areas for the family to remove outerwear, such as coats, hats, and shoes, so that dragging dirt into the house is minimized. Laundry rooms are the place where clothes are washed and dried. The primary goal is to create an environment where the two can operate seamlessly. Placing them across from each other or side by side creates defined boundaries for each. Adding a hamper for dirty clothes helps eliminate the risk of dirt transferring to clean clothes. Including a sink is a good choice since it allows everyone to immediately wash their hands or wipe down any other messes, such as the dog’s muddy paws. With this pleasing combination, you can have an organized space for laundry and a designated area for the family to drop off their dirty clothes immediately.

laundry room with hanging storage and a sink

Designing a laundry room

Every laundry room should strive to select components that create a functional workspace. It will be customized to meet your unique demands, resulting in less time wasted and more time for your favorite activities. With the help of your designer, create the ideal laundry room for your household.

bySierra/onApril 21, 2025/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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