As a homeowner, one of the most frequently used yet often overlooked rooms is the laundry room. With many households doing multiple loads of laundry per week, having an organized and stylish laundry room can make this chore more enjoyable. When designing your laundry room, there are several factors to consider such as layout, storage, appliances, sinks, lighting, flooring, decor and more. Proper planning and design can transform your laundry room into a functional and fashionable space.
Layout
The layout of your laundry room is important for creating an efficient workflow. Here are some layout considerations:
| Placement | Ideally locate the laundry room near bedrooms and bathrooms to minimize carrying distances for dirty linens and clothes. |
| Size | Aim for a room large enough to accommodate your washer and dryer with some countertop space for folding and a few feet for moving around. Minimum size is often 6 x 8 feet. |
| Doorways | Have doors wide enough for moving baskets in and out easily. Pocket doors can save space. |
| Traffic Flow | Design the layout to allow for an efficient workflow from dirty to clean laundry without crossover. |
Having an optimized laundry room layout will make doing laundry less of a chore.
Storage Solutions
One of the keys to a functional laundry room is plenty of storage. Here are some storage solutions to consider:
| Countertops | Provide countertop space near the washer/dryer for folding and sorting clothes. |
| Cabinets | Install cabinets above countertops and washer/dryer for detergent, supplies and linens storage. |
| Shelving | Utilize shelves for storing laundry baskets, ironing boards, cleaning tools. |
| Hampers | Include sorted hampers for organizing dirty clothes before washing. |
| Wall Racks | Mount racks on walls to hold brooms, irons and other laundry tools. |
| Drawers | Add drawers near washer and dryer for small items like socks, delicates bags. |
Proper storage is key for a laundry room that is clutter-free and has everything neatly organized.
Appliances
The workhorses of your laundry room will be the washer and dryer. Here are some tips on selecting the right appliances:
| Type | Choose between a front or top loading washer/dryer based on your preferences. |
| Capacity | Select a capacity that will handle the needs of your household’s laundry loads. |
| Efficiency | Look for ENERGY STAR rated models which will save energy and water over time. |
| Features | Decide if you need special cycles or steam options. |
| Matching | Opt for washer and dryer of same brand for a uniform look. |
Taking the time to select the right washer and dryer for your needs will ensure your appliances perform well for years.
Laundry Sink
While not essential, adding a laundry sink can be very useful:
| Pre-treating | Use the sink for pre-treating stains before washing. |
| Hand-washing | Allows hand-washing of delicates and small items. |
| Cleaning | Fill sink to wash lint traps, laundry baskets, etc. |
If space allows, a laundry sink is a worthwhile addition to your room.
Flooring
Choosing the right flooring is important for both form and function:
| Durability | Select a durable floor that can withstand frequent appliance vibration, water spills. |
| Slip-resistance | Look for floors with textures/patterns to prevent slips on damp floors. |
| Noise reduction | Consider floors that absorb sound like cork or rubber. |
| Style | Choose a flooring look that aligns with your decor – tile, vinyl plank, polished concrete. |
Opting for flooring that is highly functional yet stylish can elevate your laundry room.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for working comfortably in your laundry room:
| Task lighting | Install task lighting above countertops and near appliances. |
| Ambient lighting | Include general lighting on the ceiling for overall illumination. |
| Natural light | Add a window if possible to allow in natural daylight. |
| Dimmers | Use dimmable switches to control light levels. |
With a combination of different lighting types, you can make sure your laundry room is bright, inviting and easy to work in.
Laundry Room Decor
Decorating your laundry room is an excellent way to add personality:
| Wall art | Hang art, prints or photos on the walls for visual interest. |
| Plants | Add live or faux plants for freshness. |
| Baskets | Decorative baskets look great on shelves. |
| Wallpaper | Use removable wallpaper to give walls a quick makeover. |
| Rug | An area rug adds warmth and softness underfoot. |
Take your laundry room decor as far as you want to reflect your personal style.
Additional Considerations
Some final tips for creating your ideal laundry room:
– Install a convenient folding station for streamlining laundry tasks.
– Ensure there are adequate electrical outlets and power supply for running multiple appliances.
– Use organizational tools like a wall calendar, bulletin board, chalkboard, or pegboard to stay on top of laundry.
– Add special details like a built-in ironing board, laundry chute, or utility sink.
– Keep cleaning supplies handy like multi-purpose cleaner, lint roller, and microfiber cloths.
– Incorporate complementary colors and materials for a cohesive look.
Conclusion
Creating a well-designed laundry room requires considering several important elements from storage to appliances to decorative details. Start by developing an efficient layout and workflow. Select functional flooring, lighting, and storage solutions tailored to your unique space and needs. Don’t forget to incorporate style as well with wall decor, color schemes, and personal touches. Taking the time to thoughtfully design your laundry room will pay off with a space you enjoy spending time in rather than dreading. A organized, properly equipped laundry room makes tackling piles of laundry an easier and more pleasant chore.
