Clever Design Features for At-Home Laundry Rooms
The average family will do over 300 loads of washing each year. With so much time dedicated to just one task, having a laundry room that makes it as easy, efficient and effective as possible is essential.
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Add a Utility Sink
If you don’t already have one, you should seriously consider adding a utility sink to your room plans. It is ideal for washing delicate pieces of clothing or pre-soaking clothes with deep, set-in stains. Place your sink beside or between your washer and dryer for maximum convenience and efficiency.
These sinks are also helpful for non-laundry tasks. You can use it to clean and refresh your cleaning materials and tools, and deep clean household items you would prefer to keep away from your kitchen sink.
Utilise Space
The setup of your home and the available space will largely dictate the design and features of your laundry room. Properly utilising the space available will allow you to take maximum advantage of the area, regardless of how big or small it is.
This can be achieved through clever and functional storage options but is also largely influenced by the machines you choose to buy. Side-by-side front loaders will require double the room to fit comfortably, factoring in the need for electrical wires, drainage pipes, and ventilation, with additional space for the doors to open fully.
Top-end loaders cannot be restricted by overhead shelves and cabinets and require a separate dryer if desired. Stackable front-end loaders need vertical space but are more organised, allowing for a less cluttered floor.
Water-Resistant Floors & Counters
If you want to keep your laundry room in top condition without minimising its functionality, consider how often the floor and countertops will be exposed to a cycle of humidity and moisture through everyday use. Making use of water-resistant materials to build or seal the elements will significantly aid in avoiding mould and warping.
For countertops, select durable and non-porose materials like quartz, porcelain, tile or granite. For flooring, stay clear of carpeting and instead choose sheet vinyl, stone, concrete or laminate. This will give you the most longevity and prevent the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.
Creative Storage Space
In a room that requires maximum function, finding creative and practical ways to add surface and storage space is a must. Before finding ways to increase your options, make a note of the storage you already have. This will include countertops, cabinets, and wall hooks. From here, you can decide to completely update your current setup or re-organise it to make it more user-friendly.
Having open shelves, as opposed to cabinets, will allow for easier access to items you have stored away, especially in rooms that are more narrow. Furthermore, installing open shelves behind the door can make space for smaller items to be organised and kept.
Pull-Out Hampers
Most people keep hampers or laundry baskets in their bedrooms. But installing pullout hampers in your laundry room will stop you from leaving dirty clothes in your bedroom and conceal clothes should you prefer them to be out of sight when you have guests over. Additionally, they are a fantastic way to effectively divide white and dark garments before washing.
Should space allow, you can designate laundry bins for each family member, items that can be machine-washed, those requiring hand-washing, and for lights and darks.
Integrated Built-In Work Table
Work tables or rolling carts, if your space is smaller, are fantastic additions to a laundry room setup. They can be used to sort and fold clothes, as a base for ironing, or to lay flat wet clothes that require gentle drying. If you use front-loading machines, consider installing a counter along the top of your units to save on space but not on convenience.
In many households, laundry rooms serve as a mudroom, bathroom or other multipurpose areas, and hiding your machines when not in use may be needed. You can achieve this by installing them into specially made cabinets or under a counter with concealing doors.
Drip-Dry Rack
Set aside space in your room for a drip-dry rack or hanging rod, which will allow you to hang up any wet clothes when necessary. If you are looking for budget-friendly and easy-to-install options, a sturdy tension line and plastic clothes hangers will get the job done. Alternatively, a basic foldable drying rack that can be stored away when not needed will be ideal.
Wall-mounted options allow for added function without cluttering the floor space. A mounted laundry drying rack will quickly fold against the wall when not being used and can effectively hold clothes, storage baskets, and iron boards if needed.
Embrace Your Style
Although a laundry room is mainly functional, it does not mean it can’t be stylish as well. Include your home’s decorating theme into the space to create a modern and inviting environment. For example, if you have chosen to embrace the cottage farmhouse aesthetic, rustic metal storage bins and old-fashioned country decor will make beautiful finishes.
Having windows in your laundry room is an asset. Keep your curtains open instead of using overhead lighting to let in plenty of natural sunshine. During the warm months, open them up to let in air, which will keep the room smelling fresh and reduce the chances of damp spots or mould developing.
