A well-designed laundry room is essential for keeping your home clean and organized. The laundry area is often one of the most used spaces in a household, so taking the time to optimize the layout and choose the right appliances and features is important. There are several key factors to consider when designing a functional, efficient laundry room that meets your household’s needs.
Location
One of the first decisions to make is where to locate the laundry room within your home. The ideal location is near the bedrooms and bathrooms where dirty clothes originate. This allows for easier transport of laundry to the washing machine. Placement on the ground floor is best so you don’t have to lug heavy baskets of wet clothes up and down stairs.
Easy access from the garage or driveway is also beneficial so you can conveniently transfer loads to and from your vehicle. If possible, avoid long hallways or flights of stairs between your living space and the laundry. However, also consider noise and vibrations – you likely don’t want the laundry immediately adjacent to bedrooms or living rooms.
Size
Allocate enough space in your laundry room for the appliances you need, plus additional countertops and storage. As a general rule, you want at least 80-100 square feet for a laundry room. This gives you sufficient room to operate comfortably and minimize clutter.
Here are some standard laundry room dimensions to consider:
| Laundry Room Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Small | 6 x 6 feet or 7 x 5 feet |
| Medium | 8 x 10 feet |
| Large | 10 x 12 feet |
The dimensions will depend on factors like your family size, available space, and what appliances you plan to install. Make sure to measure your washer and dryer to ensure they will fit. Also account for the door swing so appliances are accessible.
Layout
When planning the layout, think about creating work triangles that maximize efficiency. The three points of the work triangle should be the washer, dryer, and laundry sink. This allows you to easily move back and forth between tasks. Keep appliances close together so you don’t have to take extra steps between washing, drying, ironing, folding, etc.
Arrange the appliances in a logical order that follows your laundry workflow. For example, you may want the workflow to go: dirty clothes hamper, washing machine, drying machine, folding table or counter, then clean clothes storage. Avoid placing the washer and dryer too far apart or on separate walls.
Also consider ergonomics. Raise washers and dryers on pedestals or platforms so you don’t have to bend down. Have folding counters at a comfortable height – standard is 36 inches. Include a folding stool or chair if needed.
Appliances
The two essential appliances are a washer and dryer. Select high quality, energy efficient models that suit your laundry needs. Key features to look for include:
Washers:
– Front or top loading
– Capacity for your household size
– Quick, effective cleaning cycles
– Steam function to sanitize and remove odors
– Quiet operation
Dryers:
– Capacity to match washer
– Moisture sensor for auto shutoff
– Wrinkle prevention setting
– Quiet operation
– Ventless models if needed
You may also want to install a utility sink for pretreating stains, handwashing delicates, and filling the washing machine. Other optional appliances are a steamer, iron and ironing board, and drying rack.
Countertops
Well-designed countertops provide surfaces for folding clothes, as well as storage and organization. Solid surface countertops like quartz are durable and water-resistant. Laminate is also practical for laundry rooms. Include at least one long folding counter – some people prefer countertops on two adjacent walls or in an L-shape.
Standard laundry room countertop height is 36 inches. Make sure to install proper lighting above counters and appliances. LED task lighting is ideal. You may also want decorative pendants or overhead lighting.
Cabinets & Storage
Abundant storage is key for a functional laundry space. Include cabinets above and below countertops to store supplies like detergent, hangers, sewing kits and spare buttons. Open shelving is great for baskets, while closed cabinets hide clutter. Drawers keep small items organized.
Consider these storage solutions:
– Hanging rods for air drying clothes
– Pull-out drying racks
– Hampers or bins for sorting clothes
– Shelves near appliances for laundry supplies
– Storage for ironing boards, steamers and cleaning tools
-Bins or baskets for folded clothes
A tall pantry cabinet is useful for brooms, ironing boards and other equipment. Closet storage can house off-season clothing and linens. Labels and bins help keep everything organized.
Laundry Room Ideas
Beyond the essential appliances and layout, there are many options for upgrading your laundry room:
-Add a sink, folding table or counter space between washers and dryers. This provides an area for handwashing, stain removal and folding.
-Install shelving above appliances. Use for detergents, supplies and baskets.
-Consider stackable washer/dryers to maximize space. Place on risers for easier access.
-Add hanging racks on the wall or ceiling for air drying clothes.
-Use wall racks to store ironing boards, brooms and other equipment vertically.
-Add a utility sink with a retractable drying line above.
-Install a wooden fold-down table for folding clothes.
-Use mesh drawers on shelves or in cabinets for smaller items.
-Add a counter height folding table with storage below.
-Consider glass front cabinets so you can easily see contents.
-Install a sink in an island or peninsula for a mini laundry room prep space.
-Use decorative touches like wallpaper, pendant lighting and artwork.
Flooring
Laundry room flooring should be durable and water-resistant. Vinyl plank floors are inexpensive, easy to clean and install. Tile is another great option – choose textured surfaces for slip resistance. Stain-treated concrete is practical and affordable.
For comfort, consider cushioned vinyl flooring or anti-fatigue mats. Avoid carpeting since it can collect dirt, odors and moisture. Make sure flooring can withstand appliance vibrations. Install floor drains if possible.
Finishes & Details
Laundry rooms tend to be utilitarian spaces, but you can add appeal with nice finishes and accents. Paint the walls with mold-resistant semi-gloss paint in a cheery color. Add touches like:
– Pendant lighting over counters
– Large mirrors for light reflection
– Built-in shelving and cubbies
– Attractive ventilation grates
– Artwork and decorative signs
– Ceramic tile backsplash
– Window treatments like blinds or curtains
– Mat for comfort underfoot
For safety, install GFCI electrical outlets near appliances and water sources. Provide adequate ventilation with an exterior venting duct. A laundry room door helps contain noise and odors.
Conclusion
Creating an effective laundry space requires careful planning. Optimize your layout for triangular workflow between key appliances and countertops. Provide abundant storage for supplies and linens. Choose durable, low-maintenance finishes. With smart design choices and quality appliances, you can make doing laundry easier and more pleasant. A well-organized laundry room keeps your household tidy with minimal effort.
