When designing or renovating a laundry room, choosing the right cabinets is crucial for creating functional storage and an organized space. The type of cabinetry you select can make the difference between a laundry room that is cluttered or efficient. There are several factors to consider when deciding which cabinets are best for your laundry room.
Consider the Size of Your Laundry Room
The size of your laundry room is the first thing to think about when selecting cabinets. A small laundry room needs cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space without making the room feel crowded. Opt for slimmer cabinets with doors that open vertically to conserve floor space. Shelving above appliances is great for extra storage in a tiny laundry. For larger laundry rooms, you have more flexibility. Full-depth cabinets with doors that swing open horizontally provide ample room for storing supplies. You can include taller pantry cabinets for things like detergent. Just be sure to leave enough space around appliances for opening doors and moving about comfortably.
Determine Your Storage Needs
Take an inventory of everything you need to store in the laundry room before picking cabinets. This includes laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain removers, ironing supplies, cleaning tools, and other household items. Consider how frequently you do laundry and the number of people in your home. A family of four has more extensive storage needs than a single person. With an accurate idea of what you need room for, you can select cabinets with adequate space and features. For example, if you have lots of laundry products, opt for deep shelves or pull-out trays. Or include drawers for small items like lint rollers and laundry clips.
Choose Durable Materials
Laundry rooms tend to have high humidity levels, so picking cabinet materials that can withstand moisture is important. Solid wood cabinets are not the best choice for laundry rooms since prolonged exposure to moisture can cause swelling and warping. Here are some durable options:
- Laminate – Laminate cabinets provide a wood-like look without the moisture sensitivity. Many styles resemble premium cabinets but at an affordable price point.
- Thermofoil – These economical cabinets have a plastic laminate over a medium density fiberboard core. The seamless surface resists moisture damage.
- Stainless Steel – For a contemporary style, stainless steel cabinets offer sleek aesthetics and water-resistant durability.
- Plastic – Cabinets made of plastics like PVC and polypropylene are highly water-resistant and easy to clean.
Include Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential in a laundry room to prevent moisture buildup that can damage cabinets over time. When selecting cabinetry, look for options that promote air circulation.
- Open Shelving – Wire mesh or slatted shelves allow air to freely flow compared to solid cabinet doors.
- Louvered Doors – Cabinet doors featuring louvers or vents allow some airflow while still concealing contents.
- Toe Kick Drawers – Drawers with ventilation slots or grilles at the base promote airflow near the floor.
Also provide space between cabinets and walls for air to circulate. Avoid pushing cabinets directly against walls which can trap moisture.
Consider Easy-Care Finishes
Laundry rooms need cabinet finishes that can stand up to spills, splashes, and regular cleaning. Consider these practical finish options:
- Laminate – Most laminate cabinets have moisture-resistant melamine surfaces ideal for laundries. Seamless construction leaves no cracks for grime to build up.
- Painted – Factory-applied paint creates a protective coating that repels moisture and hides grime. Choose satin or semi-gloss for easy cleaning.
- Stainless Steel – The non-porous surface wipes clean easily and won’t absorb liquids.
- Hardware-Free – Cabinets without hardware eliminate nooks and crannies where dirt can collect over time.
Include Specialized Storage Features
When selecting cabinets, look for designs and accessories tailored to a laundry room’s specialized storage needs.
- Pull-Out Trays – These allow easy access to items in back of deep cabinets.
- Roll-Out Trays – Use to store laundry detergent within easy reach.
- Drawers – Great for small supplies like clothespins and stain sticks.
- Hamper Pull-Outs – Built-in hampers simplify sorting dirty clothes.
- Ironing Board Cabinet – Conceals ironing board conveniently out of the way.
- Utility Sink Cabinet – Provides storage below a laundry sink.
Style Ideas for Laundry Room Cabinets
While durability and storage should be top priorities, you can still incorporate style into your laundry room cabinets. Here are some looks to consider:
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Farmhouse | White shaker-style cabinets with visible hinges create a timeworn country look. Open shelving adds charm. |
| Transitional | Clean lines blended with traditional elements like crown molding and raised panel doors. Gray painted cabinets have wide appeal. |
| Contemporary | Sleek European-style cabinets in glossy finishes and handle-free designs provide modern flair. |
| Rustic | Knotty alder cabinets and visible wood grains give a natural appeal. Try distressed finishes. |
| Coastal | Crisp white cabinets with beadboard paneling and matte hardware inspired by seaside cottages. |
Mixing cabinet styles is also an option. You can blend eye-catching upper cabinets with simple flat-panel base cabinets for visual interest.
Top Cabinet Brands
When selecting laundry room cabinets, you generally want to look for durable products from reputable brands. Here are some top options:
- Ikea – Offers a range of styles and organizational solutions at budget-friendly price points.
- Martha Stewart Living – Provides beautiful finishes and storage options designed for real-life laundry needs.
- Rev-A-Shelf – Specializes in storage and organizational products like pull-outs and hampers.
- Elfa – Known for highly customizable closet and storage systems.
- ClosetMaid – Makes specialty cabinets like ironing centers and integrated hampers.
Doing your research will help you find well-made cabinets tailored to laundry requirements. Focus on brands that offer moisture-resistant materials, ventilation, and useful laundry-specific accessories.
Consider DIY vs Custom Cabinetry
For laundry rooms, you can choose between three main cabinetry options:
- Stock cabinets – Pre-fabricated and ready for quick installation. Offer limited sizes and configurations.
- Semi-custom cabinets – Made-to-order with more flexibility for sizing and layout.
- Custom cabinets – Built completely from scratch to your unique specifications.
Stock and semi-custom provide more budget-friendly choices for straightforward laundry rooms. Custom cabinetry allows you to optimize every inch with specialized storage features. But can cost significantly more.
DIY or assembled cabinets are cheaper than custom and relatively easy to install. Just ensure any cabinet you assemble is moisture-resistant and provides proper laundry room ventilation. Avoid DIY cabinet kits made of raw wood that will warp.
Care Tips for Laundry Room Cabinets
Proper care is essential for laundry cabinets to look their best and have a long service life. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Wipe up spills right away to avoid stains.
- Use cleaners formulated for your cabinet material like melamine-safe cleaners.
- Avoid excessive moisture buildup by running exhaust fans and allowing proper ventilation.
- Inspect cabinets periodically for any swelling or damage from moisture.
- Use silicone caulk to seal any cracks that could allow moisture intrusion.
- Reseal cabinets as needed to refresh water-resistant protections.
With regular care and cleaning, quality laundry cabinets should last for many years while keeping your space clutter-free.
Key Considerations When Choosing Laundry Room Cabinets
To recap, focus on the following key factors when selecting the best cabinets for your laundry room:
- Available space and storage needs
- Moisture-resistant and durable materials
- Adequate ventilation
- Specialized laundry storage features
- Easy-care finishes
- Reputable brands
- Costs of stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can select cabinets that will create a laundry room that is both functional and well-organized for years to come.
Conclusion
Choosing the right laundry room cabinets involves balancing style, organization, and durability. Focus first on moisture-resistant materials and proper ventilation. Look for specialized storage solutions to keep laundry essentials accessible but out of the way. With some smart planning and quality cabinetry designed to tackle the demands of laundry duty, you can create a laundry room that stays clutter-free and functions efficiently for your household’s needs.
