Designing a laundry room involves identifying your laundry needs, choosing a convenient location, planning the layout, considering storage, selecting appliances, optimizing countertops, planning for ventilation, and choosing lighting. It’s essential to keep personal preferences in mind when designing a laundry room.
To create a space that makes laundry tasks easier, consider incorporating ample storage solutions wherever possible. Whether you have plenty of space or are short on square footage, the right laundry room layout can make washing, drying, hanging, and folding easier.
Designers and experts offer tips on creating a beautiful and functional laundry room. Small laundry room ideas can make a compact space feel larger by incorporating functional storage, layouts, decor, and more. Use programs like SketchUp to draw up your laundry and plan the location of all items you want to include and how cabinetry will fit.
Additionally, create zones within the room to separate out cleaning tasks. Inspired Closets designs and installs creative custom laundry room solutions. Custom laundry storage transforms and organizes your laundry room to fit your needs.
To give your laundry room a refresh, follow these steps:
- Find the best place for your laundry room.
- Plan the design carefully.
- Get the laundry room layout right.
- Turn your laundry room into a professional and tidy space with cut-to-size plywood and underlayment from OPMAATZAGEN.nl.
- Create floor plan examples from professionally-designed floor plan templates.
- Envision yourself inspired to do housework with a laundry room full of custom made cabinets and organizer accessories.
📹 How To Plan Your Custom Laundry Room Like A Pro | Luxury Home Building
This video walks you through some of the ideas we think about when planning a custom laundry room. Whether you have a …
How to make your own laundry room?
A functional laundry room is essential for families, as they wash nearly 300 loads of laundry annually. To maximize space, organize laundry baskets, ensure floors and countertops are water-resistant, integrate a built-in work table, save room for a utility sink, include a drip-dry rack or hanging rod, keep the theme updated, and incorporate plenty of storage space. Laundry is complex, requiring scrubbing, pre-soaking, separating darks and lights, hand-washing delicates, and folding clothes.
To maximize space and create a functional workroom without sacrificing style, consider using laundry room design ideas and organization tips. This will help create a space that is easy to use and efficient, ensuring a comfortable and efficient laundry experience for the average American family.
Is it cheaper to make your own laundry?
While the financial savings associated with the production of homemade laundry detergent may be appealing, the potential for inadvertent damage to clothing and washing machines, coupled with the time and effort required for its preparation, often outweigh these savings. It is therefore preferable to utilise a trusted brand in lieu of manufacturing one’s own laundry detergent.
What is the best color for laundry room?
This blog post discusses the importance of choosing the right color for a laundry room design. It highlights the importance of considering various factors such as cleanliness, simplicity, and functionality. The post also highlights the importance of choosing a color scheme that complements the overall aesthetics of the room. The seven considerations to make when choosing the right color for a laundry room include:
- The color scheme should be cohesive and harmonious.
- The color scheme should be complementary to the overall design.
- The color scheme should complement the overall design of the room.
- The color scheme should be versatile and adaptable to the room’s needs.
What is the ideal placement of a laundry room?
The location of a laundry room is crucial for its functionality. It should be on the main floor or near bedrooms to minimize the distance needed to carry dirty clothes. Positioning near existing plumbing lines can simplify installation and reduce costs. Proper ventilation is essential for expelling moisture and odors. Additionally, the room should be away from quiet spaces like bedrooms and living areas, such as basements, garages, or utility areas, to minimize noise impact. By considering these factors, you can ensure a comfortable and efficient laundry room.
What does every laundry room need?
A laundry room should have a functional space with essential appliances like a sink, washing machine, and dryer, along with detergent, fabric softener, laundry labels, bleach, and stain remover. A well-designed room should be simple and cohesive with the rest of the home’s decor. A well-designed laundry room should have stain-resistant fabrics, a deep well for storage, and designated areas for each task.
The first step in designing a functional and efficient laundry room is determining its purpose, then planning different zones for washing, drying, folding, and storage. Selecting fabrics that resist stains and ensuring adequate storage capacity are crucial.
Can you make any room a laundry room?
When planning a new laundry room, consider factors such as access to plumbing, noise, and convenience. If possible, use a room with easy access to existing water pipes, but if not, add a plumbing extension. Consider areas like walk-in closets, pantry, guest bathrooms, or mudrooms.
Choosing the layout involves arranging the room to accommodate your washer and dryer, laundry supplies, baskets, hampers, and a horizontal work surface. Know the size and style of your washer and dryer and plan enough room to accommodate them. Consider the height of some laundry machines, such as stackable units or those designed for pedestals. Ensure clearance for front-loading machines and large doorways or stairwells leading to the space to allow appliances to pass through.
In summary, finding the right laundry room location requires careful consideration of factors such as access to plumbing, noise, and convenience.
What is the best DIY floor for a laundry room?
Vinyl sheet flooring is a popular choice for laundry room renovations due to its durability and easy cleaning. Made in 12-foot-wide rolls, it minimizes moisture trapped in the room and can be splash-zone-proof when combined with rubber baseboards or sealers. It comes in various styles and is affordable, but requires immediate replacement if damaged. Laminate flooring is another affordable option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to clean, resistant to scratches and dents, and has a top printed wear layer resembling natural wood. Both options offer advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific needs of the room.
How can I make my laundry room look nice?
In order to establish a sense of cohesion within the laundry room, it is recommended that the walls and floors be matched with neutral colors or minimal patterns. One may also consider creating a hidden space for cats within the room, which could serve as a discreet den. In the absence of a sink, it is recommended that one be installed, as it does not occupy a significant amount of space and is a frequently utilized item. Furthermore, the installation of a sink can facilitate the maintenance of an orderly and well-maintained environment.
Do laundry rooms add value?
A laundry room addition is a significant investment that offers numerous benefits for your home. It can increase your home’s value, as it provides a separate space for laundry, which is often appreciated by property buyers. The addition also enhances organization and appearance of your home, as it allows for all laundry steps, from organizing to washing and folding, to be kept in one place.
To plan for a laundry room addition, consider factors such as flooring, laundry equipment, and other features of your home. By considering these factors, you can create a comprehensive plan that includes everything from the layout of the room to the equipment and storage options available. By doing so, you can ensure that your laundry room is a valuable asset to your home and attract potential buyers.
What floor should laundry room be?
The three best flooring options for laundry rooms are vinyl, ceramic or porcelain tile, and rubber flooring. Vinyl flooring is practical and durable, with a variety of styles and colors that mimic wood or stone floors. It is affordable and comes in a variety of styles and colors, making it an affordable choice. Sheet vinyl flooring is also durable and waterproof, with no seams or separate pieces that collect moisture.
It comes in a variety of colors and is priced between $2 to $5 per square foot. Luxury vinyl tile is a thicker option, slightly more insulated and padded, making it softer on aching feet, knees, and backs.
📹 COMMON DESIGN MISTAKES | Laundry Room Mistakes and How to Fix Them
COMMON DESIGN MISTAKES | Laundry Room Mistakes and How to Fix Them Welcome back to the common design mistakes …
Liked the article RIGHT AWAY lol because who doesn’t neglect the laundry room. Completely last on my to-do list lol aaaaand you just came for me! lmao my washer and dryer is from 1984 🤦🏾♀️ but hey they came with the house and run like a champ! 🥲 my laundry room is in the guest bathroom too 😬 probably should invest.
Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed this article. It’s both helpful and inspiring. I have lived with the mentioned drawbacks of a front loader for 18 years, so I strongly considered a top loader. Speed Queen looked like a great choice. Unfortunately, I couldn’t reach all the way down to the bottom of the inside of the top loading washing machines. (At 5’6″, I didn’t considered myself to be short.) Disappointed…so it looks like we’ll buy another front loader. Since they are deeper, I had trouble reaching to the back of the traditional front loader. I’m 74, so knee power is not what it once was. Either a 5″ riser or a 15″ riser should solve that, but it looks like we’ll need to sacrifice having a counter in order to make either of those work. (We love our shelves and cupboards above that space.) sigh. Change can be stressful, even when it’s good change. I will re-style the room, so in the end, it’s all good. Function first. Body function, that is. 😊
amazing article, very comprehensive. I’ve found that the area above the washer and dryer does not work since it is too tall for me to utilize as a folding or hanging location. I wish it did because it would look nicer open over those massive appliances. I can only use it for deep storage of bulk items that rarely get changed out, like entire packages of paper towels or toilet paper, because of this. You can be sure that a stepladder is always in the closet. I’m a little hesitant to defy advice when such an experienced voice is warning me not to. Designing occasionally involves making mistakes. Is this a definite no?
Just bought a new set for my new house and while those smart machines are convenient and beautiful, I went with a good old top load Speed Queen. The front loaders stink and temper the water! The SQ w electronic controls will tell me how long the load will take and I can set my phone alarm. Not as gorgeous but extremely effective.
Before this article, I didn’t even thought a laundry room is a thing! In my area, people put their washers either in the bathroom or in the kitchen. Honestly, I dislike both options. My next living space will definitely have a proper laundry room or at least a dedicated laundry space!!! And I would have to watch this article again, which I’m looking forward already 😀
You overlooked one key aspect when selecting a new washer & dryer. All the bells and whistles are great but not if you struggle to use them. If you are over 60, placing & removing clothes from a bottom stackable washer can be a back killer. Place it on a pedestal and you need to be 6 foot+ to reach the dryer. Placing them side by side makes the most sense, with pedestals beneath for storage.
Hello! My husband and I love your articles. We’ve been perusal all your articles and we are learning a lot! We just recently bought a new house and your articles has been helpful to how we will decorate our new house. My husband is wondering if you can make a article on how to decorate an office. Thank you!
Hello Julie~ So very pleased I found you! Your content is beyond helpful; so much depth. I have learned invaluable lessons from all your content! My husband and I are slowly working through a whole house remodel… circa 1964! Our laundry is in the garage. If possible, a article addressing this scenario would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I was the recipient of an old set from a friend who was upgrading to a smart set. My laundry room is in my carport . I decorated and made it visually cute with baskets and faux greenery. I am thankful to no longer be going to public laundromats. I have an original antique wash board hanging on the wall, it’s a real conversation starter. I could decorate an outhouse and make it cute if needed..Sometimes you have to play with the cards you are dealt. You always exceed my expectations..😀😀
Great point on the tile flooring! ♥ Yesterday my sink stopped draining for some reason while machine was running, and suddenly I got a home upgrade in the form of an indoor pool :))))) If the floors were wood, like it was in my previous home, that would have been a nightmare. Now all I need to do is to dry this and check the walls for mold 🙂
I agree with everything here except replacing washing machines with new ones. If you have an old one you really like that breaks, I highly recommend getting it fixed. I wish we had done that!!! I hate our new one because I have zero control over any of the functions. I hate it🔥🔥🔥 (And the way I used my old one was much more efficient than the way this one works.)
I usually adore your advice and design ideas but this laundry one has me a little baffled. Chandeliers and dramatic lighting fixtures for the laundry room? I’m looking at these ideas and seriously wondering who has the availability to create a whole space that’s decorated around laundry. Yes, I get making it look clean, organize and functional. However, realistically, most homes have their washer and dryer in their basement. I live in the city, not suburbs, where homes go back to the 1880’s. My home is from the 1940’s. Right next to my washer and dryer, are the following: water heater, sub pump, and a huge furnace. On top of that I have pipes and heating/air vents all over that run up to the 1st and 2nd floors. How am I supposed to design around that let alone hang a chandelier. The ceilings in a lot of basements are often low as well. I think mine is about 7-8 feet. Can you please provide an updated article on laundry rooms that is a little more realistic for older homes? Edit: forgot to add that I also have a laundry shoot that I love. Suggestions for that as I don’t have the availability to hide baskets in cabinets.
I would love to see more in additions, like more rooms added to a smaller older homes. Create functions and open space for today’s look than back then with separate rooms which made the house very non cozy… I want more lights and airy type of vibe… also more patios ideas and how fencing would provide long term care… what is the best out there and what measurement to go with the house … goodness I have a lot to ask. Love all of your ideas on all of your articles. Thank you for sharing!! ❤️💡🏡
I don’t think you researched this very well. Here is a article that explains what we have experienced also: youtube.com/watch?v=8mcgIznLy_k This man did not even mention the black mold problem with front loaders. We couldn’t figure out what was going on with the mold smell in the bathroom and our clothes were turning grey. We got a commercial top loader with an agitator and the black mold smell went away and our clothes were clean again.
The newer models fall apart after a few years. The new ones have control with electrical panels and if those panels go wrong, the price to repair is almost the cost of a new appliance. My dryer I got when I moved into my first house 20+ years ago, and it was already 15 years old, and still runs better than a new machine.
I want to store my laundry detergent etc. in bottles other than what I purchased them in. I put the detergent and softener in a glass bottle with a rubber seal. I also put my bleach in the same type of container, but it seems to be eating the rubber, and my bleach is turning black. What would be a good alternative, as I don’t want to use the plastic container it was bought in.
Thank you. I like how you speak clearly and slowly enough that I don’t need subtitles (I have to use subtitles a LOT for articles as I have some hearing impairment). One bit of constructive criticism is that the sudden pauses between speaking is a bit jarring. I know there is text on screen for some things, but the pauses between speaking seem a bit too long at times. I do like that the music you have is soft. So many articles have the music that is way too loud or have super annoying bass but the music you chose is pleasant and not too loud. I’m going with waterproof vinyl plank because it won’t tear as easily as sheet vinyl. I will put a waterproof barrier underneath it and a floor drain to allow water to drain out if there are any leaks or overflows. I don’t like cloth rugs for an area that gets wet so I will likely get a wide waterproof anti-fatigue kitchen mat so it’s not so uncomfortable when loading/unloading laundry. The only open shelving I will have will be directly above a window where a cabinet can’t fit. It will also have a closet rod to hang stuff on. On either side I will have two oak cabinets 12″ deep. I got a free closet rod because my sister was throwing hers out. The unfinished oak cabinets are inexpensive and I can paint them whatever color I want. Wicker containers would absolutely not work in my house. My cats would dump the contents, claw the containers, and sleep in them. LOL. I fortunately have enough space for side by sides. Stacking would mean I couldn’t use the pedestal drawers.
Julie–Stunning examples and great ideas! I’m redoing my laundry room and have a new top loader. (My front loader was a nightmare–I was spending tons of my time cleaning my washing machine!). I noticed that most of the pictures featured front loaders, which do allow for counter space on top. I would love to see more ideas of maximizing space/creating shelves or cabinetry for rooms that have top loading machines. Thank you!
My favorite room the in house 😍 Do you have any ideas or recommendations on maximizing space of a house with stairs in the middle of the house? I have a long living room area adjacent to the stair in a hallway style there’s an outside door leading to it and I just feel like it’s wasted space in the middle of the house.
The biggest mistake is from the laundry machine companies that can’t seem to figure out how to make ergonomic machines. Put one big ass drawer or several shallow drawers on the bottom, the dials on the side, and the wash/dry area at slightly above waist height. For Pete’s sake, it’s not that difficult to figure out. It’s like these people have never done laundry before.
Honestly, those new washing machines don’t clean your clothes the way the “old and outdated” washers did. I want my old washer back! And can we please get real – what about those of us who can’t afford a house with a laundry room that is larger than my primary bedroom? What about those of us who have an old house built in the 1950s or older that have their basement “area” in the basement – not enclosed, ugly cracked concrete flooring, unfinished walls, unfinished ceilings with structural steel beams, plumbing piping, and electrical wiring, plus telephone wiring and cable television, etc. wiring (from the not so “old” days). Some of the laundry “rooms” you showed are bigger than my kitchen, and have more cabinets than my kitchen! How about pitching to women with homes that most of us actually have, not the top 10%. Thanks.
I disagree with the upgrade. If you have an old one keep it, the new ones dont last long and are very expensive. I’ve replaced my washer twice in 18 years. My parents is still working at 30 years. It’s very wasteful to get rid of it if it still works and not good for our environment. Just saying. oh and they dont wash your clothes if they are actually soiled. When I’m working in the garden, my clothes dont come clean from the dirt, I have to wash them several times and they still dont come clean.
I need to dye fabric so need a top loading washer with the ability to fill the water to an adequate level. That feature is only available on older models long before all these water saving features. I’m praying that my machine doesn’t die anytime soon. A friend has been through 3 new machines in the last 10 years or so and hates them all. Says they don’t clean well because they are so stingy with the water that she must wash some loads several times. Not much energy savings if you ask me.
Side by side it is NOT a design mistake! You have no idea what it is not to have anybody to bring the dryer down when the washer is not working properly! That happened to me 3 times the first year I got the “brilliant idea” of buying stackables. If you have the space, go for a side by side. Unless you have two big boys at home 😅💪💪
I have a question Julie, please help💚🙏 I just wanted to ask a Feng Shui question. So basically my new home entrance door opens directly to a brick wall ( neighbors home- the side, A tall wall) There is hardly 1 meter gap in between. I just wanted to know, what can I do to get get rid of negative energy and allow good fortune and positive energy in instead 💚 Many Thanks in advance🙏🌈
My mom’s new dryer was recently acting up; the heat wasn’t coming on and the dial wouldn’t select certain settings. She had a repair man come out to fix it… He informed her that it had gotten set on, and I quote, “the wrong personality” 😂 So keep that in mind, now you have to make sure your appliances have a nice personality before you buy them 😏
Could you show designs with the old school washer and dryer? My repair person told me to never buy the front loader washer and dryer because he said he would be out repairing them. I’ve stuck with my old school machines with little to no repair and some repairs I made myself. I love the ideas you have shown in this article. I struggle with how to achieve something functional for my old school (not old) washer and dryer set up. I enjoy all your articles. Thank you.
Thanks for such a helpful article….. I was searching for laundry room ideas and through your article I got flooded with so many awesome ideas and not only ideas but the points to consider while making it. Visual examples are the best part of your article, you made every thing crystal clear. Best article on Laundry Room in You tube.
As a woman, I love nothing more than wallpaper in small spaces, but I winced when I heard “wallpaper in the laundry room”. Way too much moisture and heat for a bathroom or laundry room unless it’s super spacious with plenty of ventilation. My husband and I are contractors. Removing is terrible and it’s prone to peeling and malfunction in these humid areas. Most clients deeply regret the wallpaper over time. Loved all the other recommendations ❤️
I am interested in finding designs for rooms that are considered breakfast nooks. My little room off the kitchen has been used for so many things….nook, office, pantry, fibber-magees’s closet. There are built in corner shelves where I think china was meant to be kept. Give us inspiration about these outdated rooms!
Great article. Thanks so much! I’m about to start construction on a new laundry closet upstairs (7” wide)! Got some great ideas. We have side by side machines because we refuse front loading washers. So, I’m looking at basically 2 extra feet to the sides of the machines to work with (and of course above the machines!) and figure out the best use of space. It’s across the hall from a bathroom, so I don’t think I’ll need a slop or pretreat sink. We’re going to put a murphy style folding table on the outside side wall of the closet, so folding space is taken care of. I’m thinking some form of dirty clothes containment, whether that’s a pull-out lower cabinet that hides the hampers (one for towels, one for clothes!). Love the color choices in the article and keep up the great work!
Julie! These articles are the best! I live in AZ and it’s common to have a laundry room outside. We’re going to be attaching it to the home soon. It will be “attached” to the kitchen thru a small hallway (about 3’ X 3’) and a pocket door with small windows on the door, I think. You say have some fun with the laundry room. Is it ok to do something totally different color wise in the laundry room if you’ll be able to see it through the kitchen or should they stay cohesive? I don’t want it to be too crazy but if I can get away with a little crazy I’ll do it! Thanks for all the articles! I love them!
Thank you again for yet another great article! My question may be too vague, but I’d love your input. I am moving into a much smaller space and am considering switching to a compact washer & dryer. The thing is, I just bought the set I have now, last year and I really like them a lot. They are stackable, but have a difference in dimensions of 4″ in both height and width, with about the same amount of depth as the new compact pair I’m looking at. In your opinion, is that a noticeable amount of space and worth considering swapping out? Thank you, for your time and your hard work making these articles.
I just moved in my brand new house and I have a whole space for my laundry room, so perfect timing 😃 I have obviously my 2 beautiful washer and dryer connected to my iPhone. I don’t know how I made it so far without them 😆 I have beautiful tiles on the floor. I am planning to buy a little kitchen so I can have a clean storage. Anyway work in progress. Thanks Julie and yes a series like this one would be highly appreciated Take care 💙
I always felt it was weird to have hardwood/laminate in my laundry room but that’s what the developer did and I’m not changing it unless I have to 😅 That said, my laundry room needs some help because there is 0 storage provided (seriously the developer was the cheapest dude but I got an insane deal on this place which easily could have been over 100 grand more than I paid – so I can fix the issues and resale will be way more) and needs counters etc. Looking forward to post pandemic times where I can go shopping stress free with my partner to choose these things and get them done.